What ARE your interests, as you only list what doesn't interest you? Maybe you should just not go, cut your losses kind of thing?

Some things to do in Honolulu that might interest you

Tour Doris Duke's Shangri-la--you do need to make reservations and I would suggest going on the first tour since the house is not air conditioned and it would be cooler then
http://www.shangrilahawaii.org/

Hawaii State Art Musuem http://www.state.hi.us/sfca/HiSAM.html you could combine that with a tour of the Iolani Palace (they are close together)

Iolani Palace http://www.iolanipalace.org/

Honolulu Academy of Art (where you would go to get the transportation for the tour of Shangrila) They have a nice collection of art from around the world
http://www.honoluluacademy.org/?gclid=CM7wwv_ukqwCFQRYhwod7BnDXw

The Bishop Museum--a great overview of Hawaiian culture and history (though you seem to be rather euro-centric--you might find it interesting)

http://www.bishopmuseum.org/


Some restaurants you night consider

La Mer http://www.halekulani.com/living/dining/la_mer/ upscale French

Alan Wong's - reservations are a necessity - http://www.alanwongs.com/honolulu-welcome/index.html

Morimoto's http://morimotowaikiki.com/

Nobu http://www.noburestaurants.com/waikiki/experience/introduction/

Can't help you with Maui--have been there only once many years ago.

Ihuges, sorry to laugh at you, but I needed a good chuckle early this a.m. and you have given me one. I appreciate your honesty, and that is why they make chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream!! I must admit 3 couples including my husband and myself went on cruise and did the hawaii islands several years ago. I can't say I felt the same way as yourself totally but not a place I am longing to return to. We also did the med cruise with 3 days in Rome and that is a city I would return to tomorrow if I could. I loved Rome and it might be my favorite city ever!! That being said I wish I could offer you some needed help and others will surely chime in. With your likes being geared perhaps towards history maybe there is some history in the islands that you might find interesting.I did. We did a helicopter tour that was DIVINE in terms of scenery and seeing active volcanos. On the bright side be thankful it is only for one week. Explore the culture and volcano stories. Take care.

Martym's suggestions are excellent. Also Hawaii is a great place to do a lot of reading. You might want to add to your reading list a book on the history of Hawaii. It has a fascinating history.

On Maui, the old port town of Lahaina is very interesting to stroll through; the giant banyan tree, the historic buildings, museums, etc.
Take a boat ride to snorkel Molokini or a sunset dinner cruise, visit the Maui Ocean center (www.mauioceancenter.com/).
Iao Needle is a gorgeous park; and nearby Wailuku has some old missionary era buildings of interest.
For archaeology there's also a heiau very close (between Wailuku and Kahului; http://www.mauimuseum.org/heiau.html).
Tons of stuff to see and do without touching the sand!

I suppose it might just seem like too-touristy-and-I'm-not-a tourist but if you are there on a Sunday morning the brunch at the Moana-Surfrider in Waikiki might be something you would enjoy and perhaps even remember. No steep or curvy roads involved, either <G>.

My wife and I bought a condo on Maui ten years ago and we visit often.
I find it more difficult to get excited about the 5 hour plane trip.
Here are the things I still enjoy when I visit.

Iao Needle,as mentioned above, a gorgeous tropical setting.
Lahaina,touristy but interesting with a touch of history.
Boat trips,any chance I have to get out on the water.Cocktail cruises are fun.
Local cuisine,a chance to eat good tropical produce.
I dislike windy mountain roads as well,but the road up the volcano is tame and the payoff can be great if the summit is clear.

On Oahu:
Visitng;
the Arizona Memorial Pearl Harbor, Dole Pineapple Plantation, Polynesian Cultural Center, Paradise Cove Luau,
visit Hilo Hatties a fun "all things Hawaiian store", take the Waikiki Trolley Tours which are affordable and go many places above mentioned and all over Oahu.

http://www.waikikitrolley.com/all-lines/

http://www.govisithawaii.com/2007/09/24/10-best-free-activities-and-sites-on-oahu/

The first post hit all the highlights I was going to suggest. Oahu is the best island for non-beachy people. The Doris Duke Shangri La estate tour run thru Honolulu Academy of the Arts (also wonderful) is fantastic. Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, and Chinatown... all interesting. Nothing wrong with drinking on Waikiki beach at sunset.

