Kerry392

My husband and I will be going to Oahu in August. We are almost 30 and active. We will be staying at the Ilhilani Resort.

1) Would it be too much to visit Pearl Harbor, the Punch Bowl, Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach in one day? We realize that we have to be at the USS Arizona early to avoid long lines.

2) Is it better to hike Diamond Head independently or to take a tour? I saw that Oahu Nature Tours offers tours. The sunrise tour seemed interesting...

3) When and where is the Swap Meet? I know it is touristy but it sounds entertaining (to me, not my husband!)

MelissaHI

How long will you be on Oahu?

The four destinations you list will be too much for one day, especially since you are out at the Ihilani. I would group Pearl Harbor with the Swap Meet because the Swap Meet is at Aloha Stadium, which is near Pearl Harbor. However, if you have done your research you know that the Swap Meet is not open every day.

You can do Diamond Head and Waikiki in the same day. You need to go early--before sunrise--to beat the crowds and the heat. I have never taken a tour there, but maybe it will save you some navigation; it's quite a ways from the Ihilani (maybe 45-60 minutes depending on traffic).

You can do Punchbowl and historic Honolulu in the same day.

earthhopper

Hi Kerry,

Let's start from the tail

3. The biggest swap meet in Oahu is the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet in Halawa. It's held three times a week. There's also an indoor swap meet in Central Oahu. The location is the Mango Marketplace in Wahiawa. I think these two are great places to go!

2. I think it's you can do Diamond HEad on your own. It's an easy one hour hike. But even if you start as early as 7 am, it might get hot. So carry water and wear a hat.

3. It depends on your mood. If you don't want to give them enough time, you can do it on a day. But I'd never do that.

Happy travels!!

Kerry392

Thanks for the replies! I kind of thought that fitting everything into one day would be too much but I thought it was worth a shot. I would not want to rush the Punch Bowl or Pearl Harbor- I have heard they are both very moving.

Where can I find info about the Swap Meet in Aloha Stadium? I don't know which days they are open.

I will plan to hit Diamond Head and Waikiki on the same day. I had not really thought about that...

I realize the hotel is far away but we are staying on points so I can't complain!!

MelissaHI

You should get a tourist guide from www.gohawaii.com for more information. Also if you do some research on this site itself, you will find lots of information (hey, that's what Fodors books are for, right?):
http://fodors.com/miniguides/mgresul...nolulu_oahu@75

I am apologizing in advance to dusty, but I am going to list his extensive information here:
Lots of Oahu info:

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

Maps of Waikiki hotels & condos:

http://www.hicondos.com/neighborhood...te/Waikiki.asp

http://www.driveguidemagazines.com/oahu_waikiki.html

This one has a good magnification feature:

http://www.spotlighthawaii.com/Spotl...kiki-2007a.pdf

colombiana

Kerry392:
The Swap Meet opens on Wednesday, Saturday and I believe Sunday (for sure on Wednesday) Let me pass on the good advice try not to buy any souvenirs until you get to this place they have just about everything there. (I was not impressed with the t-shirts) everything else was great!

LG2

http://www.alohastadiumswapmeet.net/