Two Tickets to Paradise.. Ko'Lina Oahu ...Mr & Mrs. Momddtravel
Nov 10th, 2009, 07:09 AM
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 16,658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Elsiemoo- the Timeshare resort has several nice pools - much nicer then the JW Marriott up the "lagoon". One pool is a "quiet" relaxation pool - indicating no children really. There is another pool with a great beach entry for little ones and fun "stuff" set up - basketball in the pool/volley ball. The Lagoons are VERY calm and wonderful to swim in with no issues at all. The resort is very child friendly and I am sure that in the school breaks is very busy. Due to the time of year we went this was not an issue at all.
Nov 10th, 2009, 07:18 AM
#22
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the info, MomDD. I have to figure out where to stay within the resorts there (we aren't involved with timeshares.) You know, the closest thing to just renting a room in a hotel ... I'm thinking we may stay there for about 4 nights next May, then spend the rest of the time in Waikiki.
Now, I can't wait to hear about Alan Wong's ...
Now, I can't wait to hear about Alan Wong's ...
Nov 10th, 2009, 07:24 AM
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 16,658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wed, Day 4 continued...
Okay I should mentioned that while the resort Ko'Olina is noted as being "out there" we felt like we could get any place fairly easily/quickly. It took us about 40 minutes or so to get to Kailua and that was about the longest it took to get any where - the drive is nice once you get off the H1 (I kept thinking of H1N1 !).
We left Boots VERY satisfied with breakfast and dh had a good laugh over me eating all my pancakes - so that he had to order his own! (He had an egg dish).
We checked into Kailua kayaking http://www.kailuasailboards.com/ and were the first ones there - it turned out there were 6 people total in our 2 hour tour. They offer a 4 hour and a 2 hour - I opted for the 2 hour as I was not sure what to expect. We have both decided when we go back we will actually do the 4 hour we enjoyed it so much.
Got our gear all together and headed down to the beach - you actually pull your kayak on a little dolley and launch from the beach. Breath taking is the only word that comes to mind at the site of the beach. *This is Hawaii.
We kayaked over to an island called "Flat Island" http://gohawaii.about.com/od/oahupho...e_oahu_055.htm
It was a neat little place full of birds that had nested and our guide Jaime told us cool stories about the island and birds. Very beautiful morning.
We kayaked back - it was about 2 hours - the day was really nice - I had plenty of sun screen and hat, and spf clothing so managed to not get sun burned at all. I was very happy with that.
Lunch was included and it was at a local place in the strip center next to the kayaking store - very good local style food.
The rain started as we headed off about noon or so to Hanauma bay. We had tried to go here on our last visit with the children but it was closed due to jelly fish. We spent a nice afternoon here - snorkeled and relaxed on the beach. The cost is 1.00 for parking and I believe it was about 7.50 to enter?
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/html/hanauma_bay_beach.html
We had dinner reservations at 7:30 pm that night - and the World Series continued.... so off we headed back to the resort. We listened to the game in the car and when we got back I headed up stairs to relax in the soaking tub and dh back to the outdoor bar to join in the fun and watch the game.
It was really raining by the time we left for Alan Wongs. I was VERY excited about this meal. While I am not a foodie at all, I do enjoy a good dining experience and it was our special "anniversary" dinner. The resort had given us excellent directions to Alan Wong's so we found it no problem. It is a rather unassuming building. We arrived and they greeted at the bottom and shared that the elevator was not working - so we climbed up the 5 stairs and our evening began....
http://www.alanwongs.com/
I am off to yoga ....and just want to leave Deb hangin' hahahhahahah
Okay I should mentioned that while the resort Ko'Olina is noted as being "out there" we felt like we could get any place fairly easily/quickly. It took us about 40 minutes or so to get to Kailua and that was about the longest it took to get any where - the drive is nice once you get off the H1 (I kept thinking of H1N1 !).
We left Boots VERY satisfied with breakfast and dh had a good laugh over me eating all my pancakes - so that he had to order his own! (He had an egg dish).
We checked into Kailua kayaking http://www.kailuasailboards.com/ and were the first ones there - it turned out there were 6 people total in our 2 hour tour. They offer a 4 hour and a 2 hour - I opted for the 2 hour as I was not sure what to expect. We have both decided when we go back we will actually do the 4 hour we enjoyed it so much.
Got our gear all together and headed down to the beach - you actually pull your kayak on a little dolley and launch from the beach. Breath taking is the only word that comes to mind at the site of the beach. *This is Hawaii.
