Honolulu - Must do things ???
 

Hi folks - My wife and I are planning a week here in September and appreciate your thoughts on some of those special things that stood out as being a must do for you - even if it's a drink here or a walk there - just those things that adda little magic moment and aren't necessarily the stuff of travel guides and tourist traps - Thanks - Brian

One thing you "must" do is relax on the beach if you are only going to be in Hawaii only one week. My husband and I honeymooned there for one week and we spent so much time galavanting around doing "must do" things, we didn't really get to relax and enjoy ourselves. Relaxing is what Hawaii is all about IMHO. Enjoy!

Definitely a drive to the north shore just to watch the surfers in the big surf. Its kind of like the grand canyon, you don't get the sense of how BIG they are (the waves, that is)unless you really see them. Stop along the way at one of the roadside stands and pick op some local pineapple or mango for an easy picnic. I ate many "meals" this way and saved a bundle.

The Hau Tree Lanai (in the New Otani Hotel)for drinks at sunset - spectacular view of Waikiki from the Diamond Head end, looking back to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel from the front. See the 2 story aguarium in the restaurant of the Pacific Beach Hotel (visible from the lobby). Also, visit the Honolulu Aquarium on the beach opposite Kapiolani Park. For a small aquarium, it is outstanding and a nice experience. Good gift shop there. Take in the Hula dance show in the park (near the zoo). All hotels have info on it - it's sponsored by Kodak several mornings a week. Other demonstrations of local arts including hula at the Bishop Museum. Take a drive up the winding Tantalus mountain area for wonderful views of the city and ocean below and visit the museum of modern art - besides the collection, has terrific gardens and outdoor sculpture. If you plan to drive around the island, be sure to include Waimea Falls park; more local and historic culture.

First of all, I would recommend driving the north shore as someone else recommends. These waters however are far more tranquil in the summer than they are in the winter. There may not be any surfing going on, depending on the waves. <BR>Definitely get in the water and try surfing in Waikiki. Or at least boogie boarding. Snorkel (or scuba dive) in Hanauma Bay. Elvis filmed a movie there. Check out the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Another interesting place in Honolulu is Punchbowl Military Cemetary of the Pacific. Its in an extinct crater that overlooks the city. The views are great and there is some interesting history there. Oh yeah, have some pancakes with coconut syrup on them and go to Duke's Canoe club on Kalakaua Avenue (on the beach in Waikiki) for their lunch Ceasar Salads with freshly grilled chicken. <BR>pg

if you get a chance, watch the sunset at magic island, part of ala moana beach park across from the shopping center. a lot of locals go there (i used to go after work when i lived there) to jog or just "chill." it's super-relaxing, and you cn grab a bite to eat across the road at the mall food court (another local favorite). have a great time!

Be sure and stay for dinner after drinks at the Hau Tree Lani.one of our favorite restaurants in Honolulu.

One thing that I think is great for out of town visitors is to have a drink and watch the sunset at House Without a Key at the Halekulani. Yes, it'll probably be the most expensive drink and pupus you'll have on your visit here, but the view is great, the ocean is right in front of you, and they usually have great music and a graceful hula dancer there to perform for you. <BR> <BR>Walking on the beach at sunset ANYWHERE in Waikiki is nice -- being from here, I found it strange that folks applauded after the sun went down....

Aloha, <BR>September? If you will you be here for Aloha week festivities you will be plenty busy! <BR> <BR>

