1st time in oahu & BI...tips???
Jul 11th, 2006, 05:49 AM
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1st time in oahu & BI...tips???
Going to the BI for 15 days/oahu for 8 days in mid-Aug.Only been to Maui 3 years ago. Any travel tips on restaurants/nightlife? Also would like tips on any of the swimming w/dolphin excursions!
Jul 11th, 2006, 06:36 AM
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I've never visited Oahu but to start the discussion, with 15 days on the Big Island (I'm insanely jealous, by the way)- I would stay part of the time on the west side (south Kona, Kailua town, Kohala, beaches) and part on the east side (VNP, Hilo, Puna, tide pools, hot springs). Depending on exactly where you stay, you could explore the Waimea (Parker ranch) Honokaa (Waipio Valley) from either or you could stay in that area.
Restaurants my husband and I have enjoyed. Ke'ei Cafe in south Kona, Merriman's and Daniel Thiebaut in Waimea, Restaurant Kaikodo in Hilo (though it may be closed now), Paolos in Pahoa, Lava Rock Cafe in Volcano and Bamboo Restaurant in Hawi. (We usually have a house or cottage with a kitchen so I cook quite a few meals--it's cheaper and I enjoy shopping the farmer's markets, etc.) Someone else will have to help you with BI nightlife--my impression is that there isn't much.
Restaurants my husband and I have enjoyed. Ke'ei Cafe in south Kona, Merriman's and Daniel Thiebaut in Waimea, Restaurant Kaikodo in Hilo (though it may be closed now), Paolos in Pahoa, Lava Rock Cafe in Volcano and Bamboo Restaurant in Hawi. (We usually have a house or cottage with a kitchen so I cook quite a few meals--it's cheaper and I enjoy shopping the farmer's markets, etc.) Someone else will have to help you with BI nightlife--my impression is that there isn't much.
Jul 11th, 2006, 09:32 AM
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Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island is known for its (native) spinner dolphins. I'd suggest snorkeling or kayaking there and see if you get a real-life dolphin encounter before you decide whether or not to pay the crazy prices ($100++) at the Hilton Waikoloa (BI) or Sea Life Park (Oahu) for a "dolphin experience." Hope that helps!
Jul 11th, 2006, 04:13 PM
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NWKibby,
There isn’t much nightlife on the Big Island, but there is abundance on Oahu. I suggest utilizing the time on the BI as Marty suggested, split time between East and West Hawaii.
For restaurant reviews check out konaforum.com, but quick suggestions for the BI are:
Daniel Thiebaults and Merrimans in Waimea
Pahui’a at the Four Seasons Hualalai
For local style food:
Big Island Grill in Kailua-Kona
Hawaiian Style Café in Waimea
Noris, Don’s, Kuhio Grille in Hilo
As for dolphins:
Please do NOT take any tour or boat operation that promises to swim with dolphins in the wild. They are responsible for the sharp reduction in the number of dolphins in the waters off the Hawaiian Islands. There is NO activity that can be done in the wild that involves boats chasing dolphins that is good for the animal. This added stress on the wild spinner dolphins have decreased their numbers, caused these magnificent animals to die, or to be forced to move to less inhabited NW Hawaiian Islands. These animals should be protected, not chased and pursued by boats so tourists can “swim” with dolphins in Hawaii. Please consider the impact of your actions before deciding to partake in this. Also, finally there are new regulations being considered to increase the protection of these animals, since chasing them in boats is considered “taking” them, as much as harpooning them under law. If you MUST do this, do it with Dolphin Quest or other ones in captivity.
There are boat operators, such as Dolphin Discoveries that will take you snorkeling and you might get to see dolphins or whales, but they have small rigid hull inflatable’s and try to keep their distance.
Good luck and happy travels!
There isn’t much nightlife on the Big Island, but there is abundance on Oahu. I suggest utilizing the time on the BI as Marty suggested, split time between East and West Hawaii.
