Headed to Honolulu, Hawaii

Bigrod

Bigrod

5-Year Member
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May 19, 2019
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Wife and I are going on vacation. Staying in Waikiki (any hotel suggestions) for a few days until we head to Lanai for the rest of our trip. Anyway, tips for going to see Pearl Harbor(we already got tickets) hike Diamond Head, hotel to stay. Anything worth doing or seeing the other day we are there or just go to the beach? Any help is appreciated.
 
Get out of Waikiki when you can. Drive around the island. Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, blow holes along the southern end of the island. The Polynesian Cultural Center is nice with areas for all the various island cultures. Dole Plantation has tours - we just stopped to get some refreshments in the visitor center. I can't remember when the monster waves hit the area but watching the surfers on the northern end of the island can be fun at the right time of the year. There are lots of hiking trails you can consider in addition to Diamond Head.

As I recall there are very few hotels on the beach. One of the largest (and crowded) hotels on the beach is Hilton Hawaiian Village. I have stayed there multiple times using points - it is nice but not worth the cash IMO. All the typical hotel chains have multiple properties there.
 
When will you be going? If you're heading out around this time of year, I'd recommend trying to go whale watching, as many migrate down to the island area spanning from November-April, but January/February is peak time. Hope you enjoy your stay!
 
Aloha!

We prefer the northern end and stay at the Sheraton Waikiki which is on the beach. They have an infinity edge pool overlooking the ocean as well as a family pool with a small water slide. Direct beach access adjacent to the Royal Hawaiian.

We stay away from the big chain restaurants on Kalakaua. There are plenty of fast casual restaurants on Kuhio.

Good eats within walking distance…
Marugame Udon
Paia Fish Market
Ice Monster
Pai’s Deli (hole in the wall for sandwiches)
Duke’s/Hula Grill
Roy’s

A little further away…
Leonard’s Bakery
Yung Yee Kee for Dim Sum (near Ala Moana Center)
 
A Roytini at Roy’s is mandatory. Go to the original one in Hawai’i Kai. Not far from Hanauma Bay, of in the way back from a day at Kailua.

I’ll add more later - six years total in Pearl, 2 different tours, plus multiple trips back.

Favorite swim beach is Kailua (actual fave is Bellows military MWR beach, but you have to have a military ID.)

Do some research on the current food truck favorites, track them down and be local, grab the take-out and head for a picnic table in the shade on a beach far from Waikiki. Far.

Drive over the Pali Pass.

Do not buy matching loud aloha attire that screams tourist. Look for Reyn Spooner and other fine names for reverse print muted patterns. Or go true retro.

Nice things to buy:
- useful items made from koa wood
- polished coral jewelry made from found coral. Angel skin pink is especially nice.
- favorite take-home for folks at home who picked up mail, etc., oddly enough, floral aloha print koozies, festive for anyone’s summer anywhere.

Sacred Falls Trail hike if open.
 
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yes culture center, and Dole and Diamond Head. but do not miss the Punch Bowl either. some of my favorite photos were taken there
 
Hike Diamond Head early, as the park opens. Beat crowds and heat. Then go find Leonard’s Bakery and eat hot fresh malasadas with your Kona coffee.

Mandatory.

Leonard's Bakery - Malasadas, Pao Doce, Malasada Puffs, Pao Doce Pups, and more...

Since 1952, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Leonard's Bakery has been delighting the world with original creations like the Malasada Puffs, the Malasadamobile, Malasada Babies, and Pao Doce pups. Malasadas made fresh throughout the day.
www.leonardshawaii.com www.leonardshawaii.com
 
Capt MJ said:
I always hit the Crazy Shirts outlet - a decades-old habit.

www.wardvillage.com

Crazy Shirts Factory Outlet - Ward Village

Crazy Shirts is a Hawai‘i-based, internationally recognized casual apparel brand renowned for its comfort and unique designs.
www.wardvillage.com www.wardvillage.com
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I don't want to admit how many "Crazy Shirts" points I have/had...

But I DID "eat the Moose" at the original Moose McGillicuddy's at 210 Lewers Street...once upon a time. Sadly, as I understand it, they closed that location and in checking the Maui location, I don't see "The Moose" on it.

It was a 12 egg omelet...finish it and you got a shirt and your name on the wall.

Great memories...
 
Just a bump if there is anything else as we are leaving end of next week.
 
Bigrod said:
Just a bump if there is anything else as we are leaving end of next week.
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Ko Olina Aulani Disney Resort. About 24 miles via H1 West from Waikiki. This place is for families with toddlers (or just hardcore vegetating mode). There’s a mini-mall with shopping, cafes, and restaurants. There are several ocean lagoons, lagoon # 2 is the best because it’s always empty. It’s like having your own island. The lagoons are toddler-friendly… like a big lake. Parking is first come first serve. By 0800 hours, you’re looking at a 30-minute wait. If there’s a line in parking lot, driver stay in car and wait; others can go ahead to the beach and set up. See aerial view.

 
Eat lots of poke, shave ice; stay away from musubi. Oh, and the secondhand stores are awesome for vintage Hawaiian shirts!
 
THmom said:
Eat lots of poke, shave ice; stay away from musubi. Oh, and the secondhand stores are awesome for vintage Hawaiian shirts!
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Ok “stay away from musubi,”
how about McDonalds’ plate of “spam, eggs, and rice.”
 
Spam is awful no matter what you do with it. I will never understand Hawaii's love of the stuff.
 
Perish the thought. Even bacon can't save Spam. Spam is dog food.
 
THParent said:
Spam is awful no matter what you do with it. I will never understand Hawaii's love of the stuff.
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No 1 in the nation in spam consumption.

I heard during WWII, the GIs brought the spam to the islands. The locals tasted and liked it.
 
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