We kayaked over to an island called "Flat Island" http://gohawaii.about.com/od/oahupho...e_oahu_055.htm
It was a neat little place full of birds that had nested and our guide Jaime told us cool stories about the island and birds. Very beautiful morning.
We kayaked back - it was about 2 hours - the day was really nice - I had plenty of sun screen and hat, and spf clothing so managed to not get sun burned at all. I was very happy with that.
Lunch was included and it was at a local place in the strip center next to the kayaking store - very good local style food.
The rain started as we headed off about noon or so to Hanauma bay. We had tried to go here on our last visit with the children but it was closed due to jelly fish. We spent a nice afternoon here - snorkeled and relaxed on the beach. The cost is 1.00 for parking and I believe it was about 7.50 to enter?
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/html/hanauma_bay_beach.html
We had dinner reservations at 7:30 pm that night - and the World Series continued.... so off we headed back to the resort. We listened to the game in the car and when we got back I headed up stairs to relax in the soaking tub and dh back to the outdoor bar to join in the fun and watch the game.
It was really raining by the time we left for Alan Wongs. I was VERY excited about this meal. While I am not a foodie at all, I do enjoy a good dining experience and it was our special "anniversary" dinner. The resort had given us excellent directions to Alan Wong's so we found it no problem. It is a rather unassuming building. We arrived and they greeted at the bottom and shared that the elevator was not working - so we climbed up the 5 stairs and our evening began....
http://www.alanwongs.com/
I am off to yoga ....and just want to leave Deb hangin' hahahhahahah
Nov 10th, 2009, 07:26 AM
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 16,658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
elsiemoo - I have to be honest, if I was renting a hotel room I do not think I would stay there. jmo of course - I was VERY happy with timeshare and would exchange back into there in a second - me? I would stay on the North Shore...which is a slice of heaven... or in Kailua which I loved... not sure what the lodging options are there but it is a great little town and the beaches are AMAZING.
Nov 10th, 2009, 07:56 AM
#25
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MomDD, we stayed a week within walking distance of Kailua Beach Park last year (September.) Rented a fabulous apt. in a house that had been divided into three units. Yes, Kailua Beach is drop-dead gorgeous, but it was not quite as calm as I'd hoped, AND there were jellyfish (got stung!), AND a shark sighting nearby when we were there. The guards told me the jellyfish were there often, and so, that, combined with the water being rowdier than I'd expected, left me feeling that I would not stay at Kailua again. It is a wonderful little town, though, and we loved many things about it.
I really like the North Shore, but we also like staying in the center of Waikiki, within walking distance of so much (we're retired and like the convenience; don't always like to drive everywhere.) We have a hard time planning our trips because we like a bit of everything!
Thanks for your replies!
I really like the North Shore, but we also like staying in the center of Waikiki, within walking distance of so much (we're retired and like the convenience; don't always like to drive everywhere.) We have a hard time planning our trips because we like a bit of everything!
Thanks for your replies!
Nov 10th, 2009, 09:23 AM
#26
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,633
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So glad you had a wonderful time, Dawn! We're still hoping to get to Oahu in May 2010.
Did you think kayaking was hard to do? I've wanted to do it, but am not sure.
Also, did you see a particular place on the North Shore that you would consider renting? We can't really find anything so far where I would want to stay.
Thanks!
Did you think kayaking was hard to do? I've wanted to do it, but am not sure.
Also, did you see a particular place on the North Shore that you would consider renting? We can't really find anything so far where I would want to stay.
Thanks!
Nov 10th, 2009, 10:12 AM
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 16,658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Elismo - oh my on the sharks... yikes. I admit to being afraid of them and it is one reason I will not just stop on the road and go snorkeling - as sometimes locals know where the sharks hang... based on the more information - I changed my mind. You might really like the Ko'Olina area. As I said, I would stay there again in a heartbeat with our timeshare. I would book a room at the Ko'Olina Marriott Beach club instead of the JW - you can do a hotel room there - it is what the "second" bedroom is when you have the full two bedroom unit. Try to get a high floor and on the pool side - the other side looks out over a pretty ugly harbor.
Samsaf - been thinking of you - I so hope you get there in May. It really was what the Dr. ordered for me.. While a different journey it has been a heck of a two years for dh & I.
When we stayed at the N shore we rented a 3 bedroom house - so it would not be what you wanted. A great house though.
As far as the kayaking - I was worried, as I have issues with some pain still from the wide excision done on my shoulder area and you are using your arms a lot - the deal is though - the person in the back is doing most of the work - so you want to put the stronger person in the back - it is also one of the reasons I booked the 2 hour tour instead of the 4. It was harder going out - moving against the current - coming back was an ease...and it was truly a lovely experience. I loved every minute of it!
