Oahu in February - lots of questions
Nov 15th, 2003, 06:35 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oahu in February - lots of questions
Aloha!
Some girlfriends and I are going to spend a week on the n. shore of Oahu in February. We plan to meet in Honolulu/Waikiki and are thinking of spending about 3 nights there first. Some questions...
1. Looking for cheap/moderate digs, must be clean, safe, convenient to beach (short walk preferably), would like unique/old-hawaiian type lodging if possible (no cement block rooms please). Have looked into the Breakers, Hawaiiana, Parc Hotel, and a few others (I think Outrigger or Aston hotels). Any advice on any of these picks? or should we take our chances with priceline or hotwire?
2. Should we rent a car for the first few nights in Honolulu/Waikiki? or can we get to most places on the s.shore through public trans/walking etc? and then rent a car for the second leg when we go up to the n. shore?
3. What's your best in 3 day Honolulu/Waikiki itineraries?
4. What are your suggestions for cheap but good eats and for one nice dinner in Honolulu/Waikiki?
5. Best shopping in Honolulu/Waikiki?
6. On our way to the n. shore, any spots/sights that are must sees?
7. What about that infamous shrimp truck? Where is it again?
8. Since Oahu Revealed has not been released...what travel book should we pick up?
Muchos Mahalos!
Some girlfriends and I are going to spend a week on the n. shore of Oahu in February. We plan to meet in Honolulu/Waikiki and are thinking of spending about 3 nights there first. Some questions...
1. Looking for cheap/moderate digs, must be clean, safe, convenient to beach (short walk preferably), would like unique/old-hawaiian type lodging if possible (no cement block rooms please). Have looked into the Breakers, Hawaiiana, Parc Hotel, and a few others (I think Outrigger or Aston hotels). Any advice on any of these picks? or should we take our chances with priceline or hotwire?
2. Should we rent a car for the first few nights in Honolulu/Waikiki? or can we get to most places on the s.shore through public trans/walking etc? and then rent a car for the second leg when we go up to the n. shore?
3. What's your best in 3 day Honolulu/Waikiki itineraries?
4. What are your suggestions for cheap but good eats and for one nice dinner in Honolulu/Waikiki?
5. Best shopping in Honolulu/Waikiki?
6. On our way to the n. shore, any spots/sights that are must sees?
7. What about that infamous shrimp truck? Where is it again?
8. Since Oahu Revealed has not been released...what travel book should we pick up?
Muchos Mahalos!
Nov 15th, 2003, 07:58 AM
#2
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
An inquiry like this one always puzzles me. There is no background information which gives the respondent a clue as to what might interest the inquirer (although I get that there seems to be an interest in waves and seawater.
If we can find out whether the girls are east coast or midwest, above thirty years of age/below forty, teetotalers or
mai tai addicts, etc., the lists can be developed.
For stuff like antiques, art museums,
cultural/historical walking tours, try:
[email protected]
If we can find out whether the girls are east coast or midwest, above thirty years of age/below forty, teetotalers or
mai tai addicts, etc., the lists can be developed.
For stuff like antiques, art museums,
cultural/historical walking tours, try:
[email protected]
Nov 15th, 2003, 08:40 AM
#3
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1. Breakers or Hawaiiana are the only old-Hawaiian style hotels remaining. Parc is a high-rise; ditto for Aston and Outrigger Hotels.
2. No car is needed if you're staying in Waikiki -- and the daily parking rates are climbing. Expect to pay $8 - $15 per day to park. Use The Bus for transport, and take advantage of the free Hilo Hattie and Ala Moana shuttle buses, too. You'll probably want a car for the north shore leg of your stay.
3. Too many to list! Beach, clubs, restaurants, shopping...
4. What's your budget? What kind of food do you like? This site might be of some help:
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/sp...150/index.html
5. Everything from cheap to extravagant can be found in Waikiki/Honolulu. What do you want to buy?
6. If you see something interesting, pull over and explore.
7. Windward side of O`ahu -- Kahalu`u area.
8. Ummm...how 'bout Fodors?
-- auntie maria
2. No car is needed if you're staying in Waikiki -- and the daily parking rates are climbing. Expect to pay $8 - $15 per day to park. Use The Bus for transport, and take advantage of the free Hilo Hattie and Ala Moana shuttle buses, too. You'll probably want a car for the north shore leg of your stay.
