Tips & Picks for Oahu, Hawaii Visitors

The following are my personal tips and picks 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 next door. These are about $15 each so you can go and do all three in your itinerary all in the same day! You can take pictures of them from Arizona Visitors Center and the Arizona tour ferry. Go on the lawn behind the Visitor's Center (Circle of Remembrance) for great pictures. 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): General Admission about $50 or the luau buffet package $80. The evening 'Horizons' 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 buffet or 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. If you decide to walk-in, be preperaed for an arduous uphill climb - it's a workout and then you still have to hike to the summit! 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. Bring lots of water with you. Takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours roundtrip, longer if you take breaks along the way. There is one section that includes all steps. If you're not fit, you will know it after negotitating these stairs. You will be rewarded with a breathtaking view at the top!

*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.

*Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples): $2 each. Just past Kaneohe. Haiku Gardens in Kaneohe is close by.

*Chinaman's Hat: (free) Kualoa Regional Park is just past Byodo-In-Temple. Nice for pictures, picnic, swimming. Also nearby is Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet just before Kualoa Regional Park. Kualoa Ranch is across the street. They offer hikes, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities.

*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: $5 for parking at Treetops Restaurant, one mile one way. Short and fairly easy hike through a rain forest. Also small bamboo forest there. The Treetops restaurant (at the previous Paradise Park site) has a good Chinese buffet. Lyon Arboretum is nearby. It is a nice botanical garden. You can park there and walk a short distance to Manoa Falls trail.

*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.

*North Shore Beaches: Haleiwa, Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach), Waimea Beach, Sunset Beach, Shark's Cove (Pupukea) & Laniakea Beach. Laniakea Beach has sea turtles. Other nice stops for pictures in the area. Can be huge waves in winter. Good snorkeling at Shark's Cove in the summer. Laniakea Beach is located about 1/2 way between Waimea Bay and Haleiwa.

*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, Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area, 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. This can be visited on the way to or back from the North Shore. Nice gift shop to browse on premise. Go behind the center for pineapple exhibits, gardens and carp feeding pond. They also have a tram ride which takes you through the plantation and gives you some insight into the pineapple industry.

*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 other short free hula shows and other demonstrations in Waikiki daily.

*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).

Other: Sea Life Park, Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Children's Discovery Center, dinner cruises, 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.

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 if you want the convenience. 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-$20/day to park at the hotel. You can get city bus passes at any ABC store in Waikiki for $20 for 4 days ($40/month). 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). Also 1 or 4 day Waikiki Trolley passes available.

I'll have a Milky Way with that Lava Flow

No trip to the Big Island of Hawaii would be complete without a visit to Volcano National Park. But I recommend a twist to your visit - consider a night hike!

This will surely delight you with an awe-inspiring experience. Drive along the "Chain of Craters" Road until you can drive no further. The road ends where the lava flowed over it. This is where you can begin your hike. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes as there are NO PATHS - only vast lava fields - much of which is NOT smooth and require extensive negotiation, superb vision and solid hiking skills.

Be patient and ENJOY this hike at a leisurely pace. A word of caution: If you get hurt here, you are SOL - any spills over the lava rocks, I guarantee will draw blood, at the very least! ...and let's not talk about the worst that could happen... To be on the safe side, bring an offering to Madame Pele (Volcano Goddess) in the form of whiskey, rum and flowers and humbly request for her protection. And DO NOT take any rocks with you as you leave the home of Pele!

I recommend a clear night for your adventure (minimal vog - what the locals refer to as volcano fog). To make it even more special, go when the moon is full!

I like to guide my hike toward the orange glow of the lava -the firey magma that continues to birth new real estate. You can see it from afar! It's quite a hike to get there. Keep yourself oriented w/ a compass. I usually try to note the direction of the ocean, but you can easily get disoriented in the pitch dark of the night against miles of lava fields - so only go as far as you are comfortable without feeling completely disoriented. For me, that isn't too far.

Park Rangers will discourage you from going all the way, but will not stop you should you decide to be adventurous.

Here's what I like to do - once I get a sense of the fact that I may be going so far that I won't know the way to get back (that flirty sense just before panick)...that's when I stop. But the excitement doesn't have to end there.