For Maui, I like Lahaina. It's an old whaling town that is now a bit honkey-tonk with tourists. But it's a beautiful setting, there's a self-guided walking tour you can do around town. Shows like U'lalena (kind of a Cirque de Soile meets luau) or even the Old Lahaina Luau. I wouldn't cross off going up Haleakala, I'm not big on narrow winding road and won't do Hana, but the view from the top of Haleakala is world-class amazing. You can go on a tour bus if you don't want to drive.

I didn't go to Hawaii for the longest time because I thought it was "Disneyland" and dumb and that I'd hate it. It's one of the most wrong misconceptions I've ever had in my life.

I haven't been to Oahu, but here a few suggestions for Maui. They are kind of all over the board since, as someone else stated, you've only mentioned your dislikes and not your likes.

I'll third the recommendation for Iao Valley State Park. It's such a beautiful and peaceful place. Be sure to read up on the history of the site before going. http://www.gohawaii.com/maui/regions-neighborhoods/central-maui/iao-valley-state-park

Near the Iao Valley there is a small, but lovely, botanical garden and nursery called the Tropical Gardens of Maui. http://www.tropicalgardensofmaui.com/index.aspx

Also near Iao Valley is the small Bailey House museum for an overview of Hawaiian history. http://www.mauimuseum.org/

There is the Maui Ocean Center, an excellent aquarium. http://www.mauioceancenter.com/

As so many others have mentioned, Lahaina is a great town for walking around and shopping for souvenirs. There is also the Banyan Tree, the Wo Hing Museum, the Jodo Mission, and the Old Prison.
http://www.lahainarestoration.org/wohing.html
http://lahainajodomission.org/
http://www.kaanapali-beach-maui.com/old-prison-lahaina-maui.html
While in Lahaina, don't miss Ululani's Shave Ice. Sooooo delicious! http://ululanisshaveice.com/

For nightly entertainment, there are several luaus to choose from. There's the popular and traditional Old Lahania Luau. Feast of Lele is known for its inventive cuisine. And the Drums of the Pacific is known for the fire dancer. There is also the Warren and Annabelle Magic Show which I have only heard about. Or there's the Hawaiian Slack Key Concert every Wednesday at the Sunset House Restaurant in Maui.

The Cliff Dive Bar is a fun place to watch the Cliff Diving Ceremony and the sunset while listening to live music. http://www.sheraton-maui.com/dining/cliffbar

Indulge in some macadamia nut pancakes for breakfast at the Gazebo, Castaway Cafe or the SeaHouse Restaurant.

There are enough things to do that you'll find something you enjoy if you do your research. Have a great trip!

One thing I was going to mention was the Road to Hana can be done on a tour in a small van with Valley Isle Excursions. We enjoyed it very much and didn't have to worry about doing the driving, which has some curves of course but not bad at all I thought.
http://www.tourmaui.com/

Oh, and I forgot to put the link for the Slack Key Show: http://slackkey.com/

You might enjoy walking through the public areas of two grand old hotels, the Royal Hawaiian and the Moana Surfrider. The Moana has a history room that is interesting.

If you enjoy live music, there are many venues for that.

There is high-end shopping In Waikiki and at Ala Moana center.

Honolulu weekly has a calendar of events http://honoluluweekly.com/calendar/
Lots of things that are not touristy.

There is a symphony in Honolulu http://hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org/

I live in Honolulu, and despite rarely going to a beach, I still find plenty of interesting things to do on Oahu.

Marty M gave you some great suggestions. I might add Foster Botanical Gardens, a drive around the island with a stop at Laniakea beach to see the big turtles. Also the various art galleries in Downtown Honolulu and a AIA walking tour of Chinatown & Downtown architecture. (Free on April 14th!)
If you really just want to drink, Rumfire at the Sheraton Waikiki has a very nice view of the beach & sunset during their happy hour.

Tea at the Moana hotel or Kahala resort are also nice.

I'm curious as to what it is that you enjoy about London, Paris, and Rome vacations. Because I bet you can find attributes of Hawaii that you might just as much enjoy. And you say you have no interest in snorkeling and kayaking (surfing, paddle-boarding...). But how do you know you wouldn't enjoy those things? When in Rome......