3. Too many to list! Beach, clubs, restaurants, shopping...
4. What's your budget? What kind of food do you like? This site might be of some help:
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/sp...150/index.html
5. Everything from cheap to extravagant can be found in Waikiki/Honolulu. What do you want to buy?
6. If you see something interesting, pull over and explore.
7. Windward side of O`ahu -- Kahalu`u area.
8. Ummm...how 'bout Fodors?
-- auntie maria
Nov 15th, 2003, 10:25 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
my apologies for leaving out pertinent information!
late 20's - one of us is celebrating her 3-0. ;-)
East coasters - representing Baltimore, Brooklyn and Charleston (quite the range, huh?)
combined interests include culture, music, ocean/beach, nature/hiking, possibly a little nightlife though laid back vs all-night clubbing.
mahalo for your help!
late 20's - one of us is celebrating her 3-0. ;-)
East coasters - representing Baltimore, Brooklyn and Charleston (quite the range, huh?)
combined interests include culture, music, ocean/beach, nature/hiking, possibly a little nightlife though laid back vs all-night clubbing.
mahalo for your help!
Nov 15th, 2003, 11:49 AM
#5
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The first thing you need to do is TAKE ME TOO! (HA! HA!)
I went on an all girls trip to Oahu & loved it. I would check about North Shore in February if you want to swim alot and make sure you will be able to do everything you want in the water. The wave action is big and riptides can be very dangerous during winter times at some places. We went in December and several beaches did not allow swimming due to this. However, we did get to see some great surfing at North Shore.
We stayed at "Outrigger Waikiki on The Beach". There are many outrigger locations in Waikiki, make sure you know where the hotel you choose is. The first one we had reserved had beach in it's name & was located in the middle of town. It is a highrise hotel located approx in the middle of the Waikiki cresent beach. Duke's Canoe Club is a beachfront restaurant and bar there was packed everynight 20?s to 30?s crowd. Live music sometimes and out on the beach!! The fresh seafood and drinks were great at Dukes, but we didn't like the other places to eat there. Surf lessons and catamaran rides are available on the beach just outside the hotel. Both were fun. The beach was not crowded as we had heard it would be. We stayed 4 to a room and it was ok.
Directly outside the front side of the hotel and across the street there was an open air market for shopping, as well as designer shops all up and down the street. Also, plenty of other eating establishments. We went to the mall, just the same as here, skip it. There were also a lot of smaller gift shops on the north sides of Oahu in the smaller towns. I found an awesome handmade Hawaiian dress for my 3yr old daughter.
We were able to walk from the hotel to a car rental agency so we did not have to pay to park. We should have rented a car earlier during our stay and left town sooner. The natural beauty is much greater outside of Honolulu.
Definately go see the Pearl Harbor. It really is very moving. Go early in the morning to miss the crowds. You can take a tour, but you could probably do this on your own cheaper by renting a car one day. You could do this on the day you go to the north side. A luau is cheesy but still fun and puts you in an Hawaiian mood. If you arrive early in the day it would be a good 1st evening option, but you would probably need to book it ahead. We went to Germaines. Check the price of a tour for 4 vs the price of renting a car and luau only price for 4. We hiked up Diamond Head, way harder that the book said, about 150 steps straight up at the end! Definitely take a flashlight, dark tunnels. The views at the top were spectacular and well worth the trip. We also went on hiking tour to a waterfall were you could swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls, not far from Waikiki but can?t remember the name of the falls. This is my best memory! Be sure to wear layers you can remove and take mosquito spray and old tennis shoes. The mud is very claylike. I left my shoes in Hawaii! Each tour took about ? day either morning or evening.
Our travel agent told us to go to a breakfast welcome where they offered lots of different tours. I highly suggest you have your agent book the tours you want or else skip the tours. We wasted and ENTIRE MORNING STUCK AT THIS BREAKFAST. Buy a Fodors book on Oahu, and you will know what to see and do around the island. It is very detailed and you can drive yourself to the sights. I would only take tours for hiking to waterfall or something like that.
Hope this helps!
