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Started By
Message
I will be taking my first major trip in a while to Honolulu for a full week
Posted on 3/23/19 at 11:39 pm
Posted on 3/23/19 at 11:39 pm
Anyone who has been to Hawaii, do you have any advice on things I definitely need to do or see? I'll be there in the first week of May.
14
Posted on 3/23/19 at 11:50 pm to schwartzy
Rent a car and get out of Honolulu. Same stuff you can find in any decent sized city. Are you looking to chill or are you more interested in seeing as much as you can see?
Posted on 3/24/19 at 12:38 am to northshorebamaman
A combination of both. I want to experience as much as I can because I can’t guarantee I’ll ever be back lol.
Posted on 3/24/19 at 2:16 am to schwartzy
If you like sushi, find the closest Foodland grocery store and buy as much Poke as you can afford. 
This post was edited on 3/24/19 at 2:17 am
Posted on 3/24/19 at 7:16 am to schwartzy
Hike up Diamond Head
Posted on 3/24/19 at 7:32 am to schwartzy
Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Pali Lookout...
Then head up to Northshore, get away from the Waikiki Beach tourists....
Then head up to Northshore, get away from the Waikiki Beach tourists....
Posted on 3/24/19 at 1:44 pm to tokenasian37
quote:
If you like sushi, find the closest Foodland grocery store and buy as much Poke as you can afford.
Poke
Posted on 3/25/19 at 8:14 am to tokenasian37
I like the poke/sushi idea. Pearl Harbor is definitely on the list. I also just had the thought of seeing what the University of Hawaii looked like.
What about luaus? I would like to see one of those as well if possible.
What about luaus? I would like to see one of those as well if possible.
Posted on 3/25/19 at 9:27 am to schwartzy
If you head up to the North Shore at any point, you need to pick one of the Kahuku Shrimp "trucks". Giovanni's is probably the most well known (and consequently the busiest). My only complaint about them is that they have admitted to using frozen shrimp... (this likely has more to do with demand for their location and the need for consistent quantities). They do claim to source locally unless they simply can't.
If you want local, Romy's is literally right next to their own shrimp farm and they cook theirs fresh to order. They are a little less consistent in the kitchen, but when they're good, they're really good. Another nice feature (at least when I went) was that Romy's will take phone orders, so when you're 20-30 minutes away, you can phone in your order and more or less ignore the lines.
Most of these places are cash only BTW, so just plan ahead.
On the way up to the North Shore (or a detour from there depending on how you decide to go) you could check out the Turtle Bay area. Turtle Bay resort is up there, but there are some public access waters right off the road IIRC (there were just a ton of cars parked on both sides of the road). If you bring snorkel and mask, or even just goggles, there is a calm little bay that frequently has turtles hanging out and swimming around/feeding. Obvious caveats apply here. Don't be an idiot, give the turtles their space, etc... but you can get pretty close for a neat experience.
Re: Luaus, it's a good one time experience IMO. Particularly with a wife or older family members. If you're going by yourself, I'd say you know you better than anyone else. They're a little schticky, but it's good fun, impressive performances, with generally pretty mediocre buffet food. Diamondhead Luau is supposedly farm to table, but as with any of these places, they suffer the same issues that mass food production always does... it's just not as good as a plate that was made to order. Don't go for the food specifically... if you want the show on the other hand, it's likely a good option for you. I'm probably a little on the overly "negative" side on Luaus personally, so make of that what you will.
Surfing
If you have any desire to go surfing, plenty of places to go. If you're a novice or have never gone at all, there's a reason Waikiki is so popular with tourists... nothing wrong with taking a surfing lesson and getting yourself up on some nice gentle breaking waves. Canoes is crowded but good quality waves. Old Man's is another spot in Waikiki that's pretty good, and maybe a little less crowded.
North Shore you should check the weather... you're kind of coming up on the end of "bigger wave" season there (end of March)... so could be good or could be a little much. If you want to go here, check out Chun's Reef.
Down in the Southwest is White Plains, which is a great spot. Cheap board rentals here IIRC. This is maybe a good "second" place to go after taking a lesson elsewhere, come here and rent a board for some time and try your hand solo... if it's not going well, there are usually lessons to be had here as well.
Will add more if I think of things... just a few thoughts while I'm listening in to a conference call.
