Oahu
Sep 17th, 2004, 06:01 AM
#1
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Oahu
I've been reading posts so as not to duplicate questions....however....a spur of the moment 5 day trip to Oahu has come up shortly so I don't have alot of time to research, so I have a few questions....
1. Can you drive the perimeter of the island in one day? Or suggestions to break it in shorter trips.
2. My sister is on a business trip so will only be with us two of the five days. Suggestions on "must sees" for those two days.
We are staying in Waikiki. We like to do anything....hike, shop, museums, sightsee, etc. Any national parks in the area? Thanks.
1. Can you drive the perimeter of the island in one day? Or suggestions to break it in shorter trips.
2. My sister is on a business trip so will only be with us two of the five days. Suggestions on "must sees" for those two days.
We are staying in Waikiki. We like to do anything....hike, shop, museums, sightsee, etc. Any national parks in the area? Thanks.
Sep 17th, 2004, 06:49 AM
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Sure you can drive it in one day, but why not break it into two trips so that you have more time to NOT SIT IN YOUR CAR? Take the H1 back toward the airport and cut across the island on the beautiful H3 to reach either Kailua Beach or Lanikai Beach (which are two of the prettiest beaches in America). Then work your way around the SE corner of the island, perhaps stopping at Sea Life Park or hiking to the Makapuu Lighthouse. You will eventually get back to Honolulu and Waikiki. Alternatively go in the other direction, early, so that you can get one of the very limited parking spots at Hanauma Bay, a protected marine reserve just perfect for beginning to intermediate snorkelers. Save the long (but also beautiful) drive out to the North Shore and along the NE coastline for another day. On that trip you can stop at the extensive outlet mall off of the H2 if you want. Or spend more time beaching and hiking. For a more intimate (and cheaper) cultural experience I always prefer Waimea Falls Park over the Polynesian Cultural Center. It also happens to be across the road from one of the greatest North Shore beaches (Waimea Beach, of course), though if this is a winter trip I would recommend staying on land and just watching the crazy folks trying to surf the giant waves. In calmer months feel free to cool off in the clear water.
Sep 17th, 2004, 09:14 AM
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Excellent advice from bobludlow. We were there in July and went to the Honolulu Academy of Arts for the first time and enjoyed it very much. We had lunch there and then visited the galleries. They have a very good museum store. Bishop Museum is another possibility. A number of years ago we visited the Maritime Center near the Aloha Tower and the old merchant ship there.
While you are driving about you may enjoy a stop at the Byodi-In Temple on the Windward side of the island. It's a beautiful Buddhist Temple with lovely grounds. Touring the Iolani Palace is another recommendation. The Banyan tree on the grounds is incredible. Also on your drives you might wish to stop at the Pali and then Queen Emma's Summer Home.
I had wanted to visit Doris Duke's home, Shangri La, on our most recent trip but didn't get there. Hopefully will on a future visit.
Visits to the Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri might also be of interest to you.
Have a wonderful time. It's a beautiful place.
While you are driving about you may enjoy a stop at the Byodi-In Temple on the Windward side of the island. It's a beautiful Buddhist Temple with lovely grounds. Touring the Iolani Palace is another recommendation. The Banyan tree on the grounds is incredible. Also on your drives you might wish to stop at the Pali and then Queen Emma's Summer Home.
I had wanted to visit Doris Duke's home, Shangri La, on our most recent trip but didn't get there. Hopefully will on a future visit.
Visits to the Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri might also be of interest to you.
Have a wonderful time. It's a beautiful place.
Sep 17th, 2004, 10:16 AM
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We had no problem driving the island in one day and did not rush through anything. We stopped at the Macademian Farm, ate at the Shrimp truck, napped on the north shore beach and watched the surfers catch the big waves. Ate shaved ice in Haleiwa, stopped at the Dole plantation..all in one day! We looked at it as a journey not a destination.
Our other days on the island were spent as follows: Pearl Harbor/USS MO one morning followed by an afternoon on the beach. Another day we climbed Diamond Head and tried to do Hauauma Bay but it was already full. We surfed, enjoyed the international market place and shopping.
Enjoy your trip!
Our other days on the island were spent as follows: Pearl Harbor/USS MO one morning followed by an afternoon on the beach. Another day we climbed Diamond Head and tried to do Hauauma Bay but it was already full. We surfed, enjoyed the international market place and shopping.
Enjoy your trip!
May 15th, 2005, 08:33 AM
#5
There are also historical and architectural tours to do in Honolulu: Iolani Palace, Mission Homes, Bishop Museum, and Doris Duke ShangriLa come to mind. Also guided walking tours of Chinatown.
May 15th, 2005, 08:36 AM
#6
The Doris Duke Shangri La tours leave from the Honolulu Academy of the Arts so you can do those the same day. Shangri La is $20 (or $25?) and requires advanced reservations (google for the website). Made for a very interesting half day. You can take The Bus to Arts Academdy from Waikiki very easily.