For restaurant reviews check out konaforum.com, but quick suggestions for the BI are:
Daniel Thiebaults and Merrimans in Waimea
Pahui’a at the Four Seasons Hualalai
For local style food:
Big Island Grill in Kailua-Kona
Hawaiian Style Café in Waimea
Noris, Don’s, Kuhio Grille in Hilo
As for dolphins:
Please do NOT take any tour or boat operation that promises to swim with dolphins in the wild. They are responsible for the sharp reduction in the number of dolphins in the waters off the Hawaiian Islands. There is NO activity that can be done in the wild that involves boats chasing dolphins that is good for the animal. This added stress on the wild spinner dolphins have decreased their numbers, caused these magnificent animals to die, or to be forced to move to less inhabited NW Hawaiian Islands. These animals should be protected, not chased and pursued by boats so tourists can “swim” with dolphins in Hawaii. Please consider the impact of your actions before deciding to partake in this. Also, finally there are new regulations being considered to increase the protection of these animals, since chasing them in boats is considered “taking” them, as much as harpooning them under law. If you MUST do this, do it with Dolphin Quest or other ones in captivity.
There are boat operators, such as Dolphin Discoveries that will take you snorkeling and you might get to see dolphins or whales, but they have small rigid hull inflatable’s and try to keep their distance.
Good luck and happy travels!
Jul 11th, 2006, 04:53 PM
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My children loved the dolphin quest at the Hilton, and will never forget it. There are 2 Merriman restaurants, a casual one, and the fancy one in Waimea. The Waimea one is supposed to be terrific, and you should find many reviews with a quick search, but my family and I LOVED the casual one. A very laid back, delicious, fantastic evening. We ate outside twice, had great service, and they have a little gelato cart outside.
The VNP is a must, of course, and I would be sure to spend a day at Hapuna Beach. You can also visit the black sand beach on the way to or from the volcano.
if you haven't already, pick up a copy of Hawaii the Big Island Revealed, with so many days there (also jealous), they have so many options to choose from. Have a great trip.
The VNP is a must, of course, and I would be sure to spend a day at Hapuna Beach. You can also visit the black sand beach on the way to or from the volcano.
if you haven't already, pick up a copy of Hawaii the Big Island Revealed, with so many days there (also jealous), they have so many options to choose from. Have a great trip.
Jul 11th, 2006, 05:11 PM
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In light of echolynch's post, and just to clarify -- I wasn't suggesting "chasing" the dolphins in boats. (Echolynch -- you may have been speaking generally, but I just wanted to clarify that that's NOT what I was suggesting!) That's why I suggested kayaking or snorkeling -- you have the opportunity to possibly see the dolphins in their natural habitat. But obviously if you choose to go this route, you should respect the dolphins -- give them space, don't approach them, etc. I personally chose kayaking in this area not to "chase" the dolphins but because I'd rather see a wild dolphin from several hundred yards away than pay $150 to stand in line and pet a captive dolphin. Then again, if you're traveling with kids, the more controlled environment of a hotel or water park would probably be far preferable.
Hope that clears up my previous post a bit.
Hope that clears up my previous post a bit.
Jul 11th, 2006, 05:54 PM
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matnikstym mentioned Roy's, which is great. And though I've only spent a couple days in Oahu, Dukes is a famous place right on the beach in Waikiki, we've had nice dinners and breakfasts there, and it is a great place to have a Lava Flow and watch the sun go down.
Jul 11th, 2006, 07:18 PM
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Just returned from BI (see my Maui, BI, waikiki report). We loved the Fair Winds snorkel cruise (they have a webite) Great snorkeling and fun boat trip! Cafe Pesto was excellent. Also, at the Fairmont Browns Beach House is outdoor lit up with Tiki torches, etc. We had reservations there but changed them to The Grill inside (fins dining - Very good) b/c it was SOO windy that night - stuff was blowing off the tables. In Waikiki we had a great B-fast at Hula Grill , Above Dukes.
Jul 12th, 2006, 04:35 PM
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Karameli,
Thanks, it is good to know. It breaks my heart when I go back home and there are no dolphins in Kealakekua Bay, I never thought I would see the day where I could spend a day in West Hawaii and not see spinners. <sigh>
BTW – someone suggested the “revealed” book and I know I will get lambasted for saying this, but I NEVER recommend that book. The complete disregard of aloha aina displayed in that book is frightening. People can and do get hurt following advice in that book and the author isn’t even able to show his face on TV in Hawaii when one of the local stations interviewed him on the environmental and personal impact his books have had on the Islands. There are some things useful in it, but the offensive nature of the tone towards locals and culture really bothered me, as did of course his repeated recommendations to cross private property to access locales described in the book. My $.02 is all.
