just back from Oahu
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2003
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just back from Oahu
I just returned from my first trip to Oahu. Had a wonderful time! Wanted to mention, however, what I would do again and what I would not do again. Stayed at the Park Shore. For the money, it was fine. The lobby is very pretty, it is convenient, the staff was very nice and helpful and the room was clean and neat. Had a great view of the ocean from our balcony. Not a 5 star hotel, but nice nonetheless. Rented a car for a couple of days and drove to the North Shore and East Shore - loved that! The highways were easy to drive on - took a map and never got lost the first time. Would have kept the car for an extra day and driven around more. Went to a "sunset dinner sail" - don't do that! For what you paid, the food was not worth it!! I even saw some other people say that before I went - but I guess I had to prove it to myself. Wish I had listened! Went to Pali Point - beautiful, beautiful place! Went to Germaines Luau - had a blast! Went to Polynesian Culture Center. That was fun. Went on Diamond Head hike. Enjoyed it; but would not do a second time. Also, would not have paid a tour group-would have gone on my own and saved the money. Went on the Waterfall/Rainforest hike - it was ok. Would not do again. Went to Pearl Harbor - would do again. Very moving. Ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise - get the coconut shrimp! Yum Yum! Went to Sandy Beach - enjoyed just sitting and looking at the ocean. If I can think of anything else, I will post again. Hawaii is Paradise!
#2
Join Date: May 2003
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My husband and I are going on our first trip to Hawaii/Oahu in Sept. Any other tips you have? We are staying at the Ohana Royal Islander. Was able to book a one bedroom suite for 100.00 (being an entertainment member). So.... what else about Oahu should we know?
#3
Join Date: Apr 2003
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Did Germaines not smell like the sulfur or whatever industrial smell nearby? I went to take photos of the lighthouse last month and thought there was no way I could eat with that smell in the air.
My new favorites here-
The new Ny deli in Hilton Hawaiian Village has a HUGE veggie sandwich. Enough for two.
My new favorites here-
The new Ny deli in Hilton Hawaiian Village has a HUGE veggie sandwich. Enough for two.
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Join Date: Jun 2003
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My husband and I are going to Oahu for the first time in September. I thought I had planned well for this trip, and if anything, over planned. I recently reserved a pool-side room at the Aqua Bamboo. Now I'm wondering if that was such a good idea. At any rate, we are renting a card at the airport. Someone said not to pay their $10/day parking fee...that there is other parking available. Did you see any parking garages or secured parking lots while you were there?
#6
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Sorry I have responded to my post. Have not looked at Fodor for several days. Anyway, Germains did not have a bad smell to me at all. I loved the food, and luau. We had a great time there. As far as parking, we had to pay $10 a day to park our car at the hotel. Parking is very limited in Waikiki. It cost a pretty penny to park anywhere.I don't think I saw any garages other than the ones owned by the hotels. I could be wrong about that, however. Getting the car, however, was worth it. We enjoyed riding around on our own as much as anything else I did. Wish we had booked the car an extra day. Traffic is not "rush rush". On Friday and Saturday nights, they show a movie on the beach (area in front of the zoo). That was pretty neat. It is free. It is fun just to hang out around the beach area until about 9-10 pm and watch the people. They have lots and lots of seating areas. And don't believe all the "jokes' about the ABC stores. They were very very convenient (1-2 on each block) and for a "convenient" store, I did not think the prices were bad. Don't forget to tip your fair share. The folks in Hawaii have to work 2 and sometimes 3 jobs to get by. We heard this from several people. I loved Hawaii - and can't wait to go back!