Trip Report: Oahu- The Gathering Place
Feb 16th, 2006 | 06:22 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283
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Trip Report: Oahu- The Gathering Place
Aloha! What follows is a report of our recent trip to Oahu in January. It was our first (but hopefully not last) trip to Hawaii.
Saturday: Departed Chicago at 8 am on non-stop American Airlines flight to HNL. Watched two horrid movies (Napoleon Dynamite... what the ???) and selections from CBS. I would recommend avoiding the purchase of the ham and cheese sandwich they sell for $5.00, but the snack pack at $3.00 isn't bad.
Arrived in Honolulu at about 2:30 pm local time and took shuttle bus to Alamo car rental location. Have had luck with Alamo in the past, but this time were a bit disappointed by the car we rented. The car itself was fine, but filthy. In retrospect, we should have complained. I did get a free upgrade using coupon in Entertainment book.
Drove straight to our hotel, the Ohana Islander Waikiki on Lewers. I think this hotel was a very good selection. The room was perhaps a bit small, but okay for two persons. Fridge included in every room. Pool looked small, but we didn't use it. Parking is limited, but there is an overflow lot not too far away. One caveat: no restaurant on site!
We spent the rest of Saturday walking around Waikiki, soaking in the fading sunlight and the fact that we were actually in Hawaii. I had made dinner reservations for Duke's, and as we sat down at our beachside table, I started to fall seriously "in like" with Hawaii. I enjoyed the Huli Huli chicken, and we both thought the salad bar was outstanding. We'll come back for breakfast next time.
Sunday: Got up early and drove to Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial. Was worried about large crowds, but it wasn't too busy and we only had to wait about 1/2 hour for our group to be called. Visiting the Arizona Memorial is patriotic, profound, and highly recommended.
We had lunch at the area set aside for same and then spent the afternoon at the USS Missouri. I used a coupon from the Entertainment Book for buy one get one free ($16 savings). The Missouri was interesting, especially the Surrender Deck. I recommend this to everyone except those with small children or those with limited mobility, as there are many stairs and tight areas to circumnavigate.
Visitors should note that no bags of any kind are allowed on site at either the Arizona Memorial or the Missouri, but a bag check is available for about $3.00 per bag.
On our drive back to Waikiki, we spotted Sam Choy's (“Breakfast, Lunch & Crab”) on Nimitz Highway near Hilo Hattie. We really loved this place. I was introduced to plantation iced tea here, which is most excellent. Crab is the main selection here. Yummy!!
Monday: In the morning we visited Chinatown. This was a fascinating place to just wander around and look and listen. It was also where I had my first shave ice, which was fantastic. This is also a great place to buy a lei.
We arrived at the Capitol Building in Honolulu in time for the 1:30 tour. At first sight I found the building to be ugly, but soon came to change my mind after I heard the story of its design. Tours are held Monday-Friday at about 1:30 pm.
We finished Monday with a visit to Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific. This is a beautiful cemetery, and if you have no interest in military history, you should at least visit for the views of Waikiki. We saw many rainbows here.
We then headed to Aloha Tower Marketplace and had dinner at Don Ho’s restaurant. We used the buy one, get one coupon in the Entertainment book. The food was just...okay, and while the location is very nice, I don’t think we would return. We then wandered the marketplace for a while.
On Tuesday, we drove to the Hawaiian Plantation Village in Waipahu. The tour of this outdoor historical museum lasted about 2 1/2 hours or so, and is a great way to learn about Hawaii’s past, though to be honest, I found myself enjoying the plant life more.
After the Hawaiian Plantation Village, we drove to the Dole Plantation Village in Wahiawa. Even though I had read here on this forum about it being a tourist trap, I guess I felt like we needed to confirm that for our records
The train ride to me was a total waste of time and money, but I think kids would enjoy the maze (buy one admission, get one free using coupon in Entertainment Book). The pineapple whip was the best part of this visit to be sure.
For dinner on Tuesday, we chose the Oceanarium, and were able to use the early bird special coupon found in one of the magazines available at practically every street corner. (Speaking of street corners, my boyfriend was approached two nights in a row by prostitutes during our 7 night stay- I had no idea the oldest job in the world was flourishing on Oahu). The restaurant featured a seafood buffet the night we were there. Its a bit pricey, even with the coupon, but I would recommend it, even though I am not usually a fan of buffets.
