My boss gave me a trip for two to Hawaii for my 10th anniversary. He booked us at the Outrigger on Waikiki beach. I've never been to Hawaii, can't wait to go, and am REALLY thankful for such a wonderful gift, but I'm a little concerned because everyone's talking about Maui and not saying anything that great about Oahu. I don't want to be rude and ask to change the reservations to a different island, so can anyone offer some advice on #1 - the must sees of Oahu #2 - which other islands should we try to day trip to, and how do you do that?

Thanks!

The Outrigger is very nice and is right across from the Intl. Market Place so you can flea market shop to your hearts content. As for Honolulu it is a big city but there is tons to see and do if you like active type of vacations. Just get a guide book and/or go online to check things out. The must see there for me is Pearl Harbor but that is just me-I am a huge history buff. However its significance in world history can't be over looked. As for the other islands each has its own charm and attractions and you can't go wrong seeing any of them. My advice is to read up and decide what you would like to see primarily. There are tons of interisland flights daily and you can arrange to rent a car and go on your own. This may be a tough decision because there is so much to choose from. I think you need to do some leg work on the outer islands to see what appeals to you most, then go from there. Aloha, Larry

Definitely rent a car for a day or two and drive out of Honolulu, exploring the rest of Oahu.

Thanks, Larry. Most of my problem is that I have all of the books on all of the islands. I want to do it all, but know I can't. I want to go to the Big Island and take a helicopter ride around the volcano. I also want to go hiking/horseback riding to some of the beautiful waterfalls. Do you suggest Kuai or Maui for this? With 9 days, do you think trying to go to 3 islands is pushing it?

Stillbrowns: I'm no expert on everything to see on Oahu, but I did want to tell you not to fret about everyone else raving about Maui but not Oahu. My hubby and I went to Oahu in March and then Maui in Sept this year, and we both agree we prefer Oahu over Maui (and over Kauai, which we went to in 2001). We both love Oahu because of the tremendous number of options you have of things to do. I'm definitely a city gal who likes shopping, great restaurants and a nightclub with some music for a night, but I do want serenity and calmness when on vacation, and Oahu offers both. We bought a timeshare at Ko'Olina while there in March, and if you get a chance, go to the lagoon beaches at Ko'Olina on the west side of the island. The beaches are public and sooooo beautiful and not crowded. Honolulu and Waikiki are only about 30-40 min away from Ko'Olina. We stayed at the Sheraton Moana in Waikiki in March, which I believe is right by the Outrigger, and had a fabulous time. Definitely crowded and more city atmosphere, but, again, you have the option of renting a car and driving to some of the most beautiful places on Earth. We have friends who live half-time on Oahu (the husband grew up there) and he says that Maui is very nice, but Oahu definitely has more beautiful beaches overall. So go, do some snorkeling, try to get to the swap meet at the Aloha Bowl for some great deals on souveniers and clothes, have at least one really nice dinner at a swank restaurant, hike Diamond Head, kick back at the beach, see the Polynesian Cultural Center, and find a quiet beach to watch the sunset (the Ko'Olina lagoons are great for this), and just enjoy Oahu!

I've made three trips to Hawaii so far, and all have been to Oahu. I happen to like all the activity there. I like the shopping, the beach, the drive around the island, Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, Poly. Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor... etc.

I took two one-day trips this past August to outer islands. I went to Maui and Kauaii. My preference? Kauaii for sure. If you want horse back riding, that's the place to do it.

My next trip to Hawaii will STILL be to Oahu first, but I might then go to Kauaii for a few days of peace and quiet!

Just my opinion...

