We were all set to make our year-in-advance reservation for the military hotel in Oahu, when a trusted friend returned from HI to say it was disappointing. I realized that almost no one I've talked to who has been to HI has been particularly impressed. I know that Waikiki is insanely commercialized, but I thought there was enough to see on Oahu to warrant a visit. Should I go to Costa Rica or Belize instead?

I know I'm not a Hawaii lover either ... I much prefer Mexico, either Puerto Vallarta or the Riviera Maya.
However, I've only been to Maui.
That said, it seems to me many people just love Hawaii. I found it a bit sterile, and very expensive, although the beaches were pretty good.

I always thought I hated Hawaii... until I finally went there that is! I had in my mind it couldn't top Mexico.

But I LOVE it. Have been to Maui once, and Honolulu/Waikiki twice in the past few years.

You just can't compare the two places. I don't think it's fair to try.

Personally I enjoy Waikiki. For the same reason I like Puerto Vallarta, often traveling solo, I appreciate there is so much to see and do and you can easily get around without a car.

There's plenty of local culture in both places if you just get take a minute and step off the well-trounced tourist trail. People are different Mexico to Hawaii but I found locals in both places friendly and welcoming to me.

Thanks Suze. I think we will give it a shot next year. I just can't believe I won't be able to dig up some remnants of culture. I just want to temper my expectations.

part of it for me is that I really like to get away from the US to feel like I've really travelled. Mexico gives me that "exotic" feeling even though its close to home.And Hawaii feels so much like California, my home state to me, even though it's different, topographically, of course.
Maybe I'd like Waikikki better than Maui...

If you only go to Waikiki when visiting Hawaii and staying at your resort the entire time, then yes, go to Mexico and save your money. Waikiki is the commercialized section of the island of Oahu and is not representative of all the beauty Hawaii can offer. It'd be like visiting Brooklyn and saying you were not impressed with New York City.
Seriously, if you go to Hawaii, rent a car and drive around Oahu and explore, you'll find better beaches outside of Waikiki. Better yet, extend your stay and visit one of the other islands as well.
Best of luck wherever you go!

I stay at a low-rise off-the-beach hotel with loads of Hawaiian flavor. I walk or take The Bus around. I enjoyed a tour of ShangriLa estate and the Honolulu Academy of the Arts very much. The most touristy thing I did was watching the free public Hawaiian dance and music show and the guy running down the main boulevard lighting the torches at sunset.

Next trip I want to see Bishop Museum, Iolani Place and Chinatown. I often shop at the grocery store and picnic on the beach.

frankie, it does remind me a bit of southern California in the 50's (when and where I grew up so that's not a bad thing to me).

that's interesting, Suze! Since I live here now, I want to get far away from southern Cal. when I travel, lol. (I live in so. cal. by necessity, not choice!) Maybe that has something to do with my underwhelmedness!

We just returned from 6 weeks in Honolulu and enjoyed every day. We got a pass for The Bus and used it for almost all of our travel around the island from Waikiki to obsure beaches to China Town.

When people return from Oahu saying they were dissapointed I am surprised.

What's the saying "Only boring people get bored"!

Dave

Suze: We loved the Iolani Palace. We went on a Friday afternoon, so the Royal Band was playing outside. Docents lead the tour as if the Royal family was away for the day and we are just looking in.

MY

Dave--is The Bus a special bus or just the regular transit system. What were some of the highlights of your trip?

"The Bus" is the name of the public transportation system on Oahu; google for their website w/ schedules.