Oahu? Kauai? Maui?
May 9th, 2005, 07:51 AM
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Oahu? Kauai? Maui?
Planning a ten day trip to Hawaii in August and can't decide where to go? Don't want more than two Islands and maybe only one. Any suggestions between Oahu, Kauai, and Maui? Looking for the most beatiful beaches, something to do at night, activities available if we want to take a break from the beach.
May 9th, 2005, 08:35 AM
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Just been back from Kauai (7 nts.) and Maui (8 nts.) for a month, now. My wife prefers Maui, I prefer Kauai, neither of us prefers Oahu, its just so much busier. Its a pretty individual thing; if you like nightlife, Kauai is pretty well "out", and Oahu the prime choice. We never run out of things to do on any of the islands, We are always more limited by time and "energy". All islands have beautiful beaches, and other activities. Pretty hard to go wrong with Hawaii, no matter what your choice!
May 9th, 2005, 09:03 AM
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If your first priority is beaches I'd say Maui which also has shopping,restaurants, fishing, and cruises to Molokini,Lanai, and then the infamous drive to Hana.
Kauai and the Big Island are much more mellow and laid back. Just returned from Oahu-I kinda liked it after such a long break. But it is a big city dominated island and you need to factor that in with the tropical setting: high end shopping,traffic,crowds but lots of restaurant choices and the North shore is much more what you expect when you think Hawaii.
Kauai and the Big Island are much more mellow and laid back. Just returned from Oahu-I kinda liked it after such a long break. But it is a big city dominated island and you need to factor that in with the tropical setting: high end shopping,traffic,crowds but lots of restaurant choices and the North shore is much more what you expect when you think Hawaii.
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May 9th, 2005, 09:50 AM
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O'ahu would be great for average surfing on Waikiki... gorgeous beaches ALL OVER the island... night life also abundant in Waikiki... check out this great threead about the wonders of O'ahu. 
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...1&tid=34515901
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...1&tid=34515901
May 9th, 2005, 10:11 AM
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If you like evening activities and great beaches then I would for sure do Oahu. When and if you're tired of the city, just drive around the island a bit and you will find wonderful little towns. beautiful scenery etc. Then go to one of the other islands for the quite time. If you really want a laid back experience, but still have a lot of activities available, then Kauai is an excellent choice, if you want quieter that Honolulu but not as laid back as Kauai, then Maui or even the Big Island is a good choice. The bottom line is, you are going to get very divergent opinions, so see what people have to say, digest the material, and pick two. You can't do it all, you really can't go wrong, and you'll just have to plan to go back at some time in the future.
May 9th, 2005, 10:38 AM
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I've been to both Kauai and Maui. Maui is way more expensive.
I found Kauai to be a charming, lovely island where the absence of high-rise hotels is wonderful and romantic! I plan to return to Kauai someday. Kauai has a certain cuteness factor to me...coming from a big sprawling city like San Diego, everywhere in Kaui seemed to be in cute miniature to me. Loved it! This was our family trip.
Maui was our anniversary trip in January 2005. Maui is expensive and we really splurged and spent a lot. In my personal opinion, this is the way to really enjoy the best that Maui has to offer. Maui is really set up well to pamper you in total luxury. Others will disagree, but this was our experience. I would not return to Maui if I wanted to do a budget trip next time...I would pick one of the other islands. Maui isn't a good place to feel like you are on a budget.
When we returned home from Maui, and went to our favorite local restaurant, we laughed at the prices...in comparison to Maui prices, our favorite local restaurant in San Diego looked ridiculously cheap!
When we returned home from Kaui, we didn't feel this sense of reverse "sticker shock".
There isn't much native habitat left on Maui, sadly. Perhaps many tourists don't notice that, but my husband is a biologist, and he always notices and points it out to me!
Kaui does still have some areas to explore with native flora and fauna, more than Maui does.
Hope this helps you decide!
I found Kauai to be a charming, lovely island where the absence of high-rise hotels is wonderful and romantic! I plan to return to Kauai someday. Kauai has a certain cuteness factor to me...coming from a big sprawling city like San Diego, everywhere in Kaui seemed to be in cute miniature to me. Loved it! This was our family trip.