I went on an all girls trip to Oahu & loved it. I would check about North Shore in February if you want to swim alot and make sure you will be able to do everything you want in the water. The wave action is big and riptides can be very dangerous during winter times at some places. We went in December and several beaches did not allow swimming due to this. However, we did get to see some great surfing at North Shore.
We stayed at "Outrigger Waikiki on The Beach". There are many outrigger locations in Waikiki, make sure you know where the hotel you choose is. The first one we had reserved had beach in it's name & was located in the middle of town. It is a highrise hotel located approx in the middle of the Waikiki cresent beach. Duke's Canoe Club is a beachfront restaurant and bar there was packed everynight 20?s to 30?s crowd. Live music sometimes and out on the beach!! The fresh seafood and drinks were great at Dukes, but we didn't like the other places to eat there. Surf lessons and catamaran rides are available on the beach just outside the hotel. Both were fun. The beach was not crowded as we had heard it would be. We stayed 4 to a room and it was ok.
Directly outside the front side of the hotel and across the street there was an open air market for shopping, as well as designer shops all up and down the street. Also, plenty of other eating establishments. We went to the mall, just the same as here, skip it. There were also a lot of smaller gift shops on the north sides of Oahu in the smaller towns. I found an awesome handmade Hawaiian dress for my 3yr old daughter.
We were able to walk from the hotel to a car rental agency so we did not have to pay to park. We should have rented a car earlier during our stay and left town sooner. The natural beauty is much greater outside of Honolulu.
Definately go see the Pearl Harbor. It really is very moving. Go early in the morning to miss the crowds. You can take a tour, but you could probably do this on your own cheaper by renting a car one day. You could do this on the day you go to the north side. A luau is cheesy but still fun and puts you in an Hawaiian mood. If you arrive early in the day it would be a good 1st evening option, but you would probably need to book it ahead. We went to Germaines. Check the price of a tour for 4 vs the price of renting a car and luau only price for 4. We hiked up Diamond Head, way harder that the book said, about 150 steps straight up at the end! Definitely take a flashlight, dark tunnels. The views at the top were spectacular and well worth the trip. We also went on hiking tour to a waterfall were you could swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls, not far from Waikiki but can?t remember the name of the falls. This is my best memory! Be sure to wear layers you can remove and take mosquito spray and old tennis shoes. The mud is very claylike. I left my shoes in Hawaii! Each tour took about ? day either morning or evening.
Our travel agent told us to go to a breakfast welcome where they offered lots of different tours. I highly suggest you have your agent book the tours you want or else skip the tours. We wasted and ENTIRE MORNING STUCK AT THIS BREAKFAST. Buy a Fodors book on Oahu, and you will know what to see and do around the island. It is very detailed and you can drive yourself to the sights. I would only take tours for hiking to waterfall or something like that.
Hope this helps!
Nov 15th, 2003, 12:22 PM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ski4me & bogart:
We're going to be in Oahu in February, too. Ski, how many days were you in Oahu? We are staying at the Outrigger Waikiki, too, for 10 days. I'm trying to decide if I want to spend 4days/3 nights in Kauai in the middle of our Oahu stay - I'm not sure if Oahu would keep us happy for 10 days (this trip was a gift, so we didn't participate in planning it). As a first timer to Hawaii, do you think Oahu will hold our interest, or should I book the trip to Kauai?
We're going to be in Oahu in February, too. Ski, how many days were you in Oahu? We are staying at the Outrigger Waikiki, too, for 10 days. I'm trying to decide if I want to spend 4days/3 nights in Kauai in the middle of our Oahu stay - I'm not sure if Oahu would keep us happy for 10 days (this trip was a gift, so we didn't participate in planning it). As a first timer to Hawaii, do you think Oahu will hold our interest, or should I book the trip to Kauai?
Nov 15th, 2003, 01:54 PM
#7
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you want to do some active things, swim, learn to surf, drive to north side (a must) you can definately kill 10 days without being bored. I originally wanted to go to Maui, but the single girsl were looking for nitelife so we stayed on Oahu the whole time. 2 regrets, we did not get a car until 7th day, we should have been leaving Wakiki much earlier. The minute you get around the first curve in the island past Diamond Head the views, landscape are awesome. I loved the smaller quaint Hawaiian towns, and not sure when I will get to go back. If you think you may never make it back, or it will be a long time, divide up you vacation to see another island.
