Mildred

In February there was a post about the Waikiki Shell reopening as a swap meet and hula center. Has this happened? If yes, where is the shell?? Will be in Waikiki for Christmas and I'm a sucker for a good swap meet. Would appreciate your wisdom on this matter.

carolyn

The Shell is in Kapiolani Park, the home of the old Kodak Hula Show. We were there in June, and they had a little dance/humor-type show and small areas of souvenir things to buy, but it wasn't what I would call a swap meet. For that, you need to go to the Aloha Stadium.

Mildred

It sounded so good in the newspaper article. A shame really that it didn't work out as intended.

I do plan on making the pilgrimage to Aloha Stadium for goodies. Think Wednesday might be best with a game scheduled for the weekend. Not sure if the meet operates during games.

Thanks for the scoop on the Shell.

dusty56438

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is the best.

Make sure you see the Chrismas display at Honolulu Hale (city hall) on King St.

Also go inside Honolulu Hale for the Christmas tree & wreath display.

Runs through about January 2.

Lots to do on Oahu:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

Mildred

Thanks Dusty-
Will check it out.

suze

So what are the hours/days this goes on, please? I don't care about the swap meet part but are there free music or dance performances? Here at the Shell or elsewhere? Thank you.

dusty56438

I don't know if the swap meet at the Waikiki Shell is in existence any more.

I was in the area with some friends last Monday & there appeared to be nothing there. The entrance was closed. This was about noon. Don't know if they open later now or if the evening luau still exists.

Their sign was still there.

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet does have performers occasionally (not on Wednesdays). But these are not big names & people seem to stop for only a few minutes to listen.

Suze - You can check out free performances at Kuhio Beach (near Duke's statue) every evening. Also Ala Moana Center has free keiki hula on Sundays. International Market Place has free hula performances a couple days a week on the stage near the food court.

Some hotels or shopping centers have free demonstrations once or twice a week.

Check the free brochures for days & times.

Also check the Mid Week paper www.midweek.com and Honolulu Advertiser Friday paper, TGIF section www.honoluluadvertiser.com
Click on Entertainment
click on TGIF

MelissaHI

Hi Dusty, I think the Waikiki swap meet is on, only on certain days. but regardless...the set up is kind of cheesy. I vote for the stadium!

suze-- check out my post on 'playing tourist for free in waikiki.'

suze

Dusty and Melissa, Thank you both.

I'm in Waikiki for one week next month, traveling with a friend, and we're trying to bring it in on the cheap. I usual travel solo and have no problems entertaining myself. But this time, we are both trying to find some interesting free or cheap stuff to do together. So I'd like to have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Dusty these ideas are very helpful. Melissa I'll check out your other post, thanks for the tip.

Mildred

One of my favorite buget thrills is the bus out to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling and a great ride out and back. You can get a four day bus card and the entry fee is still low- think about $5 - haven't been for two years and looking forward to it this trip once again. Snorkel stuff for rent or hop into an ABC store for the bus card and buy some inexpensive equipment. Mildred