Deb...ahhahahahah I have to go and look...
Samsaf - been thinking of you - I so hope you get there in May. It really was what the Dr. ordered for me.. While a different journey it has been a heck of a two years for dh & I.
When we stayed at the N shore we rented a 3 bedroom house - so it would not be what you wanted. A great house though.
As far as the kayaking - I was worried, as I have issues with some pain still from the wide excision done on my shoulder area and you are using your arms a lot - the deal is though - the person in the back is doing most of the work - so you want to put the stronger person in the back - it is also one of the reasons I booked the 2 hour tour instead of the 4. It was harder going out - moving against the current - coming back was an ease...and it was truly a lovely experience. I loved every minute of it!
Deb...ahhahahahah I have to go and look...
Nov 10th, 2009, 11:04 AM
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 16,658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wed Day 4 continued - Alan Wong's -
I was so excited - almost child-like as we took our seats. The dining room is smaller - and the tables are a little crowded - similar to what you might have experienced in Europe - not quite as close perhaps. We looked over the menu and decided to do the five course tasting menu with the wine. The service was excellent as were the wine pairings. I took photos of all our courses but can not remember every one. The best was without a doubt the fish with a ginger sauce of sorts. (sorry I am not very good at describing all the different foods etc) and the desert.
I would have to say over all it was slightly disappointing. I know.. It was GOOD - the wine was GREAT and the service was EXCELLENT as was the presentation... but the food was just "good". I know... I know...
It was very expensive - the tasting menu with wine was I believe 105.00 per person so this was a big deal for us... the experience was fabulous and dh and I had a great time.
I was so excited - almost child-like as we took our seats. The dining room is smaller - and the tables are a little crowded - similar to what you might have experienced in Europe - not quite as close perhaps. We looked over the menu and decided to do the five course tasting menu with the wine. The service was excellent as were the wine pairings. I took photos of all our courses but can not remember every one. The best was without a doubt the fish with a ginger sauce of sorts. (sorry I am not very good at describing all the different foods etc) and the desert.
I would have to say over all it was slightly disappointing. I know.. It was GOOD - the wine was GREAT and the service was EXCELLENT as was the presentation... but the food was just "good". I know... I know...
It was very expensive - the tasting menu with wine was I believe 105.00 per person so this was a big deal for us... the experience was fabulous and dh and I had a great time.
Nov 10th, 2009, 11:11 AM
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 16,658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thursday day 5... day of relaxation
I finally managed to sleep past 6:30 am We had a great lazy morning - dh had some homework to do so I headed into the next town to do a little shopping and check things out. I was going to take a yoga class there but had slept past the 8:00 am class time.
I grabbed us lunch at Costco and headed back to the resort. Dh was still working on his class work so I found a lounge chair by the pool and enjoyed my book. It was VERY relaxing. Dh joined me and decided to get a massage in the cabanas they had over by the pool. He returned glowing and said I MUST go and get a massage by Jackie. Okay - twist my arm ;-)
This little tiny gal gave me without a doubt the best massage I have ever had! So if you are there and in the market for a massage - head over and book with Jackie from Boston. I was like rubber when she was done. What a great day.
By now it was around 5:00 pm or so and we headed up to the room to clean up... we were not sure what to do about dinner but decided to head over to the town and ate at Hapa Grill at the suggestion of the valet - http://hapagrill.net/index.php
Excellent choice - very reasonable after the expense of Alan Wong's that is what we were looking for. We were going to see a movie in town but decided to rent one instead and head back to the room.
It was another great day.
I finally managed to sleep past 6:30 am
We had a great lazy morning - dh had some homework to do so I headed into the next town to do a little shopping and check things out. I was going to take a yoga class there but had slept past the 8:00 am class time. I grabbed us lunch at Costco and headed back to the resort. Dh was still working on his class work so I found a lounge chair by the pool and enjoyed my book. It was VERY relaxing. Dh joined me and decided to get a massage in the cabanas they had over by the pool. He returned glowing and said I MUST go and get a massage by Jackie. Okay - twist my arm ;-)
This little tiny gal gave me without a doubt the best massage I have ever had! So if you are there and in the market for a massage - head over and book with Jackie from Boston. I was like rubber when she was done. What a great day.
By now it was around 5:00 pm or so and we headed up to the room to clean up... we were not sure what to do about dinner but decided to head over to the town and ate at Hapa Grill at the suggestion of the valet - http://hapagrill.net/index.php
Excellent choice - very reasonable after the expense of Alan Wong's that is what we were looking for. We were going to see a movie in town but decided to rent one instead and head back to the room.