More info on my trip:
1st morning wasted as noted, then went snorkling. The natives were blue I swear its true, wouldnt get in the water with us. It was misty this day, but I was not that cold in the water. Hanamauh (sp?) I think. Another tour I think 4 people could do cheaper on their own if they want to. It was fun to be with the other tourist for this tour though. 2nd day went to Pearl Harbour early. Be sure to see the mini-movie they show very informative, and displays of items from the ships. A boat takes you to the actual memorial site. Usually you are out there 15 - 20 minutes. The boat broke down so we were there over 1 1/2 hours, very funny since the US Navy (i think) runs the place. Word of caution, no restrooms on the memorial, go before boarding the boat just in case....
The waterfalls we went to were Mona I think, met a guy at top of Diamond Head offering tours there, but I'm sure you can probably find a website, or your hotel may be able to help. Very interesting hike with bamboo forest, creeks, birds, falls, the guide was very informative and talked the entire time about native/nonnative plants, fuits, customs. On the plane over we had apple banannas, little banannas that taste somewhat like a apple, they were great! Also, eat some pineapple while you are there.
Waikiki beach is nice, but the other beaches you see while driving around the island are much more beautiful. Some are safe & calm. Check web info for Northshore and Banzi Pipe line beach area for conditions in February. These areas are spectacular, didn't stay for sunset, but should have. We truly did not spend much time just laying on the beach, alot of water activities tho. I can lay on the beach at the lake at home so to me that was wasted time.
Thing I wished I had done:
Find real leis, not the cheap tourist ones. We saw a young Hawaiian man leaving on our airplane, his leis were stunning to say the least!
More hiking to interior areas
More time out of the city.
Have an awesome time. I could fit in a large suitcase....
More info on my trip:
1st morning wasted as noted, then went snorkling. The natives were blue I swear its true, wouldnt get in the water with us. It was misty this day, but I was not that cold in the water. Hanamauh (sp?) I think. Another tour I think 4 people could do cheaper on their own if they want to. It was fun to be with the other tourist for this tour though. 2nd day went to Pearl Harbour early. Be sure to see the mini-movie they show very informative, and displays of items from the ships. A boat takes you to the actual memorial site. Usually you are out there 15 - 20 minutes. The boat broke down so we were there over 1 1/2 hours, very funny since the US Navy (i think) runs the place. Word of caution, no restrooms on the memorial, go before boarding the boat just in case....
The waterfalls we went to were Mona I think, met a guy at top of Diamond Head offering tours there, but I'm sure you can probably find a website, or your hotel may be able to help. Very interesting hike with bamboo forest, creeks, birds, falls, the guide was very informative and talked the entire time about native/nonnative plants, fuits, customs. On the plane over we had apple banannas, little banannas that taste somewhat like a apple, they were great! Also, eat some pineapple while you are there.
Waikiki beach is nice, but the other beaches you see while driving around the island are much more beautiful. Some are safe & calm. Check web info for Northshore and Banzi Pipe line beach area for conditions in February. These areas are spectacular, didn't stay for sunset, but should have. We truly did not spend much time just laying on the beach, alot of water activities tho. I can lay on the beach at the lake at home so to me that was wasted time.
Thing I wished I had done:
Find real leis, not the cheap tourist ones. We saw a young Hawaiian man leaving on our airplane, his leis were stunning to say the least!
More hiking to interior areas
More time out of the city.
Have an awesome time. I could fit in a large suitcase....
Nov 15th, 2003, 01:58 PM
#8
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you want a very expensive but good celebration dinner, I'd recommend La Mer in the Halekulanai(?) hotel. My children really like Cheeseburgers in Paradise. We stayed three nights in Honolulu at the Princess Kailuliani (?) a Sheraton hotel. Walking distance to the beach and not too expensive at least when we were there. Definitely see Pearl Harbor, USS Missouri and USS Bowfin - its one of those experiences that is hard to explain to anyone who hasn't been there. You can also do some really good snorkeling if you like at Haunama Bay but will need a car or take a tour. Tons of little places to eat - some local but of course you'll also see Denny's, MacDonalds, Burger King, Hard Rock,etc.
Nov 15th, 2003, 02:56 PM
#9
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aloha Bogart,
I've heard great reports about Breakers and Hawaiiana. They would be the most moderately priced "old Hawaii" type hotels near the beach in Waikiki.
