We need tips on where to go, how (rent car, taxi, the bus etc). Tips on side trips to other islands. Where to eat on a budget. We have a place to stay at Waikiki Beach at the White Sands Waikiki Resort Club. Heard or know anything about it?

On Oahu:
1. You should definitely check out Hanauma (check the spelling) Bay. This is a great take! Here you can rent a mask and snorkle - all sorts of tropical fish to see. If you don't swim well, rent the mask anyway. Most of this bay is only waist deep so you can stand! Make sure you go early! (very close to where you are staying)
2. Pearl Harbor - very interesting (and disturbing) - if your into history. Also close to your location.
3. Waimea Falls Park - a tour where you can learn about the people/plants/etc.. of the area. Also a good take. North west part of the island
4. Polynesian Cultural Center. - very interesting - you will learn about the different cultures. There is also a big show at night you should see.
5. Check out a luau too

Check out a luau, but avoid the one at Paradise Cove--you feel like you're part of a cattle herd. You might want to check out Chinatown (Honolulu), but don't go there after dark--it can get pretty rough. Valley of the Temples is neat also. For some local flavor, you might want to go to the Papetee Bar at the Tahitian Lanai Restaurant (Waikiki) at night. Locals gather there for a sing-along and the voices are amazing. Usually there's informal hula, and it's lots of fun.

I second the suggestion to check out Hunamu Bay. It was wonderful. We rented snorkeling equipment from Snorkel Bob's. (It was listed in the Fodor's book). Since we were there in late Feb., we rented snorkel vest. Besides keeping us warm, they provided some floatation help. I disagree with the suggestion for the Polynesian Village. The show at night was wonderful, but the village itself was so commercial. Pearl Harbor is not be missed. If you have a chance, consider going to one of the other Islands. I loved the Big Island because it was less "touristy".

Concur with Pearl Harbor-get there by 7:30 AM, the doors open at 8. You want to be in line early so that you are on one of the first couple of ferries over to the memorial or else you will waste half a day standing around, waiting for your turn. The tour buses usually start arriving about 7:30 AM. The Bishop Museum is very interesting, native Hawaiian history (Mrs Bishop was one of the last remaining Hawaiian royal princesses). There is also a planetarium at the Bishop. Skip the pineapple plantations, they are pretty much a waste of time. I liked the luau at Paradise Cove-sat with a lady who lives in Honolulu and says she always brings visiting relatives to the Paradise Cove luau, as she thinks it is the best on the island. Eat at "The Fishmonger's Wife" in the Ala Moana Shopping Plaza-good souvenirs there at Woolworths.

If you can visit another island make sure it's Kauai. Go on Captain Zodiac boat ride (pontoon boat) along the NaPali coastline. The most beautiful shoreline you'll ever see. Also drive to the top of Waimea (sp?) Canyon. Looks like miniature Grand Canyon. If it is in your budget take a helicopter ride through Waimea Canyon (dozens of waterfalls) and along the coastline. Do a web search on Kauai to see pictures of all of this. The raw beauty of it is unbelievable.

If you can visit another island make sure it's Kauai. Go on Captain Zodiac boat ride (pontoon boat) along the NaPali coastline. The most beautiful shoreline you'll ever see. Also drive to the top of Waimea (sp?) Canyon. Looks like miniature Grand Canyon. If it is in your budget take a helicopter ride through Waimea Canyon (dozens of waterfalls) and along the coastline. Do a web search on Kauai to see pictures of all of this. The raw beauty of it is unbelievable.