If in the end, you find you really don't enjoy Hawaii, go on a quest for the perfect mai-tai.

some great suggestions here. 2nd or is 3rd like for Shangri -la. - great examples of Islamic art and architecture and the view from the house is amazing with beautiful gardens and ocean. there is so hiking up Diamond Head and thru the valley which at the moment escapes me. Google hiking Oahu will bring it up I'm sure. I too love Florence, Paris, London for all the history, art and architecture and parks to just people watch but love Hawaii for the ocean, palm trees, warmth and a time to relax and read either on the lanai of my hotel or the beach. Fabulous fish dinners too. Hope you will not be disappointed. Too bad you are not heading to Kauai where it is so green and beautiful with varied landscape or the Big Island for the same reasons. Aloha

April Fools?

I think WhereAreWe got it right.

If this was a joke, sorry, doesn't look like good humor to me.

LOL

just to let you know - back in the 80's we made a trip to Oahu and did _not_ have a good time. Three months ago made a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii and absolutely loved it. However, all in all, I'll take a trip to Europe ANYTIME over Hawaii.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Read the novel Hawaii by Michener. At least have some appreciation of the great melding of the cultures there.

BTW - I love Europe as well as going to Hawaii. Hawaii is the warm/laid back type of place to just chill and go with it. What's not to like about incredible tropical beauty and swimming in a warm ocean, with plenty of fresh seafood and fruit to enjoy?

We rotate Paris/France and Hawaii every year. Love them both for many of the same reasons. Great food, culture, beauty, people, nature, and uniqueness.

Well if it is an April Fool's, it's a strange one. Because I think plenty of people truly love the major cities of Europe but aren't big on tropical island destinations.

"For nightly entertainment, there are several luaus to choose from. "

I have to respond to this. I can't imagine anything I'd less want to do than go to a luau. It is exactly the type of predigested, canned goop that plays on tourist desperation to have a local experience, even if it is artificial and phony and consists of a show that they wouldn't walk across the street to see at home. Yet an amazing number of people feel compelled to go to when traveling. I've never understood

Of course, there probably a large sampling bias due to self selection. The people who like such things are the people who go to Hawaii. The people who don't generally avoid Hawaii. This results in very misleading advice.

It's like advice about driving. You read all these posts from people say its no problem with some winding narrow road. Most people likely to find the the ride scary never take it, so they don't respond. So you only get responses from more adventurous types who are up for this sort of thing. That one reason why the usefulness of sites like this and tripadvisor is very limited.

I bet your just a barrel of fun to travel with.

I am sure that most people who visit who Hawaii mutliple times don't return to a luau. I am also sure that most people who are visiting for the first time do go to a luau. It is somewhat like going to Disney and riding Dumbo is "a must". Stand in line for an hour to ride a 2 minute stupid ride. Somewhat like going to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. Most of the time, on a first visit to a place, I like to see and I do enjoy the touristy things.

As for the narrow roads, I love them so this sight is very useful for me. I didn't know that only adventurous people tell or write about their travels. I guess I shouldn't read about nice beaches/swimming because only adventurous people get in the water?

You asked for suggestions, btw.

I have been to Hawaii at least 10 times, and have never been to a luau -- I have absolutely no interest in attending one. I LOVE Hawaii (I also love Paris, London, Egypt, New York, etc., etc., etc.).

(spiro, I had to laugh at your Dumbo reference -- we did exactly what you said the first time we took my DS to Disneyland, and swore we'd never again stand in line for ANY ride that starts and stops every 30 seconds ).

BTW, to the OP, if you're not interested in the outdoors (i.e. beach, kayaking, snorkeling, I'm assuming also hiking), I would suggest you do one of two things - stay home (seriously), or, if staying home is out of the question, at least on Maui, take a good book with you and stay indoors. On Oahu, you might find some things to keep your interest for a few days that do not involve the kinds of things you disdain. Personally, I've never been to Shangri-La, or the Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace or the Dole Pineapple Plantation --- I go to Hawaii for the outdoors, beaches, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, beautiful scenery.

<<The people who like such things are the people who go to Hawaii. The people who don't generally avoid Hawaii.>>

I think you're wrong.

I'm not a luau person. I love Hawaii, but I love it for the reasons sf listed above: outdoor activities and exercise and scenery. I also love the fresh fish and sushi.

1hughes, i think you have the idea that Hawai'i is only for people who like "predigested" touristy activities. In fact there is so much more! The actual history of the place is very interesting and there are numerous museums and serious venues for learning about it. But if you just are not intetested in that, there are plenty of other things to do without getting into the touristy stuff.

As with any online forum, you have to weigh the suggestions given, use them as a starting point for your own research. If any of the suggestions given so far did jibe with what you are seeking, you might want to comment to that effect, to give some direction for further suggestions.