Wednesday morning we arose bright and early for our drive to Laie and the Polynesian Cultural Center ($39.00 off using coupon in Entertainment Book- make reservations beforehand for savings). I was a bit concerned about visiting, since I know that prior travelers had disliked the luau portion of the package. We did enjoy the shows held during the day, even though we were only able to visit about 3 of the 7 villages. The food at the luau was nothing spectacular. I did also feel a bit rushed through dinner, and they do try to sell too many photos of your day’s activities to you. The evening show “Horizons” is very good, but I have to admit that we were a bit disappointed that each nation’s portion of Horizons was not performed by members of that nation, i.e. most dancers danced in every nation’s portion. I would have preferred to have the show segmented so that Hawaiians did Hawaii, Samoans did Samoa, etc....
On Thursday we visited the North Shore, stopping to have lunch at Romy’s Shrimp Shack, thanks to a suggestion in “Oahu Revealed” (which is a book I would recommend to all first-time visitors that should be purchased before hotel reservations are made). Romy’s was great fun, even though it is not the best known shrimp truck, but I believe it is the only one to harvest its shrimp and prawns daily from their own ponds.
Later that day we stopped and watching a surfing competition at the Bonzai Pipeline (note to the State of Hawaii- women’s bathrooms here really need to be updated).
Thursday evening found us back at Sam Choy’s for dinner, this night enjoying their crab special.
On Friday morning we made our way to Diamondhead. I must admit that I was a bit leery about attempting the hike, but now that I have completed it I think that it is a must do. All sorts of persons in all ages and physical conditions were hiking that day, but we lucked out in that it wasn’t too hot that morning. I strongly recommend that proper footwear be worn (saw a lot of persons wearing sandals and flip flops) and that a bottle of water be carried as well. We estimate that the hike up took about 1-1/2 hours. The hike down takes about 20 minutes, but still requires care in watching where you step. Not recommended for anyone with a problem with stairs, as there are about 170 to climb in total.
After Diamondhead (which we hiked without eating breakfast first, which was dumb on my part) we decided to explore the area East of Waikiki. First stop was an L&L Drive-Inn for lunch. I had read about L&L in a recent Hawaii magazine article, and so we gave it a go. Excellent value!
After spending the rest of the day exploring, including a visit to Hanauma Bay, the Halona blowhole, and stopping at Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop in Kailua (the chocolate-covered sunflower seeds are excellent!) we made our way back to Waikiki for our final dinner on the island. My boyfriend selected Kobe Japanese Steakhouse (buy one entree, get one free using Entertainment Book). This was my first time to this sort of restaurant, and it was fun. We actually met a couple celebrating their anniversary who are from the Midwest, and we enjoyed chatting with them during dinner.
Saturday was the only day on the island that we ate breakfast, and it was a free one at the Shore Bird at the Outrigger Reef, since we were there to get some information on the Fairfield timeshare property. Unfortunately, since we are not married and don’t own a home, we don’t fit into their ideal of buyers, so we were basically given the brush-off. Their loss....
The rest of Saturday was spent wandering around Waikiki (L&L again for lunch) before departing mid-afternoon for a last trip to Hilo Hattie (love this place!) and return of the rental car.
A nice flight home on American Airlines completed our trip, with an arrival at 8 am Sunday morning at O’Hare.
Saturday: Departed Chicago at 8 am on non-stop American Airlines flight to HNL. Watched two horrid movies (Napoleon Dynamite... what the ???) and selections from CBS. I would recommend avoiding the purchase of the ham and cheese sandwich they sell for $5.00, but the snack pack at $3.00 isn't bad.
Arrived in Honolulu at about 2:30 pm local time and took shuttle bus to Alamo car rental location. Have had luck with Alamo in the past, but this time were a bit disappointed by the car we rented. The car itself was fine, but filthy. In retrospect, we should have complained. I did get a free upgrade using coupon in Entertainment book.
