Help with First time to Oahu Hawaii - Mother/Daughter Trip

[Jo-Anne]

I am an avid Disneyworld traveller and have planned many a trip there over past decade. Well my DD17 is graduating High School this year and will be off to University and I am having a "big" birthday this year so I am ticking off a bucket list trip and the two of us are heading to Oahu on March 6 for 11 days. I have dreamed of going to Hawaii, but now that it's creeping up, I have really no vision of what to do and must dos and watchouts. I've been reading internet a lot and have a lay of the land, but have some questions.

We will spend the first 3 days at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and then move out to Ko Olina Marriott Beach Club timeshare for 7 days. I still haven't booked our last night. I will have a rental car for the last 8 days of vacation.

Things we want to do....
-Surf Lessons for DD - where/which location best - she is very athletic but has only done flo-rider stuff!
-tour north shore - what to see, where to stop?
-snorkel in Hanamanu Bay (or elsewhere - we are beginners) - should I try to do via taxi while in Waikiki or wait til have rental car and come back down?
-tour windward side - hang out on beaches - which ones
-Luau - where?

I have read numerous times about petty theft on tourists and rental car break ins - will we have to take turns going into ocean while one stays with towels? Any other safety tips? (we will leave most valuables at hotel safe, but will have to have keys, drivers license, money, credit cards with us)

Is it good to stop by a Walmart or Target when we get there to pick up a small boogie board/floatie and snorkel and mask - or are they reasonably priced along waikiki shopping areas?

Thanks for any help you can share!

 

[manning]

Polynesian cultural center

http://www.polynesia.com

They have done an outstanding job preserving Polynesian culture.

Polynesia consists of American Samoa (overseas United States territory); Cook Islands (self-governing state in free association with New Zealand); Easter Island (politically part of Chile); French Polynesia ("overseas territory", a territory of France)l Hawaii (a state of the United States); New Zealand (independent nation); Samoa (independent nation).

They nicely bring it all together. You tour the villages of these nations and learn their customs.

The evening show is fantastic.

Beware any guy thinking of marrying a Samoan. You'll get stuck with the cooking. LOL

 

[cabanafrau]

I have no tips to offer, but I did want to comment that this sounds like such a lovely idea. I'm sure you and your daughter will never forget this.

And also that I've got a little bit of the green eyed monster action going on, too. That tropical vibe is heavenly to me. I'll have to content myself that I was delighted to find it was 20 degrees when I woke up this morning.

 

[Donaldswife]

I am an avid Disneyworld traveller and have planned many a trip there over past decade. Well my DD17 is graduating High School this year and will be off to University and I am having a "big" birthday this year so I am ticking off a bucket list trip and the two of us are heading to Oahu on March 6 for 11 days. I have dreamed of going to Hawaii, but now that it's creeping up, I have really no vision of what to do and must dos and watchouts. I've been reading internet a lot and have a lay of the land, but have some questions.

We will spend the first 3 days at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and then move out to Ko Olina Marriott Beach Club timeshare for 7 days. I still haven't booked our last night. I will have a rental car for the last 8 days of vacation.

Things we want to do....
-Surf Lessons for DD - where/which location best - she is very athletic but has only done flo-rider stuff!
-tour north shore - what to see, where to stop?
-snorkel in Hanamanu Bay (or elsewhere - we are beginners) - should I try to do via taxi while in Waikiki or wait til have rental car and come back down?
-tour windward side - hang out on beaches - which ones
-Luau - where?

I have read numerous times about petty theft on tourists and rental car break ins - will we have to take turns going into ocean while one stays with towels? Any other safety tips? (we will leave most valuables at hotel safe, but will have to have keys, drivers license, money, credit cards with us)

Is it good to stop by a Walmart or Target when we get there to pick up a small boogie board/floatie and snorkel and mask - or are they reasonably priced along waikiki shopping areas?

Thanks for any help you can share!

Paradise Cove luau was really nice, and is in the Ko Olina area. We liked it a lot. We stayed at the JW Marriott at Ko Olina which is right next to the Disney resort, BEAUTIFUL! I would totally recommend it for your last night if you are are still looking for a place to stay.

North Shore, the best thing we did was the shark cage. You boat out a few miles offshore to a shark cage and are surrounded by sharks! It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.

For your daughter, since she is athletic she will probably want to try stand up paddle boarding as well. There are rental and lessons all over the island, so easy to find. My husband enjoyed it a lot, and said it was a real workout.

