Just got back from Hawaii...added photos finally!

[crazee4mickey]

Thanks for sharing your photos and your trip report! Boy was I mistaken, there is tons more to do in Hawaii than sit on the beach I guess I will have to admit this to DH and tell him we can add Hawaii on to our list only if he takes us to WDW first!!

 

[ColoradoBuffaloMom]

Did you book your vacation as a package deal with hotel and air or do each seperately? Did you use a travel agent or just use the internet?

Thanks for all your help!

Elise

 

[luvflorida]

Thanks for your report and pics. They are awesome! For our trip next year, I think we've decided on the HHV. It seems like everything is close by and if you wanted to venture off, a taxi or city bus will do the trick for little money, right?

Days five, six and seven will be posted soon. We felt that the HHV was an ideal location. The city bus has a stop on the street right outside the resort and the bus will take you just about anywhere you want to go for only $2.

We didn't find the taxis to be expensive and they were always around if we needed anything. The other mode of transportation in Waikiki is the trolley system. We would have used it if we had researched it more. It seems to make sense if you get the four day pass, and we saw coupons where you could buy a four day pass and get another four day pass free. I believe kids are charged less than adults, also. The trolley for one day though was expensive, I thought.

 

[luvflorida]

Thanks for the info! This sounds perfect for DS. I am not sure if DD will be adventurous enough to try it. Where did you sign up for this?

If you're staying at the HHV you can sign up right on the beach in front of the resort. I am guessing other hotels along the beach also have something similar. I was disappointed in the pictures that were taken out on the water, so you might want to look around and see if other places can guarantee good photos. I took plenty of pictures of the lesson on sand and I took video as well. Our camera didn't have a zoom long enough to get pictures way out on the water.

 

[luvflorida]

Did you book your vacation as a package deal with hotel and air or do each seperately? Did you use a travel agent or just use the internet?

Thanks for all your help!

Elise

I did not use a travel agent but I did do a lot of research on the internet. We booked hotel and air separately. My husband travels on business quite a bit and he always uses Orbitz on the internet so that's what we booked our flights through. We kept checking the ticket prices and booked at what we felt was as good as we were going to get. We booked ten months in advance, particularly because we were flying over the holidays and knew things would be hectic.

For the hotel, we dealt directly with them. We wanted two rooms near each other, and one had to have a sleep sofa, or extra bed, so we wanted to make sure we got want we wanted.

I made reservations in advance for any tours we wanted to do, also.

 

[luvflorida]

Day five trip report

This was the only day that we rented a car while on Oahu. We were at the Alamo Car Rental place at 7am, right when they opened. We wanted to get out early to get to Hanauma Bay because everything I had read prior to our trip said to get there early or you might not get in. By 8am we were at Hanauma Bay.

This was the day I had been looking forward to. I love to swim and snorkel and this was the place to do it! I had read so much about how fantastic the snorkeling is here and I couldn't wait to find out for myself. Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve and everything there is protected under conservation laws. Only so many people are allowed in at one time and the parking lot quickly fills up by midmorning. As people leave throughout the day, more people are let in. We had to watch a short film about the bay, then we were allowed to walk down to the beach.

I have mixed feelings about the snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. I did see LOTS of fish and I was amazed at how close I could get to them. They were swimming right around me and I could easily have reached out and touched them. I spent a good portion of the morning communing with all the fish, and I was delighted! I was hoping to see turtles, but I never saw any. After the first hour or two, as more people started arriving, I felt it got too crowded. Also, the water was a bit choppy and that made snorkeling a little harder. I've snorkeled in places outside of Hawaii where the water was much calmer and clearer, but not as many fish. So, if you really want to swim with fish, go to Hanauma Bay. The Bay itself is absolutely beautiful. As I was floating around snorkeling I just couldn't believe I was actually there after so much planning and anticipation. So, was it worth it? Absolutely! If we had more time, I would have tried some other more remote beaches, but we just didn't have the time. And I'm really the only family member who likes to snorkel. The others either spent time swimming or lying out in the sun.

