suze

There is absolutely zero reason for you to get in a helicopter or on a horse. Neither are anything I'd ever do. For me, mostly because of the high cost and I generally avoid made-for-tourist activities.

Need any help with the Honolulu/Waikiki part?

Tomsd

What is scary about riding a horse. My sister and brother in law did a horse ride along the North Shore and loved it.

As for a helicopter - hey - I have flown in jet fighters and was still nervous about my first heli ride - on the Big Island - and loved it.

And I don't consider either of those made for tourists per se - although there are plenty of other activities that are - no question.

And Face - thanks for the info. I thought there were actually two beaches called Lumahai - or used to be anyway.

Yes, one at the mouth of the River (the river up which they filmed part of Thornbirds, righto and/or Jurassic Park) - easy to get to with a parking lot - and further over - the one with a couple rocks sticking up maybe 100+ yards offshore - the one you park along the road and you hike down to.

Make sense?

BuffaloGirl

It's highly unlikely that I'll actually ride in a helicopter.

Tomsd - if you had ridden on the horse I was on you would understand!

suze - inexpensive, good eats near my hotel are recommendations I would like, as well as transportation recommendations between hotel and airport. We won't have time for much else after our tour.....just hang out near Waikiki Beach I guess. I wish the Int'l Marketplace was still open. I have great memories of hanging out there when I was in Honolulu in the early 80's.

suze

I most often just grab a taxi. It should be around $35, it's about a 25 min. ride.

I've also done shuttles, which save money if you're solo, but since they are priced per person, if you are 2+ might as well take a cab imo.

I've also used The Bus at the bargain price of $2.75 but it's really not set up for luggage and can be extremely crowded.

I'll put together my cheap eats list for you and post again.

You're right that 5-6 hour tour will be all the time you have free really, so besides some walking around and a few meals, you don't really need much planning for that part.

BuffaloGirl

Right you are, suze. Thanks.

suze

OK here ya go... I was missing one and had to check with my good friends over on the Trip Advisor forum for the info:

ME Korean BBQ, 151 Ulunia (off Kuhio) at Royal Grove Hotel, cash only
Happy Hour at Barefoot Bar at Hale Koa 2055 Kalia Road is the street address, but enter from the beach (other parts of the resort are restricted to military personal, but the beach bar’s open to the public)
Barefoot Beach Café, 2699 Kalakaua Ave. cheap eats local style, beach view
Seaside Bar & Grill, 2256 Kuhio, old-school bar atmosphere breakfast and dinner specials
Ono Hawaiian Food, 726 Kapahulu, local/Hawaiian dishes
Rainbow Drive In, 3308 Kanaina Ave., local food plate-lunch style
Helena’s, 1240 N. School St, local/Hawaiian food in downtown Honolulu
King Village Farmers Market, at 131 Kaiulani Ave. from 4-9pm on M, W, F, Sat, vendors with prepared food like cooked meat and poultry skewers, fried rice and noodles, cut-up fresh tropical fruits, homemade baked goods
Eggs ‘n Things, 343 Saratoga, very popular, usually a line outside, fancy waffles, crepes, etc.
Tiki’s Grill & Bar, 2570 Kalakaua, 2nd floor patio, beach view, live music, bar food
Barefoot Bar at Duke’s, beachfront patio, casual dining, 2335 Kalakaua Ave.

Tomsd

If you like to snorkel - I would bag the tour and rent a car for the day - and go early to Hanauma Bay - then continue driving on around the south end of Oahu - past SeaLife Park/ Makapuu, continuing on to Waimanalo - and see if along that part of the road - you can spot the mansion where Magnum PI was filmed.

Continuing on to Kailua - you can return to Waikiki thru the tunnels in the Koolau mountain range - or and if you feel up for more driving/fun exploring - head up to the Turtle Bay Resort (another hour) and across the fabled North Shore beaches (Sunset, Pipeline, Waimea) - to Haliewa (20 minutes?) - where you are then about an hour away from getting back down to Waikiki.

Tomsd

BTW - you body clocks will still be on Mainland time - so you should wake up early the morning after you arrive - and be ready to roll.

You could go snorkeling and drive around the island and still be back while it's light out - and have a relaxing dinner - that's if you didn't chow down at some of the good places in Haleiwa.

Hey - even take a nap on the grass at Hanauma Bay after you snorkel - and we buy lunch (sandwiches or sushi) at the shopping center on the left - at Hawaii Kai - just before you go up the hill to turn to the right to the Hanauma Bay parking lot.

BuffaloGirl

suze - WOW....thanks for the reco's. I will check them out. Greatly appreciated.

Tomsd - I spent a lot of time going back and forth on whether or not to spend more time on Oahu. As I said, I decided to make Kauai the focal point of this trip. I know the north shore of Oahu is stunning - I did see it many years ago and remember it quite vividly. I could have shaved a day or two from Kauai, but didn't want to spend time dealing with a rental car. My husband will be quite content enjoying the beauty of Kauai, and I really wanted to spend a few days on the north and south sides rather than staying on one side and just driving to the other a few times.

With only one full day on Oahu, I think the 1/2 day tour of Honolulu's highlights and Pear Harbor is perfect. Followed by an afternoon and evening in Waikiki.

Love your enthusiasm and I appreciate your input!!!

wekewoody

If you're in Hanalei on a Wednesday or a Thursday eat here:
http://www.kauaiono.com/

Pat's Taqueria is a food truck out by the pier that serves up great tacos and such.

nelsonian

We used Go8Express for our transportation from Honolulu airport to our hotel. I booked it through their website. We found them to be excellent. $ 25 one way, if before 10 pm.

Tomsd

Have a blast BuffaloGirl. Luv Kauai.

BuffaloGirl

Thanks for the recommendations wekewoody and nelsonian. Will look into all of them.

Thanks, Tomsd.

I'm sure I'll have a few more questions as the trip draws closer. Enjoy your summer, everyone!!!

Momddtravel2

BG - that is why I asked... it is not for everyone. I would never step foot in a helicopter - (why pay all that money to feel like I am going to puke??) I LOVE to horseback ride so often look for it on vacation.

BuffaloGirl

It's all good, Momddtravel2! And there's a slightly better chance of me getting back on a horse than into a helicopter.

Samsaf

Oh, this sounds like a wonderful trip! I love the Grand Hyatt. Look for the hammocks scattered around the property -- can't think of a better place to have a nap!

And Captain Andy's has a wonderful catamaran trip; we did this on our first of five trips to Hawaii, and it remains as one of my all-time favorite travel memories!

Try to do the Waimea Canyon when you are on the south side of the island at the Hyatt -- it's much closer.

Have fun!

BuffaloGirl

Samsaf - the canyon and a catamaran ride are at the top of my list. I'm so excited!!!

Solo_wolf

I am not too good with heights. Last year in Maui, I took a helicopter ride. I will NEVER forget the enjoyment and the exhilaration. I will admit that I did have to just look up at the blades a few times, but then I was in such awe of the views. I will be headed over to Kauai in June and will probably take a helo and a cat ride. I had to remind myself. You MUST enjoy life.

Safe Travels.

Tomsd

Loved helicopter rides in/on both Big Island and Kauai. On Kauai - you really get a good perspective of the old/big plantation style estates that raised various food items, now mainly coffee instead of sugar?

garyt22

BG... this is the "ONE TIME chip" being used to get you on that copter... I will personally assume all responsibility for your safe return to the sacred Hawaiian soil... (unless Mr BG has designs on tossing you from the tour)