Drove straight to our hotel, the Ohana Islander Waikiki on Lewers. I think this hotel was a very good selection. The room was perhaps a bit small, but okay for two persons. Fridge included in every room. Pool looked small, but we didn't use it. Parking is limited, but there is an overflow lot not too far away. One caveat: no restaurant on site!
We spent the rest of Saturday walking around Waikiki, soaking in the fading sunlight and the fact that we were actually in Hawaii. I had made dinner reservations for Duke's, and as we sat down at our beachside table, I started to fall seriously "in like" with Hawaii. I enjoyed the Huli Huli chicken, and we both thought the salad bar was outstanding. We'll come back for breakfast next time.
Sunday: Got up early and drove to Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial. Was worried about large crowds, but it wasn't too busy and we only had to wait about 1/2 hour for our group to be called. Visiting the Arizona Memorial is patriotic, profound, and highly recommended.
We had lunch at the area set aside for same and then spent the afternoon at the USS Missouri. I used a coupon from the Entertainment Book for buy one get one free ($16 savings). The Missouri was interesting, especially the Surrender Deck. I recommend this to everyone except those with small children or those with limited mobility, as there are many stairs and tight areas to circumnavigate.
Visitors should note that no bags of any kind are allowed on site at either the Arizona Memorial or the Missouri, but a bag check is available for about $3.00 per bag.
On our drive back to Waikiki, we spotted Sam Choy's (“Breakfast, Lunch & Crab”) on Nimitz Highway near Hilo Hattie. We really loved this place. I was introduced to plantation iced tea here, which is most excellent. Crab is the main selection here. Yummy!!
Monday: In the morning we visited Chinatown. This was a fascinating place to just wander around and look and listen. It was also where I had my first shave ice, which was fantastic. This is also a great place to buy a lei.
We arrived at the Capitol Building in Honolulu in time for the 1:30 tour. At first sight I found the building to be ugly, but soon came to change my mind after I heard the story of its design. Tours are held Monday-Friday at about 1:30 pm.
We finished Monday with a visit to Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific. This is a beautiful cemetery, and if you have no interest in military history, you should at least visit for the views of Waikiki. We saw many rainbows here.
We then headed to Aloha Tower Marketplace and had dinner at Don Ho’s restaurant. We used the buy one, get one coupon in the Entertainment book. The food was just...okay, and while the location is very nice, I don’t think we would return. We then wandered the marketplace for a while.
On Tuesday, we drove to the Hawaiian Plantation Village in Waipahu. The tour of this outdoor historical museum lasted about 2 1/2 hours or so, and is a great way to learn about Hawaii’s past, though to be honest, I found myself enjoying the plant life more.
After the Hawaiian Plantation Village, we drove to the Dole Plantation Village in Wahiawa. Even though I had read here on this forum about it being a tourist trap, I guess I felt like we needed to confirm that for our records
The train ride to me was a total waste of time and money, but I think kids would enjoy the maze (buy one admission, get one free using coupon in Entertainment Book). The pineapple whip was the best part of this visit to be sure.For dinner on Tuesday, we chose the Oceanarium, and were able to use the early bird special coupon found in one of the magazines available at practically every street corner. (Speaking of street corners, my boyfriend was approached two nights in a row by prostitutes during our 7 night stay- I had no idea the oldest job in the world was flourishing on Oahu). The restaurant featured a seafood buffet the night we were there. Its a bit pricey, even with the coupon, but I would recommend it, even though I am not usually a fan of buffets.
Wednesday morning we arose bright and early for our drive to Laie and the Polynesian Cultural Center ($39.00 off using coupon in Entertainment Book- make reservations beforehand for savings). I was a bit concerned about visiting, since I know that prior travelers had disliked the luau portion of the package. We did enjoy the shows held during the day, even though we were only able to visit about 3 of the 7 villages. The food at the luau was nothing spectacular. I did also feel a bit rushed through dinner, and they do try to sell too many photos of your day’s activities to you. The evening show “Horizons” is very good, but I have to admit that we were a bit disappointed that each nation’s portion of Horizons was not performed by members of that nation, i.e. most dancers danced in every nation’s portion. I would have preferred to have the show segmented so that Hawaiians did Hawaii, Samoans did Samoa, etc....
