Oahu, Hawaii
 

Hi, we are headed to Oahu in a couple of weeks. Part business, part pleasure. I need some help with itinerary ideas. we will be in Oahu for a week. Staying at the Royal Hawaiin. Any suggestions would be appreciated. We have a car so we can go to the North Shore. We are beach people, novice hiking, snorkel/snuba. No kids :) love em but nice to get away with my DH. I know this is vague but I have never been to Oahu and really don't know where to start. Restaurant suggestions will be helpful too. One night at a romantic $$$ would be nice for our 20th anniversary. Thanks :)

You are in the heart of waikiki so walking along the beach is easy... Duke's on the Beach is a great casual place and the restaurants at your hotel are excellent...

The north Shore in February is peak season for waves so people and surf watching so plan an early drive up there...

good luck planning!

Hmmm... I'm no expert on the high-end restaurants, can't help there. Maybe one of the restaurants at Halekulani. I love the atmosphere at Hau Tree Lanai (at New Otani hotel) but the food's been getting hit or miss reviews. The courtyard/veranda restaurant at Moana Surfrider hotel is lovely (again don't know about recent reviews for food quality but the setting is killer).

Just pick up a map after you arrive and drive out around the island. I don't think it takes any big plans to head out and see various beaches. There aren't all that many roads -lol!

If you're interested in Hawaiian history I found Iolani Palace to be a fascinating tour. There's also Foster Botanical Gardens and Bishop Museum nearby in downtown Honolulu. I enjoyed the Doris Duke ShangriLa estate tour through Honolulu Academy of the Arts (which I think has a new name).

I have eaten at tall the venues at the Halekulani and for romance, setting and food it is hard to beat La Mer. House Without A Key is a fantastic place to watch the sunset while having a cocktail as well. The brunch at HWAK is special too.

Alan Wongs is good for a nice, special dinner as well.

Like Suze, I love the Hau Tree Lanai. Have not been there for awhile so can't comment on the food, just the atmosphere- a favorite for me

My favorite beach is Bellows on the N Shore- its a military base but has a public beach too. Beautiful blue water, not crowded- the downside is that sometimes there are jelly fish in the water

great suggestions....thanks guys. Dh definitely wants to see the N Shore so great tip on early morning timing. I think we will do that first day since we will prob be up early anyway from jet lag...like the beach tip.

HWAK...intrigued me from the beginning. will def have to go there at least for a drink

Breakfast at the Hau Tree is nice, too.

The Moana Surfrider Sunday brunch on the lanai (assuming they still have it) can be nice. Makapu'u beach as well as Sandy might also be worth stops. Bellows is a wonderful place to be on the beach I would agree even if you cannot get onto the restricted (to Active Duty, retired, military folks) area.

Judging on food alone, I prefer Alan Wong or Chef Mavro but La Mer does have the whole package including ocean views (I like the tables overlooking HWAK) and impeccable service.

Walk around Chinatown - and if you like Dim Sum there are a couple of good places - and well as Thai places around Waikiki/Hono - where you can get a lot of bang for your buck.

Nick's also is usually pretty good - in Waikiki. Haven't been there for a few years but used to be something of a locals hotspot.

Hau Tree has an incredible setting, as does the Turtle Bay Inn on the North Shore.

And for snorkeling - don't miss Hanauma Bay - 20 minutes south of Waikiki - and then you can complete the soutern loop of the island - to Kailua - and back to Waikiki.
Go early for the best visibility - least crowds - and many times - we take a sushi box lunch to have on the beach after snorkeling.

There is a shopping center on the left (with a Foodland?) - at Hawaii Kai - just before you go up the hill to take the turn to Hanauma Bay - where we like to stop for snacks and cold beverages.

Not fancy, but very good is Cheba Ken. It is tiny so definitely make reservations.

Also, drinks at the Barefoot Bar of the Hale Koa. The hotel is military, but the bar on the beach is open to everyone and is a good place to watch sunsets.

Nick's Fishmarket if that's what Tomsd is referring to closed a while ago.

For casual dining, I like Town and Salt, both in Kaimuki, and the Pig and the Lady which recently opened a brick and mortar location.

ALAN WONG for our 30th anniversary and it was fabulous. No view and it is not in the heart of Waikiki - you have to drive or take a cab. Worth every penny. Delicious food and outstanding service. MICHELE's for romantic view for sure. It is through Kapiolani Park near the New Otani Hotel - quiet end of Waikiki. Very romantic - ask for a table at the window and you feel like you are right on the beach. Right on the beach - try HUA TREE which is in the New Otani. We stayed there over Thanksgiving and will be back for sure. so quiet and the best swimming beach. Hua Tree Good food and nice setting. TOWN is wonderful, my new favorite restaurant there. Cab ride was expensive but since you have a car that is not an issue. Organic restaurant not romantic but very good food. HOUSE WITHOUT A KEY for drinks as sun sets or MAI TAI Bar at the Royal Hawaiian. Great Hawaiian music at the Marriott pool side bar on Thursday night. Aloha

I also second the Alan Wong rec. Perfect for a special occasion especially if you are a big foodie. Delicious, complex, and bright flavors using local ingredients. But House Without a Key has the glorious view of course. But even sunset drinks there would work and then you can take a taxi to Alan Wongs :)

Others to consider: Chef Mavro, 53 by the Sea, and if you can get a reservation, Vintage Cave. Never been to either but I have looked at their menus online and always wanted to try them...but our splurge meal has almost always taken us back to Alan Wongs. Have a great trip, Oahu is quite possibly my favorite island (because I am a city girl and I like food. a lot.) and Happy Anniversary too!

House without a Key a must. hike from your hotel to Diamondhead and up the stairs to the top, beautiful views. There is a fun restaurant across street from ocean near your hotel w a restaurant that revolves full circle. Crazy happy hour, lucky to get a seat, so reserve for dinner and get a quieter table. We have a timeshare in Waikiki so go every year, but no, I don't remember name of restaurant!! its somewhere like on the 18th floor. Also loved the Iolani Palace and Bishops museum which we did in one day. Waikiki has lots of upscale shoping and dining so you really can't go wrong!!

Top of Waikiki is the name of the revolving restaurant. I feel like you're paying for the fact that it's a revolving restaurant. That said, I haven't been there in years.

I've only been the 53 by the Sea for lunch. The view is spectacular. Lunch is a decent value as it includes starter and dessert. Can't comment on dinner.

Vintage Cave $$$ will have to wait for our 20th! ;)

I haven't been but right at the Royal Hawaiian is Azure.

I know it sounds hokey, but I really want to go to Top of Waikiki, at least for a drink sometime.

I would def. spend part of a day at Pearl Harbor. Reserve ahead for the memorial and the whole exhibit is first rate. I also enjoyed walking around Chinatown.