We'll soon be in Oahu for 2 days and are planning to visit the Arizona memorial and explore Waikiki beach. Other than that, we were thinking of climbing up Diamond Head, and snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. Are these worthwhile? Anything else to see in our brief time there? How easy is it to get to the Arizona, Hanauma Bay & Diamond Head on mass transit (from the Waikiki beach area)?
Thanks!

The bus system is pretty good but it's been a while since we've taken one there, however we did take it once out to Hanauma Bay, have to transfer, took a good hour or so. I'd suggest getting a cheap rental car for the short time you're there, go around the island, see the other side, besides the Arizona and Pearl Harbor.
If you do hike up the inside of Diamond Head, that will be the better part of a day.

Try to catch afternoon cocktails at The Royal Hawaiian, and definitely dinner at Halekulani -- they have some of the best restaurants in town: House without a Key (open air) and Le Mer, 5 star restaurant.
Check out the North Shore surfing, and of course, Pearl Harbor is there.

Aloha JC!

I would recommend a rental car for the days you are considering Arizona Memorial and Hanauma Bay only because mass transit/shuttles can sap time quickly. Remember that Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays and both the Arizona Memorial and Hanauma Bay are both best visited before 9am. If you like, I can work out a short itinerary with maps, driving info to customize your time on Oahu for efficiency and enjoyment. Just let me know by e-mail what activites you particularly do not want to miss, and I'll behappy to help!

A hui hou,
Tiare

We will be in Oahu only two full days and definitely want to visit the Arizona memorial plus as many other 'sites' as possible. A car rental sounds like the best advice, however, we are trying to avoid this option. Mass transit sounds somewhat limiting in time and convenience. Question--There are lots of tours offered ie. United Vacations breakfast at The Beachcomber, etc. Does anyone have experience with these or recommendations? We would like to go early am if possible.

The suggestion of afternoon cocktails at the Royal Hawaiian sounds good. My friend stayed there during World War II (gov. hosted) and had dinner with fellow officer Tyrone Power! He would enjoy that as budget doesn't permit staying there now.

This site has a warm feeling from alot of nice people sharing.

Joyce

We will be in Oahu only two full days and definitely want to visit the Arizona memorial plus as many other 'sites' as possible. A car rental sounds like the best advice, however, we are trying to avoid this option. Mass transit sounds somewhat limiting in time and convenience. Question--There are lots of tours offered ie. United Vacations breakfast at The Beachcomber, etc. Does anyone have experience with these or recommendations? We would like to go early am if possible.

The suggestion of afternoon cocktails at the Royal Hawaiian sounds good. My friend stayed there during World War II (gov. hosted) and had dinner with fellow officer Tyrone Power! He would enjoy that as budget doesn't permit staying there now.

This site has a warm feeling from alot of nice people sharing.

Joyce

Drive to Pearl Harbor - The official Navy tour is the only one that actually allows you to visit the Memorial.

JC if you don't want to rent a car,
your hotel can arrange for
transportation (a van) to pick you
up and take you to Pearl Harbor etc.
We paid about $12 r/t for 2. Buses
can be slow or full for popular
destinations.