I've been to 4 islands; Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island - as other posters have said they are all lovely and have their individual advantages. First of all, your boss has given you a very generous gift and you may insult him or her by "looking a gift horse in the mouth". Must see-dos on Oahu:
1)spend an afternoon in china town, buy food, shop for leis -
2)ride the trolley that takes you thru all the different areas of honolulu w/ a driver who gives you a tourists guide to everywhere (its cheap and you catch the trolley at the farmer's market)
3) hike diamondhead early in the morning (it opens at 6am) and then head to Hananuma bay for the best snorkeling you've ever experienced - if you follow my advice about the timetable, you should arrive about 8 am
4) Take a drive up and around the north shore - stop at the "Shrimp Shack" (it's on the right side of the road going north) for a wonderful plate of shrimp or langostinos cooked anyway you want them.
5) Explore the beaches of the north shore - some of the prettiest in Hawaii
6) Make reservations (weeks ahead of time) for a railside seat for dinner at Dukes on Waikiki Beach for 6 pm and watch the sunset - have their maitais (also the best in all of Hawaii).
You can always book a night (or two) on another island in between your trip - having your oahu hotel to go back to means not having to pack much - the interisland flights are only 20 min. or so - you have to get to the airport early, tho, because there are no assigned seats (like riding a bus). We didn't visit pearl harbor and we still felt like we saw a lot on Oahu (spent 3 days there and 5 on each of the other 3 islands). P.S. Maui and Kauai, and Oahu were my favorites!
Oh almost forgot the most important - Eat at Roys Restaurant - one of the best meals I've ever had (take the waiter's recommendations)

I lived in Hawaii for three years and still prefer Oahu to all the other islands. There's so much to do there, yet you can be in the middle of nowhere in just a short drive. Plus there are waterfalls you can hike to there! (Sacred Falls is one of the best known)

Roberts Hawaii is a local company that offers one or two day tour packages to other islands and that's always who we used for our inter-island flights, hotels, and car rentals. They're located right in Honolulu.

Stillbrowns

I agree with the other posters. There is plenty to do and see on Oahu. You may actually wish you had more time.

We were able to make same day dinner reservations for Dukes's on the rail for 5:00 p.m. It was an awesome place to see the sunset. We then walked to the Pink Palace to watch the Luau ceremony for "free".

See my trip report for how much we enjoyed Oahu and that was the only island we visited during a 5-day trip.

Go and enjoy Oahu. There is plenty to do and see. Most of us return, as we too want to "do it all"

If the budget affords it, you could do an "overnighter" trip to another island.

Oahu suggestions: Bishop Museum - good Hawaiian history.

Pali Lookout: great view.
Arizona Memorial - very moving
"Punch Bowl" Cemetry - great view from top. + great history of Pacific Wars [if this is of interest]
Ioloni Palace - downtown- wonderful tour
Mokuleia Beach [County Park] - west of Waialua on hwy 930....very quiet beach

Haleiwa [town at north shore] - Matsumoto's...get the shaved ice with beans and ice cream.

"overnighter" - suggest the Big Island-Hawaii to see the volcano/lava flow - awesome. Helicopter ride good...but actual hike to the "lava flow" is exciting.

Do your homework....figure out what "you" want to see and do.

Hawaii....it's all good

First, all the islands are unique in their own way. It has so much to do with who you are and what your interests are. I lived on Maui for a year, and it has turned into a smaller version of Waikikki in some respects. However, having visited each of the islands over the years,I'd say to choose the things that would make your trip most enjoyable, even if it's just relaxing and going out at night. It's your vacation. I enjoyed the volcano on the BI, since I'm fascinated by earth's regeneration. I also love the awesome beauty of Kauai, it is paradise and so relaxing.The mule ride in Molokai down to the leper colony was amazing, very well guided. Oahu does have superb beaches away from all the city life, lots of scenery, historical landmarks. I also second a dinner at Duke's. It's one of my favorite places in the islands. That caesar salad and lobster can't be beat! Enjoy your anniversary.

I live on Oahu and I think the key to enjoying it is getting a car and seeing the whole island. Much of it is still preserved and beautiful.

Check on Manoa Falls, Old Pali Road and Haiku hikes to see if they are open. Check out small towns like Kailua and Manoa Valley. Attend local festivals and art exhibits. Find hidden beaches along all shores. There's an endless list of things to explore.