It was another great day.
Nov 10th, 2009, 11:15 AM
#31
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We ate at Hapa Grill the first night we were there! Just a "coffee shop", but much better than average -- I had some kind of stir-fry with shrimp.
I'm so glad you loved the kayaking. Samsaf, I wouldn't say the kayaking is easy (it's definitely a workout for your upper body), but it was GOOD hard work. The area where you kayak is just gorgeous, the beaches (Kailua and Lanikai) are spectacular, even the homes you see from the water (and which you wouldn't be able to see otherwise) are lovely. We, too, loved everything about our day there (and we ate at a local Thai restaurant in Haleiwa that night, night at Alan Wong's )
I'm so glad you loved the kayaking. Samsaf, I wouldn't say the kayaking is easy (it's definitely a workout for your upper body), but it was GOOD hard work. The area where you kayak is just gorgeous, the beaches (Kailua and Lanikai) are spectacular, even the homes you see from the water (and which you wouldn't be able to see otherwise) are lovely. We, too, loved everything about our day there (and we ate at a local Thai restaurant in Haleiwa that night, night at Alan Wong's
)
Nov 10th, 2009, 11:19 AM
#32
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am so sorry that Alan Wong's didn't live up to my hype. We absolutely loved the food, the wine, the service. To be honest, the food is different that anything we had ever eaten before. It was a fusion of Hawaiian, asian and quite nouveau and that may be where it fell apart from you.
Sorry....
Deb
Sorry....
Deb
Nov 10th, 2009, 11:26 AM
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 16,658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sf - we will return to the kayaking and I agree - it is really well worth any type of "work". I like to exercise and we had kayaked in Big Bear in Sept but that was on a glass lake - I knew I could do it but was slightly worried.
We thought Hapa Grill was great. I had the chicken and rice and it was really good. Lots of locals dining there (always a good sign!)
We thought Hapa Grill was great. I had the chicken and rice and it was really good. Lots of locals dining there (always a good sign!)
Nov 10th, 2009, 11:29 AM
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 16,658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Deb... I love different food- and am really open. I do not think that was it - the ahi app was over cooked for example. .
What is interesting is that I think we ate at a different one then you no? I heard the chef at that one is actually better either from Mari or Melissa... I think :-? And in NO way am I sorry we went or spent the $$$ I LOVED the experience. I even got a baseball cap
What is interesting is that I think we ate at a different one then you no? I heard the chef at that one is actually better either from Mari or Melissa... I think :-? And in NO way am I sorry we went or spent the $$$ I LOVED the experience. I even got a baseball cap
Nov 10th, 2009, 11:48 AM
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 16,658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Day Six - Turtles please?
After the wine tasting at Alan Wongs I had no issue sleeping in on Friday morning. I was a little sad as it was our last full day and the thoughts of leaving tomorrow lingered heavily on my heart...
We decided to return to Hapa Grill for breakfast as they have a 4.95 pancake, egg & meat special - that works! It was good - no Boots & Kimos but good. We headed out on the road to the North Shore.
The drive is easy and rather fast - It brought back the memories of our trip with the children several years ago and made me long a bit for days gone by. Anyway - we stopped off in Haleiwa as I wanted to do some t-shirt shopping - our youngest had requested a shirt so off I hunted for the perfect one for her. Ever tried to buy a t-shirt for a 12 year old girl? Not an easy task.
After finding a few - I lured dh into a shaved ice. NICE. We actually had Matsumoto last time so upon the suggestion of a few locals at the hotels we opted for the one right next door...started with an A I will have to remember the name of it. Very good.
Off we went to Laniakea aka Turtle Beach.. I was VERY excited about seeing turtles and alas - none to be seen. We hung out on the beach for a while and then decided to head over to Shark's cove to snorkel. We had a great time - one thing I have to say is how much FUN dh & I had and how much we enjoyed each other and the lazy time together. We snorkeled for a good amount of time.
We decided to eat at the Shark's Cove Lunch truck across the way - we had eaten there when we were here last time and it was good.
We headed back to Turtle Beach in hopes of catching turtles on the way home - but alas no turtles showed themselves all day.
We got back to the resort after 5:00 and relaxed for a while before deciding to head down to Chuck's to have our last meal. Neither of us was in the mood to drive any place.
It turned out to be a very good meal - my ahi was excellent and sitting outside next to all the koi was very pretty. The macademia nut cheese cake was to die for!
We walked down to the beach after wards and reflected upon our wonderful week together both sad to be headed back to reality. There is simply something magical about Hawaii...
