Oahu Trip Report

Arrive: 10:54 AM in Oahu.

Pick up Rental Car: Thrifty Sebring Convertible..had hoped for a Mustang but none available.
3:00PM Check in HHV (Hilton Hawaiian Village). Arrived early, so they checked our bags to deliver later while we went for lunch and came back later for the actual check in. We breezed thru check in, since I had signed up for the Hilton Honors Club (separate line), while aquaintances of ours had to wait for over an hour! RM 2907 Rainbow Tower Ocean View. Dbl Beds. Another TO DIE FOR VIEW (Thanks Auntie Maria for the tip!). The beds/ pillows are the best I've ever experienced in a hotel!


Lunch: A HHV concierge we happened upon actually walked us over to the grounds of Hale Koa! He was curious as to how I knew about it, he did not know it was on Fort Derussy grounds...the term 'fort' seemed to throw him...he also wanted to see if we got in, but DH shooed him off before we got to the restaurant.

Koko Cafe @ Hale Koa...we walked up they started to check, but then said naw (I didn't know Hawaiians spoke Lower Alabamian!), and seated us w/o checking...they weren't busy, so maybe this is why? On another day, DH went for BF but saw they were checking, so went elsewhere. A delicious Avacado sandwich $6, DH got the Pastrami. Nice view.


Dinner: Duke's, NOT!! We walked up there from HHV along the beach, kept thinking it's the next one...longer than we thought and we're hungry, tired, but most importantly, w/o reservations! 1 3/4Hr. wait!! OK, I have a secret I read on fodor's..go upstairs to Hula Grill....NOISY!! I couldn't take it!!, so off we go streetside now, looking for a place to eat...stood in another line at Cheesecake Factory just to find out...1-3/4Hr. wait (this is at 8:15PM!)! Well, we are getting testy, feeling lost, when I look up and see Nick's Fishmarket. I have the trusty E-book in the purse, and there's a $27 coupon for Nick's. We approach the Host sheepishly inquiring..."can you seat us?" We were not dressed for the occassion, thinking we were to dine in a more casual atmosphere, but they seated us Immediately!!!! YEAH!!!

Had a good meal and a great drink, Hawaiian Iced Tea, the best one of all the ones I tried on Maui/Oahu and could not duplicate it the other places we went!
It was dark, but the waiter saw me straining to read and increased the intensity of the light over our table (momentarily), so if you want it lighter, I'm sure you can request it. Also, and live entertainment. Very good service!



Friday
07/15/07:

We enjoyed Jerry & Sharon's Circle Island Tour (IND). Began on Diamondhead Rd. and stopped to view the Japanese Shrine, Halona Blowhole (fizzling today), Lanika/Kailua Beaches (Gorgeous white sand!!), in addition to all their specified stops! Earney at the Pier stop was entertaining! Told me a story about making ice cream in the islands during WWI (or II?) out of sweetened condensed milk (which I had unknowingly purchased...it was good!)

The Waiahole Poi Factory had nice people (customer and workers), but I really found that I'm not a fan of Poke, nor haupia, and the lomi lomi salad was better at the luau IMHO (too fishy here). I Loved the tomatoes and Onions grown on these islands, esp. Maui.

We somehow missed the hot dog sushi place in Waikane ... on to the Mac Nut Store....it was great! Lots of free samples...bought some souvenirs to share.
Breezed passed Laie Point since we'll have another chance tomorrow when we return for the PCC.


Sampled both Giovanni's and Romey's (They had a coupon for a free drink in the magazine right by their ordering window and no one but me grabbed it while we were there!). Prefer the garlicky Giovanni's.

Difficulty locating Turtle Beach...everyone looking down at the edge should have been a tip off! Ha! But kept looking for that little loop of a road...don't bother with THAT. No sign. It's just the next beach after Chun's (which I believe had a sign!).
As we were leaving one of the many turtles climbed ashore for a photo op! As if to say good bye!

Matsumoto's too long line sent us on to Aoki's....good, but not as fine as Auntie U's on Maui.

Skipped Dole Plantation...got a Pineapple whip at the Internat'l Marketplace another day (which is all I wanted out of that anyway!).

Saw a major fire in some fields being put out by helicopter and they had a road blocked off as a result of it. Got a couple pics.

