My husband and I traveled to Oahu for the third time on August 26 - September 2, 2005. On this trip we decided to relax more and not do all the tourist sites again like Pearl Harbor and try new places to dine.

We flew on a direct flight from Newark to Honolulu. Long flight but saves the stress of not having to switch. We arrived at 6 pm Hawaii time and went to Budget for our car rental. We booked a compact car with Budget thru the Entertainment Book. The sales rep pushed upgrading but we were happy with the compact. We drove to the hotel which was the Doubletree. The staff at the Doubletree is very helpful and friendly. The hotel was recently upgraded since our last stay which was last December. We ate our warm cookie which the Doubletree gives at check in and walked the strip to exercise our legs after a long flight from NJ. While walking we saw the Friday night fireworks at the Hilton.

Day 2
Woke up early because we were on Eastern Time still. Went to breakfast at my favorite, Eggs and Things. As usual the service was quick and attentive. Food was great! Then my husband and I went to Wal-Mart behind the mall to stock up on water, snacks and a bit of souvenirs. Afterwards, went to the beach near the Duke statue to watch the Long Board competition which happens to be going on that day. Left the beach for dinner at the Hula Grill. We only ordered a few appetizers and lava flows. Love the goat cheese quesadillas, crab wontons, and coconut calamari. Once we were stuffed, walked down to Sunset on the Beach. Very crowded but worth looking for a seat.

Day 3
We were lucky to be in Waikiki when they were having Brunch on the Beach. It was more than my husband and I expected. The city sets up tables and chairs and lots of places to choose from for food. The prices were very cheap. This event was part of Duke's birthday celebration. Again, we were lucky to visit when we did. We then went to Snorkel Bob's to rent snorkel equipment. Tried to eat at Duke's bar for dinner to enjoy the live concert but it was too crowded. Did meet Sanoe Lake (surfer, model, and starred in Blue Crush) there who was also waiting for a table. Ended up trying Lu Lu's this was a pleasant surprise. Great menu, nice atmosphere, fun crowd. Had a huge salad and my husband had a crab sandwich.

Day 4
Headed to the North Shore early for breakfast at Ted's and day of snorkeling. Had my favorite dessert in the whole wide world - Chocolate Haupia Pie along with a bacon, cheese, hash brown, egg on a fresh roll sandwich - to die for! Went to snorkel at Turtle Bay Resort and Laniakea a.k.a. Turtle Beach. Saw many turtles. Lunch we went to Romy's which use to be our favorite shrimp truck. I say use to be because of this visit. Very crowded, credit card machine was broke, no tables due to the crowds, and they got my order wrong. Maybe they can't handle the huge crowds that day. Headed back to Waikiki for dinner. We went to Chinatown for dinner at Little Village - a must do on all our trips. My husband and I eat in Chinatown Philly and NYC all the time. This place rates very high on our list of good Chinese. They have parking right next to and behind the restaurant so it is easy.

Day 5
Breakfast at Zippy's for something quick because we headed out to the flea market. Lots of bargains and different things to take home. Stopped at Leonard's for malasadas (another must for me). Bought chocolate, haupia, and guava to snack on. Had a late lunch at Teddy's Burgers which has great shakes and large burgers. Snorkeled at San Souci. One of the best beaches for snorkeling. Saw tons of fish! Went to the Aloha Tower for dinner at Don Ho's. Was pleasantly surprised how good the pizza was. The parking wasn't much fun because lot in front was full so had to walk. Get parking validated - only $2 to park.

Day 6
Another trip to North Shore
Breakfast at Ted's again. Had my favorites. This time we snorkeled at Turtle Bay Resort, Shark's Cove, and Turtle Beach. Rested at Sunset (my favorite beach). Lunch at Taste of Paradise. Cute atmosphere, large portions, but better food at shrimp trucks or Haleiwa Joe's. Stopped at Surf and Sea for things to take home. Dinner was back in Waikiki at Todai. Great sushi and desserts. A must for a sushi lover.

Day 7
Snorkel at San Souci. Checked out of hotel at 1 pm (which was the latest check out the hotel could offer due to a convention in town). Walked to Tiki's for lunch. Cute kitschy atmosphere, nice views, good food. Left for the airport and had trouble with Budget. When returning the car they gave us a receipt with extra charges than we remembered. Now we are in the process of talking with Budget on getting some of our money back. They charged us for extra insurance that my husband didn't verbally ask for. Other than that, our trip to Hawaii was once again a very enjoyable trip! We are already talking about our next one!

Thank you, JEC! You really took me back ... I'm in love with Oahu!

JEC, glad you liked Don Hos! Why were you surprised at how good the pizzas were? Sorry about the Aloha Tower Marketplace parking--it does fill up fast in front but there are valet options, and another lot nearby past the Falls of Clyde. Most locals park at one of the buildings across the street, which is flat-rated after hours.

Glad you had fun--hope you can return soon!

Thanks for the great report! Duke's, it seems everyone goes there, since we will be staying in HNL in a few weeks we really must try it to see what all the hubbub is And Zippy's, yes, I actually miss Zippy's! Glad you got to see so many turtles at the North Shore, something we still have to do. Happy travels

Thanks for the great trip report. We're headed to Big Island next, but already thinking of Oahu for trip-after-next! What did you think of the "new" Turtle Bay hotel and environs? That's one of the places I'm considering. Did it look kid-friendly?

Hi, just another comment or two before JEC steps in We stayed there a year ago for a week in a bungalow. Very nice. Would stay there again. One comment about the kid-friendly aspect, there were quite a few non-hotels guests that used the hotel on the weekend, mostly children with their parents in the smaller waterfall pool. There are local events held there and the overflow use the facilities making it a little tough for those staying at the hotel, there are signs posted but it didn't appear to be enforced, at least when I was there. Otherwise, no complaints