"DON'T MISS" IDEAS....HAWAII
 

This fall, my husband and I will celebrate our 18th anniversary in the Islands. We will have 3 nights on Oah'u and 5 nights on Kaua'i. Looking to maximize this experience. I am a research hog and to that point, I am overwhelmed with ideas from guidebooks, internet, etc. I would like some DON'T MISS suggestions from you for attractions and restaurants on these 2 Islands. Thanks for helping me distill and prepare.

<BR>Kauai may not be the prettiest place on earth, but its the prettiest place I've ever been. Eat at A Pacific Cafe. Do the Zodiac ride to the Na Pali . Spend some time in Hanalei. If time permits, walk to Hanakapiai falls. You'll need reservations ahead of time for the cafe and the zodiac. Don't forget the time zones. You'll have a great time.

On Oah'u dont miss the Polynesian Culture center. <BR> If you go,I would recommend taking the guided tour. <BR> Small groups, think 6 when we went..and very informative. The night show was fantastic. We made <BR>reservations a few months in advance, and got front row center, so you might try that..For a great view <BR>of the city and Waikiki beach, take the hike to the top of Diamond Head..Easy trail to top, but hot inside crater, so take water.. <BR> <BR> On Kaua'i, if your planning a Heli tour, Jack Harter is worth a look..Have taken tours with other <BR>companies, and they were Ok, but not as good as Jacks..His is a smaller operation and he really <BR>took his time showing us the sights.. <BR>

While on Oahu- <BR>Do see the Arizona Exhibit. You can see all in a half day. Don't miss it. If you are also interested you can stop at Schofield Barracks. we didn't see the barracks - it is an active army installation- but my next door neighbor who is an active military pilot and who was stationed on the island stated that civiliamns are allowed on base. Drive to the north end of the island and spend most of your time there. Honolulu is a huge city - 800,000 people and there is nothing to do at night - so they walk the main drag. Do so once or twice - the SIGHTS - translate that to - the people - will be interesting to view. The Hard Rock Cafe has good and reasonably price food. We ate there - <BR>it was cheaper than all of the big hotels - easy to find - and unless you wantedf to travel at night - NOT one local would suggest a strip hotel to eat at. Swim on the beach so you can brag to everyone you've been there -done that - go to Diamond Head EARLY- to find a place to park and early so it is not too hot to hike to the top of the Head. - There is more I could tell - if you want more please email me and I will fill you with more info, best of luck-- <BR>Oslo <BR>

Agree with the above, the Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the best things on Oahu. Very authentic and informative. Students attending BYU Hawaii campus from all over the Pacific Basin dress in traditional clothing, explain about their island homes and traditions, and provide the best and most professional (authentic) entertainment in all the islands. You can spend at least a half day and evening there. Be SURE to get reservations ahead. Tours take up most of the evening performance tickets! Bishop's musuem in Honolulu is crammed with Hawaiian culture and history. If it were me, I would spend most of my time on the other islands. Each is different and wonderful! <BR> <BR>

<BR>Julie, <BR> <BR>You're absolutely going to love Kauai. My husband and I spent a week there last September for our honeymoon and also a week in Maui. <BR> <BR>If you grab the Fodor's book on Hawaii and look under Kauai, there is a secluded beach that they recommend that is absolutely beautiful. We had the whole stretch of beach to ourselves and we took in the sunset. Also, be sure to do a boat trip of the Napali Coast, this is truly the only way to view the cliffs. <BR> <BR>Princeville is also beautiful if you get a chance to visit there. The horseback riding is suppose to be really nice there. Unfortunately, when we were there the tours were booked for a week solid. <BR> <BR>Have a great time!

<BR>Aloha - for special anniversary dinner while in Oahu, eat at Michel's at the Colony surf Hotel down towards Diamond. Wonderful food, pretty and romantic atmosphere, right on the water. Make reservations and get an open window table. Another favorite is Sergios. For something different have a fresh, hot malasada from Leonards Bakery - my mouth is watering already. On Oahu, be sure to drive around the island, the other side is so different. If you like horseback riding, do so at the Turtle Bay Hilton, it's the only one that takes you on the beach. Have lunch at Jamisons By the Sea further down the road. For pricey spa treatment try the Ihilini west of Waikiki. Don't bother with Roy's Restaurant, not worth the hype it gets. Strolling and shopping in the Aloha Towers plaza is fun. Have great time.

<BR>Hike Diamond head, it takes 45minutesup,30down. Don't get suckered into "great deals" being offered by people handing out pamplets on the street. Pick up the tourist pamplets, they are free in boxes on every street , look for "Oahu Gold" "This Week Oahu," and the magazine called(i think) Aloha!, also in the lobbies of Outrigger Hotels they also have a coupon book called "Best of Oahu" Always shop around before buying, what's $10.00 in one store may be $5.00 just around the corner, and since most places won't give cash refunds, it's buyer beware. Neither" Hard Rock" or" Planet Hollywood" are cheap and the food is average. For safety treat Waikiki like any big city, and with common sense you shouldn't have any problems. Aloha! P.S You can find coupons for almost all the attractions in Hawaii,( 2 for 1, half price, etc.)

<BR>Jullian's response was right on. The "Pacific Cafe" is an incredible restaurant - the food is fresh, flavorful, and outstanding presentation. Try to do the rafting trip she suggested in the morning. The waters can be rough in the afternoon!

I think you`ve picked the perfect place to come and celebrate your anniversary.Since I`ve been living on Oahu, maybe I can give you tipps of hidden or not so common things to do.There`s really not much to do in Honolulu at night time except dining. You can take a drive to the Tantalus Round Top dr.after your dinner and stop and take a look at the city at night time.You`ll find it beautiful and romantic as well.As for dining Kaimana Beach Hotel has a great food beside the oceanwiev.Don`t miss to drive to the North Shore, see the sunset at the Sunset Beach and you can dine at The Cove at Turtle Bay Hilton/need reservation-808-293-8811/, <BR>worth it.Hope you`ll have a great time.