7:00PM HHV fireworks/Torch Lighting Ceremony. I found these ceremonies pretty similar, and after the 1st one, nice,not enticing. Meanwhile, we had been having difficulty locating a camera shop to make a CD, ended up going off the HHV grounds to do so and later learned they have a place on the grounds! Their concierges were not well versed at all on their offerings....I threatened to come back and take one of their jobs...I seemed to know more at times, than they did about HHV and the area!
The Ceremony costs $12.50 (two drink minimum/pp). But we could have watched from above, as our lanai looked down on the pool/show area.

Dinner: 6:30PM Bali-by-the-Sea ...Had a coupon for free entree'. (free volcano dessert). This waiter was the only one on either island that I felt put out by. Seemed to have an attitude the entire time (and we had dressed appropriately this time!). He appeared of Scandinavian descent, not Hawaiian (although we did run into an occassional HA with a 'tude, they were mostly friendly, helpful).

Some people were doing what appeared to be television interviews on the beach the entire mealtime...no one could tell me what it was about.


Saturday
07/16/05:

Snorkled Hanauma was afraid we wouldn't make the parking, but we did (8:30AM)....did the center....not much and had to work at it, then went to the left side (where it says: Danger, rip currents) and saw the most fish and huge, colorful ones bigger than platter size rainbow fish and Angel fish! Just a few feet from shore....MUCH easier!!

Stayed alittle long at Hanauma, then stopped by Laie Point, so were late arriving at PCC. Caught the 2:30 Canoe Pagent, 3:00PM Samoa and 4:00PM Tonga shows as well as the luau and the Horizions' shows....All GREAT!! Purchased a nice HA ring at Naku, a good saleslady! My first significant purchase (if you don't count Joann on Maui, where I loaded up!). Also, went for a canoe ride between the luau and the Horizons shows.

During and between the shows, they are constantly pushing ice cream with fruit, carried out on huge trays. Well, coming down the stairs during intermission of the Horizions show, one of the freshly loaded trays went flying when the guy carrying it went face down KABOOM! And stayed spread out face down for a good 10 seconds or so. Other workers came over to help him off and clean up. I hope he was OK! Appeared it could have been a petite mal!??

Long drive back arriving late 11PM, even with the Likelike shortcut....am amazed the the town is still hopping!! These people stay up late!!


Sunday
07/17/05:

Canceled out on Pearl Harbor & Swap Meet....we were in much need of some down time and took it here!

DH went to his workshops @ Convention Center, while I went with friend (DH's bosses wife) to Duke's for lunch (yes, we had reservations!) then the International Marketplace. Shopping frenzy!!

Dinner was the Naco luau on top of the Convention Center...by this point, we're about luaued out! The lines were long, people eating while in line, they were so long, then it rained. not a really enjoyable experience! I had felt duped into this (bait and switch), and DH was non-plused as well. There was entertainment, but you felt it was a choice between stand in line to get something to eat or sit w/o food and be entertained!
All in all poor planning.

Monday
07/18/05:

DH's at the convention, meanwhile:

It's my 1st opportunity to drive the convertible! I'm to pick up the ladies from the Sheraton and drive to Chinatown. I leave on schedule, but find that I can't DRIVE to the Sheraton like I had WALKED to the Sheraton! Kalia St. has construction....I remember them telling me they were on Lewers St., so I try that....wrong! Had to cirlcle back to Royal Hawaiian Ave. to finally get them! I'm now 15 minutes late! We make assignments, Vickie (shotgun) is given the job of reading st. signs and NOT allowing me to turn down a one way st.(the wrong waY!). Tami, in back is given the Chinatown detail map and instructions, which she is to remind me of when we get THERE!

Well, between the 4 of us, we end up parking in the wrong parking garage...left and found the correct one. Still, could not find the elevator to the fountain (our predetermined meeting area with Pake), so phoned on Tami's cell...he pokes his grinning face from around the corner! The beginning of a wonderful morning in Chinatown! We were all very impressed with our guide's knowledge and the history of the area! Sampled several new things (No, iceeu2, no chicken paws!), and purchased some goodies to ship home!

Lunch at Little Village, very good and plentiful! Actually, since we had sampled so much that AM, we all only ordered appetizers, but they were so generous that we all sampled each other's and then had a doggy bag for Tami's DH! Spring Rolls, Lettuce Wraps and ?some other wrap that Flynn ordered. It was funny, when the server placed Flynn's order on the table (two plates: one with the wrap shell/one with the filling), Flynn dragged the plate closer to herse;f,preparing to roll the wraps. Well, the Chinese mistress would have non of THAT! She promptly dragged the plate BACK and began the wrappping herself, placing each wrap onto Flynn's plate! She did so very skillfully with three spoons, no hands touching the wraps!