Interesting that the OP would return to comment after WhereAreWe outted the thread as an April Fool's prank (which seems obvious in light of the OP's short history on Fodor's). And then only to dis travelers to the place he's asking about.

I too love Paris, London, and Rome. And Hawaii. But for different reasons. And frankly, I'd rather attend a good luau (or more accurately, pa'ina) than any ballet, opera, or symphony performance.

Too bad 1hughes is such a snob. If s/he had mentioned them earlier, i might have been motivated to look up a real luau for them to attend- eg a church or school fundraiser. Nothing canned, predigested or touristy about them. Most locals look forward to them, especially the food and dancing.

But then, Op is probably one of those tourists who feels obligated to sit in a sidewalk cafe in Paris and have a drink, because goodness knows only tourists do that...

My mother always said, "Don't knock it if you haven't tried it".

I always thought Hawaii would be too pedestrian for my tastes and had no desire to visit. I only came to use it as a jumping off point for a trip to Tahiti. That was over 36 years ago, and I still live here!

Great answer lcuy. I have been to about three "commercial" luau's - long ago - including a very good one at the King Kam hotel in Kona, and the Polynesian Culture Center used to have a good one - before the price zoomed up (again - both of these are over 20 years ago and had very good entertainment), and I think the 3rd was on Kauai, somewhere mid-island - which was also a long time ago - but also "old school".

Especially agree - that today - if you can find a Church social/fundraiser - those are where there is real Ohana - and good food and entertainment to boot. Have been to several of these through some of my law school friends - who live over in Paradise.

Or as we did when I caught a 30 lb Mahi Mahi off Oahu - have your own luau.

1hughes, I can't believe how absolutely RUDE you are!!!! And that is a nice word for what you are being. Out of my entire reply to you that I thoughtfully sat down and spent a LOT of time writing ONLY TRYING TO HELP YOU, *THAT* is what you pick out!!!!!!!! If you reread my the first part of my reply to you, you will see that it states "here a few suggestions for Maui. They are kind of all over the board since, as someone else stated, you've only mentioned your dislikes and not your likes." I have no idea what interests you or doesn't, BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T GIVE ANYONE ANY IDEA, so I threw a lot of different suggestions out for you to mull over. We don't need the snipy remarks about our suggestions, which again, are only done out of a desire to help a fellow traveler who has sought out advice on a travel forum. If a certain suggestion doesn't seem like something you want to do, DON'T DO IT. No need to be a jerk.

The best travelers are those that keep an open mind. And as lcuy said, don't knock it til you try it.

The next time you post a question on a forum, don't post such an idiotic question. If you want something "that would be more suited to someone with my interests", post what those interests might be. Just because I've loved 2 trips to Hawaii, doesn't mean that I also didn't love the trip I took to Italy and France. You don't have to only like one sort of destination. Again, have an open mind.

I also have to reply to these 2 parts of your response: "It is exactly the type of predigested, canned goop that plays on tourist desperation to have a local experience, even if it is artificial and phony and consists of a show that they wouldn't walk across the street to see at home" and "The people who like such things are the people who go to Hawaii".

I'll admit that the reason I chose to go to a luau was because I was traveling with my elderly mother and teenage daughter and I thought it was something that they would enjoy. I chose the Drums of the Pacific because I thought my teenage daughter would be most interested in that one. Once there, I admired the amount of work and practice that must have went into perfecting the art of the dances they were doing just as much as I admire the contemporary dancers I pay to go see perform here at home. Dancing is an art form to me, and there are all kinds of different genres of dance. And yes, the fire dancer was also amazing to watch. And the fact that my mother and daughter loved it made it all the more worth it to me.

1hughes on Apr 3, 12 at 6:49am
Thanks for the suggestions.

Oh, so it was not an april fool post...

"Aside from drinking I really don't know what I'm going to do there." - well... more drinking?

I've avoided going to a luau forever (I don't like to have an evening focused on consuming massive amounts of food, and they are expensive on my budget), but maybe the show would be worth it. Watched tons of very young to pretty old amateurs of both genders on lawns, malls, etc., and they are fun, but a troupe of trained pros, never.
Maybe next visit (if I'm so lucky), I'll look for coupons

If you check the travel mags you can pick up at the airport - and also the local paper - and ask around - you can usually find some free exhibitions/demonstrations of Hawaiian dancing, music and the like - without having to pop for the current King's Ransom for a Luau.

I'd love to attend the Merrie Monarch festivities!