If you want local, Romy's is literally right next to their own shrimp farm and they cook theirs fresh to order. They are a little less consistent in the kitchen, but when they're good, they're really good. Another nice feature (at least when I went) was that Romy's will take phone orders, so when you're 20-30 minutes away, you can phone in your order and more or less ignore the lines.
Most of these places are cash only BTW, so just plan ahead.
On the way up to the North Shore (or a detour from there depending on how you decide to go) you could check out the Turtle Bay area. Turtle Bay resort is up there, but there are some public access waters right off the road IIRC (there were just a ton of cars parked on both sides of the road). If you bring snorkel and mask, or even just goggles, there is a calm little bay that frequently has turtles hanging out and swimming around/feeding. Obvious caveats apply here. Don't be an idiot, give the turtles their space, etc... but you can get pretty close for a neat experience.
Re: Luaus, it's a good one time experience IMO. Particularly with a wife or older family members. If you're going by yourself, I'd say you know you better than anyone else. They're a little schticky, but it's good fun, impressive performances, with generally pretty mediocre buffet food. Diamondhead Luau is supposedly farm to table, but as with any of these places, they suffer the same issues that mass food production always does... it's just not as good as a plate that was made to order. Don't go for the food specifically... if you want the show on the other hand, it's likely a good option for you. I'm probably a little on the overly "negative" side on Luaus personally, so make of that what you will.
Surfing
If you have any desire to go surfing, plenty of places to go. If you're a novice or have never gone at all, there's a reason Waikiki is so popular with tourists... nothing wrong with taking a surfing lesson and getting yourself up on some nice gentle breaking waves. Canoes is crowded but good quality waves. Old Man's is another spot in Waikiki that's pretty good, and maybe a little less crowded.
North Shore you should check the weather... you're kind of coming up on the end of "bigger wave" season there (end of March)... so could be good or could be a little much. If you want to go here, check out Chun's Reef.
Down in the Southwest is White Plains, which is a great spot. Cheap board rentals here IIRC. This is maybe a good "second" place to go after taking a lesson elsewhere, come here and rent a board for some time and try your hand solo... if it's not going well, there are usually lessons to be had here as well.
Will add more if I think of things... just a few thoughts while I'm listening in to a conference call.
This post was edited on 3/25/19 at 9:36 am
Posted on 3/26/19 at 8:39 am to schwartzy
I live here for past two years. sure waikiki is fun but definitely check out east side. the drive from Hanauma bay to Kanehoe is breathtaking. northsore is awesome too. country feel to it. some beaches I would 100% recommend are makapu'u., lanikai/kailua, wiamea bay, susnset beach, yokohama bay (dont be scared of west side), and kahana bay. anyother questions about hikes or luaus then just ask!
Posted on 3/26/19 at 12:04 pm to schwartzy
Lanikai is my favorite beach on the island (and I think we went to 8 or so). The Pill Box hike (in Kailua near Lanikai beach) is pretty tame and offers awesome views.
Maunawili Falls is another hike that isn't too "hard", as long as you don't mind a bit of mud.
Pali Puka hike is my favorite, but is not for the faint of heart and I wouldn't recommend doing it unless you are with someone from the area, or someone who is familiar with the hike
Maunawili Falls is another hike that isn't too "hard", as long as you don't mind a bit of mud.
Pali Puka hike is my favorite, but is not for the faint of heart and I wouldn't recommend doing it unless you are with someone from the area, or someone who is familiar with the hike
Posted on 3/26/19 at 1:48 pm to Epic Cajun
Pali Puka is not somewhere you go on a windy day lol. first time i went i was legit stunned at how quick the first views are. i had to take some breaks on that hike lol
Posted on 3/26/19 at 2:16 pm to cajuntiger1010
quote:
Pali Puka is not somewhere you go on a windy day lol. first time i went i was legit stunned at how quick the first views are. i had to take some breaks on that hike lol
I just lowered my center of gravity and kept my eyes forward, the wind was huffing that day too
Posted on 3/27/19 at 3:06 am to schwartzy
quote:Only luau I ever went to was the one at the Polynesian Cultural Center. That place is Mormon so no booze. I'd advise against that one if having fun is on the agenda.
What about luaus? I would like to see one of those as well if possible.