Good luck and happy travels!
Thanks, it is good to know. It breaks my heart when I go back home and there are no dolphins in Kealakekua Bay, I never thought I would see the day where I could spend a day in West Hawaii and not see spinners. <sigh>
BTW – someone suggested the “revealed” book and I know I will get lambasted for saying this, but I NEVER recommend that book. The complete disregard of aloha aina displayed in that book is frightening. People can and do get hurt following advice in that book and the author isn’t even able to show his face on TV in Hawaii when one of the local stations interviewed him on the environmental and personal impact his books have had on the Islands. There are some things useful in it, but the offensive nature of the tone towards locals and culture really bothered me, as did of course his repeated recommendations to cross private property to access locales described in the book. My $.02 is all.
Good luck and happy travels!
Jul 14th, 2006, 10:11 PM
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Here were our family's highlights...
OAHU:
Kayaking to the little island off of Lanikai Beach
Visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial
Having Maitais at the Moana Surfrider
Horseback riding at the Hilton Turtle Bay
Jumping off the big rock at Waimea Beach
Visiting the Byodo-In Temple
Golfing
Renting a house on the beach in Kailua
Big Island:
Driving down the Chain of Craters Road at Volcano Natl Park
Driving along the "green" side of the island
Golfing in Mauna Lani
Snorkeling at the Orchid Hotel
Fish tacos at Senor Frogs at Hapuna Beach
**Our kids loved the Dolphin Experience at the Hilton Waikola, but we were so glad we did not stay there. That hotel is MOBBED with families and screaming children -- forget taking a nap by the pool, and there's no beach.
**We also took the Fair Winds snorkeling cruise to Kealakakua Bay and had fun, especially with the diving boards off the boat. While we did see dolphins during our boat ride TO the bay, we did not see any dolphins in the cove. And truly, the snorkelling was better and the water was warmer right in front of our hotel, which we adored, the Fairmont Orchid.
We really didn't want to leave this place.
OAHU:
Kayaking to the little island off of Lanikai Beach
Visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial
Having Maitais at the Moana Surfrider
Horseback riding at the Hilton Turtle Bay
Jumping off the big rock at Waimea Beach
Visiting the Byodo-In Temple
Golfing
Renting a house on the beach in Kailua
Big Island:
Driving down the Chain of Craters Road at Volcano Natl Park
Driving along the "green" side of the island
Golfing in Mauna Lani
Snorkeling at the Orchid Hotel
Fish tacos at Senor Frogs at Hapuna Beach
**Our kids loved the Dolphin Experience at the Hilton Waikola, but we were so glad we did not stay there. That hotel is MOBBED with families and screaming children -- forget taking a nap by the pool, and there's no beach.
**We also took the Fair Winds snorkeling cruise to Kealakakua Bay and had fun, especially with the diving boards off the boat. While we did see dolphins during our boat ride TO the bay, we did not see any dolphins in the cove. And truly, the snorkelling was better and the water was warmer right in front of our hotel, which we adored, the Fairmont Orchid.
We really didn't want to leave this place.
Jul 14th, 2006, 10:26 PM
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On Oahu, be sure to get to the Arizona Memorial really early before it opens or you will face really long lines. The drive from Waikiki to the North Shore around the coast is beautiful (counter-clockwise)and makes for a nice day. Then you cut back to Waikiki area down the middle of the island. Also, try snorkling in the morning before the rain water mixes with the salt water (coming down in streams) and makes the water mirky. There are scuba diving shops that will take you diving even if you are not certified (with trained divemasters) and you might want to try that rather than looking for dolphins. Try the Shorebird restaurant for open-air dining and a great view of Diamondhead just a few steps from the water. Have a pineapple sundea at the Dole Plantation - sweet, sweet pinapple with mango and pineapple ice cream. Excellent. There is also decent snorkling right outside of the Marriott on Waikiki. Attend a lei-making class and put the leis in your room refrig. Take one out every other day and hang in the room to make the room smell nice! Local artists sell their photos and art outside Kapiolani Park during the day. Waimea Valley Audubon Center, located on the North Shore, is beautiful and a nice place to spend the afternoon walking amount the huge trees. We loved "Cheeseburger in Paradise" on Waikiki beach for breakfast. My husband had macadamia nut pancakes and I had, of course, a cheeseburger! Hey, it is vacation after all.