". I am also sure that most people who are visiting for the first time do go to a luau. It is somewhat like going to Disney and riding Dumbo is "a must". Stand in line for an hour to ride a 2 minute stupid ride. Somewhat like going to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. Most of the time, on a first visit to a place, I like to see and I do enjoy the touristy things."

See, this is the problem right here with so many people. You let guidebooks and other people lead you by the nose into doing things that you don't really want to do. The guidebook says go to a luau so you go to a luau. Tourist traps the world over make a fortune on people who don't know their own mind and their own interests. Anyone who dares thinking independently is a snob or not fun to travel with, right?

"As for the narrow roads, I love them so this sight is very useful for me. I didn't know that only adventurous people tell or write about their travels. I guess I shouldn't read about nice beaches/swimming because only adventurous people get in the water?"

I see that logic is not your strong suit. I'll say it one more time. People who who don't like some activity or place don't do them, so they are not going to write a post about it. So the advice you get is always going to be biased. The entire Hawaii discussion is biased toward people who like Hawaii. Any discussion of scary roads is biased toward people who aren't put off scary roads. This is not an especially deep insight, but I guess the concept of "sampling bias" too complex for you?

"Save the hate mail" 1hughes. Why did you even ask for suggestions? It seems all you really want to do is rant and argue.

"You let guidebooks and other people lead you by the nose into doing things that you don't really want to do. The guidebook says go to a luau so you go to a luau."

There are posters above who have never been to a luau. We went on our first visit to Hawaii. Was it touristy? Yes. Was it a little hokey? Yes. But we still liked it. I'm not going to feel bad for enjoying it.

I'm also curious to know if you do guidebook-recommended activities in the European cities you like to visit? If not, what do you like about those cities and if so, how is that different from the guidebook suggestions for Hawaii?

"The entire Hawaii discussion is biased toward people who like Hawaii."

I'm not sure why this surprises you. The best sources of information are from people who travel there often or from a resident like lcuy. Why would someone repeatedly travel to a place they dislike?

"I'm also not fond of driving along narrow winding roads (goodby Hana) or up narrow winding roads (goodby Haleakala)"

We've been to Maui twice and haven't done either of these activities. We started the drive to Hana, reached the half-way point and turned around. We didn't love it so we didn't do it.

I'm going to disagree with your premise that if you like vacationing in London and Paris that you can't like Hawaii. I like both. In fact, we're getting ready to stop off in Amsterdam for a few days before our 2-week visit to Italy. But I'm also itching to go back to Hawaii and it'll definitely be on our short list of next trips.

I'm not trying to talk you into liking Hawaii. Different strokes and all that. You've convinced yourself you're going to hate it and you're going to be miserable. Honestly, I think you shouldn't go. It's okay not to like Hawaii. Just like it's okay not to like Rome.

"Tourist traps the world over make a fortune on people who don't know their own mind and their own interests."

Sorry buddy, but apparently you don't know your own interests either. You've been asked several times what those interests are, but have failed to give an answer. Saying what you don't like is not furthering the discussion nor is it helpful for anyone who is trying to come up with something you might like.

So again, what are your interests? What do you like to do?

PLEASE, JUST STAY AWAY FROM HAWAII -- WE ALL DON'T CARE ANY MORE, AND WE DON'T WANT YOU TO GO AND THEN POST ON HERE HOW HORRIBLE IT WAS! (CAPS FULLY INTENDED TO RESEMBLE SHOUTING)

what an a**hole.

Wow 1hughes. I have been on Fodors a long time and don't think I've ever seen someone be as rude as you. Especially for a first time poster. If you knew anything about members of Fodors, you wouldn't be making comments about how we follow guidebooks and go to tourists traps. One of the reasons we are on this forum is because we are independent travelers. Does that mean we don't go see some of the touristy sites? Of course we do, that's part of travel. Would I miss Pearl Harbor because all the tourists go there? Absolutely not. I'm still trying to make time to get to Doris Duke's house as I did a tour of her house in Newport, Rhode Island and they talked often about her Hawaii connection. Did you go to Rome and not visit the Vatican or go to Paris and not visit the Louvre?

I go to Hawaii several times a year for work and just started doing that recently. Although I'm there for work, I do save some time to see the sights and soak up the culture. I am definitely past the age where I am going to put on a bathing suit and lay by the pool or at the beach.

