In November 2008, I will be in Hawaii on business with wife. Nine year old and my parents will join us for a week. Since we all live in Florida, going to beaches isn't exciting. What exciting place is in that general area and how far from Honolulu?

Do you mean near Honolulu? There isn't anything near to Hawaii.

I have topped a post for you. The title is, "first trip to HI"

There is so much information there regarding the island of Oahu, I think exactly what you have asked for. We are going in Feb 09 and I printed it out to take with.

Also, if you have never snorkled in Hawaii, you want to do that. Even if you are familiar with Florida beaches, the snorkleing in Florida is nothing compared to Hawaii. I suggest your 9yr old and whole family would love Hunanma (sp?) Bay. You walk in from shore so can go as deep as you are confortable with. The fish will almost gather at your feet.

Honolulu is on Oahu. There is enough to see on Oahu to keep you busy for a while. You don't mention how long you are going to be there and how much time you have after business is concluded.

Hawaii is a separate island, also known as The Big Island.

I think you could easily find all the information you need at a bookstore, where there are multitudes of travel guides to the state of Hawawii, and the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, and Lanai.

Midway is near Hawaii.

Kal - Midway is no where near Hawaii if you're flying a C-54 into a headwind. Then, the trip takes almost forever. By today's jets, it might be a bit closer,

I'm not sure how exciting but there are many things to see and do in and around Honolulu. Hike DiamondHead is one. Visit Chinatown. Museums and historic sights such as: Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, ShangriLa Estate, Honolulu Academy of the Arts.

If you'd like something more of a theme park you can go to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Not to mention historic landmarks such as Pearl Harbor, the Arizona.

Drive up to the North Shore to watch the surfers?

How excited do you want to get?

www.alohatower.com

With the greatest of respect, Florida hasn't seen a beach as exciting as some of the ones on Oahu.

dwoody,
My Dad spoke highly of the place when he took a cruise there in the early 40s.

CAN DO!

Kal - he may be the only person I've heard speak highly of the place. We used Midway as a fuel stop for trans-pacific flights in the early 60's and I never found anything about it to recommend it.

On the other hand, I did like fishing and swimming in the lagoon on Wake Island if you could just dodge all the sharks.

We really do need a definition of what is considered "exciting" by this couple to be able to answer. Honestly I can't think of anything that I would use exactly that adjective to describe on Oahu.

Oahu is not very big. From Honolulu/Waikiki you can get almost anywhere on the island in less that 1 hour.

Lots of info:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34812564

Are u planning a trip to Hawaii then Big Island of Hawaii is surely a place you would want to visit. The active volcano the black sand beach are just so awesome and must see for anybody... Have a happy journey and a peaceful vacation!

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For more info on travel and resorts visit: http://globalresortsfacts.com

I'm still watching this thread to find out something truly "exciting" in the general area of Hawaii

There's always Bikini Atoll - right Kal?

http://www.worldofdiving.com/html/bikinihistory.html

I love snorkling, hiking, atv rides on private lands, horseback riding, triking/powerhangliding, snorkling, visiting up country and low country.

Although I haven't been, I am sure I would enjoy the historical value of the Polynesian Center. Haven studied up on the history of Molokai and it's Leper Colony, I loved the Mule Ride - not sure the age limit though. Could be a day trip from Maui if you choose there.

tip top cafe with the largest chewiest chocolate chip cookie, now that's exciting.

eh gyppie, mai poina, e `olu`olu no.

dwoody,
I'm sure he would have enjoyed his stay much better if people weren't trying to kill him.

He laffed about the gooney birds, tho until the day he died.

g-
I prefer no bikini atoll.