NeoPatrick

I was a bit frustrated with the hotels -- horrible reviews of TripAdvisor for everything I looked at -- and no guarantee of any view unless you pay an extra $75 or more in most cases. Sorry, I don't like checking into a place and then "requesting" ocean view, but probably getting a view of a building 50 feet away -- especially being stuck there for a full week. But since finding this place, I'm not the least bit frustrated, especially with such major positive feedback from most everyone who seems to know anything about this specific place and/or location. By the way, I read that the "center of Waikiki beach is about a 20 - 25 minute walk" from there. That's nothing -- particularly since it seems like it would be an interesting walk, not like out walking in the middle of nowhere or an ugly area. But meanwhile so many have mentioned lots of restaurants and other things in this immediate neighborhood, and several have mentioned they like this area better than being in the "middle" of the congestion.

iceeu2

Patrick, before you book, you might also want to check out redweek.com. Lots of owners have timeshares and condos for rent at really good prices.

We stayed at The Ilikai...wasn't there something to do with Hawaii Five O there?

You can also try shellvacations.com. They may have some kind of teaser rate for this place as well.

Chicken paws!!!!!!!!!! That MelissaHI tricked me with them and had me eating them. Bet she will have something equally as delectable in store for you and Lee.

suze

I do hope you find a nice place for your vacation, Patrick.

Myself I wouldn't call central Waikiki "conjestion", but I guess some people could see it that way.

NeoPatrick

Well, suze, I'm a tough nut to figure out. As you probably know, I'm one who always raves about why I LIKE to stay in the heart of Manhattan, but somehow the same idea in Hawaii just seems different.

Regarding Hawaii 5-0, I read that the opening shot in the titles where he scans over the beach was taken from the Ilikai Hotel.

I have checked RedWeek in the past, but forgot about it for Hawaii -- geez, it should be a good destination for that. But meanwhile, realize that this unit is already at a TEASER rate. The other units like it go for at least 50% more, but this one is newly remodeled and just on the market and "the owner says to fill it", so they are offering this $99 rate for the time being.

iceeu2

Go for it!!! And, the walk from the Ilikai to Waikiki is not a bad walk. It is quite enjoyable, as a matter of fact.

Not so much for the other islands, but for Oahu, the entertainment book has some great coupons in it. ie, the Polynesian Cultural Center and some fine restaurants.

Isn't Lee the dessert eater? Be sure he gets some Hula Pie or even better some nice warm malasadas. And, still even better some chocolate haupia pie......

and, then or course, when you go onto Kauai, it's a must for some wonderful lilikoi pie.



Aloha

MelissaHI

There's no trick! It's the official Hawaii GTG initiation. Last Sept at the big GTG we served chicken gizzards and told Hawaiiantraveler's wife it was fried calamari. Now, that's a trick!

offlady

Also in the opening scenes for Hawaii 5-0, the camera zooms in on Steve McGarrett who is standing on a balcony at the Ilikai, most likely the Penthouse unit lanai.

iceeu2

Melissa!!!!!!!!!!!!! Aren't you ashamed? That's a plain damned mean trick!! Speaking of ALOHA!!!!!

NeoPatrick

Melissas that WAS a dirty trick. If I'd have been there I might have passed over the fried calamari -- I can get that anywhere. But fried chicken gizzards -- now that's a real treat! My sister and I used to fight for the gizzard when Mom fried chicken. And poor Hawaiiantraveler's Wife may spend the rest of her life saying, "this calamari isn't as good as the ones I had in Honolulu".

swisshiker

Chicken gizzards - yum! I've never had them fried, but I do make pretty good gizzard stew. And of course, I chop them up to put in the gravy at Thanksgiving.

But chicken feet? Melissa, melissa, melissa. You're a sly one! Now I'm wondering if those were really macadamia nuts???

Patrick, glad to see your trip is shaping up. Any luck with Maui yet? It's been interesting to read how many say the Sugar Beach area is windy and sometimes smelly. We were there in January so perhaps that makes a difference. But there's lots to choose from in Kihei, so I hope you're able to find something suitable.

Happy travels!

NeoPatrick

Haven't settled on anything in Maui yet (or actually reserved anywhere else yet either), but I'm finding lots of choices in Kihei. Once I eliminate the ones across the road with lots of comments about road noise, and once I eliminate the ones with no real ocean view -- which seems a priority to us -- the selection gets a little more limited in our budget. Oh yes, AC is an issue for many of them too, and I've read enough reviews now of complaints of too hot to sleep and/or too noisy with the windows open to think that we would be happy without it.

I'm thinking with the gloomy predictions for reduced travel this summer and with many VRBO listings saying "call for special pricing", I really may be able to wheel and deal a bit if I wait a bit longer. Meanwhile nearly everyplace I look at is wide open for September reservations, so I don't feel too pressured.

MelissaHI

People, people! You sound as if I should be ashamed of myself. Just to clarify, 1) I was not the only one in on it and 2) I have no shame.



The gizzards were delicious, of course. Oh, and HT + his wife are Honolulu locals.....

iceeu2

Yeah, but I bet it was your idea