Take a solemn moment to say a prayer of gratitude to Madame Pele. Only the hand of an amazing Spirit...God could create THIS! I usually bring some fresh flowers and whiskey and I make a humble offering. Then I always ask for permission to admire her creation.

After fullfilling my devotion to the "other world," I comfortably lounge on a smooth surface - believe me, there are some amongst the rocky protrusions! Some formations even whimsically take the shape of chaise lounges, beckoning you. How could anyone resist? If you can completely go horizontal, that's even better. This is where packing a towel would come handy.

Get ready for the most surreal experience - open your eyes and your soul and take it all in. Experience your heart as it takes flight. How can your inner spirit not soar!

The black velvety sky above you will frame a gazillion stars! Seek out your favorite constellations. As you do so, you will be thrilled at the number of shooting stars you'll see! The scene is so captivating you will be enraptured in a heady spell. You are that close to heaven!

Then, you'll take note of a misty white cloud that's suspended from one end of the sky to the other - like a rainbow that carries twinkling stars within it. Behold - that's the Milky Way!

The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated land mass in the world. Coupled with the fact that there is minimal illumination coming from the Big Island, that lends itself to an unobstructed and amazingly clear view of stellar activity and the universe that abounds beyond - as can be seen and experienced NO WHERE else in the world!

Enjoy your journey to a place that lies between heaven and earth! Or perhaps, you'll find this IS heaven!

Don't end your drive to Hana AT Hana - the best is yet to come!

The road to "Heavenly Hana" is one of the most spectacular drives one will ever experience. The town of Hana is charming and beautiful and the road to Hana, via Hana Highway is picturesque and spectacular!

Having said that, I will make a bold statement and proclamation that any avid adventurer will validate. The road to Hana is about the journey, not the destination! If you can really embrace this, you will really appreciate this road trip.

In the same regard, may I suggest that you approach this trek as a traveler, not a tourist. In other words, do not pay an obscene amount of money to go on a tour! Sure, the driver of your party will get the raw end of the deal if you drive on your own, but if you can approach the drive at a leisurely and unhurried pace, everyone including the driver can take in the amazing vistas and remarkable sites that make this drive so unforgettable.

Here are some recommendations to facilitate a memorable journey:

*Do fill your gas tank before leaving your hotel/resort area as gas gets more expensive as you get to Hana and gas stations are far and few between at times.
*Pack lots of sunsreen, mosquito repellant, extra towels, snacks and a cooler filled with water and beverages
*Wear your bathing suit
*Bring a set of dry clothes
*Bring flip flops and water shoes
*MOST IMPORTANT - do start your day early (head out no later than 8 am); the earlier you start, the less congested the roads are with your fellow tourists AND the more time you have to stop at destinations en route.
*This is a full-day proposition - do not plan anything that evening as you will be shattered by sheer exhaustion
*Consensus seems to be that the best book to use as guide for your drive to Hana, is Maui Revealed. Get it on eBay!
*Do not end your trek at Hana, go several miles further to Ohe'o gulch, endearingly referred to as the "Seven Sacred Pools." Each car will be assessed a $10 fee

Where are the secluded beaches of Hawaii?

Visions of Hawaii often conjure up those postcard pictures of long stretches of beaches where not a soul lingers...

Alas, upon arrival, many visitors are shocked and disappointed to find that they are within an arm's reach of the sunbather next to him/her as space becomes a premium at the most popular beaches like Waikiki and Hanauma Bay.

Here's a truism and a tip: The more accessible the beach is, the more crowded it is. That is to say, if there is a (free) public parking lot, available streetside parking, a footpath to the beach and on the beach, public restrooms and showers, and the beach is viewable from the road, you can conclude that you will be flogged by your fellow visitors and locals alike.

I encourage you to be a traveler, be an explorer, be an adventurer - NOT A TOURIST! Go off the beaten path and it'll take you to some of our wondrous beaches - the ones you see in magazines, in the movies, in postcards - afterall, why should only photographers and celebrities monopolize these jewels?