Jul 15th, 2006, 04:05 AM
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I'll make a recommendation for the Big Island- Try to book your stay in the Volcano area at Kilauea Lodge. We actually rented a small house around the corner from the main lodge that was originally the home of the "Tutu" (grandmother) of one of the owners. I see also that they have added a larger home to their list of properties. Their cottages afford privacy, and the staff is really great. The prices for what you get are really good, compared to what you'll be paying elsewhere in the islands.
We only had 2 days at the park, unfortunately. You could easily spend much longer there. There's so much to see!
We only had 2 days at the park, unfortunately. You could easily spend much longer there. There's so much to see!
Jul 15th, 2006, 07:37 AM
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Dina4 had some good suggestions for stuff to do on Oahu. The restaurant recommendations though are all for the ambience and definitely not the food. Dukes is a great joint right on the beach for a drink - just bar food - same for shorebird. Oahu has some of the finest restaurants anywhere. Roys is always yummy - Asian fusion - then you have Michelles' on the beach for brunch, The Bali Room, fabulous, Alan Wongs - amazing, Sam Choy's - a true blend of local and contemporary, 3660 on the Rise, and many more. Driving to the north shore and eating shave ice at Matsumotos is Da Best! Yanagi sushi has AMAZING Japanese food as do many of the other small Japanese restaurants. You can eat for days on Oahu. Oh, and you can go to the Kalaha Mandarin (since renamed i think) not only for Dolphin experience in their cool pool but for a lovely brunch at the Plumeria Cafe. The restaurant upstairs is also fantastic. The brunch at Halekulani is to die for. Can you tell I miss the food???
Jul 15th, 2006, 03:29 PM
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I'm having a great time reading everyone's posts w/advice & tips. Much appreciated 
Especially; getting to the Arizona REAl early, all of the yummy ideas on food in Oahu from memmom, cool things to do from dina4 (sounds like you & yours had big fun). Birdergirl, the idea on staying at the Lodge near the Volcano is very interesting, however we are staying at The Bay Club @ Waikoloa Beach (M-I-L's timeshare),hope it is ok, anyone know anything about it? One last thought...dbaker--I can't wait to bite into that "CHEESEBURGER in PARADISE!"
Especially; getting to the Arizona REAl early, all of the yummy ideas on food in Oahu from memmom, cool things to do from dina4 (sounds like you & yours had big fun). Birdergirl, the idea on staying at the Lodge near the Volcano is very interesting, however we are staying at The Bay Club @ Waikoloa Beach (M-I-L's timeshare),hope it is ok, anyone know anything about it? One last thought...dbaker--I can't wait to bite into that "CHEESEBURGER in PARADISE!"
Jul 15th, 2006, 04:26 PM
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My favorite new restaurant in Hilo is the Hilo Bay Cafe, located in a shopping center next to Wal-Mart. Strange location for this terrific gourmet restaurant. The food is fabulous and not overly expensive. My son even tipped the chef it was so good.
Jul 15th, 2006, 06:22 PM
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We were on the Big Island last Thanksgiving, you're going to love it. If you click on my name, you'll find my trip report.
I second the recommendation for Cafe Pesto--very yummy food and affordable compared to the resorts. Great kalua pig pizza with pineapple. Also, we had dinner at Merriman's in Waimea, also great. If you visit VNP, Thai Thai is a great place for a affordable dinner after you visit the park. We're off to Oahu for this Thanksgiving--have fun!
I second the recommendation for Cafe Pesto--very yummy food and affordable compared to the resorts. Great kalua pig pizza with pineapple. Also, we had dinner at Merriman's in Waimea, also great. If you visit VNP, Thai Thai is a great place for a affordable dinner after you visit the park. We're off to Oahu for this Thanksgiving--have fun!
