klehoover

Okay, nothing like procrastinating, but I just found this message board, and have found so much great info! Still a few questions, though, so hope someone can help us out before we leave! We're celebrating our 25th anniversary, staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, arriving late Sat. & leaving very late Fri. We have a few priorities, such as a whale watching trip, snorkeling, and enjoying some beach time. I've looked at some trips through hawaiitravelnetwork.com, and we think the North Shore Waterfall Hike & Snorkeling Adventure sounds pretty cool -- has anyone done this tour? Should we book it & a whale watching trip in advance, or is it okay to wait til we get there? Has anyone used Hawaii Travel Network to book reservations? We're also planning at least one luau, but don't know if we want to commit to a long day at the Polynesian Cultural Center -- we thought Germaine's sounded fun & interesting -- what are your opinions? We're torn between completely planning our week, and just "winging it", but want to do the "must-sees" without being exhausted at the end of our vacation! Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

dusty56438

Even if you don't spend the entire day at Polynesian Cultural Center, you can still get the Ali'i Luau Package and just go there before 5pm.

'Horizons' (7:30) is the best Polynesian show in all of Hawaii.

The Ali'i Luau (5pm) is average food & average show. It is indoors. There are no games at this luau. PCC has more games that any other luau, but they are scattered throughout the park in the villages.

Just comparing luaus, Germaine's or Paradise Cove are better than the Ali'i Luau at PCC. Their shows and food are better than Ali'i Luau. But, when you add 'Horizons' to the Ali'i Luau, PCC is much better.

Lots of info & websites:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34696831

klehoover

Thanks for your help re: the luaus & PCC -- definitely good information!

Does anyone have any recommendations re: pre-booking trips, especially through Hawaii Travel Network? Would also appreciate any recommendations for whale watching, i.e. if there's a particularly good company to go through. Thanks -- can't believe we leave in a week & a half!!!

antlori

We really enjoyed Germaine's Luau. The entertainment was great. Beware, though, the drinks are very strong! We didn't have much fun at the Polynesian Cultural Center but we were there on a very rainy day and a lot of the activities were cancelled. I do agree that the Horizons show is very good. We waited until we got there to book most things. The only thing we booked ahead was Blue Hawaii The Show as it was New Year's Eve and we really wanted to go to this show for my sister's birthday (she's a big Elvis fan).

klehoover

ttt

suze

I'm not much of a pre-planner myself. Once you are in Waikiki you will find loads of information from stands along the sidewalk with magazines like "101 Things To Do", at your resort front desk, from talking to other people about what they are doing/have done.

Unless you are absolutely set on a particular activity, I would wait until I arrived to figure out what you want to do. That's just me, and know this advice is coming from someone who considers 2 planned activities plenty for an 8 day stay!

bonniebroad

klehoover, I would definitely see "Horizon's* at PCC, with or without the luau. I don't find the rest of the Center that interesting for adults, but that evening show is fabulous.

I would let my HHV concierge book a whale-watching trip after I got there. If you want to see Pearl Harbor, I would take the earliest shuttle:
http://www.viptrans.com/services/pearl.htm

from my hotel, let them drop you back there. You'll be back to your hotel well before lunch, and won't have to worry about parking or traffic.

Have a wonderful anniversary trip!

dusty56438

Whale watching cruises on Oahu are not that reliable for seeing whales. No need to book in advance. Wait until you get there and use the coupons in the brochures as suze mentioned.

Lots of info:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34696831

klehoover

Thanks so much for the great advice -- we sometimes have a tendency to overplan, but definitely want to do plenty of relaxing! I know we'll be jetlagged the 1st day (i.e. wake up early and be wiped out by afternoon), so will probably do something early (hike up Diamond Head?) and spend the rest of the day in a shady spot by the pool or beach, looking into our options!

One more question -- a friend recommended we take one day to pack a cooler and go to a less-busy beach, just to relax (and maybe snorkel?) Any suggestions?

Thanks again -- I recognize your names from your many great posts -- you've been awesomely helpful!