Oahu question

Old Jul 11th, 2002, 08:52 AM
  #1  
Joan
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Oahu question

I might be able to extend my Hawaii vacation for 1 or 2 nights so that I can stay on Oahu at the end of my vacation. I wasn't going to stay on Oahu at all since I have been there before (over 20 years ago) and it didn't seem necessary to go back. But, since I have to fly out of Honolulu to get home anyway, I thought maybe I should stay over 1 or 2 nights.

So, here are my questons:
1. Would it be worth the hassle of checking into a hotel to stay for just one night, and would I have enough time to see anything in that short period of time,or would it really be necessary to stay for 2 nighs?

2. My 2 top hotel picks are the Halekulani and the Kahala Mandarin. I know that they are in 2 completely differnt areas of Honolulu. My first choice would be the Kahala, but is that too far out of the way to make it practical for such a short stay? Are there any other hotels that you would reccommend?

3. What would be the must sees in this short period of time? What would be a good itinerary? We can arrive in Honolulu late morning to early afternoon, and we would leave Honolulu to go back to NY at approximately 10:30 at night.

Thanks to all, in advance, for any advice you can offer!
 
Old Jul 11th, 2002, 01:02 PM
  #2  
Joan
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Just trying one more time.
 
Old Jul 11th, 2002, 01:28 PM
  #3  
xxx
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Friends swear by the Halekulani and they're big Four Seasons fans (better crowd was their description). Rooms a bit tired but immaculate and the property/service are wonderful.

Given how short the inner-island flights are, I don't think it would be a pain for a night (unclear if you have a night or arriving/leaving same day per point 3). You could see the USS Arizona and have a great dinner (friends like to wander the shops open late and watch the people)
 
Old Jul 11th, 2002, 02:18 PM
  #4  
Marybeth
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
We did the same thing - only stayed 1 night, but should have made it two. We drove around the perimeter of the island and saw USS Arizona. We were rushing, though, wish I had stayed one more night. I don't remember what hotel, it was so long ago.
 
Old Jul 11th, 2002, 02:31 PM
  #5  
Kathy
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Think you'd enjoy your stay more if you stayed for two nights. There is a lot to do on Oahu.

Re: your hotel choices. What are you really looking for? Both are wonderful properties, but the Halekulani is closer to Waikiki and of course, more crowded. The Kahala is in a residential area and very quiet. I love both of them. Another option is the Ihilani, which is about 40 minutes outside of Honolulu. It's on the way to Waialae. It's a beautiful resort and they have a spa there, too.

I think a must-see is the North Shore. It's a pretty drive and the views are spectacular. Make a stop in Haleiwa for shave ice at Matsumoto's or Aki's. You can also head over to Pearl Harbor, but it's gets pretty crowded over there. Head over there early.
 
Old Jul 11th, 2002, 04:09 PM
  #6  
Joan
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Kathy, thanks for your advice. The problem is that I'm not sure what I am looking for either. Both hotels look great, just with different locations. Usually, I like to be farther away from the downtown area, that's why I was leaning towards the Kahala. But, I will have a lot of layed back time on other islands during this trip. So, being in the middle of the city might not be that bad -it might even be a pleasant change.

Which has better accommodations, service, and ambience? Also, would it be much more convenient to stay at the Halekulani than at the Kahala? How easy is it to get to the prime areas of interest from the Kahala? Just having 2 nights does not give me any time to waste. Will I need to rent a car?
 
Old Jul 11th, 2002, 04:51 PM
  #7  
Cookie
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Whatever you do, you must make a point of dining at Alan Wong's. Absolutely fabulous view and beautifully presented (and delicious) food. Has also been written up in Bon Apetit & Gourmet recently. A Must Do. Also, the USS Arizona is a must see. Have a good trip!
 
Old Jul 11th, 2002, 05:33 PM
  #8  
Joan
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Cookie, I am definitely planning on eating at Alan Wong's one night during our trip. I have read wonderful things about the restaurant. Do you have suggestions for our other 2 nights? Thanks!
 
Old Jul 11th, 2002, 06:15 PM
  #9  
xxx
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Orchids or La Mer at the Halekulani. Roy's (the original location).
 
Old Jul 12th, 2002, 07:06 AM
  #10  
Joan
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
xxx -I will look into La Mer for a special dinner. My husband's birthday will be on the day that we leave so we will be flying that night. La Mer seems like it would be a wonderful restaurant for an early birthday celebration the night before we leave.
 
Old Jul 12th, 2002, 07:16 AM
  #11  
aaa
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Thing is La Mer is French I would explore Asian infused foods.
 
Old Jul 12th, 2002, 10:12 AM
  #12  
Joan
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
aaa- which restaurants would you reccommend to explore Asian infused foods?
 
Old Jul 12th, 2002, 10:29 AM
  #13  
andy
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Alan Wong's (which you're already going to) would be considered asian-infused; another good one is L'Uraku. But I certainly wouldn't miss La Mer.
 
