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Suggestions for things to do in and around Honolulu?
I'm going to Hawaii at the end of the month (October) and would love some recommendations on what to do and where to do for day trips from Honolulu? Best beaches, vantage points, towns to explore, historic destinations, best shopping?
Any advice would be much appreciated! |
Best beaches outside Honolulu - Kailua and Lanikai on the east, and the north shore beaches (Sunset, Waimea) on the northwest.
Shopping - there really isn't any outside of Honolulu. Views - top of Diamond Head (about a 45-min. Hike to the top from the parking lot), Pali lookout, the drive across the center of the island (I think it's the H-3). fun towns to "explore" - Haleiwa (don't miss Shave Ice at Matsumoto or the place next door) |
That's great, thanks so much sf!
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Do you have any good restaurant recommendations?
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Pearl Harbor is also something to see if you're not planning on it already
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www.chowhound.com for restaurants
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Hau Tree Lanai at New Otani for a fancy dinner
Shorebird at Outrigger Reef for their buffet breakfast ME Korean BBQ at Royal Grove for cheap fresh meals all day Ono Hawaiian a funky dinner with local style food Rainbow Drive-Inn for 'plate lunch' and the "Food Courts" at International Marketplace, Ala Moana, Royal Hawaiian shopping centers (I have a 'cheap eats Waikiki' thread under my profile here on Fodor's from my last trip) |
www.shangrilahawaii.org is a very interesting tour that include Doris Duke ShangriLa estate and the Honolulu Academy of the Arts.
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we rented a car for just one day and were able to drive all the way around the island stopping here and there. Went to the Pineapple plantation, Haleiwa, Waimea, then around the other side and back to Honolulu. Worth the time to see more than just the million souvenir shops in waikiki.
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I also recommend Shangri La. Beautiful home, incredible Islamic art and interesting history. Tickets are available on line or directly from the Honolulu Academy of arts. USS Arizona memorial and the Mighty Mo are great day trips, Bishop Museum to learn the history of the islands. Spending the day on North Shore is a great day trip. There is also a hike Waimea Velly and Waimea Falls Park ([email protected] 808-638-7766 to learn of several hikes) - you can take the city bus to get there but it takes well over an hour each way. Queen Emma Summer Palace.
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There is an interesting Farmer's Market in the parking lot of Kapiolani Community College, right across the from the parking lot for Diamond Head. You might plan an early visit and get breakfast there (opens at 7 a.m. on Saturday, and long lines form for the food booths right away), then go across the street for the hike up Diamond Head.
If you'll be in Honolulu the last week of October, you might catch the tail end of the Hawaii International Film Festival (http://www.hiff.org), which always has a line up of top international films. |
These are some great suggestions, thank you!
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Aloha!
I will be island bound at the same time but this trip is to Maui. I will miss my usual stops in Oahu, my happy place is Lanikai Beach (see my profile pic!) We also make a point of having at least one sunset cocktail at the Banyan Tree bar at Sheraton Moana Surfrider, be sure to check out the hotel lobby. We also make a dinner stop at Chibo in the Royal Hawaiian shopping center. They have okonomiyaki which is hard to find outside of Japan. http://www.chibohawaii.com/ We have had a couple of great dinners at 3660 On The Rise which is a short drive to the Kahala area. It has been three years since I have been there but I just checked and it is still getting good reviews on Yelp and TA. The location isn't special but the food was wonderful. We like to take a drive up the road to Mount Tantalus for a spectacular view of Honolulu and Diamond Head. http://gohawaii.about.com/od/oahusights/ss/tantalus.htm The Byodo-In temple is also a great place to stop if you are driving around the island. Very lush and serene. http://www.byodo-in.com/ Have a great trip! |
These are great recommendations, thank you Seehag! We're off tomorrow!
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Have a great trip!
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Have a blast! Next week for me!
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