The Dole plantation was a fun way to spend a morning as well, and if you like dole whips, they have them!

One last thing, the Honolulu cookie company. I miss them! They had a shop in the mall on Waikiki that gave all kinds of free samples. I wish I had some right now. www.honolulucookie.com

I am completely jealous, Hawaii is wonderful. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Pakey]

I agree with manning, my favorite thing on Oahu has been the Polynesian Cultural Center. And their evening show is better than any of the luaus I have done (I've been to 4). The dinner at PCC is not good but the show is fantastic.

We got our snorkel gear at Target once and another time at Costco but we were going there for other things too. I'm not sure on the prices in Waikiki; everything there seemed high.

Not sure if you can take a helicopter tour to the Big Island to see the volcano. I did it when staying on the Big Island and I thought it was spectacular watching the lava flow into the ocean and to see the crater from above; definitely an experience that is hard to get elsewhere.

We went to Hanamanu Bay when staying at Aulani in Ko Olina so you can definitely do that after you move to the Marriott.

For me, I didn't enjoy most of the other sights/activities on Oahu. It took me until my 5th vacation in Hawaii to understand that my favorite thing to do is nothing!!! When I go now, I spend most of my time either at the pool or the beach.

 

[lazer]

Second the Dole plantation, be sure to stop at the Banzai Pipeline at the north shore (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banzai_Pipeline). Also, grab shaved ice at the M. Matsumoto Grocery Store...again on the north shore.

And, our favorite restaurants on Waikiki are Dukes and the Hula Grill (http://www.hulagrillwaikiki.com/mobile). Both are on the ocean!

 

[3redheadz]

The posts give great suggestions which were things we did on Oahu.... Just don't forget Pearl Harbor and try to see the 'Iolani Palace State Monument (the Royal Palace of the Hawaiian Monarchy).

 

[chepar]

Your plan of breaking up your trip in two locations is a good one.

Surf lessons - I have always heard good things about Hawaiian Fire - they have local firefighters as instructors (www.hawaiianfire.com). I checked their website and they do pickup from the Ko Olina area, so it would be very convenient for you if you wait to do the surf lessons during that portion of your trip. You can probably walk up and arrange for a lesson from one of the beachboys on Waikiki Beach. Another fairly well known surf school that has a location in Waikiki is Hans Hedemann. I don't have personal experience with any of these options - if I ever decide to learn to surf, I'll just ask my BIL to teach me.

As for Hanauma Bay, it is much more convenient to get there from Waikiki than Ko Olina, but the downside is that apparently you won't have a car while in Waikiki. You can easily take a taxi there, but I'm not sure of the availability of taxis to make your return trip back. You can probably ask the concierge at the Hilton about that. Taking the bus is an option, but somewhat time consuming. Keep in mind Hanauma is closed on Tuesdays.

North Shore - Polynesian Cultural Center, Dole Plantation and the beaches are the big things to see. Waimea Bay, Sharks Cove, Three Tables are some of my favorite North Shore beaches. However, in early March the water conditions on the North Shore are still pretty rough to do any snorkeling. You might have the occasional day with decent conditions, but you should be careful and pay attention to the surf report and/or lifeguards.

Windward - Kailua and Lanikai beaches.

As for your rental car - basic precautions apply - do not leave anything of value in it, not even the trunk. If you buy stuff and plan to stop elsewhere later on, put the packages in the trunk before you get to your destination.

People leave their stuff on the beach all the time while they are in the water, but personally I am not comfortable leaving my stuff completely unattended. I used to paddleboard early weekend mornings and leave my stuff on the beach. Never had anything taken, and it was only my beach bag with a towel, tshirt, sunscreen, etc. in it. Nothing valuable (my car key was in my swim shorts pocket) - but I still felt uncomfortable, probably because I'm just a worry wart. Money, credit cards, drivers license should all stay on your person if both you and DD are going into the water at the same time.

Getting anything at Target or Walmart is preferable cost wise to buying it in Waikiki.

 

[princess_reject]

The awesome thing about staying on Waikiki is that it is great for lazy tourists. What I mean is you don't have to try very hard to find something to do. If you want surf lessons, there are people walking up and down the beach asking if you want lessons. If you want to go on a catamaran cruise, it docks on the beach and you can book it right there. There are shops and restaurants that are easy to walk to and you have tons of options.