Many who say they don't like Oahu never leave Waikiki. We drove all over the island and it is wonderful. The North Shore is very relaxing and we drove up the east side past the blow hole to the various beaches. They have beautiful torquise water and aren't very crowded. Buy Richard Sullivans Driving Guide to see some less known beaches.

I have only been to Oahu and Hawaii(the big Island). We had drinks at the Outrigger and it was very nice. You can purchase air to go on day trips to the other islands. Highly recommend the helicopter ride with Blue Hawaii for the volcanoes. Was the highlight of our trip. What a terrific boss you have! Have a great trip!

To stillie: For hiking and the copter ride try Kauai. The Na Pali coast is a great hike. You will not be disappointed. And Kauai has Waimea canyon to see by helicopter. As an aside, after seeing Na Pali go for a drink or a snack at the outdoor cafe at the Princeville resort. The view will amaze you i.e. there are several waterfalls and from the mountains in the background and I forgot how many rainbows. Aloha! Larry

Re: Dolciani's suggestion about Chinatown. Honolulu has probably the oldest Chinatown in the United States.
It certainly is Honolulu's most exotic neighborhood.

Rather than the afternoon, though, I suggest that you tour Chinatown in the morning, when it is cooler and there is more action and energy.

There is an inexpensive ($5/person) walking tour provided by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce that is oriented toward culture (history, religion) and shopping (jewelry, curios, food souveniers, clothing, etc.) every Tuesday at 9:30 pm, tel. 533-3181.

There is similar tour conducted by the Chinatown Historical Society/Chinese Culinary Arts Society on Thursday mornings that obviously has a food component ($7.50/person, $10 with a dim sum lunch}, email [email protected].

Thanks everyone for the great responses!! I was so excited when I got the trip, then a little concerned when everyone talked up Maui, but now you all have me totally excited again. So glad I asked!! The bottom line is no matter what we do or where we go in Hawaii, it's going to be a fabulous break to our NY winters in February. Thanks again, everyone!

What a terrific gift to get from your boss - how lucky! If you're into history, check out the free tour at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel - next door to the Outrigger - it's a great tour - I think they offer it Mon/Wed/Fri at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The tour guide tells you all kinds of interesting stuff about Hawaii and Waikiki, not just about the hotel. Also - don't miss the Iolani Palace tour - $20 per person and it's so interesting. Then go on over to Chinatown and Hotel Street - lots of great bargains, fresh produce, pastries and lei for sale. Also, there's a neat food court off Hotel Street if you get hungry.

You can take The Bus all over the place for $2 per person, or buy a 4 day pass for about $20. Renting a car is your best bet for seeing Oahu on your own, although you can also pay to go on tours - either of the island or specific attractions. Parking is expensive and scarce in Waikiki, so it's better to rent a car for the day when you want to get out and explore and then return it at the end of the day so you don't have to worry about parking.

When you drive over to the North Shore, you may want to make a stop at the Dole Plantation for some delicious pineapple ice cream. They also have some other items for sale in their gift shop - I discovered the BEST salsa ever (Maui Onion) in that shop - I've even ordered more over the internet since coming home!

Also when you have a car - drive over to Waimanalo Beach - it's gorgeous and largely deserted - at least when I was there. Kailua is also a pretty beach and a cute town. If you go there, stop in at Boots & Kimo's for macadamia nut pancakes -they're great! It's a small place, so you may have to wait, but it's well worth it.

Duke's (in the Ourigger) is the best - great drinks, views and food. Also, next door at the Moana there is a fun beach bar - they serve food there too.

There's a decent breakfast buffet in The ShoreBird at the Outrigger Reef which is a few hotels up the beach from where you'll be. It's a gorgeous walk in the morning. Also - there are coupons for $1 off that buffet in the "Things To Do" booklets you'll find all over Waikiki. Pick up each of these and look through them - there's a gillion coupons in them for virtually anything you may want to do.