Here are my three personal jaunts:
*Pray for Sex Beach, near Makua Valley (Oahu); must park your car amongst the brush off the main road and walk along a clearing; pass the military security gate (on weekends it's open) and the open stretch of sand is yours! This is the beach where the ashes of Izrael Kamakawiwaole's (world-reknown Hawaiian singer) were strewn. You'll soon know why. Who wouldn't want to spend the rest of their next life here?

*Kiholo Bay (Big Island) - The first time I laid my eyes on Kiholo Bay, it left me bereft of speach. My heart soared - it was breathtaking. Azure blue ocean before you, a mini fantasy island you can swim to and call your own (for the day, at least!), and sea turtles frolicking within a few feet - framed against jutting patches of jet black lava fields - could God create a picture more perfect? To get there, you have to park your car literally off the side of the main highway and I would be remiss if I didn't mention a hike - over lava fields...wear very good shoes (no flip flops!). You will get a few scratches and maybe some cuts as you may have to negotiate some prickly brush and at times climb over boulders...but the end result will be worth it!

*Makalawena (Big Island) - Rewards come to those who are patient AND determined. This is an arduous hike over lava fields and boulders. Start your hike early to beat the heat! And (as I learned), head out way before sunset so you can see where you are walking, on your way back! Like Kiholo Bay, you will have to park your car just off the main highway. Here, you will reward your eyes with an infinite stretch of white sand beach! Think lava fields, then some green brush, a forested stretch, then an adjacent abundance of white powdery sand, and then a pristine beach (in that order). While sunbathing, don't be surprised to here the rustling of friendly curious deer behind you! I'm not lying!

You'll notice that I left some details out (like road markers and stuff) - if I did, these beaches wouldn't be secluded now would they. So I'll leave some of the adventure for you to seek out on your own! Enjoy!

White Sand, Red Sand, Green Sand, Black Sand Beaches of Hawaii

When on our islands, there will certainly be no shortage of white sand beaches. But you will have bragging rights when you go home and tell your friends that you also got to see and maybe even feel granules of sand at your feet in the rare colors of red, green and black!

The red, green and black granules that dot our shorelines are not really sand, but rather crushed cindercones (that formed as a result of the volcanic activity that created the islands). A history of erosion of these cindercones wedded with the pummeling of our ocean waves and bore these rare and amazing scenic wonders!

Hints of where to find them? I stumbled across the red sand beach in Hana, Maui (a hike behind the Hana Hotel in Hana). The green sand beach is at the tip of South Point on the Big Island (requires a 4-wheel drive, followed by a hike). And black sand beaches can be found on the Big Island and Maui - there may be more on the other islands as well, buy my personal favorite is at Punaluu on the Big Island. Here you'll be able to dig your feet into the deep black ebony sand and watch the many honu sea turtles that dot the shoreline. You can get quite close to the sea turtles as they frolic along the nearby shore!

Hawaii Tid*Bits

1. "Aloha" means "hello," "goodbye," and/or "I love you!"
2. 90% of Hawaii's flora and fauna are found nowhere else in the world
3. The wettest spot in the world is Mt. Waialeale on the island of Kauai
4. 75% of the state's population reside on the island of Oahu
5. Hawaii is the 50th state
6. Hawaii is the only state with a Palace
7. Kilauea volcano has been erupting continuously for 23 years!
8. There are no "private" beaches in Hawaii - ALL of our beaches are public!
9. Wearing a flower over the right ear signifies that you are single, and wearing a flower over the left ear signifies that you are married.

Must Dos & Must Sees! Top Picks for Hawaii!

The following are my top picks for Hawaii visitors:

BIG ISLAND:

• Volcano National Park
• Kiholo Bay
• Maklawena Beach
• Akaka Falls
• Fluming, Hawi
• Horseback riding in Waipio Valley
• Dinner at Merrimans, Kamuela
• Star-Gazing
• Coral Graffitti
  

OAHU:

• USS Arizona Memorial
• Laie Point
• Diamond Head Hike
• Lunch at Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Kahuku
• Snorkeling at Pupukea
• Shaved Ice at Matsumoto's, Haleiwa
• Evening Cocktails under the historical Banyan tree, Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel
• Duke's for dancing, live music and sunset cocktails on Sunday nights

MAUI:

• Sunrise atop Haleakala
• Drive to Hana
• Ohe'o Gulch
• Whale Watching

KAUAI:

• Kayak along Wailua River
• Waimea Canyon

What Does it Cost?

