need Hawaii info from those in the know

[FL000]

I have a few days in February I'd like to kill in HI. It's not going to be a long trip (3 nights on the island), but I'm afraid if I don't go now, I never will. Can anyone give me some tips on where to stay and what to do? I would fly into Honolulu and most likely would not leave Oahu. My newbie instinct tells me I'd like to stay somewhere relatively inexpensive at Waikiki. One day would be spent in a rental car just driving around as much of the island as I can. This is just a framework based on my limited knowledge of the area. It is subject to change based on the feedback I get here.

I'm all ears. Thanks in advance.

 

[list2002]

DO: Get out of Waikiki for at least one day or two, it is a good home base, but you can hang out in any other mainland city. Try and hang out at a fairly deserted beach long enough to relax, it's hard to get the feeling of Hawaii in 3 days, because the philosophy is really laid back. So it's hard to "rush" and experience everything Hawaii has, take time to let a few specific places and experiences sink in, rather than a blur of too many places and things to remember.
Not sure what else, check out the windward side and the north shore if on Oahu, they are more like the "Hawaii" people imagine.

 

[list2002]

Oh yeah,
DONT: Think that if middle school kids can handle the surf you can.
Go "exploring" near rough surf on rocky edges with no life guards around. Or up in the mountains unless on a clearly marked trail.
Have fun, but respect the elements.

 

[FL000]

Thanks list--

Fortunately I don't surf at all, so I won't even be tempted to go out and strut my "east coast stuff" in HI. Hiking is an option, so thanks for the tip there.

I know Oahu can't be done completely and properly in just 3 nights, but that's all I have available to me right now, both with time and money. I'm just going to get a taste of it. I'm going now because my enthusiasm level is right, and if I don't do it, I might always be looking back saying "I should've done it then."

I'm thinking the 2 bookend nights in Waikiki, and maybe one night in a more quaint setting to the north, but also with some sort of nightlife. I'm going by myself, so this is all subject to change when I step foot on the island. In that regard, will I have a tough time finding accomodations on "day of"? I'd hate to have to make reservations and lock myself into a set plan.

Suggestions, anyone...anyone? Thanks again.

 

[Green Banana]

If you do stay in waikiki, Rent a moped, They are $20 for 24 hours. You can ride to many other beaches and park anywhere with them. start by going east or left as you look at the water (hehe). Ride along the beach road, Koheio i belive, along the outer rim of dimond head. Great lookouts! Rich people. then go up into dimond head. From a parkinglot in the crater, through a tunnel to get there, there is a well marked hike to the top of dimond head. Un real views. Take water! after that out you go back to the water and around the coast. Haunauma bay is next, Great swim and snorkel. Un real views on this ride as you may be able to see molokai (the next island) on a clear day. Next is sandy beach. must stop but prob. dont go in! Get yo ass kicked it you no know hou! keep going to Makapu! another must view! Well this is getting long so buy a map and look at the names I gave you. PM me and I'll give you more ideas. this is getting long.
ALOHA!

 

[AeroDMB]

A couple suggestions.

1) If you're looking for exercise, take a hike up to Diamond Head, it's a great view.

2) If you're a Real World fan and watched the Hawaii series, you can walk along the backside of the house they stayed at, pretty cool pad.

3) There's a really neat restaurant on Wakkiki I forget the name but you cook your own food. They serve (great steaks/seafood) the food to you raw and it's up to you to crowd around a huge grill and cook! Beware if you're sunburn it hurts like a bitch around that grill.

4) I'd rent a jeep and ride around the island with the top down, it's exhilerating.

5) Definitely hit up Sandy Beach and Molokai. I personally did not enjoy Hanama, first you have to pay and second it's very touristy which = crowded.

6) Go to North Beach, you can watch some surfers and the 30 foot waves they tackle and it's a beautiful drive up there.

7) I took a glider flight at an airport in the Northern area, I think it's called Dillingham Field. $45 gets you a 1/2 hour flight catching thermals over the ocean/mountains, great whale watching view.

8) Bit of advice - Don't piss the natives off.

9) Pearl Harbor is a must see, brace yourself.

10) Didn't experience much of the nightlife since the three times I've been there I was under age.

11) Rent an airplane somewhere and fly around. Next time I go there, that's what I'm doing.

Have fun, Hawaii is one of my favorite places on earth. Can't wait to explore the other islands.

AeroDMB

 

[AeroDMB]

One more thing, be sure to visit the area where they filmed part of Jurassic Park. You need to get tickets ahead of time, and from what I recollect, it's quite a drive. We never made it in because we didn't have tickets but thought it would be pretty neat to see.

 

[LearAv8r]

Don't forget Magnum PI's house too



"Zeus...Apollo!!!"

 

[jsoceanlord]

try and get out to dillingham airport, on the windward side of oahu, and go for a ridge soaring glider flight - ridge soaring is the only way to soar.

it's on the beach, kinda near haleiwa and kaena (?) point.

i learned to fly there 25 years ago (I'm 37) - hopefully you can still get a ride there. we used to fly downwind at 10 feet above the surf and pick up salt spray, then do a big wing over to land.

 

[list2002]

All good ideas. Dillingham is still around for the glider rides. It is located on the North Shore. Sandy's and Makapu'u used to be my stomping grounds when I was a kid, beautiful but yeah, careful around the water, and the locals. Getting day of accomodations all depends upon when you're there, but shouldn't be a problem, because of the economy tourism is probably low right now, so a good time to go.
HAve fun!

 

[PositiveRate]

There are two youth hostels....one by the univ of Hawaii and the other by the beach in waikiki...both will get you a bed for the night for under $20. I'm going later this week and am going to try that.

Where do you go to rent the moped? That would be fun! I hear "TheBus" (local transportation company) is pretty reliable as well. $1.50 will get you all the way around the island if you do it right.

Good thread.

 

[Chas]

Been there often be careful!!

BAD THINGS:

A)I have been there 6 times and had my rental car busted into 3 times I find leaving the door unlocked on the car lets the thugs take whatever without damaging the locks once in your rental car cabin they can pull the trunk release at the seat base and get into the trunk.I have had to replace 2 door loclks . The native surfers some of whom are unemployed bums break into cars in the desolate beach areas

B)They also sell marijuana all over the place and can pester you to buy . I have even been offered marijuana in front of the police station on Wiakiki

C) Also watch out for the Samoin assholes who hate whites ( they are big dark skinned guys that are very anti white. They have been known to pick fights for no reason at all
D) lots of young military guys who get hammered easy and can be obnoxious but they are to be commended for serving our country!


GOOD THINGS:
As far as good things to do Must ee Pearl Harbor Memorial , Hanauma Bay ( great snorkeling and some hot chicks )Bring frozen peas to feed the fish just do not show anyone as its not encouraged by the park police .
then drive north to the Dole Pieapple fields The dirt is a beautiful orange color . I also would sit near the airport and watch F-16's takeoff as they share the airport with Domestic aviation l

If you like Chinese food ther china town has some real excellent food.
Sunst beach - world cahmpionship surfing up North .

Also check out the Blowhole on the east side of the island its volcanic rock ledge that sprays sea water out and is a neat site.

Take a ride up to the Pali Lookout and bring a camera great views

Theres a drive in theater on the east side of the island near Kaneohe Marine base . As soon as you land you are overwhelmed with a sweet aroma of orchids HAVE FUN!!
The neat tghing is my freind was Air Force so I renrted a bungalo on the Air Force property cheap and woke up to m-60 machine gun fire Its really funny she hated being tuck on the " Rock" for a 4 year stint Go figure!! Chas
IF you need any more info email me at . [email protected] .com