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Honolulu Trip Report

Thanks for all the info for those who contributed. Stayed at the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Bay, which I would highly recommend. The service is exceptional, the staff go out of their way to help, and the place is absolutely kept in the best of shape. We stayed in the tower overlooking the pool and ocean...absolutely beautiful view. Had the breakfast buffet most mornings which was a good selection and easy start to the day. The Royal Hawaiian is situated in such a way that you would never know you are adjacent to a bustling metropolis. If you saw my original question, we like to vacation in cities rather than quite areas. The Royal H. is one of the few gems that fit this profile of having both a resort feel and easy access to great dining, and nightlife. I had a lot of comments from people who said there is not much to do in Honolulu. I have NO IDEA what they were talking about! We barely scratched the surface during the 8 days we were there. There is wonderful and unique shopping, and the restaurants are world class. Also the people are the friendliest I have absolutely ever met! We dinned at Kacho (Japanese) and had the chefs tasting! Some of the most fantastic Japanese dining I have had. Another was Allan Wong’s....WOW....one of the best dining experiences we have ever had....kind of asian/hawaiin fusion! Many others as well. One note, we had dinner at the Ocean House in the Sheraton Hotel. It is OK at best, the appetizers were not note worthy, but the entrée was good. Don't think I would return, especially when there is much better. There are hundreds of "hole in the wall" type places in the outdoor malls and all over the area where you can have some of the most scrumptious Japanese, Hawaiian, Korean, etc. food, and inexpensive. Also, we rented a car and drove around the coast which is a must do if you go to the island. On the way back we stayed in San Francisco for 2 days, and had another wonderful meal at Scala in the Sir Francis Drake hotel. Definitely will be back there for dinner another time. Stayed at the W hotel on Third St. Big mistake. This is the second in a row stay at a W where the service is terrible..sorry W you have lost a long time customer for good! Anyway for all those who like big city vacations....you can most certainly put Honolulu on your list! Can't wait to return!

Richard, did you think driving in Honolulu was difficult? Also, any tips on going to see the Arizona? I do know that going early and no bags is a must. Does this also mean no cameras? Going in 3 weeks for 3 days on Waikiki and then the Big Island, taking 2 boys so will swim and snorkel but want them to see the sights too. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

I read that you can bring a camera to Pearl Harbor as long as it isn't in a camera bag.

You can bring a camera to the Arizona Memorial, and driving in Honolulu is very much like any other U.S. City except that they use mauka (toward the mountains) and makai (toward the sea) rather than north, east, west, and south

We went to the Pearl memorial which I was surprised there was no cost to do the tour. It was moving! They must be talking about knapsacks, because we had no problem with a camera bag, and purse. Although they asked us to open them so they could look inside. Driving is no problem at all, it is like any other american city, in fact much calmer. There are all sorts of snorkeling trips in the area. Renting a car for a tour is a must in my opinion. ALso, stop along the way and try the hawaiian foods (lau lau) its delicious! Richard

I was checking this site this morning and noticed my reply was posted again this morning. How did that happen?!! But thanks for the replies, very helpful. It is -12 this morning in WI and I can not wait till we leave!!!