Hello,
I am looking for some assistance in what a group of 10 thirty somethings should do and see on the island of Oahu. We are working there for 3 weeks and would like to see and do as much as possible on our weekends off. I visted this island and the big island ten years ago and simply loved it, but fear I have outgrown the Polynesian Cultural Center and some other places I visited. Also, I will be celebrating my 30th birthday and have friends flying from NYC to join in the celebration. History behind us, the questions are- What are Must Do's, are there any great night spots to celebrate my birthday (or should we all go to a luau?), what are suggestions for a route to drive in a rental car for a weekend, where is the best beach massage,and finally, which tower and room should we request at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (I think I would like the Alii tower?)

Thanks for all of your help in advance, and for all who have posted in the past regarding these questions.

Hi! I am not sure when you will be in Oahu but there is a new edition of the "Revealed" books that is due out in October. I have used "Maui Revealed" & "Kaui Revealed" and found it really them really helpful planning trips. Sounds like a great time, I can certainly think of worse places to be sent on business. Enjoy!

hmm, unless you are into touristy stuff, don't do a luau on your birthday. But that's up to you.

You might want a nice subdued evening at Indigo, which is in chinatown. My friends from the mainland always enjoy that. OR, go someplace with a view, like Aaron's in the Ala Moana Hotel or Duke's. (The Hanohano Room or La Mer may be too pricey?) Another nice place to eat is Roy's in Hawaii Kai, but if you do that, go early--like 5:00. That way you can dine while watching the sunset, and you can get out of there just as it's getting noisy. Another option is anyplace in Aloha Tower Marketplace. Those restaurants have a nice harborfront view and you can hang out for the live music.

I agree that the luaus are a little touristy - maybe not what you're looking for on your birthday.

The places in Aloha Tower or Duke's are nice to have drinks, pupus and hang out - but are not really nightclubs with dancing, if that's what you're looking for. If you're looking for a nightclub - I think Ocean's is popular - but don't hold me to that, since it's been years since I've known what clubs are currently popular.

As far as activities, you don't say what time of the year you're arriving, but there is the requisite snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. If you're here in the winter, check out the surf on the North Shore. There are also whale watching tours in the winter leaving out of Waianae harbor.

Rent some kayaks and paddle around Kailua or Lanikai beach. There is also windsurfing or parasurfing (I think that's what it's called) out there.

Do a circle island tour - if you're leaving from Waikiki, you can either head toward the north shore first and circle around Laie, passing through Kailua and then through Waimanalo - or head east toward Makapu'u, go through Waimanalo, through Kailua and head towards the north shore.

oooh, actually, I have been to Ocean's recently. If you go early--before 7 PM--drinks & pupus are half price. I'm not totally sure that it's a happening place though...hit or miss as far as clubs go.

Duke's- most nights
Ocean Club
Hanohano Room - for view
Haliewa Joe's in Kaneohe on a Friday night for live music and view
Esprit Lounge on Sunday nights for salsa

You should try some of the sports at Kailua Beach.

Only quiet outside massage would be maybe at Kahala Mandarin.

Drive the whole island counter-clockwise.

Take a gourmet cooking class on Sat - http://www.gourmetcookinghawaii.com/home.jsp

Chinatown has an Art Walk night each month with the galleries.

Go to Brunch on the Beach or Sunset on the Beach movies.

Take a picnic to Tantalus.

Don't miss Bellow beach on the weekend.

First of all, thank you all so much for your posts. We are in Honolulu right now for the first of our three weeks. We have already done some touring around, ate at Aarons and Ocean House and are on our way to the W hotel this evening for happy hour. I will keep you posted as to our trip!

Thanks again. Fodor's members always come through.

STD,

AAAAAaaaaaalllooohhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaa!

Get yourselves up to the nor shore for much fun!!!

ARTafterDARK Presents: Tiki Night sponsored by Tori Richard
September 24, 2004; 5-9 p.m.; $7 General; Free for Members
Academy Courtyards and Galleries

This new event is dedicated to creating opportunities for young professionals to explore the visual arts in a stimulating social setting. This month?s theme is Tiki Night. Enjoy Zip-tours of Art of the Pacific Island and Philippines galleries, tiki lounge music, and much more. Elvis Presley?s Blue Hawaii screens in the Doris Duke Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Film tickets are $3. Light supper fare available in the Pavilion Café.

Hello again. Still loving Oahu. We celebrated my birthday at Alan Wong's and loved every minute. The service was wonderful, they even personalized a menu for me and had the entire staff sign it. We have also eaten at Duke's, Hanohano Room and Ryan's. Found a great local bar called Moose McGillicuddy's and danced the night away.

Now that you're here, pick up the Honolulu Weekly free from the newstands to sift through the events calendar.

Also obtain the weekend supplements, published every Friday (quickly, there may be some on the newstands still) by the daily newspapers).

Chinatown tour every Tuesday morning by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, 533-3181, at five bucks a bargain. September 28 tour will be abbreviated, so better to go on October 4.