We are leaving for Honolulu on Sunday. We will be there 8 days/7 nights. We will stay at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach the entire time. We already have the Missouri Stars & Stripes Tour reserved and we are attending "Germaine's Luau" on the 30th. We would love to visit North Shore and a few less crowded beaches (Waikiki seems to be very crowded) - does anyone have any tips, advice, etc.? Also, is Germaine's Luau a good one or is it a commercial one? I've heard that you should go to a traditional luau and not a commercial one. Also, are there any semi-private beaches that we could visit? Gosh, we are first timers and I really don't even know what else to ask...

You might want to scan the various messages on Oahu, then come up with some more detailed questions. What are your main interests? Assume you'll have a car? Oahu Revealed by Wizard Publications is an invaluable guidebook. All the beaches in Hawaii are public, but sometimes the access can be tricky. The well-known (and often most beautiful) ones can get quite crowded by noon. We just got back from Oahu last week (and miss it terribly), I posted a trip report called Oahu Trip Report (Sort Of). Relax, don't plan your activities too strictly, just enjoy.

Thank you gigi.

mmarty, maybe this Oahu article will be helpful from the MSNBC news site:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6184708/

I was there in April with my husband and two kids. Dukes, which I think is at your hotel was a fun place for food and drinks at happy hour, and the prices are very reasonable. Also, take a drive up to the North Shore, very scenic.

If you want some less-crowded beaches, take a drive to Kailua - the beaches over there, including Lanikai and Waimanalo which aren't too far from there, are some of the most beautiful and are less crowded than Waikiki. But don't skip Waikiki - there's nothing like it and talk about great people watching! If you drive up to Kailua - make a stop at Boots & Kimo's for the yummiest macadamia nut pancakes.

From the Outrigger Waikiki, stroll over to the Moana and have a drink at the Banyon Bar on the beach. And, as the other poster suggested - Duke's in the Outrigger is a great place.

If you're into history, take a tour of the Iolani Palace - about $20 pp and well worth it. Chinatown is several blocks away from the Palace and makes for a fun time - and good shopping.

Be sure to make a trip to the International Market Place in Waikiki - they're going to tear it down and renovate it next year.

As soon as you arrive be sure to get a few of the "This Week on Oahu" books - they're EVERYWHERE - and you'll find zillions of coupons & ads for all kinds of fun activities. You're going to have a great time!

If you want to save money on gifts for family and friends, go to the Aloha Stadium, the Crazy Shirts outlet, and any of the Ross stores (there is one near Ala Moana shopping center and one in Pearlridge).

Also, Don't miss Matsumoto's shaved ice. Yum!

Wow, I am leaving Friday for Oahu for 7 nights and staying half at Aston Waikiki Beach tower and half at Aston Waikiki beach hotel. Want to know my itinerary? I have been to Hawaii before and saw the Old Lahaina Luau in Maui, so skipping the Luau this time.

Day One-
WE arrive and will be tired. Walk on Waikiki beach and possibly Duke's for Pupus.

Day two-
AM- Hike up Diamond Head
PM- Beach and shop

Day three-
AM- Haunauma Bay to snorkel
PM-Leisure, maybe go to International market.

Day four-
Polynesian Cultural Center all day

Day five-
Take bus to China Town and then to airport to pick up car rental

Day five-
North Shore with Car, plan to use my guide book to see sunset beach, etc and stop to get shave ice. May go to Dole on return drive.

Day six-
AM- Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial
PM- Drive up windward coast towards Kalua beaches. Dinner in that area.

Day seven-
Have until PM to return to airport with the car. Plan to check out and shop.

I may switch days due to rain, etc....for example I may choose to do Hanauma bay with the car and continue north to the Kalua area that day and trade Pearl Harbor for day three and use a shuttle to get there. But, you get an idea of what I think will make for a good trip. As you can see, I am not too rigid and want some free time!
Hope you have fun!

Aloha mm,

Love O'ahu! Here's a link to my trip report from March/April for Waikiki and north shore... it's long, but has much info re the sights we loved.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...1&tid=34492836

Enjoy your trip... much aloha!

Thank you everyone! This is all great information! Yes, we will definitely be renting a car and driving up to the North Shore! I have also heard that kayaking by Kailua is great! We'll be there Sunday at about 1 pm, so maybe we'll hang out at Duke's, go to the International Market and take a walk on the Waikiki beaches that evening. I definitely have a lot of gifts to get...is the Aloha stadium only open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday? Thanks again.

Mmarty, FYI Hanauma Bay is closed Tues.

That will be too bad when they "renovate" the International Market Place. Its funkiness is half the fun! Mmarty, lots of good "Hawaii" junk there, $10 ukeleles that really play! the ABC stores are fun, too, plus I really like Crazy Shirts, they use nice soft cotton.

Yes - the Aloha Stadium swapmeet is open Wed-Sat-Sun. When I went there I took my carry-on (with the wheels & handle) and it worked great - stashed all the treasures in there and didn't have all those hot, sweaty plastic bags to lug around all day.

mmmarty -- If you get a chance, drive out to the Ko'Olina area and spend some time at the lagoons by the Marriott Ihilani/Ko'Olina Beach Club. There are 4 to choose from and they are gorgeous and not too crowded at all. You can have lunch at either the Ihilani (a bit expensive, but it's vacation!) or at the Beach Club, and can dine at their beachside bar/grill overlooking one of the lagoons. Truly one of my favoriate places in the world. Enjoy!!!

mmmarty -- oops! Forgot to say that to get to Ko'Olina from Waikiki, get on H1 west and follow it all the way until you see the Ko'Olina exit. It's about 30-35 min away, and worth it!