Just back from 2 weeks in Hawaii. I spent a week on the North Shore of Kauai and one week on Oahu. I lived on Oahu for a few years some time ago and was showing these islands to a friends family. <BR> <BR>We had a great seafood dinner at Kincaid’s at Ward Warehouse. I was happy to be eating at a place that was frequented largely by residents. Another wonderful restaurant I know in China Town is called Legends. I recommend a honey walnut shrimp dish they make but I am certain you will be wowed by whatever they serve. Oh yes from recommendations on this site I also enjoyed some wonderful black bean dungess crab at Won kee's next door. Leonard’s malasadas for a donut like snack. <BR> <BR> I was drawn to your post because my friend was totally overwhelmed by Honolulu. I come from a major city so I love Honolulu but I did want to leave you with one comment she made to me. "I feel so sorry for the people who come to Hawaii and never experience anything beyond Waikiki". The larger Honolulu is outside Waikiki but I thought you should consider this if you have any tropical expectations of Honolulu. I showed them most of Oahu if you are a person that enjoys the many different cultural and historical sites to visit in Honolulu you will have a wonderful time. I think must do’s are China Town during the day as well as evening, Kabuki at UH if it is on. The first week in September there is usually some festival taking place, like Hokulaulaia (sp) (contemporary Hawaiian musice), Okinawaiian Festival on Labor day in Kapiolain park. Check out the Hawaii visitor bureau calendar for more specific details on this. If you are not coming from a part of US that has a significant Asian population this stuff can be very interesting and so colorful to watch. I would also go to the Japanese Cultural center, find out about a traditional tea ceremony if you have time. <BR> <BR>For shopping I would skip Waikiki and head towards Ala Moana Mall. Liberty House homes department has quality Hawaiian crafts. There is also a beautiful new Neiman Marcus that is fun to explore even if you don’t shop. For ticky tack there is a Hilo Hatties and a number of other made in Hawaii stores. There are also performances on a stage central to the first level. I would seek out Asian stores here Shiroquia (sp), Liddos (sp), again very interesting if you have not seen before. There is an annex to Bishop Museum that just opened on the North end of Waikiki that has information and exhibits on the history of Waikiki along with artifacts from the monarchy. <BR> <BR>Some things outside of Honolulu; take a drive up to Pali lookout, hike Makupu light house on Windward side on an overcast day or early morning but preferably the overcast day. Byodo temple also on Windward side. I will let others tell the endless list of other things to do on Oahu. <BR>

If you do make an around the island tour (well, more or less around the island because you can't go all the way around), make sure you visit the little educational pineapple gardens just north of Wahiawa. Everyone I've brought there is just fascinated with all the different kinds of pineapple! You can also get free tastes at the Dole Pavilion a little farther north toward Haleiwa.

Believe me, all you have to do is drive back and forth a couple of times through the Pali Highway and Liki-Liki Highway and you will see enough gorgeous scenery to last a lifetime! It looks like Tahiti suburban style! It really NEVER ceases to amaze me!!

Some of these have already been suggested but here is what my husband and I enjoyed while in Honolulu: Dinner and drinks at the Hau Tree Lanai - the food and views were great; A leisure stroll along the main strip in Waikiki; relaxing on the beach; lunch at Cheeseburger in Paradise; a ride on the north shore - beautiful scenery. <BR>

Thank you for taking the time to reply - the friendliness and assistance I've recieved to my questions on this site is quite special and has already made our approaching visit seem somehow more personal - we both look forward to trying your recommendations and assisting you should you need any info regarding our home Australia - Thanks again, Brian

Did this on our last day and got the best photo's of 21 rolls. Take the drive up the coast from the diamond head near waikiki. In the morning there are an abundance of windsurfers and the pacific is vast and blue. Go on a clear day for the best veiw. Look out points along on the way but not a long drive at all. <BR> <BR>Another coast drive stemming from Hawaii Kai see map for more details but not too far from Honolulu. Here you will pass Hannama bay, Blow hole, Here to eternity beach (sure this place has a Hawiian name but I don't know it).

Try the hike up "inside" Diamond Head crater. Excellent views from up top!!!! Lee in Austin,Tejas

Don't miss the Bishop Museum for its incredible collection of Hawaiian artifacts. <BR>

To all who have responded - Thank You <BR>We took along your "hints" and tried many - we were delighted with the Hau Tree Lanai - it was excellent - we drove "around" the island and saw some wonderful sites - the drive up into the Tantalus mountain area at night gave lovely views - we climbed to the top of the Diamond Head crater - it was hot and dry but worth the effort - sampled the local pineapples which were so sweet and much less acidic than others we've had - we went snorkelling at Hanauma Bay (after renting the gear from Snorkel Bob's) and it was a real highlight - drove up to the Pali lookout which was great (although remember to take something warm as it was surprisingly cool compared to Waikiki - sampled the shave ice at various places including Haleiwa - all in all an enjoyable time and helped by your responses - Thank You - Brian