We cut our trip short to be back by 1PM so that Vickie could meet up with her Hanauma Bay snorkle tour group, only to learn later, they never showed....when called they said they had her down for Wednesday (the day they were leaving!)...she wasn't too upset though, as it's not her 1st trip...she's done Hanauma before. This tour was gotten out of the Gold Book...I'll try to find out the name of the group.

Dinner 6PM: at the Ocean House @ the Outrigger Reef , in celebration of one of the commissioners' BD! He has a good philosophy: When he gets to 70, he's going to start subtracting a year instead of adding one each year! He says he's now 69...you figure it out!!

Food good, nice but warm environment. Had heard ravings by a couple at PCC about this place! Suprised to find no soap in the bathroom here....more about that later.


Tuesday
07/19/05:

Discovered a misplaced AL girl, concierge is from Gadsden, AL!

Hiked Diamond Head early. Really enjoyed the shave ice at the top!! YUM!!

On the way down, on one of the switch backs full of people, I called out to DH "Would you go back up and get me another shave ice, please!" That got a wave of chuckles!

DH, forever thinking business, actually ran into a co-worker and had a meeting there at the top!! I've got the pics to prove it!!

Caught the Halone blow hole doing it's thing today!!!

Lunch Sweet Chicken Child's Plate at Ken's @ Mananilo Shopping Center (obviously a locals spot)...Mark ordered at Subway next door. I had a really nice compliment paid to me at Ken's! He has a website I plan to check out. I like the lo-cal juice canned drinks! Passionfruit and Lili....?

Doubled back On Pali drive extremely windy at the lookout! Not as cold as I expected. Truck selling kabobs and fresh sliced pineapple/papaya, looks delish! (we resisted)& then to Kapena Falls and Punchbowl(they are set up with chairs at the monument like something big is about to take place, news casters there doing a piece, otherwise, few visitors (just before closing).

Also finally found Leonard's! The custard Maslada's were heavenly!

Dinner: Chai's. Good food and great service Kenon was the greatest of the trip! Really a professional! DH did his steak thing while I had lambchops again, this time with mixed veggies and potatoes! Mai Tai good!


Wednesday
07/20/05:

DH insisted on making a dry run to the airport 1st.

Tantalus/Round Top to Pu'uUalka'a State Wayside Park beautiful drive/views, top down!!

Hiked Manoa Falls...more challedging than I had anticipated, but loved it! One Asian fellow slipped and almost took a dive off the edge of the path/cliff! What a scare! The parking attendant was the most stressed out resident I'd seen on HA! We pulled in and he came up, breathless, repeating, this is not a free parking lot, you have to PAY! (We knew that!).

Check Out HHV by 3PM (Hospitality room...hold bags/shower?--yes they did! If they charge for this, I don't know it, but it was a great help).

9:15PM � 9:55AM Flight #CO72 HNL to IAH (Houston). (Breakfast).

10:40AM � 12:26PM Flight IAH to BHM.

Drive back home, last fav stop in AL: PEACH PARK @ Clanton Exit #205, great BBQ, Yogurt and Fresh Fruit Cup (although, this time I was in the mood for a southern fix, had the peach cobbler with the yogurt! There was a senior citizens tour group (local) there, which DH took note of their speech/dress/manner and we knew we were 'back home'!







The trip was outstanding!!! I want to move to Maui! Surely they could use another PT?? And we KNOW they could use a good Civil Engineer, with the lack of signage and the wobbling paint striping!! That new area of stiping from Pai'i to Kahului really had us laughing! The dotted lines were there, yet the paint was WAY outside...alittle too much Maui Wowie??

The only other improvement I could suggest is this, & I'm surprised I've not heard any other c/o about it, but the people of HA either 1) Have very few facilities, or 2) Are very possessive of them or 3) Are extremely lax on the hand washing rule of using SOAP! We were often REFUSED the use of facilities, given a dirty look and a begrudging key to it, or when allowed, found either no water or no soap (usually the soap!). This was very disappointing to find in such a BEAUTIFUL state!

However, the people as a whole were very friendly, welcoming and helpful!! I would recommend it it a second! Would return next week, if I could!

Please don't be insulted by my above comments! I believe in stating the negative as well as the good, that way, maybe it can be improved!

I want to thank each one on Fodor's who contributed to this trip!! As you know, it's been in the making for at least a year. I'm sure I wearied some of you to tears! I'm most grateful!!

I also apologize to here_today for the stand up, to dusty for not calling.

As soon as I figure out how to post the pics, I'll do so.