Maui was our anniversary trip in January 2005. Maui is expensive and we really splurged and spent a lot. In my personal opinion, this is the way to really enjoy the best that Maui has to offer. Maui is really set up well to pamper you in total luxury. Others will disagree, but this was our experience. I would not return to Maui if I wanted to do a budget trip next time...I would pick one of the other islands. Maui isn't a good place to feel like you are on a budget.
When we returned home from Maui, and went to our favorite local restaurant, we laughed at the prices...in comparison to Maui prices, our favorite local restaurant in San Diego looked ridiculously cheap!
When we returned home from Kaui, we didn't feel this sense of reverse "sticker shock".
There isn't much native habitat left on Maui, sadly. Perhaps many tourists don't notice that, but my husband is a biologist, and he always notices and points it out to me!
Kaui does still have some areas to explore with native flora and fauna, more than Maui does.
Hope this helps you decide!
May 9th, 2005, 10:38 AM
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A lot also depends on if it's your first itme to Hawaii. If it is, I always recommend Oahu for your entire stay or part of your stay. As others have said, the other islands are more laid back, but Oahu is the only one where you can experience BOTH....quiet, laid back atmosphere AND nightlife/citylife.
May 9th, 2005, 11:40 AM
#12
I'm a big fan of Oahu (with a rental car to get around the island and out to more private beaches and small towns). I enjoy Waikiki for the lively stretch of beach, shopping, and nightlife options. Plus Honolulu has many interesting historical buildings, tours, and museums as far as taking a break from the beach (Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Doris Duke ShangriLa).
My second favorite is Maui since that's the only other island I've visited to date(!) with Lahaina offering nightlife, shows, shopping, galleries, restaurants.
I'm afraid of Kauai because everyone keeps talking about the rain & often I travel solo so am worried about getting bored and lonely there. Since it's your honeymoon I guess that shouldn't be a problem -LOL.
My second favorite is Maui since that's the only other island I've visited to date(!) with Lahaina offering nightlife, shows, shopping, galleries, restaurants.
I'm afraid of Kauai because everyone keeps talking about the rain & often I travel solo so am worried about getting bored and lonely there. Since it's your honeymoon I guess that shouldn't be a problem -LOL.
May 9th, 2005, 12:38 PM
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Is rain in Kauai a big concern in August? Is it possible to do Maui without breaking the bank? Biggest criticism I'm hearing of Oahu is there is too much city, too much bustle, not enough beach. Any comments on that?
May 9th, 2005, 01:17 PM
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Tab, that's what SO many people think when they think of Oahu, but Oahu is MUCH more than that. Yes, Oahu has the big city, hustle and bustle, too many tourists, etc., etc., etc. But as I also tell so many people, if you don't want that, JUST GET OUT OF WAIKIKI/HONOLULU!!! So many people fail to realize this and they think the whole island of Oahu is like that! There are PLENTY of beaches....beautiful, nice, QUIET beaches....all over the island. Kailua is one of them. Waimanalo is another one. I've always said that the other parts of Oahu are very similar to Kauai, Maui, and the BI. Like I said, Oahu is the ONLY island where you can get a balance of both....hustle and bustle and quiet/laid back atmosphere. Sometimes you need a balance of both because some people feel the other islands are just too quiet and too laid back. That's why Oahu will always be my favorite island.
May 9th, 2005, 02:07 PM
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Tab, I forgot to answer your other questions. Kauai does rain a bit more than the other islands. I'm not sure how it is in August. This last time, we were there in July and it was perfect.
If 10 days is still your limit, then I think it will be a little tough to do all 3 islands in 10 days without feeling rushed.
If 10 days is still your limit, then I think it will be a little tough to do all 3 islands in 10 days without feeling rushed.
May 10th, 2005, 03:44 AM
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Just got back. 5 days in Oahu and 2 in Maui. Wished I stayed on Oahu for the other 2 days. Did the palace & Pearl Harbor before heading out to travel the whole island. Disappointed in Diamond Head, drove in & drove right back out. I found the beaches to be nicer on Oahu than Maui. Especially the Windward side of the island. Bellows Beach was my favorite beach in Hawaii, Oahu. We shared the whole beach with just 2 other people on the day we were there. Never did step onto Waikiki beach, especailly since I stayed just a block off the beach. Didn't feel like fighting the crowds especially since there are so many other beaches that were deserted.