So, my suggestions...find someone on Waikiki offering surfing lessons. The waves are small and it is less expensive than booking through a surf school. If your daughter loves it and wants to try more, she can book with someone on the windward coast and try some more difficult conditions (don't worry, they won't be too big of waves )

Hanauma Bay snorkeling...I have only ever booked through a tour company which provided rental snorkel gear and a ride to and from. But, I would think you could get relatively inexpensive snorkel gear at an ABC store. I have gotten things like beach mats and boogie boards at ABC stores before, and they are literally on every corner in Waikiki, so it is super convenient. Hanauma bay is a great place to snorkel for beginners. There are tons of fish and the bay is pretty protected, so you will have relatively calm waters. I believe the park is closed on Tuesdays, so make sure you check that and plan around it.

The only luau I have been to on Oahu is Paradise Cove, and I enjoyed it enough to do it on multiple trips. I think the common theme of luaus is that the food is usually just meh, but the show is great. I wouldn't pay extra for the seats in the middle and up front because the show is awesome from any angle.

I'm sure you will have a fantastic time! I'm jealous! Have a great trip.

 

[trip]

Anytime anyone asked about what to do on Oahu, I always recommend the book "Oahu Revealed". We were fortunate to stay in Waikiki for 6 months and used that book all of the time. It never was wrong!

We can't wait to go back. Enjoy your time with your DD!

 

[Kimberle]

You don't need to rent a car while you are at the Hilton. There are ton's of tours that will pick you up at your hotel. We stayed at the Hyatt down the street. My dd took surfing lessons. We just went to the beach in front of our resort, and there were business giving surfing lessons. The had a camera with a lloonnnggg lens and took about 70 pictures of the lesson. It was very cool. (extra charge)

You should contact your hotel and ask for their travel desk. (Travelocity staffed our desk.) They can give you info on their tours. A must do is Pearl Harbor. There are also cool trolley's that go around the tourist areas. We took one to Diamond Head. We drove right in the middle of the crater. The zoo was also fun. We were able to walk from the Hyatt. Your Hilton is quite a bit farther away.

 

[shortbun]

I'd take a day trip to Hawaii to see the volcanoes. It's really very cool and interesting. Once in a lifetime kind of thing. Be careful about putting keys in your bathing suit pockets; we lost ours that way once. You might not be interested in Pearl Harbor as you are Canadian. It's a mostly patriotic thing for Americans,imho. Luaus are notable for their bad food. Someone told you to go to the Poly. Cultural Center and that is good advice. Surfing is hard but worth a try for your daughter.

 

[Jaya]

Go to Kuhio Beach Park in Waikiki for surfing lessons. There are several people there who give lessons, they're a lot cheaper than the surf schools and the waves are just right for beginners.

 

[trip]

You've had lots of good suggestions. Haven't seen any one mention hiking up Diamond Head. My 4yr.old Grandson made it to the top as did I. The view is great. You can drive yourself or sign up for a guided tour that buses you there and leads you to the top while giving loads of interesting tidbits.

The suggestion for a day trip to the Big Island is great. Again you can do it yourself or sign up for a tour. With the tour you don't have to worry about anything. They pick you up at the hotel to take you to the airport in the early AM and return late that day.

If you are interested in history the Iolani Palace has a wonderful tour - take a guided tour if you can. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel (Pink Palace) and Sheridan Moana Surfrider both gave daily free tours when we were there. You may want to check on that.

Oh and remember to use sunblock. You don't want to ruin your vacation with a sunburn!

 

[woodkins]

We stayed at Aulani, which is in Ko Olina....you can buy snorkeling stuff right at the ABC store across the street! We did and it was cheap and great. I would definitely do Pearl Harbor....it was an amazing experience. We booked online so we knew we would have the tour time we wanted.

The Paradise Cove luau was sooo overpriced. The food was beyond awful...show was okay, but the Starlight Hui at Aulani was just as good and free. We had even paid for the special seats etc and it was still bad.

There is also a flea market at the Aloha Stadium that is a great place to pick up affordable souvenirs. We had a great time wandering around spending some money!

Diamond Head and the PCC would also be wonderful additions to your trip.
Enjoy it!!

 

[sk!mom]

We were there last Summer with DD17. She's very athletic and loved Surfing. She took lessons on Waikiki Beach. We stayed at The Outrigger and just took lessons with the guys right behind the hotel. They were awesome with her. She went back twice.

