I’m flying to Hawaii tomorrow night. I’ve never been and I’d like to get the most out of it, as I won’t likely be headed back any time soon. I’ll be spending a week on Oahu. Here’s my basic itinerary:
thursday: Waikiki
friday-sunday: village of Volcano
sunday-tuesday: Kona
tuesday-thursday: Haleiwa
thanksgiving: Tofurkey on the plane
Any advice from people who have either traveled the island or those fortunate enough to live there? I’m not against touristy attractions, but I’d prefer to see more natural wonders and eat where the locals eat. Aloha! (yeah, I know…sorry),
Well I havn’t been in almost 20 years now, but I used to go every couple of years.
Try not to miss Hanama Bay. 20 years ago, it was very crowded and was a hike to get to, but it was well worth it.
It’s a fishing preserve and the divers/swimmers all feed the fish so they are not afraid of people at all. If you scuba dive, it’s a real treat (even if you don’t you can join a tour that will take you out diving out there). Also, a short hike from there you get to the toilet bowl, a natural formation where the water level rises and falls with the waves.
Pearl Harbor is interesting, although I havn’t been there since they modernized the exhibits. I still feel bad that I never asked my grandparents what it was like to be there when it happened. (They lived right outside of Honolulu back then)
I also really like the saimin places there. Saimin is basically raman noodles, but of a much better quality. You used to be able to get it in McDonalds there. Not sure if they still do.
You can say hi to my Mom, Dad and Aunt while you’re there. My aunt lives there and my parents are visiting right now.
You are going to have trouble seeing Volcano and Kona if you are on Oahu. They are on the Big Island.
Hanauma Bay is definitely worth the trip, but much has changed. Feeding the fish is no longer permitted, but they are still used to people and easy and beautiful to see. You are required to watch a 10 minute educational video before descending to the beach, which tells you not to feed the fish or step on the coral because it kills it. I think the Toilet Bowl is no longer accessible, either. A dozen drownings last year was deemed too many.
Can still get saimin from McD, but why bother? Get a plate lunch from L&L or go to Shiro’s Saimin Haven. Or check out Honolulu Weekly’s last week issue.
Here’s something I like to do. Although I’ve never been to Hanauma Bay (or the Arizona Mem. for that matter and I lived just up the hill from it. How easy it is to never get around to doing the things people spend so much to come and do. Oh well) Get up bright and early and go to Hanauma Bay. After that take the fairly easy hike up Kuliouou ridge. Buy a hiking book and follow the directions. It’s a easy hike that puts you on top of the Ko’olaus. Bring binoculors. On most days you can very easily see Molokai. And if it’s a little clearer you can also see Lanai and the western half of Maui. If it’s really really clear you can even see the eastern half of Maui. It’s too early for whales unforunately. When you get down stop at that shopping center just next to Hanauma Bay and get yourselves some good good shave ice.
This has nothing to do with places to see, but is good advice for travelling to Hawaii from the continental US nonetheless - try not to adapt to the time change. That is, get up at dawn and go to bed early. If you hit the beach first thing in the morning, it will be very uncrowded, and the fish are quite active if you go snorkeling. By the time you’re ready to pack up around 10:30 or 11:00, the crowds are just starting to arrive. Plus, you’re less likely to get sunburned on this schedule.
Shave ice, beautiful hikes, McRaman, snorkeling with visibility…this is gonna rule. Thanks all for your help.
I thought the itinerary my mother sent me said we were renting a car to get from Waikiki to Volcano and Kona to Haleiwa, so I assumed they were on the same island. Maybe she left out the plane part, figuring it obvious. I’m pretty unknowledgeable when it comes to Hawaiian geography…though I’m pretty sure there isn’t a bridge.
You really ought to see Hanauma Bay. You don’t even need to know how to swim to enjoy the fish. You can just sort of float around with a mask and snorkel.
(I live on Salt Lake Blvd.)
My 80-something Auntie Jean from Australia wandered in Hanauma bay just holding a mask in her hand and looking through it whenever fish approached.
Oh I’m a fantastic swimmer it’s just one of those things you put off cause it ain’t going anywhere. Plus I’m pretty stuck right now but someday I’ll make it.
Admittedly it’s been a while since I’ve been there, but I’m not sure there’s enough to do in Haleiwa to fill a whole day. I recall the place as having a handful of small, old buildings occupied by small businesses-- think the Lilo and Stitch town.
You’ll probably spend most of your time getting there, if your hotel is in Waikiki. (Waikiki is on the southeastern side of the island, and Haleiwa is near the northern tip.) It’s at least an hour and a half drive. If you decide to visit the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, maybe you could swing by there on the same day as Haleiwa, as it’s on the way. But I’m not sure it’d be worth the travelling time just for Haleiwa.
On the noodle front, I’ve always liked Ezogiku’s ramen. (I think there’s one in Waikiki.) Heck, speaking of food, while you’re there, stop by Zippy’s and Coco Ichibanya. The latter specializes in Japanese curry and by god, do I miss it very much. Try the beef or fried chicken and cheddar cheese.