On Maui, I got carsick on the trip to Hana, 3 1/2 hour trip one way. Followed a local back, so the return trip from Hana was a lot better. The Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach was quite small. Ka'anapali Beach was toooo hot to walk on, let alone sit on it. Rocky too.
All I can say, I will be back as I am still in a state of euphoria.
On Maui, I got carsick on the trip to Hana, 3 1/2 hour trip one way. Followed a local back, so the return trip from Hana was a lot better. The Wainapanapa Black Sand Beach was quite small. Ka'anapali Beach was toooo hot to walk on, let alone sit on it. Rocky too.
All I can say, I will be back as I am still in a state of euphoria.
May 10th, 2005, 10:19 AM
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Thank you so much for all the comments! If I split my time it will be at the most between two Islands. If I do two Islands (as opposed to one) I'm now leaning toward Oahu and Kauai. Any other comments or opinions are definitely welcome. I'll probably still change my mind a few more times before I book.
Speaking of booking- anyone know of a good website to get deals on airfare and/or hotels for Hawaii?
Speaking of booking- anyone know of a good website to get deals on airfare and/or hotels for Hawaii?
May 10th, 2005, 11:43 AM
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List of things to do on Oahu
These are some hints/suggestions for things to do and see on Oahu.
Arizona Memorial: (free) get there early, preferably by 8am. Opens at 7:30am. If you get there after 10am the lines can get long and you may spend 1-2 hours in line. Battleship USS Missouri and Submarine USS Bowfin are in the same area. These are about $15 each so you can go or skip them. Look for coupons in brochures for two for one. You can take pictures of them from Arizona Visitors Center and the Arizona tour ferry. Go on the lawn behind the Visitor's Center. You can also walk around the Bowfin Memorial area for free without taking the tour. Its worth the time. The Swap Meet is only a couple blocks from here at Aloha Stadium.
Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): www.polynesia.com General Admission about $50, but I prefer the luau buffet package ($80). The evening 'Horizon' show is the best Polynesian show in all of Hawaii. It comes with all ticket price options. The higher priced ticket packages get the better seating for 'Horizons'. Also the earlier you get there, the better the seating is for 'Horizons'. The Ali'i Luau Show that is part of the luau package is also a good Polynesian show. IMAX, Canoe Pageant, Samoa and Tonga villages and Canoe ride are the best other attractions (these are included with any type ticket). Plan on this as an all day event. Get there by 1pm (earlier if possible), leave around 9:30pm. When I take visitors, I try to keep on this schedule: IMAX 1:30, Canoe Pageant 2:30, Samoa 3:00, Tonga 4:00, Canoe Ride around 4:30, regular buffet or Ali'i luau buffet 5pm and 'Horizons' at 7:30. The other villages are nice also, but there is not enough time for all of them. You will have time to do some shopping or looking around between the luau and 'Horizons'. Closed on Sundays. You can go back for free for two days. Check with PCC employees for instructions before leaving the Center if you want the extra days.
Diamond Head Summit: Drive right into the crater and hike to the top. ($5 per carload or $1 each if you walk into the crater). I prefer to drive in. Awesome 360 degree view from the summit. Best time is around 8am or around 4pm. In between it can get hot walking to the top. Takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours roundtrip.
Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific): (free) While you are there, drive to the overlook area. Short walk to the summit that overlooks the entire city. If you have time, take the Mt. Tantalus/Round Top drive through a rain forest. Stop at the Puu Ualakaa State Wayside about 2/3 of the way to the top of the mountain. It has an awesome view of the city from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Punchbowl is near the bottom of Mt. Tantalus.
Hanauma Bay: Snorkel. Its for any age. You can rent snorkeling equipment there or some places in Waikiki or bring your own. Closed on Tuesdays. Try to get there as early as possible. If you drive, the parking lot gets filled up by 9:00 or 10:00. ($1 for parking, $5 for each person). You can reserve snorkel tours with several companies. They provide equipment, transportation, etc. They seem to have better equipment than the park does. You can also take the city bus. But the first city bus doesn't leave Waikiki until 8:30 am. Website: http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/f...ay/welcome.htm
Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples): $2 each. Just past Kaneohe.