On Thursday we visited the North Shore, stopping to have lunch at Romy’s Shrimp Shack, thanks to a suggestion in “Oahu Revealed” (which is a book I would recommend to all first-time visitors that should be purchased before hotel reservations are made). Romy’s was great fun, even though it is not the best known shrimp truck, but I believe it is the only one to harvest its shrimp and prawns daily from their own ponds.
Later that day we stopped and watching a surfing competition at the Bonzai Pipeline (note to the State of Hawaii- women’s bathrooms here really need to be updated).
Thursday evening found us back at Sam Choy’s for dinner, this night enjoying their crab special.
On Friday morning we made our way to Diamondhead. I must admit that I was a bit leery about attempting the hike, but now that I have completed it I think that it is a must do. All sorts of persons in all ages and physical conditions were hiking that day, but we lucked out in that it wasn’t too hot that morning. I strongly recommend that proper footwear be worn (saw a lot of persons wearing sandals and flip flops) and that a bottle of water be carried as well. We estimate that the hike up took about 1-1/2 hours. The hike down takes about 20 minutes, but still requires care in watching where you step. Not recommended for anyone with a problem with stairs, as there are about 170 to climb in total.
After Diamondhead (which we hiked without eating breakfast first, which was dumb on my part) we decided to explore the area East of Waikiki. First stop was an L&L Drive-Inn for lunch. I had read about L&L in a recent Hawaii magazine article, and so we gave it a go. Excellent value!
After spending the rest of the day exploring, including a visit to Hanauma Bay, the Halona blowhole, and stopping at Agnes’ Portuguese Bake Shop in Kailua (the chocolate-covered sunflower seeds are excellent!) we made our way back to Waikiki for our final dinner on the island. My boyfriend selected Kobe Japanese Steakhouse (buy one entree, get one free using Entertainment Book). This was my first time to this sort of restaurant, and it was fun. We actually met a couple celebrating their anniversary who are from the Midwest, and we enjoyed chatting with them during dinner.
Saturday was the only day on the island that we ate breakfast, and it was a free one at the Shore Bird at the Outrigger Reef, since we were there to get some information on the Fairfield timeshare property. Unfortunately, since we are not married and don’t own a home, we don’t fit into their ideal of buyers, so we were basically given the brush-off. Their loss....
The rest of Saturday was spent wandering around Waikiki (L&L again for lunch) before departing mid-afternoon for a last trip to Hilo Hattie (love this place!) and return of the rental car.
A nice flight home on American Airlines completed our trip, with an arrival at 8 am Sunday morning at O’Hare.
Feb 16th, 2006 | 06:41 PM
#2
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,254
Likes: 0
Hello Cadgirl,
Sounds like a terrific trip! Thanks for mentioning the places you used the Ent. Coupon. I just bought the book ($10 off plus free s&h) for my May trip.
Where is Sam Choy's located in relation to Hilo Hattie's? That sounds like a place we'd like to try.
You sure packed a lot into your days. I could tell you did a lot of pre-planning. Good job!
Sounds like a terrific trip! Thanks for mentioning the places you used the Ent. Coupon. I just bought the book ($10 off plus free s&h) for my May trip.
Where is Sam Choy's located in relation to Hilo Hattie's? That sounds like a place we'd like to try.
You sure packed a lot into your days. I could tell you did a lot of pre-planning. Good job!
Feb 16th, 2006 | 10:12 PM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 0
Holy Cow, Cadgirl. It looks like you took ALL of our suggestions and turned them into your itinerary! That's great, I hope it was the trip of your dreams.
Sorry the food was just OK at Don Ho's. it's usually pretty good, although I'll admit it can depend on what you order. All the pupus are great. The entrees can get iffy. the pizzas are really good! Ah, well, here's to better meals.....
Sorry the food was just OK at Don Ho's. it's usually pretty good, although I'll admit it can depend on what you order. All the pupus are great. The entrees can get iffy. the pizzas are really good! Ah, well, here's to better meals.....
Feb 19th, 2006 | 11:44 AM
#6
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 0
Cadgirl, thank you for detailed trip report. There's always sooo much to do/see on Oahu! Love that about it! STILL haven't been on the MIssouri, or tour of Capitol Building; with your report's info, have on list for next time.
