Just got back from 2 weeks in Hawaii. I wanted to share my thoughts and our trip. I will try to be brief, but I hope helpful to someone.

We started out in Oahu, and arrived the day before Thanksgiving. We stayed at The Halekulani. Beautiful Hotel, and great service. We arrived just in time for a Managers Reception. They served complimentary drinks and pupus, really good mai tais.
THANSKGIVING
Drove around the island to watch some waves, but they were really small. Big Bummer! Stopped at the Dole Plantation to look around, but didn't stay long. Haleiwa was basically closed for the Holiday. Pretty drive, and one you should make time for. It makes you forget about the big city feeling of Waikiki, and Honolulu. Had Thanksgiving dinner at Orchids. Not great, but okay. It was a large buffet, but I am a strict traditional turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, stuffing kind of guy. $60/person for that is pricey. However there were a lot of offerings.

FRIDAY the 26th
Walked Waikiki Beach and went to Dukes. It is what it is.
Went to the Arizona Memorial, and USS Missouri. Since this was one of our major reasons for staying on this island, and very much worth the stay. If more corporations worked like the system they have at the Arizona Memorial, my portfolio would be amazing. They have it down to a science.

My Grandfather was in MacArthurs Honor Guard and was on the deck of the Missouri the day the Japanese surrendered. Very special to me be standing on that same deck all these years later. Great experience.

SATURDAY the 27th
Last day on Oahu. With all due respect to those ardent supporters and residents of Oahu. We didn't enjoy most our stay. We live in a big city, with tons of traffic, people everywhere, and the smells of a city. This is what it was like in Waikiki/Honolulu. On our lanai we could look left and see the beauty that is the Pacific Ocean, but on our right, Manhattan (basically).
We got on an earlier flight to Maui for $15/person, and arrived at the Four Seasons at Noon. Room was ready, so we were on the beach by 1:00, with lava flow in hand.
We have stayed at the 4S a few times before, and I can't say enough great things about this place. Perfection! Ex. I casually asked our pool area server for a Mountain Dew, but she wasn't sure if they carried it and she would check, but also asked for a second choice. She came back in a minute and said they don't carry it, but it would be available for me at any of the restaurants/lounges by the next morning. My very own case of ice cold MD. Nice touch! Granted they were $4 a piece, so I did not finish the $96 case. Went to ABC and bought a few.

THE NEXT 9 DAYS
Basically all the same. Great food and lots of beach time. We did drive around the NW portion of the island, and I strongly recommend it. Beautiful, and stop for some banana bread at the lime green shack. Managed to scrape up the rental a little on the one lane, but no worries.
Spent a couple days on Big Beach, and had fish tacos at the truck several times. The guys running it are pretty funny, and full of it.
Went to the managers reception here too! Actually got to meet and speak with the GM and most of the other as well Strongly recommend this, as they all helped out in some way. It pays to network!
Also I recommend talking with your servers, bartenders, and host/hostess. I used to tend bar, and have a job dealing with all sorts of people, so I like to start up conversations. Amazing how much more enjoyable your stay can be. Even had a restaurant manager buy us our dinner on our last night at Ferraro's.

FOOD:
We at at:
Joes Bar and Grill (Always enjoyable)
Spago (Great crab stuffed Mahi Mahi)
Capsiche (Awesome little place)
Ferraro's (Ate here at least 5 dinners, and recommend everything. For lunch I had the Lobster sandwich 5-6 times, absolutely the best sammy ever! Also had lots of lava flows)
Maui Tacos (Horrible fish tacos, stick to the burrito)
Jawz Fish Taco Truck (ONO)
Maui Onion (We spent our honeymoon at the Rennaisance, so it was just to go back. It was OK)
Five Palms (Get the baked pancake, or french toast. Both were incredible)
Mulligans (Great Irish Pub)
Pacific Grill (Had breakfast. Skip it)
Tommy Bahama (Fish sammy is good)

We also went to the 4S lounge every night for drinks before dinner. great place to chillax!

We met a lot of great people, and had our best trip yet. We will make this time of year an annual trip. Perfect timing.

I will happily answer any specific questions, should you ask. Thanks for your time, and thanks for your help.

Noscott, you said you flew from Oahu to Maui $15 a person!! How? and where did you book the flight from? Please share the info! The cheapest I could find as I am planning a trip in 2 weeks is $150. I appreciate the help!

Vacalover, I believe "noscott" means that he paid an extra $15 OVER regular fare to take an earlier flight....... not that he paid $15 per person per flight, total.

Bonnie is right. Sorry if I wasn't clear.

noscott, i'm having a family dinner at ferraro's in a week. in what area of the restaurant (inside/oudoors) would you suggest we request? we are having an early dinner.

Ahh noscott, I remember it well. 4S, Maui. The best is returning and getting a true welcome back from management! Wonderful report. Ahhh big beach!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the trip report, noscott. I am basically following your exact footsteps in March/April. Mind answering 2 questions, please?

What is the ab. ONO next to Jawz Fish Taco?

Would you consider staying on the North Shore rather than Waikiki/Honolulu if you have never been to Hawaii at all? (Such as ourselves)

Glad you had such an awesome time.

-Paul