Chinaman's Hat: (free) Kualoa Regional Park is just past Byodo-In-Temple. Nice for pictures, picnic, swimming.
Swap Meet: You can buy almost any souvenirs here much cheaper than anywhere else. All items are new. Vendors wrap around the stadium twice. Located at Aloha Stadium near Arizona Memorial. Open Wed, Sat, Sun.
Hilo Hattie's: Nice place to shop. Higher prices than swap meet, but not too much more on many items. Has good selection of clothing, candies and souvenirs. Check brochures for coupons. Can take free Hilo Hattie's shuttle from Waikiki.
Ala Moana Beach Park: (free) Nice beach. Great sunset location in the winter. Walk all the way out to the end of Magic Island. Great view of Waikiki, Diamond Head, Ala Wai Boat Harbor (shown in opening scene of Gilligan's Island).
Hike to Manoa Falls: (Free) You can drive right up to the trailhead and park for free. One mile one way. Short hike through a rain forest also bamboo there. Treetops restaurant there (at the previous Paradise Park site) has a good Chinese buffet.
Hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse: (free) Great view from here. Easy one mile hike. In winter months (mid-November to mid-April) it's great for whale watching.
Other Hiking on Oahu:
http://www.hawaiitrails.org/
http://www.backyardoahu.com/
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/oahuhikingtrails/home.html
http://oahuhiking.com/
North Shore Beaches: Haleiwa, Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach), Waimea Beach, Sunset Beach, Shark's Cove & Chun's Reef. Chun's Reef has sea turtles. Other nice stops for pictures in the area. Can be huge waves in winter. Good snorkeling at Shark's Cove and Chun's Reef in the summer.
Other beaches: There are close to 100 beaches on Oahu. Besides North Shore and Waikiki beaches these are some of the better ones: Makaha Beach (west shore), Waimanalo Beach, Lanikai Beach, Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay and Kailua Beach (east/Windward side), Ala Moana Beach Park (south shore). All public beaches are free except Haunama Bay.
Dole Pineapple Plantation: On H-2 just past Wahiawa. Can visit on the way to or back from the North Shore. Nice gift shop to browse, but expensive. Go behind the center for pineapple exhibits and carp feeding pond.
Kualoa Ranch: Several movies have been set here: (Jurassic Park, Mighty Joe Young and others), ATV rides, horseback riding, tours. Located across from Kualoa Regional Park.
Waikiki: Beaches, shopping, dining, nightclubs, shows, some museums. Wide range in dining prices. $3-4 breakfasts, $6-10 lunch buffets, $20-$25 fine dining and anywhere in between. Best Waikiki shows: Creation: A Polynesian Journey, John Hirokawa's Magic of Polynesia, Society of Seven, Blue Hawaii (Elvis impersonator), many more to chose from. Many Waikiki shows offer cocktail show along with the dinner show. They seat you after everyone else has eaten. Regular price of shows around $40-$60. Cocktail show about $25-$35. There are several short free hula shows and other demonstrations in Waikiki daily. Check the brochures for location, days and times. Check brochures for coupons for shows/dining/shopping, etc.
Downtown Area: Aloha Tower (take elevator to the top, nice view), Chinatown, Hawaii Maritime Center, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, other museums.
Botanical Gardens: Oahu has many botanical gardens. Most are free, the others charge a few bucks. Haiku Garden in Kaneohe is nice and is a nice stop if you are taking an island driving tour. Located near Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples). Check brochures or get info on-line. Search: oahu botanical gardens
Other: Sea Life Park, Zoo, Aquarium, Children's Discovery Center, Dinner cruise, whale watching cruise, submarine tours, parasailing, helicopter tours, horseback riding, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, scuba, surfing lessons, other luau shows (Germaine's, Paradise Cove). Many other attractions, things to do. Check the brochures.
Brochures: (free) Can be found in the airport baggage claim area or at hundreds of news stands throughout Waikiki, in hotels, in stores, and at some attractions. These are excellent "things to do and see" guide books (maps, attractions, beaches, dining, night clubs, etc.). There are a lot of coupons in these for dining, shopping, etc. The best brochures are: 'This Week on Oahu', 'Oahu Gold', '101 Things Oahu', 'The BEST of Oahu'. Some of these brochures can also be found for other islands (Maui, Kauai, Big Island) unique to that island. Most of these brochures also have on-line versions.
