Waldo - Yes we love the Hale Koa. The pool area is definitely the best in Waikiki. ALso love it that you have both a mountain and ocean view from the rooms. This was our third - and probably final trip there (to the Hale Koa).
My Dad is the military one (retired Navy) and vows he's not going to Hawaii anymore. He was stationed there in the mid-1950's. We have pictures of Waikiki basically only the Royal Hawaiian and I think what's now the Sheraton Mona Surfrider. We use to go to Hanauma Bay on Sundays for picnics - our group of military friends with their kids would be the only ones there!!!!

Here's a second to the suggestion to drive up the Tantalus, particularly in time to catch the sunset from the state park near the top. The views are spectacular: I've never understand why this drive doesn't get more "play" in guidebooks, etc. Your itinerary sounds great. If you have to do away with anything (for time, energy or money reasons), the Polynesian Cultural Center can go IMHO. But, don't miss the Bishop Museum and, as someone else said, the Iolani Palace. Try to do them both the same day, and pay attention to the nuances of the respective perspectives on history, particularly of the waning days of the Hawaiian monarchy.

To Jillwen-
Thanks for your reply. My wife and I will be at the Hale Koa from Sept. 2 to Sept 16 this year. We are really looking forward to our visit. Love all the tax free purchases there. Indeed, the pool(s) are the finest in Waikiki, the large pool being the best ANYWHERE.

2) Lunch or pupus at Sheraton Moana Surfrider.

3)At sandy's beach you can buy a kite to take home. Don't miss Shearwoods and Lani Kai beaches. Stop at the home that sells jackson cameleons (sp?) for a look at those odd creatures. Lunch in Kailua is good either Zia's, Teddy's, Maui Tacos or Gee A Deli are my favs. Then in Kaneohe in the Windward Mall parking lot is a red and white truck with great Malasadas. Along the north shore drive buy apple-bananas and cold coconut to drink with a straw from stands. There are many galleries along the way too. Laei point is a good spot for photographs. Don't forget the great shopping in Haliewa.

2) I really love the view at the California Pizza Kitchen in Ala Moana also.

3)Dole Plantation has unique items to take home.

4)Don't forget water and a flashlight.

5) The family across the street often sells food I mean to try. Be sure to sample breadfruit and other items inside. And they don't sell caffine so get that ahead of time.

6) If you are downtown on a Friday there will be live music in Bishop Square. Bishop Street Cafe has fresh, yummy food. It's hidden in Grovesner Center 1 block up towards the mountain from Aloha Tower. There's a good candy shop hidden down around there too. And a new art gallery.

7) There is an interesting Japanese 99 cent store across from Ward Warehouse. I really like the Ward areas and Kahala Mall. The outlet mall is good if you don't have those where you live. Moiliili is a unique area also.

You are missing Moana Valley shops and hiking.

If you don't want the luau show go to Poi Bowl or Ono Hawaiian foods for a taste.

Carenrl: We're headed to HHV August 21-27 and will be doing a similar schedule.
8/21 hangout and relax
8/22 a.m. historic honolulu with Iolani Palace, lunch at Legends in ChinaTown then back to beach.
8/23 Drive around the Island
8/24 Hanauma snorkeling and Diamond Head Hike
8/25 A.M. Open 12noon Atlantis Submarine.
8/26 Sorry, business. It is a business trip!
8/27 Open, Leave 6pm

I'll give you a critique when we return.
This is our first trip to Hawaii.

Agree with the poster who said consider Pearl Harbor around noon. We went early.. around 8:30 or 9:00 and waited on a semi long line for tickets. When we were leaving around 12:30 there were 6 people on line!

islandmom, bishop Street Cafe is no more! It turned into Pomodoro's, and now it is a sushi place or something. I went there the other day and the owner is the same guy, but he has a new business partner. He swears they kept a lot of things from the original Bishop St. Cafe menu but it's not the same.

Awww, what a shame. Probably happened awhile ago. I never get down there anymore. I wonder if they still have the Fresh Garden Deli in the building across from the City Financial Building? I'm also wondering if the Fort Street Mall area still has the tea room?

Well, we are leaving tomorrow! I so appreciate everyone's response and guidance and I will grace you all with a report when we return. Aloha!