We left Hanauma Bay by 11:30am, (it was really crowded by then), and drove to the center of Waikiki Beach. We ate lunch at Planet Hollywood. Food was good and we ate outside. Husband, younger daughter, and I spent the afternoon back at the hotel, (checking out the shops and taking a walk on the beach), while son, older daughter, and fiance took the car and drove back up to the North Shore to explore on their own. The HHV held a Christmas Eve service on the beach for anyone who wanted to attend and we stayed for a bit and listened to the Hawaiian music being played. That was the first time I've ever spent Christmas Eve on a beach with a sermon going on surrounded by surfboards and people splashing in the water. It was really neat!!

We were tired that night and really didn't want to go out anywhere so we ordered room service, (pizza and soda!), and watched a movie.

 

[lap3]

Thanks for the tip about the trolley. I had read about a 4-day pass but I didn't know there were discount coupons for it. I'll have to remember that when we're there. BTW, where did you find these coupons?

Great report on Hanauma Bay! It's been years since I've been there but I remember the fish coming right up to us. It was strange at first but I eventually got used to it.

It sounds like HHV has just about everything you need where you don't have to venture far for anything. Now I really can't wait!

Thanks for your reports and keep 'em coming!!!

 

[DawnCt1]

LuvFlorida. I don't think that it will make your DD feel any better but there is a bounty on the "sweet little piggies", at least on the other islands and probably Oahu. They are actually piggies that were brought many, many over years ago and turned loose so there would be a supply of meat to be hunted. The piggies turned into wild pigs and can be quite ferocious. They have long knarley fangs and have been known to kill dogs. When we were horseback riding on the Big Island in Waipio Valley, the guide said that his favorite dog was killed just the week before. The pigs are not only viscious but have polluted most of the fresh running stream water in the mountains. Even on pristine looking trails, the water cannot be drank because it is polluted with pig poop. The pigs also have a bounty on them or they did, of $50.

 

[Hermosa11]

really am enjoying your reports.....sounds like so much fun.

The E Noa Tours , which one did you do? (Tour #1, Majestic Grand Circle Island Tour?)
I have been pondering taking one with daughter. Granted she has a car and all, but I realize how tours are informative. Question: How many times did you stop and get out? How long was it for (stoping...just enough to stretch or actually DO something ---like at the Pineapple fields)....I really want to see the Kahala (Beverly Hills in Hawaii) that seems like something I'd like to see....My daughter can get tix for these for about $17 less than the reg. price (thru military discounts).....so I may want to treat myself.

 

[nwdisgal]

I'd like to hear more about your trip too. My DH and I are thinking about going to Hawaii, we are thinking about doing a cruise around all the islands. We are not the type to just lay on the beach, we like to sightsee. So let us know how you spent your time.

Don't let that discourage you from visiting Hawaii. There is a lot to do besides sitting on the beach.

BTW, OP, great pictures! Glad you had a great time!

 

[nwdisgal]

LuvFlorida. I don't think that it will make your DD feel any better but there is a bounty on the "sweet little piggies", at least on the other islands and probably Oahu. They are actually piggies that were brought many, many over years ago and turned loose so there would be a supply of meat to be hunted. The piggies turned into wild pigs and can be quite ferocious. They have long knarley fangs and have been known to kill dogs. When we were horseback riding on the Big Island in Waipio Valley, the guide said that his favorite dog was killed just the week before. The pigs are not only viscious but have polluted most of the fresh running stream water in the mountains. Even on pristine looking trails, the water cannot be drank because it is polluted with pig poop. The pigs also have a bounty on them or they did, of $50.

Yes, the pigs are quite a nuisance. They were introduced to the islands (considered invasive) and are doing a lot of damage to the natural habitat - mowing down the fauna, causing land erosion, etc. You are right - don't inhale or swallow the stream water over here and be careful when taking a swim in the local ponds, waterfalls, etc, or wading in a stream with an open cut.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thanks for sharing--can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip.

We booked HHV for October for the first part of our trip and an outrigger resort across the park from the Hale Koa for the rest of our trip. Can't wait!!!

