We're taking our 25th anniversary trip to Hawaii in late May - staying on Oahu. Good suggestions for reasonable accommodations (relative in HI, I realize!) and places for economical and special dinners? Suggestions for a must-do on first visit? Thanks!

I would suggest going to the following website and subscribing to their free TA Newsletter. www.tripadvisor.com Be sure to specify Honolulu as your city choice. You will find lots of reasonable accommodations three or four blocks walking distance from Waikiki beach in the heart of the city along the canal. I would suggest selecting an accommodation with a full kitchen and laundry facility which you should be able to obtain for under $100 per night if you stay off the beach area. I really don't have any recommendations for special dinners, but would caution you to avoid the sunset dinner cruises..... they're really crowded (800+), one drink, buffet menu... a real tourist trap. As for must-dos... visit Pearl Harbor. Go to both the Arizona Memorial and the Mighty Mo, for you need to walk the decks of the USS Missouri in order to comprehend the size of the USS Arizona that lies below. Climb to the top of Diamond Head (Wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight.), go snorkling in Hanamua Bay, spend an afternoon sunning and people watching on Waikiki Beach, visit the Iolani Palace. Spend a day touring the rest of the island by city bus or rental car. If time and $$ allow, take a daytrip out to Laie to the Polynesian Cultural Center and stay for the evening show. You might also consider visiting the Botanical Gardens near Wahiawa. What a great trip you'll have, happy anniversary!

Just curious. - What made you choose Oahu over the other islands? It's been a little while since I was there but I loved the Polynesian Cultural Center. Some people call it a cheesy tourist trap but I really enjoyed the parade of floats along the waterway with people in costume representing each of the Polynesian islands! I also really enjoyed the Chinatown area. We had dim sum with a staggering array of dishes at one of the restaurants there.

Retired_teacher gave great tips not knowing how long is your stay, budget and sightseeing/activities preference. Do a search on this forum with a more specific topic and you'll get a wealth of ideas. Oh, don't forget to watch the sunset at Duke's, I preferred the chi chi to my husband's mai tai. Have a great time!

What is reasonable for you? You can find nice rooms for less than $100 here or luxurious room for about $200. It just depends on your likes and needs. For a special dinner, Alan Wong's for about $60 per person. Great unique Hawaiian fusion cuisine. More economical? Try plate lunches at the local carry out places. Oahu and Hawaii fits all price ranges.