People here have given you lists of things to do that don't include the beach. Especially on Oahua there are so many musuems. You say you love Rome. I'm sure part of that is learning about the past. The Hawaiian islands have their own history and culture and it is a very interesting one. I have never yet been to a laua during my visits because in the beginning I did think they were tourist traps. Also I'm often traveling alone so feel a little funny about that. But on my last two trips to Maui, I've stayed at a hotel that does outdoor lauas and they were right outside my balcony. I watched the stories and the dancing and was more than impressed. Lauas tell the story of the Hawaiian islands and their culture. And of course those that put on the shows have worked hard for their skills.

It's really too bad that you have such a closed mind about such a beautiful and interesting place. There is so much to do that doesn't involve beaches or windy roads. And in the evening there is nothing better than sitting on your lanai, listening to the waves, having a cocktail or glass of wine and watching the sunset.

Sorry folks. You have fallen into a Troll trap. Apparently you are not familiar with the initials DNFTT, which means Do Not Feed The Trolls.

This particular troll is the contrarian troll, who posts a view opposite to prevailing opinion in the hope of precipitating a reaction, the more violent the better.

Looks like it worked.

Yeah, probably is a troll.

You might be right dbdurand about our OP being a troll. But all is not lost. There's some fantastic information on this thread of interesting things to do in Hawaii.

<<<I am definitely past the age where I am going to put on a bathing suit and lay by the pool or at the beach.>>>

What age is that? (I am a "woman of a certain age" - 61 to be exact - and I live in my bathing suit and at the pool when I'm in Hawaii!)

SF-Very close to your age. I guess I should have said, I'm past the age where I feel comfortable putting on a bathing suit. LOL

That said, I did put on my suit and lay by the pool a little two trips ago to Maui. I have a medium build so that's not the issue. I guess it must be all the cellulite!! Also I don't go out much in the sun anymore so have to be careful about burning.

sharona-Yes some great ideas and a few I didn't know about.

paula, I almost NEVER go out in the sun -- I pick my spot based on where the shade will protect me best!

Troll or not, I liked paula1470's post about Hawaiian history and hula. The history is very interesting if you take the time to find out about it. And for centuries, hula was one of the main methods of transmitting the history and legends. It was originally danced to drums or other rhythm instruments, without music. It is still done that way, and is called kahiko hula. The dances to music, called auana, came much later. If you check, you will find that most luaus now include some kahiko as well as the touristy stuff because the Hawaiians are proud of their heritage and want others to understand it. And you can find local little celebrations, often associated with an evening farmers' market or such, where local musicians play and people may get up and dance. It's all very sociable and not touristy at all, and is celebrated by real people. Someone used the word ohana in a post here: it means family, or family-like atmosphere of friendly association and is quite rewarding to experience.

"See, this is the problem right here with so many people. You let guidebooks and other people lead you by the nose into doing things that you don't really want to do"
How do you know what I want to do? How else do you suggest I get info?

"Aside from drinking I really don't know what I'm going to do there. I wish I were joking, but I'm not."
And you think I am the one with a problem?



Here is my usual method for planning a trip(most of which in the last 5 years have been to National Parks).
I buy a guidebook
I post some questions on this board
I search the internet on places that might interest me
I watch youtube--heck sometimes my wife even watches youtube to see how people are dressed. For example, most of the time national parks are very casual. We had planned on eating Brunch at The Awahnee in Yosemite. Dinner at the Awahnee requires a jacket-lunch doesn't, so we weren't sure how exactly to dress for brunch-searched youtube and saw how people were dressed.
My wife and daughter had lunch at Eiffel Tower. Touristy I guess, but Pres. Obama/girls were there the same day they ate there. She also looked that one up on youtube to get a feel for the place.


For the record, I haven't been to Hawaii. When I do go, I will go to a beach(probably several) and I will attend a Luau. I will also include snorkeling, some form of boating.
And of course the obligatory Helicopter flight(how touristy is that?)

Most people wouldn't ask about a "scary road" unless they were considering the drive in the first place-biased or not.

Obviously, you came here in search of info, a joke, or just to be obnoxious. Not sure you have accomplished anything really.

Troll or not, This has made me really want to go to Hawaii!!

Hughes,
Maybe you should rephrase your question.
Where should I not go to while in Hawaii.
This seems a much better fit for you.

1hughes - you should just proceed with the one interest you actually identified - hole up in your hotel room (don't go to the bar, it might actually look (gasp!) Hawaiian) and drink until you pass out. Wake up & repeat, until it's time to fly out of your self-pronounced tourist hellhole some people actually consider Paradise.