After the wine tasting at Alan Wongs I had no issue sleeping in on Friday morning. I was a little sad as it was our last full day and the thoughts of leaving tomorrow lingered heavily on my heart...
We decided to return to Hapa Grill for breakfast as they have a 4.95 pancake, egg & meat special - that works! It was good - no Boots & Kimos but good.
We headed out on the road to the North Shore.The drive is easy and rather fast - It brought back the memories of our trip with the children several years ago and made me long a bit for days gone by. Anyway - we stopped off in Haleiwa as I wanted to do some t-shirt shopping - our youngest had requested a shirt so off I hunted for the perfect one for her. Ever tried to buy a t-shirt for a 12 year old girl? Not an easy task.
After finding a few - I lured dh into a shaved ice. NICE. We actually had Matsumoto last time so upon the suggestion of a few locals at the hotels we opted for the one right next door...started with an A I will have to remember the name of it. Very good.
Off we went to Laniakea aka Turtle Beach.. I was VERY excited about seeing turtles and alas - none to be seen. We hung out on the beach for a while and then decided to head over to Shark's cove to snorkel. We had a great time - one thing I have to say is how much FUN dh & I had and how much we enjoyed each other and the lazy time together. We snorkeled for a good amount of time.
We decided to eat at the Shark's Cove Lunch truck across the way - we had eaten there when we were here last time and it was good.
We headed back to Turtle Beach in hopes of catching turtles on the way home - but alas no turtles showed themselves all day.
We got back to the resort after 5:00 and relaxed for a while before deciding to head down to Chuck's to have our last meal. Neither of us was in the mood to drive any place.
It turned out to be a very good meal - my ahi was excellent and sitting outside next to all the koi was very pretty. The macademia nut cheese cake was to die for!
We walked down to the beach after wards and reflected upon our wonderful week together both sad to be headed back to reality. There is simply something magical about Hawaii...
Nov 10th, 2009, 12:11 PM
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 16,658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Day 7 - last day - homeward bound
Nothing much to add I am afraid - we had an uneventful morning and dropped the rental car off no issues & checked in as well with nothing but ease. The Crowne Room at the HNL airport is currently being redone and is rather small and smelled moldy - dh watched some college football game and I wandered about till check in. Very full flight - we were in the front of the plane again when dh proclaimed he will never go on vacation again without flying first class. Ut-oh - guess we are not going any place again :-?
It was a fabulous week and I am so glad I did not change our plans at the last minute to go some place else. It was perfect in all ways. We *did buy a 5 night "encore" package when we went on our timeshare presentation so we have 5 nights to use in the next 2 years. I will be looking forward to our time away at somepoint in the next two years.
Thanks again one and all for all the great tips & encouragement. Have I mentioned I love this board?
The Aloha spirit is amazing...
Nothing much to add I am afraid - we had an uneventful morning and dropped the rental car off no issues & checked in as well with nothing but ease. The Crowne Room at the HNL airport is currently being redone and is rather small and smelled moldy - dh watched some college football game and I wandered about till check in. Very full flight - we were in the front of the plane again when dh proclaimed he will never go on vacation again without flying first class. Ut-oh - guess we are not going any place again :-?
It was a fabulous week and I am so glad I did not change our plans at the last minute to go some place else. It was perfect in all ways. We *did buy a 5 night "encore" package when we went on our timeshare presentation so we have 5 nights to use in the next 2 years. I will be looking forward to our time away at somepoint in the next two years.
Thanks again one and all for all the great tips & encouragement. Have I mentioned I love this board?
The Aloha spirit is amazing...
Nov 10th, 2009, 01:12 PM
#39
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Excellent trip report, was a pleasure to read! You have encouraged me to work on mine.. We crossed paths in Hawaii, I was on Oahu until Nov. 3. Also congrads on your recovery, I had a malignant melanoma removed 2 yrs ago from my arm and I can understand the fear of the sun! Suncreen, floppy hats, and coverups were my best friends though and it was so worth it. Aloha!
Nov 10th, 2009, 03:01 PM
#40
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dawn, we went to the same Alan Wong's; it is a non descript building on the 5th floor, kind of in a semi commercial/residential area. The other one on Oahu is the Pineapple Room and is in or near the big shopping center I think.
In all fairness, we were there 3 years ago. I hate to think that it has changed and not for the better, perhaps it was just an off night. Everyone has those, but hopefully at a place like this, they are few and far between.
Deb
In all fairness, we were there 3 years ago. I hate to think that it has changed and not for the better, perhaps it was just an off night. Everyone has those, but hopefully at a place like this, they are few and far between.
Deb