Pick up Richard Sullivan's Driving & Discovering Hawaii, Oahu Honolulu & Waikiki (discoveringhawaii.com). Great guide book complete w/ superb photos.
Where are you staying on the north shore?? We are headed there in March/April. Last year we found Ke Iki BB to be wonderful... and thoroughly enjoyed the surfing competitions during our 7 days there.
Ski4me: One of the highlights of Waikiki for me last year was DH took me to Chinatown in search of the "perfect" lei. We skipped the lei greeting at the airport, and this was a lovely morning... it was my birthday, and we walked up & down Maunakea St. popping into the different floral shops, talking with the ladies stringing the leis. The coolers are jamming w/ every type of flower leis you could dream of.
I chose a twisted double lei w/ Pikake flowers & tiny orange buds. The fragrance was glorious!!
We also stopped in a fabric shop & I bought about 6 two yard pieces of fabric for wrapping Christmas gifts (we were there late Nov.). My friends loved the fabrics!
Don't miss Chinatown... much to see. And you must take advantage of the fresh produce. You don't need to take a tour in order to enjoy this.
Stillbrowns: Trust me, you won't be able to do everything you want to in 10 days on Oahu. I could take a month and still not do it all! Don't forget that 2 full days are travel... unwind, stay put and enjoy all of Oahu... if you jump over to Kauai, I fear you won't experience the best of both... you really need some time to experience the flavor of each island. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Kauai (Oahu TOO!), but 3 days will leave you wanting. Save Kauai for another 7-10 day trip... you won't be disappointed w/ Oahu
. If you feel the need to stay somewhere other than Waikiki, what about booking 2-3 nights on the north shore... my choice,
keikibeach.com. Whatever you decide much aloha!
I've heard great reports about Breakers and Hawaiiana. They would be the most moderately priced "old Hawaii" type hotels near the beach in Waikiki.
Pick up Richard Sullivan's Driving & Discovering Hawaii, Oahu Honolulu & Waikiki (discoveringhawaii.com). Great guide book complete w/ superb photos.
Where are you staying on the north shore?? We are headed there in March/April. Last year we found Ke Iki BB to be wonderful... and thoroughly enjoyed the surfing competitions during our 7 days there.
Ski4me: One of the highlights of Waikiki for me last year was DH took me to Chinatown in search of the "perfect" lei. We skipped the lei greeting at the airport, and this was a lovely morning... it was my birthday, and we walked up & down Maunakea St. popping into the different floral shops, talking with the ladies stringing the leis. The coolers are jamming w/ every type of flower leis you could dream of.
I chose a twisted double lei w/ Pikake flowers & tiny orange buds. The fragrance was glorious!!
We also stopped in a fabric shop & I bought about 6 two yard pieces of fabric for wrapping Christmas gifts (we were there late Nov.). My friends loved the fabrics!
Don't miss Chinatown... much to see. And you must take advantage of the fresh produce. You don't need to take a tour in order to enjoy this.
Stillbrowns: Trust me, you won't be able to do everything you want to in 10 days on Oahu. I could take a month and still not do it all! Don't forget that 2 full days are travel... unwind, stay put and enjoy all of Oahu... if you jump over to Kauai, I fear you won't experience the best of both... you really need some time to experience the flavor of each island. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Kauai (Oahu TOO!), but 3 days will leave you wanting. Save Kauai for another 7-10 day trip... you won't be disappointed w/ Oahu
. If you feel the need to stay somewhere other than Waikiki, what about booking 2-3 nights on the north shore... my choice,keikibeach.com. Whatever you decide much aloha!
Nov 15th, 2003, 04:12 PM
#10
lots of good suggestions above. Two corrections though..there is no need for flashlights climibing Diamond Head...They installed lights last month! Also the falls ski4me mentions are Manoa falls.
Nov 15th, 2003, 04:41 PM
#11
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband thanks all of you. I have been TORMENTING him for weeks over this decision. Up until 15 minutes ago, I said I was going to book the Kauai trip. You've all changed my mind, though. I was very worried that we would get restless in Oahu, after hearing you all say I won't, I'm going to "stay put" as you've suggested. Thanks!!!