 

[luvflorida]

The E Noa Tours , which one did you do? (Tour #1, Majestic Grand Circle Island Tour?)
I have been pondering taking one with daughter. Granted she has a car and all, but I realize how tours are informative. Question: How many times did you stop and get out? How long was it for (stoping...just enough to stretch or actually DO something ---like at the Pineapple fields)....I really want to see the Kahala (Beverly Hills in Hawaii) that seems like something I'd like to see....My daughter can get tix for these for about $17 less than the reg. price (thru military discounts).....so I may want to treat myself.

We went on the Royal Circle Island Tour, (Tour #2), and it was fantastic. The tour guide was absolutely awesome, (see my day three trip report), and I highly recommend this tour. Some sites we just drove by while the driver talked and other sites we stopped at and got out for picture taking or exploring. On the E Noa Tour website they describe each tour and mention whether sites are stops or just drive-by sites. Tour #2 doesn't stop at the pineapple fields, but a different tour does. Choose the tour that closely matches what you want to see the most.

When we did stop, it was usually for anywhere from ten to twenty minutes, depending on the site. Lunch was about a 45 minute stop, the North Shore was two stops, maybe ten minutes each, and the stop at Kualoa Ranch was about half an hour and included a boat ride. We spent at least twenty minutes at the Macadamia Nut Hut and had time to shop a bit.

 

[luvflorida]

LuvFlorida. I don't think that it will make your DD feel any better but there is a bounty on the "sweet little piggies", at least on the other islands and probably Oahu. They are actually piggies that were brought many, many over years ago and turned loose so there would be a supply of meat to be hunted. The piggies turned into wild pigs and can be quite ferocious. They have long knarley fangs and have been known to kill dogs. When we were horseback riding on the Big Island in Waipio Valley, the guide said that his favorite dog was killed just the week before. The pigs are not only viscious but have polluted most of the fresh running stream water in the mountains. Even on pristine looking trails, the water cannot be drank because it is polluted with pig poop. The pigs also have a bounty on them or they did, of $50.

I guess some piggies just aren't very sweet! Regardless, daughter would still not want to see one roasted or eat one.

BTW, I really like the picture in your signature. Was it taken in Hawaii? I notice someone giving the 'hang loose' sign!

 

[luvflorida]

We are going to Hawaii the beginning of July and I can't wait. We are also staying at the Hawaiian Village while we are in Oahu. We were warned that there is construction going on there. Were you at all bothered by it?

We did notice some construction in certain areas as we walked around, but I can honestly say that we were never bothered by it, and we never once heard any noise from it when we were in our room or out on the lanai. We stayed in the Ali'l Tower which is right on the beach, so I can't speak for the other towers. BTW, I highly recommend the Ali'i Tower. It was great!

 

[luvflorida]

Thanks for the tip about the trolley. I had read about a 4-day pass but I didn't know there were discount coupons for it. I'll have to remember that when we're there. BTW, where did you find these coupons?

Great report on Hanauma Bay! It's been years since I've been there but I remember the fish coming right up to us. It was strange at first but I eventually got used to it.

There are booklets and pamphlets all over Waikiki filled with discount coupons. I think they update them monthly. If I'm remembering correctly, there was a stand somewhere on the HHV property, (I'm thinking maybe by the place where the tour buses come and go), that had all kinds of coupon booklets. Getting a four day pass free with each one purchased makes it a good deal.

I agree about the fish! I've snorkeled in locations where the fish will swim away if you get too close, but at Hanauma Bay they seem oblivious to humans! Many times I would stay right in one spot and just watch the fish. They would swim under and around me, and I enjoyed every minute of it!

 

[miss missy]

Well my lil sis just MOVED there, 28 yrs old beautiful, single and free! Broke my heart! She said 3 years.. but I fear not. She is a social girl and meets a gazillion people per day! She left 1 month ago today. In that time she met 4 "boys" so far, told 3 bye bye and is starting to date the 4th. I am soooo bummed, my fear is correct, she is hanging with this guy, he is 100% hawaiian and he is royalty there!! NOOOOOOOOO! He is sweeping her off her feet and she is soooo elated right now. He may steal my sis! NOOOOOOOOO! From what she said, she is being treated like a "princess"

Also she has hung with the cast of LOST and is having a blast seeing places only the elite can get to.