Old Jul 12th, 2002, 10:35 AM
  #14  
Kathy
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Both properties provide excellent service. I really think they're comparable in every way. If you're at either location on a Sunday, have the Sunday brunch. I have had Sunday Brunch at the Halekulani (in Orchids) and it was wonderful. Great food. The
Sunday brunch at the Kahala (in Hoku's) is also great.

It would probably be more convenient to stay at the Halekulani than the Kahala. It's more central and there are lots of places you can walk to from the hotel.

It's not too hard to get to places of interest from Kahala, though. Very close to Diamond Head (another must-see IMO).

I think if you rent a car, you'll have more freedom to choose what you want to see and do. You'll get to sightsee on your own schedule, which is always a plus.
 
Old Jul 12th, 2002, 11:54 AM
  #15  
brenda
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I've stayed at the Kahala, and it's by far the classiest hotel I've ever been to. The Kahala is only a 10 minute drive to Waikiki Beach, and I love the area it is in. You still have a view of diamond head. Roy's, my favorite resturant in Oahu, is just down the road away from Waikiki. I think the residental area that the Kahala is in is very scenic. I've nevered stayed at the Halekulani, but I have stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and prefer the Kahala a million times more. The Hilton was too large with millions of people everywhere and lots of hula shows. Waikiki seemed like one big tourist trap. The Kahala was a nice retreat away from all of that junk. However, I've only heard good things about the Halekulani. I'm sure it would be nothing like the Hilton.
 
Old Jul 12th, 2002, 02:42 PM
  #16  
Susan
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Just a suggestion and nothing more--how about staying somewhere in between. By this I mean the New Otani which is just below Diamond Head, near enough to Waikiki to walk to the "liveliness" but just far enough away.
 
Old Jul 12th, 2002, 08:36 PM
  #17  
Gary
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Joan:

I have stayed at both. While the Kahala is a very nice hotel, it does not compare to the Halekulani. The hotel is beatiful, and while the property is right in Waikiki, it is set back by about a block, and so is not really in the midst of things the way the Hilton Hawaiian Village is. BTW, I have stayed there, too, and it comes nowhere near the level of either of the two hotels you chose. Especially since you have a short time, and the Halekulani will allow you to stroll through the Waikiki area, that's where I'd stay. In fact, we are going to be there in 3 days, and I can't wait for this return visit.

As to what to do, if you have not seen the Arizona Memorial, it is a must. Very moving, very interesting. As the other posters said, the North side of the island is magnificent, but with 1 day, you probably don't have the time. I'd stay another night!!

Good luck and have a great time.
 
Old Jul 13th, 2002, 09:45 AM
  #18  
Joan
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Gary -You sold me on the Halekulani. I was leaning in that direction before your post, but you convinced me. I made the reservations for 2 nights, as you suggested.

Please tell me what you think of my plan for our time in Oahu:

Thursday:
Arrive from BI at 1:00 PM. Check into the hotel at about 2:30? Become familiar with the hotel and enjoy the beautiful view from our oceanview prime balcony. Have coctails at House Without a Key. Dine at Alan Wong at 8:00PM.

Friday:
Leave hotel at approx. 8:30 AM. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. Climb Diamond Head. Stop at Lanikai(sp?) Beach. Drive around the island, seeing the North Shore and Leeward side. Dine at La Mer at 6:30 while catching the sunset.

Saturday:
Visit the Missouri at approx 8:00 AM. (We have already visited the Arizona on a previous trip.) I want to see if I can sign up for the VIP tour. Visit the Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, Museum of Contemporary Art. Dine at Singha Thai at 5:30. Pick up bags at hotel and head to the airport. Leave on 10:30 PM flight.

What do you think? Am I planning too much for this short time frame? Is there anything that you would leave out, or would you suggest something different? Also, please suggest places not to be missed, as we drive around the island.

Thanks so much for your help. Have a wonderful trip yourself!
 
Old Jul 13th, 2002, 11:20 AM
  #19  
Gary
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Joan:

I am glad you made that choice. I think you will be happy.

Your itinerary is great - but, you are going to need a rest after your vacation!

Alan Wong and La Mer are certainly two great choices for dinners. Don't know the Thai restaurant.

Your spending time going up Diamond Head and touring around the north part of the island is a great idea. Many people only stay in Waikiki and then say they don't like Oahu. You will see beauty on your touring that equals what you can see on any of the other islands.

The only other thing I might do is after you relax a little while on your lanai, and before your drinks at Room Without a Key, just walk for a little while in Waikiki. There is actually a beautiful park that is beside the water vey close to the Halekulani, as you walk in the direction of the Kahala. Or if you go the other way, you can get more of the feel of the "crowded and crazy" Waikiki.

Have a GREAT time and post when u return. If there's anything I find for you when I'm there next week, I'll post it, too.
 
Old Jul 13th, 2002, 07:17 PM
  #20  
Joan
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Gary- Thanks again! Hope to hear from you when you get back. If you take a drive around the north andn leeward sides, please let me know the stops -beaches and other places of interest- that you really enjoyed.

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -