Waikiki questions
 

I am taking the risk that you all will think I am an idiot.....my mother and husband are going to spend the early morning and afternoon at Pearl Harbor and area - I certainly appreciate the experience, but it is not something I want to do. I am thrilled that they love to do the same things and can have a good time together. Now, what can I do???? I love to be outdoors, a good workout, art museums, and great food. We are staying at the HHV - I don't want to be one of those people who just spend the whole day at one resort. I was thinking of taking the bus to Diamond Head and running up there and then back to town and doing the Art Museum? Any other suggestions???? Any advice would be appreciated!

First, rethink why you don't want to go to Pearl. It is very moving. Now, you don't want to go, that's your right. Just start walking towards Diamond Head on the beach or the street. Don't take a bus or taxi. You love to walk, then do it. Just hike to Diamond Head. Like museums, go to the Doris Duke house, very impressive house and a very complicated women. Relax, this is Hawaii afterall.

Bill

I don't think I would hike from HHV to Diamond Head, but the bus will get you there. It's a neat climb, and the view is beautiful.

You could also see the Bishop Museum. Will all of you want to go to the Iolani Palace? The Aloha Tower? Chinatown? There is a world of things to do. We usually go as a family group and split up to do our own things.

We are only going to be there for the one day. The next day we fly to Hilo and then Kauai for a week. I think I will get the bus to Diamond Head and then
I will check into the Bishop museum - thanks for the tips!

wbpiii - how far would you guess that it is from HHV? I could easily do a 5-10 mile run, but I was just nervous about being on my own and in traffic....

I would guess maybe 4 miles. I would not worry about being on your own. You are in the heart of Waikiki.

You see people jogging all the time from Waikiki toward Diamond Head, Kahala, etc. In fact - it's a great early morning run - as well as later in the day.

As for what else to do in Waikiki - I would recommend you try to get to Hanauma Bay ( http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facil...nformation.htm - and there all kinds of tours, etc - just check the tourist mags you can pick up at the airport - or check where you are staying) and go snorkeling there - IMO - the best snorkeling in all of Paradise and I have snorkeled/dove all over the islands.

BTW - if your go early to Pearl Harbor - and take the Navy Boats - the only ones to actually stop at the partially submerged USS Arizona - you can beat the crowds and be back in Waikiki by noon or so. Think you can also make reservations - so just google away.

BTW - if you know how to snorkel - you could just rent some equipment in Waikiki (the Snorkel Bob's of this world) and ride the bus out to Hanauma Bay - which is a very safe place to snorkel, with lifeguards, or at least - I think they have lifeguards there. Or you might feel more comfortble going with a small group - usually in a van, etc - and those prices are usually not too expensive.

For some great pics - see: http://tinyurl.com/bthhqvn

Thank you all so much! I think I will run in the morning and then try to get out to snorkel! Great advice.

Again, Hanamua Bay is about as safe of a place as you can find (you could even just wade out and look at the fish) - and here is some more info - which confirms - they do have lifeguard stands. Never paid any attention to it when we went - but good to know if you have never been there before.

You can also rent snorkeling equipment there - but I prefer to try it on in a shop beforehand and make sure it fits (especially the mask - and pull any loose hairs away from your forehead - lest they let beads of water drip into the inside of the mask). :)

http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facil...bay/safety.htm

Uno Mas: If you have never snorkeled - I advise people to take the mask and fins to the hotel pool - and try it out and just get used to breathing with your face in the water, how to slowly kick with the fins, etc. And try to just float over the fish - not moving too much - and they will swim around more - v. thinking you might be a predator of some sort. :)

Uno Mas Mas: We also used to take picnic lunches to Hanauma Bay - even picking up sushi sometimes at the shopping center at Hawaii Kai (I think this is the one - http://kokomarinacenter.com/ ) - which is just before you head up the hill to the turnoff to Hanauma Bay.

If you don't take a snorkeling tour - or rent a car for the day (which might be a good idea if you are going both to Pearl Harbor and want to later get to Hanamua Bay) - I think the bus lets you off by the main road and then you walk the quarter or so mile down the hill a bit - to the parking lot/the top/entrance to Hanamua Bay.

I love visiting the Iolani Palace when I am in Oahu. It is a beautiful building with a fascinating history.

If you love snorkeling I would also do Hanamu a Bay but get tickets in advance if possible and get in line VERY VERY early before the massive crowds of people arrive. If you don't get their early or have an arranged time with purchased tickets you won't be able to plan on getting in without a hugh wait in which case if you are only there for the day it would take up too much of your time.

Do you buy tickets on-line or from a kiosk - sorry I am asking so many questions! I do appreciate all of the advice!! I will rent the equipment in town as you all have suggested. I have snorkeled before and am a good swimmer, but I do like the idea of lifeguards.

I would take the Doris Duke ShangriLa estate tour including the Honolulu Academy of the Arts museum. It sounds like maybe you are seeking something more sporty/outdoorsy(?) but I *loved* this tour, just spectacular, and perfect as a solo activity.

check out the government web site for Hanauama Bay

http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facil...nformation.htm

when I am in waikiki I walk through the park and up the hill toward Diamond Head. Grat walk/run through great neighborhood. Have done the walk up Diamond Head. took the bus to the base and then walked. It is a good hike and the views are fab. Also enjoyed shangri La (doris duke estate). tix must be purchased at the Academy of art Honolulu (I did mine on line). With one day in HNL, a run and a museum will pretty much take up the day.....

I visited the Honolulu Academy of Arts when I was there last year. I especially enjoyed the Japanese prints.