What are musts on OAHU?
 

Visiting next Jan, 2000. What are musts to do on this Island? Also, will have a 7 year old with us--any recommendations for postivies or negatives for her enjoyment? <BR> <BR>THANKS <BR>

Suggestions: <BR>Pearl Harbor <BR>Polynesian Culture Center <BR>Kodak Hula Show <BR>Tantalus Drive <BR>Hanamua Bay (closed on Wednesday mornings) <BR>Chinatown <BR>Swimming at Waikiki <BR> <BR>Special note regarding children: every beach in Hawaii can have danger spots, where a youngster could disappear under a ten meter drop off while you blink. Always check to see who is swiming there before you stop; if no children are in the water, there's probably a reason!

Suggestions: <BR>Pearl Harbor <BR>Polynesian Culture Center <BR>Kodak Hula Show <BR>Tantalus Drive <BR>Hanamua Bay (closed on Wednesday mornings) <BR>Chinatown <BR>Swimming at Waikiki <BR> <BR>Special note regarding children: every beach in Hawaii can have danger spots, where a youngster could disappear under a ten meter drop off while you blink. Always check to see who is swiming there before you stop; if no children are in the water, there's probably a reason! Check with local residents to be completely sure if a beach is safe.

<BR>take any of the catamaran rides <BR>out in front of the hotels on <BR>Waikiki beach for a very enjoyable one hour cruise, reasonably priced. Great views, and lots of fun. <BR>If you have a rental car, drive around the island long way, beautiful scenery on the windward side and North shore. <BR>

A beautiful spot is Roundtop Mountain. Ask any hotel concierge and they will show you how to get there. It's in the same area as the Punchbowl Cemetary -- the National Cemetary of the Pacific. On Roundtop you can get a gorgeous view of Honolulu including Waikiki. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the view!

Pearl Harbor has an excellent presentation and is worthwhile, but it can be depressing. If you are into WWII history you will enjoy it, but seeing the memorial itself is as creepy as seeing a cemetery. You might consider getting up before dawn on your first morning (if you are from the mainland you will be getting up at 4:00AM anyway) and seeing it as it opens; it gets crowded fast! Another advantage of seeing it early is you can move on to something cheerful so as not to end the day on a low note. <BR> Near the Kodak Hula show is an aquarium with a touch pool which your seven year old should enjoy a great deal! <BR> You might hike Diamond Head if you kid doesn't mind walking uphill a lot. <BR> Head into downtown Honolulu for Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum. This probably appeals more to adults than to children. <BR> Visit an orchid garden if you can, take your kid hiking through tropical foliage. <BR> If I am not mistaken, the surf should be up on North Beach. Not recommended for swimming, but you might want to catch a wave from the safety of the shore! <BR> Safest swimming is probably Waikiki. They have breakwaters built and lifeguards watching.

Visit at least one other island. Kauai is magnificent.