 

[beachbunny]

Luvflorida, sadly, there are no turtles at Hanauma Bay. Too many people. There are a ton, though, at Laniakea beach.

 

[luvflorida]

Day six trip report

Our sixth day on Oahu was Christmas Day. For the first time since arriving we slept in, waking up around 9am. I had brought our Christmas stockings from home and all the items to fill them with. I added a few things that I had purchased since arrival in Hawaii, (little stuffed Hilton penquins and two emery boards shaped like surfboards), for our two daughters, and I put the filled stockings on a beach towel out on our lanai. DD15 was impatient waiting for her older sister and fiance to return from breakfast so we could open the stockings. This was really the only time during our vacation that even seemed remotely like Christmastime to us. Sure, there were decorations all over Oahu, but to us we hardly thought about it being the holidays. It was strange at times, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat! We had our own decorations to come home to, and DD15 had a few presents waiting for her under our tree when she got home.

After stockings and showers we headed on down the beach walkway to the center of Waikiki Beach. We had Christmas lunch at the famous Duke's Canoe Club, and I had some of the most delicious pork ribs I've ever eaten. They were cooked in a BBQ/mango sauce that was superb. The day before, we tried to make reservations figuring it would be crowded, but the person said reservations were filled for Christmas Day but that we could still probably walk-in without much of a wait. I didn't quite understand this, but he was right. We had no wait, walked right in, and had a good table with a decent view of the beach. Of course, it's kind of hard NOT to have a decent view of the beach at this place.

We decided to walk back to the HHV through town instead of on the beach because we wanted to visit the International Marketplace. This was one crazy place. It's kind of tucked into an area between shops on the main drag, but it goes back from the street quite a ways and has a ton of stands and shops. I was a little leary about going here because I'm terrible at bargaining and I guess that's what people do here. I was afraid it was going to be like the marketplace we visited once when we were in the Bahamas where locals would yell at you to buy their stuff. Thankfully, the marketplace in Waikiki was a little more low key and I never really felt pressured to buy anything. Of course, we didn't leave without making a few purchases, and DD15 got a few good deals on jewelry. DS25 bought a fancy lighter that would cause us problems later on at the Honolulu airport, (more about that later!), and I picked up a few things to take back home.

Toward the end of our walk back to the hotel we veered back onto the beach walkway. I had to have a shave ice from a stand I had seen earlier in the day. The shave ice is given to you in a plastic holder and you get a large amount and it was very good!

Back at the hotel some family members rested while others went swimming in the pool. Later that evening we caught the evening show at the super pool. The HHV has a singing/dancing Hawaiian style show nightly at the super pool. There is a torch lighting ceremony beforehand. Just another one of those things that make the HHV special!

The pizza that we had the night before was so good that we decided to get it again for dinner. Only this time we chose to go get it ourselves and bring it back to the room. The difference- the night before we ordered it from room service. We got two pizzas and six sodas for the price of, (gulp!), $62.00! This time we got two pizzas, six sodas, and two orders of cheese garlic bread for a total of $28.00. Same pizza from the same place. Of course, room service provided us with a nicely laid out table complete with ice bucket and cloth napkins, but for $62.00 they should have at least thrown in a cookie or two! BTW, the pizza was from Round Tree pizza, and the restaurant is right on the property and it's a good pace to get something to eat that everyone likes!

We watched a movie, then off to bed, knowing that tomorrow would be our last day in Hawaii, and we had a full day planned.

I've also added some more photos. They're not in any particular order.

 

[luvflorida]

Luvflorida, sadly, there are no turtles at Hanauma Bay. Too many people. There are a ton, though, at Laniakea beach.

Do you know if there were ever turtles at Hanauma Bay? I thought that I had read somewhere that there were turtles, and that's why I was hoping to see some.

Wow, I wish I had researched other areas more before leaving for our trip. I would have loved to have spent time at Laniakea Beach. We drove past a beach on the North Shore called Turtle Beach, but I believe it was also Laniakea Beach. Gee, good reason for a return trip!