FLIGHT: We left out of SFO on Friday 11/10 on American Airlines. I have to say I really don't enjoy flying as much these days - I can handle the added security but the seats have less leg room (when the guy in front of me reclined, my knees hit the back of the seat and I am just an average size person), they sell snack boxes and drinks, and the planes are packed. Flying just ain't what it used to be.

And then I had a problem - I had bought a really hard green apple at the airport. I usually slice my apples but didn't have a knife so decided to bite into the apple and eat it the old fashioned way. Right away I knew I had a problem with my jaw. Should have thrown it away but I wanted my fruit so like a dummy, kept eating it which I would highly regret later.

CAR RENTAL - We rented from Dollar at the airport and it seemed like everyone else did, too. We managed to get the shuttle over to the counter as quickly as possible and were at the front of the line. I had my doubts as to how quickly they could get cars to everyone, but the line moved quickly and we didn't have to wait long. Orange Chevy Cabriolet (lol) which my husband found disgusting but reminded him we only had it for the weekend and it would be OK. I mean, how can you lose an orange car in a parking lot!

HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE: Things were pretty slow when we arrived and check in was a breeze. We were upgraded and had an ocean view room (jr. suite) in the Rainbow Tower. The room was really lovely - 2613. It had a sitting area, two bathrooms, refer., coffee pot and sink, large king bed and the most AMAZING view. Of all the hotels I have ever stayed in I must say that this was the best view we have ever had - looked down on the pool area, beach, Diamond Head, and the ocean. Yes, the AC had a bit of a musty smell so I had brought some orange spray which I spritzed around. We also had two balconies with huge sliding glass doors and very nice chairs.

I hadn't realized how large and how lovely the grounds of the HHV are. There are several towers and each has a "coffee shop" (although the prices are very high) and entertainment in the evening.

We dumped our stuff as fast as we could and headed out for a walk on the beach towards Diamond Head. There is a sidewalk along the beach in front of the Hilton and the Hale Koa but then it is sand so we took off our shoes and got our feet wet. The sand felt Soooo good.

DUKE's: We made it to Duke's about 4:30 and thought it would be a great place to get a drink, however, so did the rest of the world. I hate "table diving" so we decided to try the Hula Grill upstairs.

HULA GRILL: HG opens at 5 p.m. and they have a happy hour. We were the second couple in line and managed to get a nice table in the bar with a view. DH ordered a local beer and I ordered a Mango Margarita which tasted like it was made with fresh fruit and really delicious; the prices were wonderful at happy hour. We also ordered the coconut calamari appetizer. We so enjoyed the view that we decided to stretch it out to sunset and ordered a salad and fish entree to split and, of course, more drinks. Everything was prepared very well and very tasty and I think our bill was less than $60. Good thing everything was basically soft and not chewy because now my jaw was killing me.

We walked back to the hotel and I got the bottom of my capri's wet in the ocean. I have feet problems so walking in sand is a bit of a problem but have learned to dig in with my toes first so that my achilles tendon doesn't get overstretched (I offer this info in case anyone else has the same problem).

FIREWORKS AND SHOW: We watched the Hawaiian show around the pool from our room and the fireworks were amazing! They shoot them off from the beach in fron the the hotel. I read the fireworks are on Friday night but they also shot them off on Saturday and I believe again on Wed. so perhaps there was a special occasion.

I took two Tylenol PM at bedtime but still awoke in the night with the feeling that I had been hit in the jaw and contemplating that I would have to go home on Monday and see the dentist and leave my poor husband in Honolulu by himself. Thought perhaps I had an infected tooth but my teeth did not hurt in the least.

SUNRISE: Every sunrise from our room was amazing and each was different. From our point of view the sun rose over the city with Diamond Head to the right, however, on the last morning there were clouds and the entire sky around Diamond Head was the most beautiful pink and backlit.

Later.

That should be Oahu. Sorry.

I'll be in Oahu for the first time in a week - keep posting! I'm getting excited.

Next time fly Hawaiian Airlines, if that is an option for you. Much better imo.

I agree, Suze, I won't fly to Hawaii on any other airline but Hawaiian. I live in Portland, OR, and luckily, it hasn't been a problem to get a flight. They treat you great and being tall (6'2") leg space can be a problem. Doesn't seem to be a problem on their flights.

Plus you get that "aloha" feeling from the minute you leave home!