"The entire Hawaii discussion is biased toward people who like Hawaii."

You bet! And there is nothing wrong with it. If you hate some place, why go? And if you have to, just bring a good book to read and stay in a hotel with a pool and shade.

And don't look for sympathy "ah, poor 1, he'll have nothing to do". I firmly believe there are no un-interesting places, only un-interesting people.

And by the way, there are discussions started by people who can't go on a winding road, or cannot drive, or cannot scuba-dive, or are on diets so popular activities/restaurants are out. These people don't trash a destination, they ask how to make the most of it within their limitations.

RE swimsuits...my rule is to keep the sarong on till the exact moment I enter the water.. or only swim at places where there is no chance I'll run into people who know me... Paula, I met you and I find it hard to believe you don't look good in a bathing suit!

As for 1hughes, I'm guessing she was posting while doing what she does best: drinking.

First post for this cranky, negative, troll ??

<The entire Hawaii discussion is biased toward people who like Hawaii.>

Well obviously you aren't even bothering to read or consider replies. As I mentioned I thought I would not like Hawaii... until I actually went there.

How do you know it won't be the same for you?



<You let guidebooks and other people lead you by the nose into doing things that you don't really want to do.>

OK, since you set yourself up for this one, then WHY are you going to Hawaii. Why are you letting "otehr people lead you by the nose into doing things that you don't really want to do"????????????

"I firmly believe there are no un-interesting places, only un-interesting people."

PRECISELY! I couldn't agree more, Dayenu!

Get drunk and have someone drive you on a windy narrow crooked road(have them go very fast). Then after kayaking, go snorkeling. Of course, finish the night off with a festive Luau.

Day 2
Start your day off with a Lomi Lomi spa-this will help the hangover, Then take that helicopter ride(we know you really wanna do that one). Sit by the pool(yes with more booze)
You probably enjoyed your first luau so much, you will want a 2nd one for tonite. (tip-arrive early since you will probably enjoy Happy Hour)

lcuy-Thanks for the nice comment but I still hate wearing a bathing suit. However, if I do it's exactly like you. Wear a saraong until the last possible minute and don't go where it's too crowded.

spiro-Love your itinerary for 1hughes. I bet he/she will have a great time!

"Wear a saraong until the last possible minute and don't go where it's too crowded."

Oh, for god's sake, after so many decades, I've finally learned that NO ONE is looking at me. They don't care about my bathing suit, or how it looks, or if it is holding me in here or there, or riding up, no one cares.
Just as I don't give a rat's a** about the wrinkly old guy, the fat young thing in the two piece, the old lady who's gone to gravity, or the hairy speedo guy, NO ONE CARES. THEY AREN'T WATCHING YOU.

I love to people watch!!

Funny story-- We were at a waterpark outside the bathroom/changing area. All of a sudden these 3 high school/college age looking boys come outside ranting and raving about an 80 year old wrinkled man taking a shower. They were totally disgusted. The showers were basically out in the open and would have been hard to miss anyone showering.

Sylvia-Lots of what we're saying is tongue and cheek and now you are yelling at us. I really don't care if people see me, it's just what I feel comfortable with.

And people do look-just ask spiro!! lol

I love "gone to gravity." Describes me to a tee.

No, I was tongue in cheek, too. And admit that I do look at the overfleshed and undersuited; kind of with a horrible fascination, esp. if they've tattooed!

>I thought I would not like Hawaii... until I actually went there.<

But going there when you thought you wouldn't like required an open mind. I doubt the OP/Troll has one.

I'm with you sylivia.....I'm pretty invisible. I am considerate of my fellow beach goers and wear a tankini that disguises my muffin top. I don't get admiring glances, but I don't seem to scare anyone either. It's not a bad place to be!

Getting a good base tan takes off 10 lbs and also - having one doesn't automatically label you as a tourist.

Geesh - I can even remember when I used to workout (lift) in Hawaii - at the local health club - and when you do tha t- you are almost 1/2 Kama-aina.

1hughes

Are you kidding? Honolulu and Waikiki are located on Oahu and are large metropolitan cities! There is plenty of night life, bars, clubs to keep you drinking and happy.

Quite frankly if you can't find something enjoyable about Hawaii your tired of life IMHO!

<But going there when you thought you wouldn't like required an open mind. I doubt the OP/Troll has one.>

tenthumbs, Well no actually it's because my parents bought me a plane ticket for a family reunion kind of trip to celebrate their 50th anniversary -lol!

