Jack Ippen

My fiancee and I will be travelling to Honolulu next week. We will be spending 1 week in Oahu and 1 week on the Big Island. Could anyone advise us on which sites we should not miss while we are there. This will be our first time and we're not sure when we'll be able to get back. Please advise on sites as well as things to do.

Thanks,

Jack.

Sandy

I currently live in Honolulu and my home is the Big Island. Things not to miss on the Big Island are definitely visiting the volcano. Kilauea, the name of the volcano is still erupting and the park is very informative and there are hikes to walk inside the crater. You can also walk inside a real lava tube. There is also Akaka Falls a nice scenic walk around a waterfall. I'm assuming you are driving around on the Big Island. The Big Island is beautiful and calm compared to Honolulu. There's not a lot of shopping but if you are in Hilo, go visit Big Island Candies. They have really good chocolate dipped shortbread cookies and other products for you to take home with you.

As for Honolulu, you are probably staying in Waikiki, where all the other tourists stay. The beach is right there. A popular snorkeling site where the fish eat out of your hand is Haunama Bay. Go early, it's really crowded and there is a fee because it is a nature preserve. Check to see what days they are open.
See the Arizona Memorial. It's free but you have to get there early for ferry tickets. There's also a flea market on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It's pretty big with a lot of vendors. T-shirts, jewelry, souvenirs, etc. bring cash to haggle with vendors.
Major shopping malls: Largest- Ala Moana Center, close to Waikiki. Waikele Outlet Stores, Pearlridge Shopping Center, Aloha Tower Marketplace.
Nightlife: Pretty much anywhere in Waikiki. Restaraunt Row, Aloha Tower Marketplace.
Other destinations to consider: Honolulu Zoo (located in Waikiki) Sea Life Park (past Haunama Bay) Waimea Falls Park on the North Shore, Polynesian Cultural Center, Actually, if you pick up one of the many tourist guides available at the airport, they provide valuable coupons and information on where to go and where to eat.
If you are renting a car. DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES in the CAR. Another tip. Try not to look like a tourist. I like to think that we are friendly here in Hawaii and most people will be happy to help you.
There's a lot to do here and i hope you enjoy your stay. Feel free to e-mail me with specific questions. I think that sometimes a local point of view may be different than a visitor's. Have a nice trip.

kathy

Sandy: Saw your response on Oahu...we will be
spending 3 nites there and 5 nites on Maui from Dec.
6th. What DOES one wear at that time of year to NOT
look like a tourist?! Is it cool enough for jeans?
Are jeans worn by locals?! Yes, we're greenhorns!
Do you recommend taking the bus to the north shore,
or renting a car for one full day around the periphery of
the entire island? RE: Maui...is it a rumor or not
about a newer, less harrowing road to Hana? I don't
enjoy my husband white-knuckling it for such long
distances...and he doesn't get to appreciate the views
by driving. If you've heard anything on this, would
appreciate. Thanks...kathy

Brigitte

My parents and I visited last summer. Sandy's advice sounds good. We went to the Arizona Memorial, Waimea Falls and the Polynesian Culture center (which are on the other side of the island), and if you don't mind a little exercise the hike to the top of Diamond Head rewards you with fabulous views of Waikiki. Be sure to take some water and a pocket flashlight. Also a good place to enjoy a relaxed, casual meal is Duke's. It's a indoor/outdoor restaurant/bar located in the Hawiian Hilton (i think), it was next to the Moana Surfrider where we stayed. Enjoy your trip, I know you'll love it!

Sandy

Kathy,
Jeans are fine. The weather should be cool but a light sweater and jeans will keep you warm. I personally don't even own a sweater. I don't know about the road to Hana. Sorry I couldn't help you there. I'm going to Maui for Thanksgiving, I'll find out about the road and hopefully get back to you before your trip. Have a great time!

tracie

I too am going to maui for thanksgiving. My friend's sister lives in Oahu so its likely Ill have 4 days in each place. We're a bunch of athletic 30-something women and want to hike, bike, and hear music. Any ideas along those lines?

Lea Ann Rowan

Hi Jack! If you're adventurous to get up at 4 in the morning when you are in Maui, you must make the drive up Haleakala Crater (hope I spelled it right) to see the sunrise - simply breathtaking! Your are above the clouds at the top of the crater and the sight of the sun coming up through them is definitely worth the steep drive!

julie

Hi, If you want to look like a tourist wear matching aloha shirt and mumu from any Waikiki store. Depending on where you are travelling from the mainland, jeans may be too warm for you in January, especially when you are used to freezing weather. Shorts, casual summer wear are acceptable just about everywhere. Want to look local? Buy a pair of flip flops (called slippers in Hawaii) and wear them. If you do any hiking, DO NOT leave anything in the car. Two sites that I used to take visitors to see that are sort of off the beaten path are Foster Botanical Garden, 50 N. Vineyard, 522-7060, and the UH Manoa Rainforest (Manoa Road, just past Paradise Park).
Ex-haole, Julie

Stacey O

I am planning a honeymoon for October '98. We will have about 12 days to spend in paradise, and I am not sure what my priorities are. Does anyone have a suggestion on what the two top islands are? I do not want to relocate to many times during my stay. So I would like to stay on each island for about 6 days. How is the weather in October?