I second and third Bashfullv's suggestion at HHW. 1000 times better than any commercial luau. Glad to see people suggested Olomana on this forum.

Is there still a Hawaiian show and firewords near the pool? Chais Island Bistro at Aloha Market also has some great entertainment. That would be a short cab ride away. WHO CAN COMMENT ON THE FOOD?

I also would keep to one island for a 5 day stay. The outer islands are great for different reasons but one island at a time is what I like to do.

All the food at Chai's is wonderful, although their desserts need some work to be as good as the entrees. And yes...the Hilton still puts on a fireworks show every Friday. A cheap option is to have cocktails & pupus on the pool deck at the Ilikai and watch the fireworks from there!

I found a website that allows you to type in the town and the date, and it gives you the sunset time. I can't find it the website, but try google.
This helps determine dinner time if you want to watch the sunset.
For Kona the 15th of Oct. the sunset is around 6PM. Have fun!

Bashful, it's great to hear that Olomana is still around. I lived in Hawaii for five years and left in 1982, and they were quite popular then (I still have a couple of their albums). I can't wait now to see them on my return vacation. Thanks for the tip.

Gotta run now and put on their album (hope I still own a turntable...)

Swan51 - I was thrilled to see Olomana. I had picked up one of their CD's at a Hawaiian store here in Las Vegas a few years ago and loved it. One of the guys in the group used to be in another group years ago that I met - I was 16 at the time. Of course I had a HUGE crush on him at the time and fell in love with anything Hawaiian at the same time. When I saw the Olomana CD in the store I spotted it because I recognized his picture on the cover. So, when I went to Hawaii last month I couldn't resist going in to say hello after all these years. The music was wonderful, the whole experience was great - I loved the ambiance of the lounge and the laid back environment. Just sit back, listen and relax. When the group took a break I introduced myself to my long lost friend and was pleasantly surprised that he actually remembered me! He sat with me through his break and we had a great time reminiscing and catching up on friends we had in common.

I think Olomana should be on everyone's "must see or do" list while in Waikiki since their music is so authentically Hawaiian and so beautiful to listen to.

Well, Bashful, now you've done it. Just got through listening to Me Ke Aloha on Olomana's signature album and I'm bawling like a baby. God, I miss Hawaii sometimes (especially when people do so much Oahu bashing on this board--even at its worst, Oahu is still one of the most beautiful places on the planet). But for me, the heck with Hanauma Bay. I spending all my time at the Hilton hearing Olomana.