What is your favorite travel guide to O'ahu? I have never been to Hawaii and would like plan a trip so I need something for a knowledge base of zero. I would like to visit Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, snorkle at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and take in a Luau. Also, tips for getting around and transportation options. I really like the "Unofficial Guide" books but the Hawaii one did not get such good reviews. I am looking for one that has an edition date of 2010 and up. Thank you in advance for all your help!!
We went to Oahu a few years ago for DD's Make A Wish trip.
We had a rental van so getting around wasn't hard. A lot of people complain about the traffic but being from the Chicago suburbs, it's was normal for us. If you rent a car, I suggest bringing a GPS.
We stayed at the Hyatt on Waikiki Beach. There was a bar type restaurant in the basement that was really good and reasonably priced. They had great pulled pork sandwiches.
There's a web cam aimed at the Duke Kahanamoku statue on the beach so it might be fun to set up a time with people at home to "see" you in Hawaii.
Hanauma Bay is BEAUTIFUL! Get there early because parking is a problem and you have to sit and watch a video before you're allowed to go down to the beach.
Pearl Harbor was also very nice. We went there twice. DH and my other DD's wanted to do the tour of the MO so we went back a second day. Since it's not wheelchair accessible, I stayed at the memorial with DD.
Laniakea Beach on the north shore is a great place to see sea turtles. They often come right up on shore or you can snorkel if you'd like. The beach is pretty short but it wasn't very crowded when we went. We stopped at Dole on our way up there.
We went to the Paradise Cove Luau. It was nice but the food at the restaurant in hotel was better. They have a bus stop right behind the Hyatt so it was really easy for us. They did have an amazing drink called a Lava Flow. I still crave them!
DD had a dolphin encounter at the Kahala Resort. Boy is that a beautiful hotel!
If you rent a car, be prepared to pay for parking. I think it was about $35 a day at the Hyatt.
Be sure to get any gifts you want before heading to the airport. We were shocked that most of the shops there were already closed by 3pm. I guess we're used to O'Hare.
Lastly, have a GREAT time!