Nov 16th, 2003, 05:21 AM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ski4me - you are too cute!
thanks for all the great suggestions ski4me, makai1 et al...I'm going to sit back this morning with my cup of coffee and process all of this.
This is a first time trip to Hawaii for my friends. I spent 10 days in Maui and Kauai with my husband last May and it was incredible! I can't wait to experience Oahu. We are actually going to participate in a surf camp on the n. shore from Mon-Sat.
Once I dig through all the good stuff here I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. Mahalo!
thanks for all the great suggestions ski4me, makai1 et al...I'm going to sit back this morning with my cup of coffee and process all of this.
This is a first time trip to Hawaii for my friends. I spent 10 days in Maui and Kauai with my husband last May and it was incredible! I can't wait to experience Oahu. We are actually going to participate in a surf camp on the n. shore from Mon-Sat.
Once I dig through all the good stuff here I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. Mahalo!
Nov 17th, 2003, 10:08 AM
#13
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't know if Baltimore and Chareston have Chinatowns.
Chinatown in Honolulu is the oldest (and at one time the largest)Asian settlement in the country.
Flower lei, inespensive souveniers, fabric, food. Chinese Chamber of Commerce has guided walking tour at 9:30 Tuesday morning, $5/head, tel. 531-8111. Chinese Culinary Arts Society has similar tour on Thursday 9 am, $7.50/head, $10/head with dim sum lunch.
Your group size may do better with the second tour, email [email protected] or [email protected]
Chinatown in Honolulu is the oldest (and at one time the largest)Asian settlement in the country.
Flower lei, inespensive souveniers, fabric, food. Chinese Chamber of Commerce has guided walking tour at 9:30 Tuesday morning, $5/head, tel. 531-8111. Chinese Culinary Arts Society has similar tour on Thursday 9 am, $7.50/head, $10/head with dim sum lunch.
Your group size may do better with the second tour, email [email protected] or [email protected]
Nov 17th, 2003, 10:17 AM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes! would love to check out Chinatown. My friends will not be joining me until Friday, we leave for the n. shore on Sunday so we'll miss the tours.
Any advice/suggestions for tackling Chinatown on our own?
Any advice/suggestions for tackling Chinatown on our own?
Nov 17th, 2003, 01:18 PM
#15
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aloha bogart,
I took most of my "tips" on Chinatown from the R. Sullivan book, Driving & Discovering Hawaii, Oahu. Very informative & great map layout.
We parked our Jeep and just started walking up Maunakea St. - this is where all of the lei shops are. You'll find yourself all over Chinatown before you know it. Plan to spend some time there.
I loved every minute there... enjoy & aloha!!
I took most of my "tips" on Chinatown from the R. Sullivan book, Driving & Discovering Hawaii, Oahu. Very informative & great map layout.
We parked our Jeep and just started walking up Maunakea St. - this is where all of the lei shops are. You'll find yourself all over Chinatown before you know it. Plan to spend some time there.
I loved every minute there... enjoy & aloha!!
Nov 18th, 2003, 02:56 PM
#17
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd suggest the Hawaiiana Hotel - as referred to previously - it is a great, older property and gives you the feel of Old Hawaii. It's a low rise with beautiful gardens, two pools, plumeria trees and a great, friendly staff. The rooms are not luxurious by any means, but clean and well-maintained. The rates are very reasonable. It is located on Beachwalk - 1/2 block from Kalakaua (the main drag, so to speak) and 1 block from the beach. There are numerous restaurants, other hotels and shops all around the hotel. You can catch The Bus right out of the back gate.
I stayed there for two weeks this summer and am chomping at the bit to get back again! I loved this hotel and will stay there on all future trips to Honolulu.
Be sure to go to Boots & Kimo's in Kailua for the best macadamia pancakes on the island. And stop in at Duke's on the beach for some yummy drinks and food, not to mention atmosphere.
I'm SO jealous - you girls will have so much fun!
I stayed there for two weeks this summer and am chomping at the bit to get back again! I loved this hotel and will stay there on all future trips to Honolulu.
Be sure to go to Boots & Kimo's in Kailua for the best macadamia pancakes on the island. And stop in at Duke's on the beach for some yummy drinks and food, not to mention atmosphere.
I'm SO jealous - you girls will have so much fun!