Mahalo, Belle

Thanks for the great report, OSB...but, I am really disappointed in you! Am I the only dumb southerner they can dupe into eating paws???? Isn't porkchop just the best?

I checked several different sites for posting photos...worldisround.com was the simplest for my use. Hope you made photos of the jewelry you have talked of....

Great trip report OSB. We just got back from Oahu, Big Island and Kauai and I have been trying to organize my memories in order to write a report.

Funny thing, we were at Hanauma Bay on the same day that you were there. While I did not snorkle (because I am a BIG chicken--not to be confused with the chickens all over Kauai), I found that setting to be so beautiful. The snorkelers in the group had a fantastic time there while myself and the other "landlubber" in the group were content to wade in and look at the fish and relax in that gorgeous setting.

I guess I should at least begin a trip report. I did bring a travel journal but never wrote in it as we were busy all day and by the end of the evening I was usually too wiped out to write.

Eeva: While planning this trip with the fodorites, it became apparant, that, if I just left myself some room between the dates, I could modify it pretty easily on the trip!

I'm like you and can't find much time to write, but I carried this itinerary, the Blue Book and, after missing out on the $6 savings at Aloha Plate Lunch, the E-book as well, EVERYWHERE we went!

Usually made quick note of changes while waiting in restaurants or riding in the car!

If I had not done the above, I would be lost trying to write the report! I felt I owed it to those who helped me to try to be as accruate as possible, and with my short term memory on the skits...it still took me most of two days to do this!!

The thing about the islands was this: The things I expected to be closer together were not, and the things I expected to be further apart, also, were not! Go figure!!#-o

Belle

iceeu2: This AL fool wasn't born yesterday!

I've had alot of experience with chickens, and I have no intention of eating one of those paws...especially when I know some Chinese somewhere would be deprived of the enjoyment of that paw! (No offense meant Pake or Mel H).

No, I guess you could make the same argument, or worse about oysters, or crab, that I dearly love, just couldn't look my family in the eye and say I ate a chicken paw!

But, Iceeu2, if you knew what I HAVE eaten, you wouldn't feel so bad!

I hadn't thought of taking a pic of the jelwery, and since it isn't really valuable (except to me), I'll consider doing that for you!!

The coupon for Chai's came in handy!

Mahalo! Belle.

No worries, OSB! When I told my husband you were off to Hana and would when you got back, we both decided that it was very likely that you'd either be late or tired getting back. I'm just glad that you had such a wonderful trip.

Belle - Very good report. I'm glad you had a good time on Maui and Oahu.

Now you have to start planning your next trip to Hawaii.

dusty: It is actually already planned! DH has been informed that I'm sitting on ready ! I had originally tried to take in Kauai as well, which we had to scrap, due to DH's preference, but I can see the logic.

So, I have Da Blue Book and can zip out an itinerary in a flash!! Have one basically in my mind! Just would need to work out the details!

Guess, if we ever DO return, we'll do the Big Island as well...Da Sis stayed at a lovely B&B there, which I would strongly consider...although I haven't researched that island nearly enough!...Have Da Blue Book though!

Mahalo. Brah! Belle. (Where's the shaka symbol when you need it??). 8-)

Very informative report OSB! I got some good info that I'll save.

one little correction- the abbreviation for Hawaii is HI.

many Mahalos.

TXgrandma: Oh! Of course, you're right! Don't know how I got it twisted...still am not back on my usual schedule, with the jet lag, excitment from the trip and all that!

I think looking at airport codes scrambled my brain! They have some strange codes! Belle.

Thanks for the trip report. We will be staying at the HHV next April!!! I can't wait!

Belle, were you able to use the PCC coupon from the Entertainment book?

girlonthego: Ask for the Rainbow tower! It looks right out at the beach to Diamond Head! Belle.

Dusty: Yes! They just credited my card the (full charge they had made) and recharged with the discount!

They are a class act!

Thanks SO much for your advice, we used your outline for going through the park!

We only missed the IMAX (and could have made that up), but really didn't want to see a movie.

Belle.

Hi girlonthego, since I know you and I seem to have similar taste I just wanted to also "second" OSB comment about the Rainbow Tower at the HHV. The view is fabulous. But I am mad!! Had a stepgrandson working there and I was suppose to go and get the fantastic "family discount" and guess what? He is no longer there, he is back in Portland, OR. How dare he, LOL. BTW, your girls will love this resort also.

OSB, thanks so much for your report, it was fun to read. Sounds like you two really had a fantastic time.

ttt