Samsaf

We've been to Hawaii several times. Of the 4 main islands, Oahu is the one where we have spent the least amount of time. When we were on Oahu w stayed at the Marriott on the southwest side. We like to really get to know an area when we travel. Our last trip to Hawaii was a 10-night trip to the Big Island. We like to snorkel and hike, although I've been sick and have not been able to do as many physically demanding activities the past couple of years. We like going to restaurants in the evenings, but we're not really interested in a lot of nightlife. Our idea of nightlife in Hawaii is walking on the beach and looking at the stars.

We have enough Hilton points to stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village free for 8 nights. We're thinking about going in late April. The choice was between there and he Hilton on the Big Island.

Is the Hilton Hawaiian Village within walking distance of most restaurants, shops, etc.?

We plan to do a lot of relaxing on the beach and at the pools. We will get a car for a couple of days and go to the North Shore, Hanauma Bay, the volcano crater, and maybe some other places. For the rest of the time we plan to walk most places.

Any recommendations for good restaurants and activities? Thanks!

Tomsd

You have plenty of restaurants and shops in and around the Hilton Hawaiian Village area. And over by the Outrigger - on the little side streets - there are also shops and the International Marketplace is not that far down Kalakauh avenue.

Will have to think about places to eat - but there is a good old time local/coffee house restaurant by the entrance to the HHV - with good Wonton soup- the Wailana Coffee House - http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/37/41235...House-Honolulu - and there used to be a good Thai place across the street, and there are any number of places further down in Waikiki.

Samsaf

Thanks, Tomsd!

MomDDTravel

Hi Samsaf - so glad you are taking this trip! I call Hawaii my happy place... I know we share the same faith so I will be bold enough to say here it is where I look around and see God's creation and beauty SO much and am at peace. I pray you have the same type of a trip.

Now, onto the good stuff... when you rent your car - and drive up to the North Shore - you must stop here... I promise I am not a road side gal as you may have gathered by now...but this place is so amazing we went twice! I wish I could have some right about now

http://www.shrimpshackoahu.com/Shrimp_Shack%21.html

Also, as you are going up, be sure to stop here

http://www.turtles.org/laniakea.htm

I LOVE the turtles and have gone a few times.

If you want a special dinner, expensive but special this comes highly recommended:

http://www.alanwongs.com/

My husband and I went in Oct of 2009 on a trip right after my cancer dx and while I was impressed for ME it was not worth the money but everyone else truly loves it and raves about it. I am not a foodie so maybe that was the issue? I liked Roys just as much and think we spent 1/2 the money?

You MUST go to Boots and Kimo's for breakfast and order their famous macadamia nut pancakes... worth the wait! It is located at Boots & Kimo's Homestyle Kitchen
151 Hekili Street, Kailua, HI 96734. If you are up for kayaking (and your husband can do most of the work) I highly recommend having breakfast at boots and kimo's and heading over to kayak with http://www.kailuasailboards.com/ Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks. SF from this board recommended it and we loved it the beach is truly one of the most beautiful in the wold imo and there is shade to get out of the sun (on the beach). We love it there.

Lcuy and a few others and I had a gtg on my trip in 09 and they are lovely wonderful fodorites. Lcuy shares some of your journey and I know you would highly enjoy her company - she is a true gem.

Have a WONDERFUL time,
Dawn

Samsaf

Thanks, Dawn! And you are so right about looking around and seeing God's creation!

iceeu2

Samsaf, cafegoddess has a restaurant on Oahu. From what I understand, she make THE best coconut syrup for her pancakes. Enjoy yourself....Aloha!

suze

I love central Waikiki and spend entire vacations there myself.

HHV sits a little bit to the outer edge of central Waikiki but yes there are loads of great restaurants you can walk to (say in 10-15 mins). Also you're closer to the Ala Moana (beach, park, shopping mall) end of things which can be convenient too.

There's a "shrimp truck" right in Waikiki parked on Kuhio called Blue Water that's great.

My favorite restaurant is a simply patio along-the-sidewalk place called ME Korean BBQ at the Royal Grove hotel. It's casual, cheap, and has great fresh food ($5 breakfasts, $8 lunch/dinner).

I also like the food courts (IMP, Ala Moana, Royal Hawaiian shopping center) where you can walk around and look at the various vendors. Again I find these cheap, casual, and pretty darn good food.

The brunch at Shorebird at the Outrigger Reef hotel is very nice. That restaurant has the nicest feel, directly on the sand, open air, stunning ocean view. I think the buffet was $12.95 pp (you can find coupons for it) and had a good variety.

If you want a high-end dinner one night, take a taxi down to the other end to Hau Tree Lanai at the New Otani hotel. You can look at their website to see the setup. They have tables on a courtyard literally on the beach. The bar there is wonderful too, if you just wanted to stop in for a drink and the view/ambience.

sf7307

Yes, kayaking in Kailua - we had a wonderful day. We even drove from there through the middle of the island and had a late lunch in Haleiwa that day. I want to go back!!

Samsaf

Thanks for the info! I really appreciate it!

iceeu2

Yo....samsaf....don't tell anyone, but cafegoddess is a con-ser-va-tive!!!!!!

Samsaf

We just booked our tickets!!!!!