I came on this thread originally because I actually did have sympathy for 1hughes. Plenty of people prefer urban settings to exploring or relaxing on a tropical island. That part's fair enough.

BUT then we go on to...

<You let guidebooks and other people lead you by the nose into doing things that you don't really want to do.>

<Anyone who dares thinking independently is a snob or not fun to travel with, right?>

Sorry but I hardly call getting drunk in London, Rome, or Paris a terribly original or 'independent' idea.

right on suze, if one can't be happy in 'paradise' forget it.

i'm just sayin' i love the cities of europe. doesn't mean i can't have fun in hawaii too. i drink plenty in both places. more likely wine in a sidewalk cafe in europe, probably a maitai on the beach or my favorite fresh pineapple juice, Skye vodka & soda water on the lanai of my own hotel room.

for whatever reason the OP needs to spend a week in Hawaii divided between Oahu & Maui... there is no reason on earth he can't find a good time suitable to his tastes.

A)check out the hot Hawaiian chickas doing the hula dances.

B)ever heard of astral projection? lock yourself in the bathroom, cover the walls with posters of London, Paris, Rome, and imagine yourself walking the streets. Boy, have I saved tons of money over actually flying there+hotel bills by using this method taught to me by the zen grandmaster babbabooyee.

C) if tired of living, just throw yourself down an active volcano. Just make sure to leave a suicide note.

I went to the trouble to list (7!) specific non-beach activities. I'm miffed if it's just a troll, irked that there's no thank you for people thinking about this and offering time and effort.

Yo Sylvia et al: Don't take it too personal. Some posters nicely thank you and it's worth it for the ones who don't.

Just don't like wasting time and effort on trolls. Hmph!

Everybody: your advices in the beginning of this thread did not go to waste! The Agains are searching for future Waikiki trip - we are so grateful to everybody who posted here!

We will ask about currency and visas later We love all sorts on non-strenuous sightseeing, and don't get bored easily. I'm sure others will be reading this too, taking notes.

Dayenu do you mean currency and visas to travel from the state of California to another US State (Hawaii)?

Bleeping Visas. And while not necessary if you are a US citizen for Hawaii - I just found out that even though I bought a year long fishing license for Mexican waters (cost close to $100) - if you enter Mexican waters on a boat - you have to pay a $35 entry visa each time, even if you are just going on a 3/4 day trip from here in San Diego and not a multi-day trip.

Bleep Bleep. Some new "Sheriff" down Baja way is raking in some serious Gringo denaro.

Maybe just consider going with it. Get yourself a mai tai and try some kalua pork at a luau. Why not? That part of the world is beautiful. Black sand beaches, sea turtles...flora and fauna you won't experience anywhere else. And how often do you get to talk about flora and fauna? You can discuss it over a microbrew at Kona Brewing Company. Good stuff.

-SlackTraveler

Thanks everyone for the tips! SO many people are going to benefit from this thread. I've been copying much of it. I agree with one of the previous posters... I've been to too many amazing places and Hawaii has never been on my to-do list. However, it's a place a friend wants to visit so I may be giving in soon and you all just made me much more optimistic about it.

Does anyone have any flight secrets to share? cheaper from LA or SF? I'm close to Lexington, Cincy & Louisville. What about packages or places to stay?

Thanks

Here's a flight "secret." Costco is selling $300 American Airlines gift cards for $269. They can be combined and have no expiration. That shaves more than $100 off my airfare to Hawaii. Check regularly on sites such as kayak.com to compare airfares.

now, if I were only a Costco member instead of Sam's. Actually, where I am located there is no Costco. But that is a good tip!! Basically saves you 10% on wherever you are going.

Songdoc, that's a GREAT secret. Thanks.

geanster, I think packages depends on a lot of things. Where you are starting out, what kind of hotel you want to stay at, how many people are traveling together, if you want to include a rental car, etc.

for me as a solo traveler who doesn't rent a car there are no packages that fit. i just book the cheapest dates/times i can find on Hawaiian Air (LOVE that airline) from Seattle, then book a budget hotel directly. i take The Bus to get around.

this is a FUN thread! i'm sorry to see it sinking...

Nanabee, no, not from CA to HI! From my State of Confusion to the State of Bliss

Geanster: add OAK to your search, or maybe San Jose (CA) if you can drive there.

This thread does seem to have 9 lives.