If you're there on a Saturday night I'd recommend stopping off at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, go to their Paradise Lounge. A local recording group - Olomana - sings there from 7:30 p.m. until about midnight. They are terrific. They sing Hawaiian music - in Hawaiian - and the leader explains the origin and meaning of each song. Very interesting. The lounge itself is nice and relaxing - open air - no cover charge, just a two drink minimum, if I rememeber correctly.

On Monday nights on the 3rd floor terrace of the Waikiki Marriott there is a great little show - hula dancers and all - for FREE! They serve the fun tropical drinks (try a Blue Tahiti - yum!) and burgers, sandwiches and the like. There is no cover charge or minimum up there. It overlooks Waikiki Beach which is just across the street. During the show they feature several songs written and recorded by local artists, not just the usual "hapa-haole" songs like "Tiny Bubbles."

If you want to take a day trip to another island - you could go to the BI to see the volcano. Some friends of mine did that this summer - they left their hotel at 4 or 5 in the morning and were back later that evening and really enjoyed the trip.

Above all - RELAX and enjoy the beauty Oahu has to offer. Don't forget to post a trip report when you get back - we're all dying to hear the details of your trip and to live vicariously through you since we can't go too.

My husband and I just got back from a trip to Oahu (4 days) and Maui (a week)--I'll be posting a trip report soon. I wanted to go to Oahu for Pearl Harbor and to see Waikiki, but I didn't plan many days there because I didn't expect to love it as much as we did. We wished we would have had more time there because we couldn't fit everything in! It is absolutely beautiful, and the downtown and Waikiki areas are busy but so vibrant and full of life and great people watching that you couldn't possibly get bored. I definitely agree that you need to rent a car and drive around the island--up the windward coast and around the North Shore. The diversity of landscapes is amazing.
And, although Waikiki beach is pretty busy, it is still beautiful, day and night. We used Frommer's guide and "Hidden Oahu" and thought they were both very helpful.

The shopping is out of this world--from very high-end retail to great little booths in the International Marketplace to about a million ABC Stores (the greatest place for anything you need at a reasonable price). We ate at Duke's easily with no reservations (but it was about 5:15)and had an amazing meal, although we ran out of room for the Hula Pie. We had it later at Kimo's on Maui, and highly recommend saving some room! We also had a fabulous dinner at Alan Wong's on King Street, although it is in the city (no ocean view). Great food.

In spite of the crowds, we thought Hanauma Bay was incredible. Great snorkeling but you have to arrive around 8 a.m. because when the parking lot fills up (usually around 9:30-10), they close it and you can't get in. That was one of our best days. We also loved the drive around the island, stopping at great places like the Halona Blowhole, Lanakai Beach, the Byodo-in Temple in Kaneohe, Giovanni's Shrimp Truck in Kahuku (one of the best meals we had), Matsumoto's Shave Ice, and Haleiwa Beach Park (huge waves and lots of surfers to watch). Pali Lookout is also beautiful and gives you a broad look at the island.

And of course Pearl Harbor is a must see and worth every second you spend there. We also enjoyed Iolani Palace for some great historical information about Hawaii's journey from a monarchy to a state in the Union.

Although we enjoyed Maui just as much, Oahu totally has its own pace and culture, which we loved experiencing. I would warn against trying to see too many islands in one trip, because you will probably end up feeling exhausted and like you were rushed through all of them. It's much better to give yourself time to absorb each island's feel and plan another trip in few years. We miss it already!! Have a wonderful time and enjoy. Aloha!

Great gift! Don't be daunted. We will be making our 3rd trip to Oahu in a couple of weeks for 10 wonderful days in paradise! There is so much to do. You can find secluded places or you can find action. That's the beauty in my opinion. Our personal favorites of each trip are Mai Tai's at the Mai Tai bar at the Royal Hawaiian, hike up Diamond Head and snorkling at Hanauma Bay. Renting a car for a few days to drive around the island and to check out other beaches is a must. Although I would like to see some of the other islands, we can never seem to pull ourselves away from Oahu!