We have a 2 day layover in Honolulu. We will pick up car at noon & return it 2 days later. Help..what should we see and do that won't cost us an arm and leg..will be on return trip from NZ so we will probably be broke!
2 Day layover in Honolulu- Must do's
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I'm assuming you will get a hotel room in Waikiki. Be sure to see the historic hotels, the Royal and Moana. You can walk thru the lobbies of both, and stop for a drink or a meal. The Banyan courtyard at the Moana is a wonderful place for a drink at sunset. http://www.royal-hawaiian.com http://www.moana-surfrider.com http://www.visualitineraries.com/ShowOnePhoto.asp?itin=&point=0&location=1020&name=Moana+Surfrider&photo=/img/locations/10138.jpg&desc=The+Banyan+Courtyard
In my opinion, O'ahu has some of the best beaches in Hawai'i, so I think the beaches are a "must". I would use the full day you have there to drive around the island. From Waikiki, head east. There are a lot of places where you can park at overlooks for some great views. Hanauma is good for snorkeling, but you can also stop at the parking lot (if it is not full) to see Hanauma.
Halona Blowhole/Cove is a good viewpoint. Sandy Beach is a great place to see body surfing.
Makupu'u overlook is a spectacular viewpoint. Kailua/Lanikai beaches are beautiful and should be good for swimming most of the time. Along the North shore, Sunset beach is beautiful, and especially so at sunset as the name implies. Waimea Bay is very scenic and is good for swimming depending on the season/weather. Pretty much any beach on the north shore will be worth a stop. Of course the beaches in Waikiki are beautiful too, and generally safe for swimming. Places like Makapu'u and Sandy, and most of the n. shore, are not swimming spots, as the surf can be powerful.
If you are interested in WWII history, the Arizona Memorial at Pearl harbor is a must. For Hawai'ian history, I'olani Palace and the Bishop Museum would be musts.
Personally i do not consider Polynesian Cultural Center a "must", nor Dole Plantation, nor commercial luaus.
<<<Kailua/Lanikai beaches are beautiful and should be good for swimming most of the time. Along the North shore, Sunset beach is beautiful, and especially so at sunset as the name implies.>>>
And the highway across the island between Kailua and Haleiwa (the H3) is simply spectacular!
The H3 doesn't go all the way to Haleiwa though.
That's OK, it's spectacular on the H3, not so much on the H2 to Haleiwa, but at least you'd know you're closer to your destination once you get to the intersection.
Thanks all keep the suggestions coming. I think we will try PH the day of arrival & the island drive as suggested on our full day. Good eats?
Depends on your interests. I often spend a week or more in Waikiki and don't "do" anything. My favorite tour is the Doris Duke Shangri La estate thru Honolulu Academy of the Arts. I am interested in but have yet to make it to Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace. Of course there's hiking DiamondHead.
Good eats? Most of my favorite places are inexpensive. I love the "Food Courts" like at IMP, Royal Hawaiian and Ala Moana shopping center.
I probably eat most often at ME Korean BBQ at the Royal Grove hotel because they have cheap fresh food, open for breakfast, then thru lunch/dinner (don't go too late as they run out of things in the evenings). Ruffage around the corner is good if you want healthy fare.
I also get meals to-go from Food Pantry grocery store or the ABC Stores, with cocktails or wine, and eat on my hotel lanai (balcony).
Cheap eats work for us, as I said we will be on return from NZ and needed to save before we head back home to work to save for next trip! Lol
In Waikiki, Keoni is a good choice , they have great breakfast specials. lunch is moderately priced, and depending on what you order dinner can be too. http://www.restauranteur.com/keoni/menu.htm
You will find the typical American fast food places also.
as you travel around the island you will see shrimp trucks and other roadside places. usually these are good and cheap. Grocery stores will have a deli or prepared food to take out, so that is an option.