Websites:
www.thisweek.com 'This Week On Oahu' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also This Week Maui, Kauai, Big Island.
www.spotlighthawaii.com 'Oahu Gold' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also Maui Gold, Big Island Gold, Kauai Gold.
www.gohawaii.com This is the official site for Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. They will send a free brochure.
www.101thingstodo.com
www.visit-oahu.com Oahu Visitors Bureau, for free brochure 1-877-525-6248 (toll free)
www.hawaii.com Good site for comparing hotel locations, prices, etc.
www.hawaiiweb.com
www.alternative-hawaii.com
www.hawaii-hotels.com Compare hotels
www.bookit.com Compare hotels
www.alohafriends.com
www.honoluluadvertiser.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, has dining & entertainment guides, TGIF calendar
www.starbulletin.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, also has dining & entertainment
Automobiles: Oahu is the only island that you can get around by bus. Oahu has a good bus system, but a rental vehicle gets around a lot better. Parking in Waikiki can be a problem at times. If you plan on renting a car, make sure your hotel allows parking at the hotel or in a nearby lot or garage. Get the parking pass at the hotel registration area. Probably $8-$14/day to park at the hotel. You can get city bus passes at any ABC store in Waikiki for $20 for 4 days. Or you can pay $2.00 per trip. There are also many shuttles, tour buses and vans and trolleys that go to many places (some are free).
Internet Search Engines: Use Yahoo, Google, Dogpile or any other search engine to find information on any thing else on Oahu (or other island) that may interest you. Type in: hiking hawaii, hiking oahu, bed and breakfast oahu, condominiums oahu, botanical gardens oahu, oahu hotels or any other terms that will get you information.
Hotels: Most hotels (or hotel chains) have their own 800 numbers and/or websites: www.outrigger.com www.sheraton.com www.ohanahotels.com, etc. Or you can use a search engine to find the website or use the search engine's yellow pages for the phone number.
Entertainment Book
Entertainment books for Hawaii and many other locations can be purchased online at www.entertainment.com. They cost around $35-$40 plus shipping or if you wait until mid-March, the price is reduced to about $25 (or less) with free shipping. Expires November 1.
Coupons include half price tickets for John Hirokawa's Magic Show. Hundreds of other coupons for reduce price luaus, shopping, dining, movies, attractions, etc. The Hawaii book also has many mainland coupons for hotels, car rentals, Universal Studios, Sea World, etc.
Phone Cards: If you don't have a cell phone, the best phone cards right now can be found at Costco or Sam's Club. Right now they are only $.03/m, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no monthly charge. Can be used from pay phones ($.25 or eight units surcharge from pay phone), hotels, homes.
These are some hints/suggestions for things to do and see on Oahu.
Arizona Memorial: (free) get there early, preferably by 8am. Opens at 7:30am. If you get there after 10am the lines can get long and you may spend 1-2 hours in line. Battleship USS Missouri and Submarine USS Bowfin are in the same area. These are about $15 each so you can go or skip them. Look for coupons in brochures for two for one. You can take pictures of them from Arizona Visitors Center and the Arizona tour ferry. Go on the lawn behind the Visitor's Center. You can also walk around the Bowfin Memorial area for free without taking the tour. Its worth the time. The Swap Meet is only a couple blocks from here at Aloha Stadium.
Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): www.polynesia.com General Admission about $50, but I prefer the luau buffet package ($80). The evening 'Horizon' show is the best Polynesian show in all of Hawaii. It comes with all ticket price options. The higher priced ticket packages get the better seating for 'Horizons'. Also the earlier you get there, the better the seating is for 'Horizons'. The Ali'i Luau Show that is part of the luau package is also a good Polynesian show. IMAX, Canoe Pageant, Samoa and Tonga villages and Canoe ride are the best other attractions (these are included with any type ticket). Plan on this as an all day event. Get there by 1pm (earlier if possible), leave around 9:30pm. When I take visitors, I try to keep on this schedule: IMAX 1:30, Canoe Pageant 2:30, Samoa 3:00, Tonga 4:00, Canoe Ride around 4:30, regular buffet or Ali'i luau buffet 5pm and 'Horizons' at 7:30. The other villages are nice also, but there is not enough time for all of them. You will have time to do some shopping or looking around between the luau and 'Horizons'. Closed on Sundays. You can go back for free for two days. Check with PCC employees for instructions before leaving the Center if you want the extra days.