To assist you in planning your trip to the Hawaiian Islands, the following prices reflect what you could typically expect to pay on average, for products and services while on your Hawaii visit:

TRANSPORTATION:
Taxi from Honolulu (HNL) airport to Waikiki - $30
Shuttle service from your Waikiki hotel to (HNL) airport - $8
Bus fare for one adult w/up to 2 transfers (good for roundtrip if used w/in two hours) - $2
One way interisland air fare from island to island - $75
One way ferry ticket from Maui to Lanai - $25
Parking fee at Hanauma Bay - $5
Parking at any OTHER beach -Free

ENTERTAINMENT:
1 Adult admission to Germaine's Luau - $65
Movie ticket, non-matinee - $9
1 hour Surfing lesson, Waikiki - $35
Admission to the Aloha Flea Market - .50cents
Admission to Volcano National Park - $10 per vehicle
Admission to Haleakala - $10 per vehicle
Admission to Ohe'o Gulch - $10 per vehicle
1 "Lava Flow" (popular local cocktail) at the Esprit Lounge at the Sheraton Waikiki - $7
Any cocktail at Ocean's night club on $2 drinks Tuesday night - duh!
Sunday brunch at the Halekoa Hotel, Waikiki - $25
Afternoon Tea at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel, Waikiki - $29.50
Sunday brunch at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki - $42

SHOPPING & EVERY DAY STUFF:

1 Gallon of Gas - $3.00 on Oahu (least expensive); $4 on Lanai (most expensive); in between, on other islands
1 can of soda from the ABC store - .70cents
1 Box of chocolate covered macadamia nuts by Hawaiian Host on sale at Long's - $1.99
Daily Honolulu Advertiser Newspaper - .50 cents, Sunday $1.75
Plumeria Lei - $6

Sunset on The Beach - Movie, Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

If you are looking for a good time that's family friendly, couple-friendly, romantic and just plain fun, end your search here! This is one of the best regularly produced public events sponsored by the City of Honolulu and in my opinion, the best show in Waikiki! What makes it even better? It's free!!!

The "Sunset on the Beach" event takes place in Waikiki at least one weekend per month. It's when the tourists and kama'aina alike are invited to have a picnic on the beach, watch the sunset, and then send dusk off with a movie up on the big 30-foot screen perched right on the beach!

"Sunset on the Beach" takes place on weekends. But the festivities begin way before dusk. There is local entertainment that preceeds the movie. And there are several food booths just in case you didn't pack your own picnic basket. Check the local event calendar for show nights. Don't forget your beach mat and chairs.

Free parking available at Kapiolani Park.

To check on scheduling and movie line up, call: (808) 923-1094.

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Oahu, Hawaii

The USS Arizona Memorial is one of the most popular attractions in the entire state! This attraction consists of a short film covering the events that lead up to WWII, a boat ride to the memorial, and a visit to the memorial itself.

What most visitors don't realize is that admission to the USS Arizona Memorial is FREE. Most visitors ending up paying between $12 and $25 on tours to the USS Arizona from their Waikiki hotels. What they are really paying for is the premium transportation - being picked up and then dropped off. However, if you are visiting and have a car rental, you can drive yourself. It's an easy 20 minute drive from Waikiki! If you don't have a car, you can take the bus, a very popular and convenient way to get around. At $2 a trip, it's a steal! Buses abound from Waikiki!

Once you get to the USS Arizona, you will not be allowed to take in any bags due to security precautions.

Try to arrive early as the line gets pretty long and tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. The tickets designate your assigned group for entry to the theater. There may be a wait depending on how long the line is when you first arrive. Before your group is called, visit the museum, stroll the gardens and grounds, and shop in the souvenier shop. On most days, a notable book author is invited. The books usually are about the War. If you have friends and family that are "war-buffs," these books make an awesome gift and keepsake of your visit. The authors are always available to personalize and sign their books!

Enjoy your visit to this historical site!