Her other favorite activities- hiking Diamond Head, Sunset Catamaran Cruise (also just walked up to one of the Catamarans on Waikiki Beach), Turtle Beach on The North Shore- we snorkeled with giant turtles, Hanuama Bay was gorgeous and great snorkeling.

We did Chief's Luau- it was OK. From what I've read most luaus are overpriced and cheesy. I would skip this on future trips. I would have skipped it on this trip but it seemed a must for a first trip.

We visited Pearl Harbor. It was a must for DH and I but once we were there DD and DS28 enjoyed it too. If you want to visit, you should make your reservation now. The standby line was quite long and we were very glad that we had reservations.

 

[Jo-Anne]

Thank you so much to everyone for your advice and suggestions! We are getting beyond excited! Does anyone recall how much a surf lesson was on the waikiki beach - just want to have a range so I know I'm not getting ripped off!? Would definitely like one where they took photos for me to have on a CD.

Do the underwater cameras you buy at Walmart work ok for places like Hanauma Bay?

Sounds like I can just pick up a snorkel/mask/fins cheaply at ABC or Walmart when I get there and it would be fine for just a couple of times doing beginner snorkeling?

As most of you have said, I dread forking out all that money for a luau only to be disappointed by the food, but guess since first trip, will have to put on the To Do List!

I'm thinking when we are jet lagged in the first couple of days and getting up early, that would be a good time to taxi out to Diamond Head for hike!

I think for the North Shore we will just drive around and stop when the view/shorline call to us!? Are there must see's on this route?

Thanks again everyone!

Waterproof sunblock reapplied continually sounds like a recurring theme (we burn easily )!

 

[Kimberle]

Thank you so much to everyone for your advice and suggestions! We are getting beyond excited! Does anyone recall how much a surf lesson was on the waikiki beach - just want to have a range so I know I'm not getting ripped off!? Would definitely like one where they took photos for me to have on a CD.

Do the underwater cameras you buy at Walmart work ok for places like Hanauma Bay?

Sounds like I can just pick up a snorkel/mask/fins cheaply at ABC or Walmart when I get there and it would be fine for just a couple of times doing beginner snorkeling?

As most of you have said, I dread forking out all that money for a luau only to be disappointed by the food, but guess since first trip, will have to put on the To Do List!

I'm thinking when we are jet lagged in the first couple of days and getting up early, that would be a good time to taxi out to Diamond Head for hike!

I think for the North Shore we will just drive around and stop when the view/shorline call to us!? Are there must see's on this route?

Thanks again everyone!

Waterproof sunblock reapplied continually sounds like a recurring theme (we burn easily )!

I think we paid around $20-40 for surfing lessons. Cash only. We bought a CD with the pictures they took for around $65. (The pictures were EXCELLENT!)

You can also rent chairs and umbrellas on Waikiki beach. (Your hotel may provide them as well.)

 

[manning]

Jet lag

It doesn't hit you nearly as much flying from east to west as it does flying the other way. When you fly home you will really notice it.

 

[jsmith]

We spend a good amount of time in Hawaii as my husband is military and it is relatively cheap for us.
Totally agree with most of the things people have said here. I would definitely skip luiau food at the PCC but the night show is really really good.
Here are a couple of things that people didn't mention-if you have your own snorkel gear Sharks Cove on the North Shore is amazing for snorkeling IF the water is not rough.
Eat real Hawaiian plate lunch-we like Keniki's in Wiamanalo. It is not health food but it is tasty. Same can be said for malasadas( portugese donuts) from Leonards Bakery.
On the North Shore-in addition to Sharks Cove-a stop at Sunset Beach-the surf should be really high in March. And a shave ice from Matsumotos in Hale'ewa town.
In March the whales should still be in the waters between Ohau and Molikai-if you cant get a whale watching tour at least stop somewhere on the coast and watch for a bit. but a whale tour would definitely be worthwhile.
Going to Pearl Harbor-if you have a rental car there is no reason to pay for a tour-just leave your resort early and get there early. There is no charge but the park service hands out the tickets on a first come first serve basis and you will have less of a wait if you get there early-the memorial opens at 700 am-I would be there at 655. Other than this I would not drive in Honolulu if you can avoid it especially if you are not accustomed to very heavy city traiffic. The traffic in Honolulu is atrocious and speed limits on the island are low-driving anywhere will take twice as long as you think it should.
OHHH-if you have a rental drive up the Pali Highway and stop at the Pali Lookout. Have a jacket as it will be extremely windy and try and choose a day that is not rainiy or overcast. The views are absolutely amazing.