BTW, a wonderful historical novel which includes scene of the surrender on the Missouri is "The Emperor's General" by James Webb. (Any of his books are great--but enough "plugging"!)
Roxanne, can you clarify...by "places" do you mean places to stay or eat? That will help Cadgirl or others with recommendations. Thanks.
BTW, a wonderful historical novel which includes scene of the surrender on the Missouri is "The Emperor's General" by James Webb. (Any of his books are great--but enough "plugging"!)
Roxanne, can you clarify...by "places" do you mean places to stay or eat? That will help Cadgirl or others with recommendations. Thanks.
Feb 19th, 2006 | 06:12 PM
#7
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
Roxanne, lucky you to spend the summer in Hawaii! Yes, please let us know if by places you meant lodging or dining. I'm certainly no expert after a seven night stay, but will offer any assistance I can.
Cali, thanks for the book referral. Also, thanks to everyone for their great posts about Hawaii on this wonderful site.
By the way, I'm going to make the Hawaiian Banana bread this week, which recipe I found here. Looking forward to it!
Cali, thanks for the book referral. Also, thanks to everyone for their great posts about Hawaii on this wonderful site.
By the way, I'm going to make the Hawaiian Banana bread this week, which recipe I found here. Looking forward to it!
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Feb 19th, 2006 | 06:56 PM
#9
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 0
roxanne07: I recommend the Blue Bible, otherwise known as Oahu Revealed the Ultimate Guide for locating lodging, if you are looking for a hotel/resort. Otherwise, if you are actually staying the whole summer, you may want to check VRBO.
I also recommend (if you are seeking resort/hotel) to purchase the Entertainment Book, as it has alot of savings available.
Don't miss Anthony Chang's guided China Town tour or Leonard's malasada's (portugese donuts), and drive Tantalus to Round top for some great views of Oahu.
Thanks, Cadgirl for keeping last summer's memories alive!
Belle
I also recommend (if you are seeking resort/hotel) to purchase the Entertainment Book, as it has alot of savings available.
Don't miss Anthony Chang's guided China Town tour or Leonard's malasada's (portugese donuts), and drive Tantalus to Round top for some great views of Oahu.
Thanks, Cadgirl for keeping last summer's memories alive!
Belle
Feb 19th, 2006 | 07:53 PM
#11
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 0
Cadgirl
Sounds like you had a great time. Nice trip report.
Roxanne
Here is a thread started by Cadgirl in October. It includes lots of suggestions for Oahu including Belle's trip report & lots of websites:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34696831
Sounds like you had a great time. Nice trip report.
Roxanne
Here is a thread started by Cadgirl in October. It includes lots of suggestions for Oahu including Belle's trip report & lots of websites:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34696831
Feb 20th, 2006 | 05:21 AM
#13
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
Dear Intrepid:
If you were to read my previous posts, you would learn that we are not beach people.
That said, we did go to the beach. I believe I did mention the Bonzai Pipeline. Also, we went to the beach at Waikiki. Sorry I failed to mention that.
Also, I find your comments about coupons a bit puzzling, as many persons here ask about using coupons. Nothing wrong with saving money.
If you were to read my previous posts, you would learn that we are not beach people.
That said, we did go to the beach. I believe I did mention the Bonzai Pipeline. Also, we went to the beach at Waikiki. Sorry I failed to mention that.
Also, I find your comments about coupons a bit puzzling, as many persons here ask about using coupons. Nothing wrong with saving money.
Feb 20th, 2006 | 09:22 PM
#16
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
Mahalo Cadgirl for a terrific trip report!!! Full of uselful info that is sure to prove helpful for my upcoming May '06 trip.
Contrary to Rusty, I think the most amazing part of all this is that Cadgirl considered Napoleon Dynamite a horrid movie!!! I'll forgive you as long as you...
...VOTE FOR PEDRO!!!
Contrary to Rusty, I think the most amazing part of all this is that Cadgirl considered Napoleon Dynamite a horrid movie!!! I'll forgive you as long as you...
...VOTE FOR PEDRO!!!