Diamond Head Summit: Drive right into the crater and hike to the top. ($5 per carload or $1 each if you walk into the crater). I prefer to drive in. Awesome 360 degree view from the summit. Best time is around 8am or around 4pm. In between it can get hot walking to the top. Takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours roundtrip.
Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific): (free) While you are there, drive to the overlook area. Short walk to the summit that overlooks the entire city. If you have time, take the Mt. Tantalus/Round Top drive through a rain forest. Stop at the Puu Ualakaa State Wayside about 2/3 of the way to the top of the mountain. It has an awesome view of the city from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Punchbowl is near the bottom of Mt. Tantalus.
Hanauma Bay: Snorkel. Its for any age. You can rent snorkeling equipment there or some places in Waikiki or bring your own. Closed on Tuesdays. Try to get there as early as possible. If you drive, the parking lot gets filled up by 9:00 or 10:00. ($1 for parking, $5 for each person). You can reserve snorkel tours with several companies. They provide equipment, transportation, etc. They seem to have better equipment than the park does. You can also take the city bus. But the first city bus doesn't leave Waikiki until 8:30 am. Website: http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/f...ay/welcome.htm
Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples): $2 each. Just past Kaneohe.
Chinaman's Hat: (free) Kualoa Regional Park is just past Byodo-In-Temple. Nice for pictures, picnic, swimming.
Swap Meet: You can buy almost any souvenirs here much cheaper than anywhere else. All items are new. Vendors wrap around the stadium twice. Located at Aloha Stadium near Arizona Memorial. Open Wed, Sat, Sun.
Hilo Hattie's: Nice place to shop. Higher prices than swap meet, but not too much more on many items. Has good selection of clothing, candies and souvenirs. Check brochures for coupons. Can take free Hilo Hattie's shuttle from Waikiki.
Ala Moana Beach Park: (free) Nice beach. Great sunset location in the winter. Walk all the way out to the end of Magic Island. Great view of Waikiki, Diamond Head, Ala Wai Boat Harbor (shown in opening scene of Gilligan's Island).
Hike to Manoa Falls: (Free) You can drive right up to the trailhead and park for free. One mile one way. Short hike through a rain forest also bamboo there. Treetops restaurant there (at the previous Paradise Park site) has a good Chinese buffet.
Hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse: (free) Great view from here. Easy one mile hike. In winter months (mid-November to mid-April) it's great for whale watching.
Other Hiking on Oahu:
http://www.hawaiitrails.org/
http://www.backyardoahu.com/
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/oahuhikingtrails/home.html
http://oahuhiking.com/
North Shore Beaches: Haleiwa, Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach), Waimea Beach, Sunset Beach, Shark's Cove & Chun's Reef. Chun's Reef has sea turtles. Other nice stops for pictures in the area. Can be huge waves in winter. Good snorkeling at Shark's Cove and Chun's Reef in the summer.
Other beaches: There are close to 100 beaches on Oahu. Besides North Shore and Waikiki beaches these are some of the better ones: Makaha Beach (west shore), Waimanalo Beach, Lanikai Beach, Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay and Kailua Beach (east/Windward side), Ala Moana Beach Park (south shore). All public beaches are free except Haunama Bay.
Dole Pineapple Plantation: On H-2 just past Wahiawa. Can visit on the way to or back from the North Shore. Nice gift shop to browse, but expensive. Go behind the center for pineapple exhibits and carp feeding pond.
Kualoa Ranch: Several movies have been set here: (Jurassic Park, Mighty Joe Young and others), ATV rides, horseback riding, tours. Located across from Kualoa Regional Park.
Waikiki: Beaches, shopping, dining, nightclubs, shows, some museums. Wide range in dining prices. $3-4 breakfasts, $6-10 lunch buffets, $20-$25 fine dining and anywhere in between. Best Waikiki shows: Creation: A Polynesian Journey, John Hirokawa's Magic of Polynesia, Society of Seven, Blue Hawaii (Elvis impersonator), many more to chose from. Many Waikiki shows offer cocktail show along with the dinner show. They seat you after everyone else has eaten. Regular price of shows around $40-$60. Cocktail show about $25-$35. There are several short free hula shows and other demonstrations in Waikiki daily. Check the brochures for location, days and times. Check brochures for coupons for shows/dining/shopping, etc.
