Question about the Ko Olina Marriott for those that have been there - do they have fitness classes - like spinning or Yoga? It is hard to tell from the website. Also - how is the spa there?

Thanks!

Easiest way to North Shore from Ko'Olina is to take H-1 to H-2 & take it to Wahiawa & (99) to North Shore from there. Note: H-2 exit from H-1 is from the left lane.

You can take a short cut & take Kunia Road (750), Exit 5 from H-1. Take (750) to (99) to North Shore. This will avoid any backup by H-1, H-2 merge.

http://oahu.aloha-hawaii.com/assets/resources/36.pdf

http://www.hawaiihighways.com/oahu-freeways-H1.htm

I concur on the drive times in Hawaii. I saw a beautiful double rainbow on that stretch of road leaving the North Shore our last trip there. It almost made up for DH nixing a shave ice at Matsumotos!

>>

I don't think it was more than $40-50 for two of us including tax and tip (I doubt we had a drink, although maybe we had a beer).

We also ate at 1) Assaggio (Italian, obviously) and it was good - not special, but good. In particular, they have hot zabaglione for dessert, so it gets a thumbs up in my book just for that. All the dishes come in "Small" or "large" and believe me, small is plenty. Everyone else around us seemed to get the "large" and they all had leftovers (well, I think they did), 2) Outback (can't go wrong), 3) Hapaa Grill (local "diner" menu -- not bad, very inexpensive, I had stir fried shrimp and vegetables which would have been excellent but it was a little too spicy); 4) the Thai restaurant on the main drag in Haleiwa, which was pretty tasty and not expensive (sense a trend? Unless the place is a "destination", we tend to look for local, not terribly expensive, in other words, the same price point we would spend at home on a regular Friday night).

As for the weather, we were there the first week of May, and the weather was spectacular.

Thanks SF! That is exactly what I am looking for - we will do one nice dinner for our anniversary - and will hit the grocery store for breakfast stuff -

Did you use the spa at the Marriott? Or take any fitness classes?

Thanks so much!

I didn't use the spa or take fitness classes. I did, however, use the gym, and it's beautiful (and right at the pools, so DH, who is much lazier than I am stayed at the pool while I hit the treadmill)

aloha on kona!!!

Hi everyone!!!! Last post before we leave tomorrow at 7:10am!!! I am really excited for this trip and will give a full trip report when I get back. The Marriott Beach Club called me yesterday to reconfirm and make sure I had accurate directions to the hotel. Yes, I said, after 4 years staying at the JW Marriott I think I can figure out how to get to the next lagoon over !!! I couldn't stop smiling today and even though I sat in traffic while running my errands it didn't bother me.
I also tried for an upgrade on the flight over but none were available so it looks like 10 hours in coach. Ouch!! Got a great deal through US Air so I won't complain. Much.
Aloha everyone!!!
Kirsten

Have a great time!

We get the same thing asked of us and we just ignore them. They just don't get it. There's a feeling of peace that comes over me as we approach the island and I feel my blood pressure drop. We spend a week on Oahu and 3 weeks on Maui. Both totally different and both totally delightful! We do travel to other places but there's no place like Hawaii. The Florida beaches are lovely, but they're not Hawaii. No where are there more friendly people than in the islands and we love the pace of life. We're farmers so we appreciate the land and do our best to be good visitors while there. I think I must've been a Hawaiian in another life for I feel it's like coming home when we touch down. Ignore the others and realize that you've figured out the very best place to go!

another Oahu lover chiming in. i just decided i absolutely *need* to go and am quickly pulling together a trip to celebrate my birthday in Waikiki for 9-10 days in early November. can't wait.

Hey Suze..we might be there at the same time