leomom

Husband planned a surprise trip (sept 30-oct 6). He booked at the Outrigger Luana Waikiki(formerly Waikiki Terrace Hotel) based on the web's pictures, but no one really knows anything about the hotel. Any insight?????
Also no research or planning was done (Spur of the moment b/d gift) AND now we need ideas? We've decided we want to go to a luau (suggestions?). Beach (waikiki). Snorkling (suggestions?). I am interested in seeing TROPICAL FOLIAGE & WILDLIFE (animals). ANY help you have is greatly appreciated. We have been married 6 yrs and had to pass up our honeymoon, so this means a lot to us both! THANKS.

travelinandgolfin

Do a search for "Oahu." Many very helpful threads.

Tinam

Leomom- I've never stayed at that hotel but have beeen to Oahu, my favorite Island, many times. Rent a car for the day and go to the North Shore and go to Matsumotos for Shave Ice. As you leave Haleiwa heading northeast, the last beach is known as 'Turtle Beach' for a reason. Pull over and chances are there will be turtles sunning themselves right on the beach. Go to Giovanni's Shrimp Wagon for the best garlic shrimp ever. Be sure to hike up Diamond Head early in the day as it gets hot. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. You might even see some whales at that time of year.
Everything about Oahu is exciting. Try to go to the Aloha Staduim Flea Market on the weekends. Great bargains and great way to meet the locals.
Good luck!

cawhite

Snorkel Shark's Cove on the North shore.

bonniebroad

Leomom, I think you will be very pleased with this Outrigger from what I've seen on their site. It's Outrigger's newest condo hotel in Waikiki, and the photos in the "photo gallery" look very nice. It has a great location, and you should love Oahu! It's a wonderful island with so much to do. Have a wonderful trip! (I would see the evening show at Polynesian Cultural Center, with their luau included.) See this hotel link:

http://www.outrigger.com/hotels_detail.aspx?hotel=86

clarkgriswold

The hotel is set back a ways from the beach areas, maybe a ten minute walk. It has undergone frequent ownership changes over the years. It was formerly featured a lot by Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays as one of their budget choices.

Over the past year it has been renovated, and they are converting it to condos. So, you might end up in a wonderful new condo, or more likely in one of the old rooms that has not been converted as yet. You might want to call the hotel and check if there is a lot of noise daily due to renovations, or maybe the renovations are completed.

Here is a description of the old Waikiki Terrace:
" Waikiki Terrace Hotel is located nearFort DeRussy Park. This hotel is the perfect choice forbusiness or pleasure. One of Hawaii's most popular boutique hotels, the Waikiki Terrace is just a short walk away from Waikiki Beach. Guests will find a greatselection of restaurants and shops right in the neighborhood, including Niketown, Banana Republic andthe All Star Café. The Ala Moana Shopping Center and theHawaii Convention Center are only minutes away.
The hotel has its own swimming pool, sun deck and fitness center. Each guest room is spacious and full ofamenities, including a private lanai and refrigerator."

bonniebroad

Leomom, when I talked directly to this hotel (after reading clarkgriswold's informative post), they informed me that there are still renovations going on but that only newly renovated units are being rented, and that all the older rooms are "out of service." You might want to call and discuss the extent of the renovations, and how they would affect your visit. If I thought I'd be putting up with a lot of dust, noise and tripping over carpet being laid, etc., I would look elsewhere. But Outrigger is usually very good about keeping their guests comfortable, so you'd probably be okay. Best of luck!

gigib

Go hiking on the extensive trails in the hills above Waikiki, Mt. Tantalus/Maikiki Heights/Manoa Valley. Will be muddy, use "old" sneakers. Tropical foliage is heavy and beautiful. There isn't any wildlife to speak of, just birds and sea creatures. I would think about renting a car for the whole time, or at least 3 days, there is so much to see. Traffic is only heavy around Honolulu.

leomom

Thank You ALL so much. Lots of info that will come in handy. Did a little research today and found "shark" watching. Has anyone ever done that before?
Also we are looking for a place where we can get some good food. We defenitly want to try ONE buffet to discover the many different tasts of Hawaii (esp. the seafood).