My husband,myself, and friends will be attending a medical meeting on Oahu the end of Feb. This is the only island we will have time to visit and it is our first visit to Hawaii. From the previous messages,it does not sound like this is the island of choice for a first visit, but given that it is our only choice, what do you recommend as the "must see/do's"in our 6 days? Also, has anyone stayed at the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel in Honolulu-I cant seem to find a lot of info on it but this is where the meeting is held. Thanks.

If you like beaches, Oahu is a great place to go to. You can go to the famous Hanauma Bay (snorkeling), Sandy Beach (surfing), Waimanalo Beach (picnic), Bellows Beach (I think, it's beautiful, most locals go there), Kailua Beach, they are along the east coast. Even if you don't like the beaches, just driving through the coast is a wonderful experience.

Take a "walk" up to Diamond Head crater. Visit Polynesian Cultural Center (you need a day there. I think is $70 for transportation, admissions, all meals and shows). Take a sunset dinner cruise ($19.99 including the dinner and drinks)....I don't think you will run out of things to do...I have more places to go if you are interested. Or check out this site: http://www.visit.hawaii.org/

Pick up the free guide books once you are there. There are tons of special offers and trip ideas in those.

Pam:
Yesterday's New York Times had a great article on things to do in Honolulu. The link is www.nytimes.com/2000/12/29/living/29HONO.html

KT

Thanks KT for posting the article. It is a far better intro to Honolulu than the average promotional stuff. And the hotel and restaurant reviews are right on.

I'm always pleased to recommend our two lovely gems: The Honolulu Academy of Arts, and The Contemporary Museum. Both are worth a visit, and are a nice departure from the beach and shopping.

I think the article really succeeds in prortraying our rich multi-culturalism and tolerance. However, and not to get too bogged down in politics here, it fails in not pointing out the gains that we made over the last forty years. Although both the democratic and republican party are reinventing themselves, the republicans have had a very recent history to overcome. The sugar barons that overthrew the Queen were republicans. And as Judge King, a family friend stated, "the broad majority believes the Hawaiians got a raw deal." Just sharing a little perspective.

Hauoli Makikihi Hou, and happy travels!

Sorry Pam, I failed to answer your question about the Ilikai. It's a Waikiki landmark, and the deck area looks over the yacht harbor. Haven't seen the rooms, but I'm sure they are adequate. The ocean - views will be very nice indeed, if not quite a five-star resort experience. By the way, we love Oahu. We live here. It's a humming city with lots to do, and great restaurants. Like any city, there are parts to be avoided. So, be sure to get out of town, and allow time for a drive to the North Shore, to Kailua through the Pali tunnel and for a short drive through the H-3. In February you might still be able to spot whales off Makapuu lighthouse. Have a great trip!

We spent two nights at the Renaissance this past summer and would give it a marginal thumb up. The room was fine and access to beach is good. However, the pool is small and the hotel is located at the very end of of the Waikiki Strip which makes it difficult to stroll/walk to the shops, nightlife, etc. Not sure what you're paying but we got our room for $100 a night through Priceline.

Pam -

I've only been there once 15 years ago, but, Hanauma Bay was amazing. I still talk about it when the subject of Hawaii comes up.

Highly recommend it.

Lynn

We were just in Oahu in December. I had only been to Maui before, and been told Oahu wasn't the best island to visit, but I was pleasantly surprised. We loved it. The best part was the North side of the island. Watching the surfers surf the pipe line was great. It is beautiful. Be sure to find the little trailer that sells the delicious shrimp. Sorry I don't remember the town. Also Hailewa (Sp?) was a wonderful little town with fun shoping and shaved ice. Also enjoyed seeing the Pineapple plantations.

Pam, why would Oahu not be the island of choice for a first visit? I love living here. It's got beautiful beaches just like the other islands. You'll be near Ala Moana Shopping Center, the beach, and lots of dining options. The Ilikai Hotel is rather old but it's decent. It has a restaurant called Sarrento's that has a great view! Also, on Friday nights the Hilton puts on a free fireworks show, and you can see it from the Ilikai. Very nice as you're having drinks on the lanai.

Kalena is right in recommending the Academy of Arts and The Contemporary Museum. The Contemporary Museum is my fave, and I like the food there.

Haleiwa is a great little town on the North Shore. It still has a very old, small-town feel. The beaches are world-famous for their large waves.

Another website you can try is www.gohawaii.com. I don't know what kinds of things you like to do on trips, so this might help you customize it to your liking.