I was using an award ticket so had no choice on the Airline but glad to hear Hawaiian has better service.

Yes, I love that spirit of Aloha! I met so many people in Hawaii that were kind. My husband was there on business so each day when he went to "work" while I went swimming in the ocean, then the pool, and then out for an adventure. More later.

The "extra" fireworks that week were sponsored Japanese Bank Card. One night that week (Tuesday?) employees from JBC gave away thousands of orchid lei down near the Duke statue. Everybody looked very festive walking up and down Kalakaua with their lei.

I also got a hideous car from Dollar, I just hated it (a Dodge Caliber) but at least it wasn't orange, LOL.

I'm flying Hawaiian next Sunday direct to HNL, hurray! Glad to hear about the leg room...

I'm planning to try Priceline for a car for Honolulu for about $16/day (price others have been getting a compact car). Most likely I'll get Hertz. I have a Dollar car reserved now but I've had issues with them before myself and hearing the stories about them just reminds me of my own frustrations with Dollar rental cars. Thanks for jarring my memory!

Ronda
I'm with you on the HHV. I've stayed there twice now, in the Ali'i Tower. I really do like that resort a lot. I've also stayed at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, but the HHV beats it, hands down. Outrigger is a nice hotel, but it's hard to beat all the resort grounds at HHV.
Carol

The JCB Card World Conference started on a Monday and went through Wednesday the week of Nov. 13. The fireworks were done off by the Sheraton, though, right? On Tuesday? I was there for that reception on Monday and it was quite fabulous!

I need to wholeheartedly agree with you on the HHV. My aunt & cousin just came to visit this last week and have a timeshare at the Grand Vacations Club. I went to check out their room and oh.my.gawwwd!!!! The view was outrageously spectacular. I played tourist with them yesterday and walked around; that hotel is really a fabulous place to stay.

Sorry to butt in, but was anyone recently in Waikiki around the big Lewers Street remodel project? I'm trying to get a feel if I can stay at my favorite hotel (Hawaiiana) in January or if I should look to another neighborhood because of the construction noise or confusion. Mahalo.

If you can wait a week, I'll try to swing past it when I get there...

Good trip report - sounds like you had a fun trip. Did you get to see Jerry Santos & Olomana while you were at the HHV? Unfortunately they were in Kona doing a concert the Saturday I was there and I was busy on Friday so I missed them this time around.

Suze- I walked past the Hawaiiana on my way to the HHV on November 2nd - unless they wrap it up by your trip in January I don't think you'd want to stay there. There was scaffolding in the street - all the cute little shops and restaurants are gone and it's generally a big mess over there. They were done for the day when I went by there but you can just tell it's noisy while they're working.

Thanks for the reply Bashful, and Ronda for letting me tag along. I'll look to a different hotel for anything in the near future. boohoo!

Hard fruit, any kind, should not be tossed. Put it/them in a brown paper bag and leave out, maybe on a kitchen table or in a cupboard, don't refrigerate. Check once a day for softness. It will ripe in 2-3 days.

Have to write more later but YES YES YES bashful I got to hear Olomana and Jerry Santos two nights. I absolutely loved the music and the hula dancer was the most beautiful dancer I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. I understand her name in Hawaiian means beautiful - she was so graceful and changed her outfit before every dance.

ENTERTAINMENT: I wholeheartedly recommed you see and hear Olomana at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (bar outside Chinese restaurant in Ranbow tower) on Friday or Saturday nights. Here is their website with their schedule and you can listen to some clips of their music. I believe they start at 9 p.m. We arrived late and there was no place to sit where you could see so we sat down anyway and when they took a bread, some people left and we were able to get a good seat. I can't believe Hilton doesn't advertise this group more but I understand the intimate atmosphere of the bar area stage. Just loved it. My son is ordering me two CD's for Christmas.

Website: www.olomanamusic.com

That should be BREAK not BREAD. Sorry.

I'm so glad you got to hear them - and see the hula dancer. You never know who's going to show up when you go to see them - other entertainers and dancers are always dropping by and sitting in. That is real Hawaiian entertainment. I met Wally back in 1973 in L.A. when he was with the Surfers - I had a HUGE crush on him way back then! Whenever I'm in Waikiki I make it a point to stop by and reminisce with him as well as listen to their beautiful music. I'm sure you'll love the CD's - mine are about worn out!