One and Two Half Days on Oahu - What should I see?
 

I am heading (tomorrow) to Oahu on business. I'll be working Monday, but will have Monday afternoon, all of Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon free before I leave to travel back. I will have a car and will be staying in military lodging, near the airport. So, I'm trying to decide what to do with my free time - seems crazy to be in Hawaii and not enjoy it at least a little. So, I'm hoping someone out there might have some good ideas for me? I have been to Oahu a few times in the past. Previously, I've been to the PCC, drove around theNorth Shore, snorkeled in Hanauma Bay, hiked to Diamondhead, went to the Punchbowl, and visited the Arizona. I've also previously stayed near Waikiki and did a little shopping there at the International Marketplace . . . all of which I enjoyed.

Should I just revisit some of these things, or have I missed out on something great? I have considered taking one of those glass-bottomed boats or another water tour this time around but wasn't sure how fun it would be, especially by myself. Also considered looking around Chinatown, but wasn't sure how safe it is. And, have also heard that Shark's Cove is a great snorkeling place this time of year, but I am a beginning snorkeler and not an expert swimmer, so I wasn't sure if it was within my ability. Anyway, looking forward to hearing your ideas! Would also love to hear if you have any favorite restaurants (probably more towards the Pearl Harbor/Waikiki side of the island).

Have you considered taking a flight over to the big island and visiting volcanoes national park? it is really very interesting and the island is quite different from Oahu.

Shark's Cove is a good spot to snorkel in the summer even for a non-swimmer. Laniakea Beach is only a few miles from Shark's Cove. Several sea turtles there either on shore or near the shore.

National Cemetery of the Pacific & Tantalus Drive right above the cemetery.

Chinatown is safe during the day & until 9pm or so.

Bishop Museum

Climb Diamond Head

Pick up the free brochures at airport baggage area, This Week on Oahu, Oahu Gold & 101 Things to do on Oahu

A couple of driving tours on this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...trip-to-hi.cfm

Iolani palace can be combined nicely with a Chinatown walk. It is perfectly safe during the day and early evening.

Another vote for Bishop museum.

My DD was out at Laniakea & Waimea on the North shore yesterday. Four big turtles hanging out at Lani's. Very strong currents and big waves all along the north shore due to an unseasonal swell this week. It's supposed to end on Sunday, but you can check with surfnewsnetwork.com or call 596-7873 for a surf report before drive out. No matter how the surf looks always ask the lifeguards about the currents before you go in.

For restaurants, go to metromix.com (honolulu) and check out the "photo galleries" under the restaurant heading. Two long time Fodorites, Melissa and Mari, have some nice reviews that are very accurate. Also on that site will be current events.

Places I like?
Nico's at Pier 19(?), turn opposite Alakawa street off Nimitz),
Ono Hawaiian foods on Kapahulu,
Seoul Garden- Korean , on Kapiolani Blvd
Thinh -Vietnamese, on S. King St- maybe teh 1700 block or so
Side Street Inn -Near Ala Moana Center, and
the noodle shop right next to Green Papaya on Keeaumoku Street, just up from Walgreens and KFC. It has a name, but I don't remember what it is, as the sign is in Kanji. Great japanese noodles.

If you google Shark's Cove, the first 3 or 4 sites that come up have descriptions and photos, so you can see what it looks like. I personally am a timid snorkeler when I can't touch the bottom, and I wouldn't go by myself probably. But I might drive out if the water is calm, and if when I got there lots of people were in the water, then I might feel secure. Hopefully you aren't as chicken as I, but since there is no lifeguard I'd be cautious. the way we got into the water was very steep and rocky, and as I recall there is not much place to park.

If the water is calm Waimea Bay is a great place to swim. there are life guards there.

I agree that I`olani Palace is well worth a visit. I've gone there twice and the tour is very informative. The Art Institute is very interesting.

If you go to Chinatown, the Kuan Yin temple is very interesting to see. It's not far from a good dim sum restaurant that is fun....can't remember the name, will come back when I do
:-)

I meant to say that the I`olani Palace tour really gives you some insight into the history of the Hawaiian monarchy and the sad ending of it.

Also if the surf is up on the N shore, i'd drive out just to see it!

Thanks everyone for all the good ideas! I appreciate it and look forward to checking some of these out.

The restaurant in Chinatown was Legend Seafood Restaurant http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/sp...taurant?id=158
we were there July 07, hopefully it is still good!