Downtown Area: Aloha Tower (take elevator to the top, nice view), Chinatown, Hawaii Maritime Center, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, other museums.
Botanical Gardens: Oahu has many botanical gardens. Most are free, the others charge a few bucks. Haiku Garden in Kaneohe is nice and is a nice stop if you are taking an island driving tour. Located near Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples). Check brochures or get info on-line. Search: oahu botanical gardens
Other: Sea Life Park, Zoo, Aquarium, Children's Discovery Center, Dinner cruise, whale watching cruise, submarine tours, parasailing, helicopter tours, horseback riding, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, scuba, surfing lessons, other luau shows (Germaine's, Paradise Cove). Many other attractions, things to do. Check the brochures.
Brochures: (free) Can be found in the airport baggage claim area or at hundreds of news stands throughout Waikiki, in hotels, in stores, and at some attractions. These are excellent "things to do and see" guide books (maps, attractions, beaches, dining, night clubs, etc.). There are a lot of coupons in these for dining, shopping, etc. The best brochures are: 'This Week on Oahu', 'Oahu Gold', '101 Things Oahu', 'The BEST of Oahu'. Some of these brochures can also be found for other islands (Maui, Kauai, Big Island) unique to that island. Most of these brochures also have on-line versions.
Websites:
www.thisweek.com 'This Week On Oahu' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also This Week Maui, Kauai, Big Island.
www.spotlighthawaii.com 'Oahu Gold' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also Maui Gold, Big Island Gold, Kauai Gold.
www.gohawaii.com This is the official site for Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. They will send a free brochure.
www.101thingstodo.com
www.visit-oahu.com Oahu Visitors Bureau, for free brochure 1-877-525-6248 (toll free)
www.hawaii.com Good site for comparing hotel locations, prices, etc.
www.hawaiiweb.com
www.alternative-hawaii.com
www.hawaii-hotels.com Compare hotels
www.bookit.com Compare hotels
www.alohafriends.com
www.honoluluadvertiser.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, has dining & entertainment guides, TGIF calendar
www.starbulletin.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, also has dining & entertainment
Automobiles: Oahu is the only island that you can get around by bus. Oahu has a good bus system, but a rental vehicle gets around a lot better. Parking in Waikiki can be a problem at times. If you plan on renting a car, make sure your hotel allows parking at the hotel or in a nearby lot or garage. Get the parking pass at the hotel registration area. Probably $8-$14/day to park at the hotel. You can get city bus passes at any ABC store in Waikiki for $20 for 4 days. Or you can pay $2.00 per trip. There are also many shuttles, tour buses and vans and trolleys that go to many places (some are free).
Internet Search Engines: Use Yahoo, Google, Dogpile or any other search engine to find information on any thing else on Oahu (or other island) that may interest you. Type in: hiking hawaii, hiking oahu, bed and breakfast oahu, condominiums oahu, botanical gardens oahu, oahu hotels or any other terms that will get you information.
Hotels: Most hotels (or hotel chains) have their own 800 numbers and/or websites: www.outrigger.com www.sheraton.com www.ohanahotels.com, etc. Or you can use a search engine to find the website or use the search engine's yellow pages for the phone number.
Entertainment Book
Entertainment books for Hawaii and many other locations can be purchased online at www.entertainment.com. They cost around $35-$40 plus shipping or if you wait until mid-March, the price is reduced to about $25 (or less) with free shipping. Expires November 1.
Coupons include half price tickets for John Hirokawa's Magic Show. Hundreds of other coupons for reduce price luaus, shopping, dining, movies, attractions, etc. The Hawaii book also has many mainland coupons for hotels, car rentals, Universal Studios, Sea World, etc.
Phone Cards: If you don't have a cell phone, the best phone cards right now can be found at Costco or Sam's Club. Right now they are only $.03/m, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with no monthly charge. Can be used from pay phones ($.25 or eight units surcharge from pay phone), hotels, homes.
