wtggirl

I am renting a car for 3 days of my 7 in Oahu. I chose Thrifty car rental because their prices were the best. I am picking up the car mid-way through my stay and returning the day of my flight home. Is the best way to get to the airport by bus? I don't think Thrifty offers a shuttle.

Second, I have seen a few posts about what to do on the island and North Shore for my days with a car. But, I am confused. Is there anyone that can give me their very favorite highlights of island sights OR even a full day itinerary for circle island trip? I will already be seeing Hanauma Bay on a day without the car and also Polynesian Cultural Center on another day. I am interested in North Shore, windward beaches and any great restaurants. Thanks!

islandmom

I would never want to take the bus to the airport. Too long of a ride and too much luggage. From Waikiki take a taxi for about $20.

Drive the island counter-clockwise. I would pick up from Hanauma and go from there. Bellows, Lani Kai, Kailua, Kaneohe, Laei, Turtle Bay, Sunset Beach, Waimea, Haliewa.

kpatric

The cheapest way to get to the airport is by bus. It is also the longest. You can, however, go there relatively cheaply by taking a van. You can find these companies in the tourist publications found all over Waikiki. Many companies also have discount coupons in these magazines.

Mary2Go

Thrifty has a shuttle, just took it a week ago!

Mary2Go

Posted too soon. My husband I love the North Shore. On the way stop at Kailua beach. It is a great swimming beach and it isn't crowded. See http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/beache...beach_park.htm for pictures. Stop at a shrimp truck for a snack and Matsumotos for a shave ice. If you want to try a different restaurant in Waikiki try Okonomiyaki Chibo in the Royal Hawaiin Shopping Center. It's like being in Japan. Okonomiyaki is like Japanese quiche/pizza. It is a fun, delicious experience.

crys

If you have a car, don't miss taking a drive up the Tantalus. Spectacular views--IMHO, the best on the island.

wtggirl

Thanks! Mary2go, where did the shuttle pick you up? I was told only from the cruise pier or a couple scheduled places. I will call them again. My thought is to go to China Town on that afternoon and then from there go to the airport in the evening to pick up the car. Also, sorry to ask a stupid question crys, but what is the Tantalus? Thanks for all the idea, I will use some of them!

Postal

Make sure you have ice cream at the bottom of your shave ice from Matusumoto's in Haleiwa - be sure not to take the bypass coming from the east or you'll miss the town.

I think Polynesian Culture Center is the biggest rip-off by far in the entire state of Hawaii. Just my opinion, but I lived on Oahu for three years.

Visit the Byodo-in Temple in Kaneohe, next to the town of Kailua. To find the Round Top-Tantalus route, look at any map of Honolulu and you'll see the road start up around Punchbowl Cemetery. Punchbowl has a lovely view too.

Mary2Go

The shuttle picked us up outside of the baggage claim area. You might want to call them when you get your bags, we stood there waiting for about 30 minutes before they showed up. I also agree that the Byodo-in Temple in Kaneohe is a beautiful place to stop and the Polynesian cultural center is a tourist trap. I am not sure when you are going but if it is during the winter months and the big waves are around you will want to stop at a North Shore beach to see that too. I have also done the Dole Plantation and found it interesting. Oahu is a beautiful island, I am sure you will enjoy the trip!

wtggirl

Mary2go....hawaiiweb.com is a great website- everyone should check it out! Also, I am needing shuttle TO the airport from Waikiki to pick up the car mid stay- that is my problem.
Thanks for so many great ideas. I am going to copy this thread and will use it along with my guide books.

crys

The Tantalus is a road that winds up the mountain through a rain forest that you pick up near the university. At various points as you wind along, spectacular views on Honolulu, Diamond Head and various other parts of the island are revealed to you, often peaking out between homes (if my dream ever comes true, and I move to Hawaii, I want to live on the Tantalus). There is a state park near the top where you can park and drink in the view. It's particularly lovely at sunset. It amazes me how few people know about this area, but it's mentioned in the new Oahu Revealed book, so it might start seeing some serious tourist traffic soon.