louise1928

Listed below are the following places we are most interested in visiting, while in Oahu/Waikiki, what are your thoughts, and do you recommend it??

1) Iolani Palace
2) Hawaii Maritime Museum
3) Chinatown
4) Pearl Harbor
5) Hawaii Plantation Village
6) Polynesian Cultural Center

And your suggestions on other places are welcome!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks everyone

Melissa

I recently toured Iolani Palace (have not done it since I was a kid) and found it fascinating. And I'm not into history! Of course, you should go to Pearl Harbor & the Arizona Memorial, that is always a good one (but crowded). When you go to Chinatown, weekends have the most action, but keep in mind that is when it is also most crowded.

Paul Rabe

I also recommend the Polynesian Cultural Center for good entertainment. There is SOME education, but it's basically music and dancing shows. Worth a visit, IMHO.

Another place with good entertainment (and a little education) is the Kodak Hula Show (if it's still around).

Frank

I must respectfully disagree with the previous poster on the merits of the Polynesian Cultural Center. I found it a thoroughly commercial theme park, staffed by local college students "acting" as Polynsian villagers. The evening show, however, is mildly entertaining, especially for children.
The Palace and Pearl Harbor are both very worthwhile. If you live near a "Chinatown", there is little need to visit Honolulu's version. Be sure to drive along the north shore, where Oahu is at its scenic best!

julie

I went to all places in November and enjoyed them all. I agree that Chinatown can be skipped if you run short on time. Since no one mentioned the Maritime Museum, I will tell you that it is small but very interesting, get the headphones. It has the whalebone that inspired the story Moby Dick. It is also in walking distance to some other nice attractions.

I thought the Polynesian Cultural Center was sorth the money. It was an all day theme park, then a luau and a nightshow for $65. I would do it again, even though it is not truly authentic.

If you can buy an Entertainment Book it has 1/2 price coupons for many of these things. I know people on the board don't like it much but I thought it was a big money saver in Hawaii.

Also, Iolani Palace was much smaller than I expected. It is the size of a plantation home. I thought the visit was interesting.

All your choices are good.

jennifer

i lived in honolulu for almost 2 years, and recently moved to the mainland. my suggestions are as follows:
1. pearl harbor/arizona memorial are a MUST SEE - it is very moving
2. chinatown is a waste of time, especially if you've visited chinatown in any other metropolitan area
3. i would suggest the gerard's luau - the most authentic luau on the island
4. the north shore is a must, especially if the waves are still big
5. hike to the top of diamond head - touristy, but a beautiful view from the top
6. dinner at either sam choys or duke's in waikiki
7. snorkeling in haunama bay - again, touristy, but you'll never be able to see or do anything like it again
...i have many more recommendations if you're interested. hawaii is absolutely paradise, you will love it!!

-jennifer

texasgirl

I, too, was very moved by Pearl Harbor; the best part was talking to some of the older volunteers, including one man who had been a soldier stationed at pearl harbor the day of the attack. really inspiring.

The palace was interesting, but somehow not as imposing as i expected. Also, have you thought about the Bishop Museum? good historical background to the islands.

Personally, i intensely disliked the polynesian cultural center, from the too-cheery staff to the fake disney-like atmosphere. You can see their dancers put on a short show in Honolulu _ I think at the mall across from the royal hawaiian? _ and IMHO that's plenty. If you buy the tour be aware it's a very long day....