Posted on 3/27/19 at 3:19 am to Epic Cajun
quote:That's a pretty beach, but, imo, the best beaches are on the NW side of the island. Take a left on to Farrington HWY in Haleiwa. Stop at any of the beaches across from the airfield. Scenic, great water, and vacant as hell. We spent countless weekends camping there and rarely saw more than 3 or 4 people in a day. For reference, a lot of the Lost beach scenes were filmed there(notably the opening plane crash scene).
Lanikai is my favorite beach on the island (and I think we went to 8 or so).
*warning- occasional nudists in that area
Posted on 3/27/19 at 5:06 am to schwartzy
Punchbowl of the Pacific (US Military Cemetery) near Diamond Head
National Military Cemetery of the Pacific Link
National Military Cemetery of the Pacific Link
Posted on 3/29/19 at 12:35 am to schwartzy
I didn't do Pearl Harbor but had access to the navy base which the memorials can be seen nor did I do a luau but Paradise Cove is better than the Polynesian Cultural Center's luau based on my sister's experience with both.
Another sushi place is Kuru Kuru. You sit around a conveyor belt and grab plates off and eat or you can order something off their menu and they'll make it. Waiter then counts the color plates and tallies up your tab. Very good sushi for the money.
For pancakes, I would hit up Boot's & Kimo's; the macadamia nut sauce pancakes, it's to die for.
Sugoi for a spicy garlic chicken plate, skip the mac salad and sub it for a regular salad unless you like macaroni noodles and mayo.
Dole plantation for some of their pineapple dole whip.
Nico's Pier 38 for their Furikake Pan Seared Ahi.
Gas station food, 7/11 has spam musubi, nori rolls, and pork or shrimp & pork hash (dim sum shumai) not great but good value.
Try a Loco Moco, tried it at Hukilau Cafe and wasn't impressed by it but that's what the hawaiians love to eat.
Wailoa shaved ice for some dessert.
I forget which farmer's market and vendor that served some great grilled abalone, but also try the sushi sliders.
Helena's for some Hawaiian food. There's a few more places but I can't remember.
***Also don't forget to bring home some fresh pineapples, they make the best gifts! Don't be a fool and buy those at the airport, it's overpriced; go to Foodland or Safeway if they're having a sale on Maui Gold pineapples and stock up, cut the crown off the pineapple so it doesn't take much room in your luggage. You can pack it in your carry-on or check luggage.
Another sushi place is Kuru Kuru. You sit around a conveyor belt and grab plates off and eat or you can order something off their menu and they'll make it. Waiter then counts the color plates and tallies up your tab. Very good sushi for the money.
For pancakes, I would hit up Boot's & Kimo's; the macadamia nut sauce pancakes, it's to die for.
Sugoi for a spicy garlic chicken plate, skip the mac salad and sub it for a regular salad unless you like macaroni noodles and mayo.
Dole plantation for some of their pineapple dole whip.
Nico's Pier 38 for their Furikake Pan Seared Ahi.
Gas station food, 7/11 has spam musubi, nori rolls, and pork or shrimp & pork hash (dim sum shumai) not great but good value.
Try a Loco Moco, tried it at Hukilau Cafe and wasn't impressed by it but that's what the hawaiians love to eat.
Wailoa shaved ice for some dessert.
I forget which farmer's market and vendor that served some great grilled abalone, but also try the sushi sliders.
Helena's for some Hawaiian food. There's a few more places but I can't remember.
***Also don't forget to bring home some fresh pineapples, they make the best gifts! Don't be a fool and buy those at the airport, it's overpriced; go to Foodland or Safeway if they're having a sale on Maui Gold pineapples and stock up, cut the crown off the pineapple so it doesn't take much room in your luggage. You can pack it in your carry-on or check luggage.
Posted on 3/29/19 at 6:46 am to schwartzy
Lanakai/Kailua beaches
Pali Lookout
Round top/Tantalus Dr lookout
Dole pineapple plantation
Hike Diamond Head
Pali Lookout
Round top/Tantalus Dr lookout
Dole pineapple plantation
Hike Diamond Head
Posted on 3/30/19 at 8:24 am to cajuntiger1010
Thank you all for the tips. It's not often I hear people from Louisiana moving to Hawaii. If it wasn't so damn expensive, I would consider it. The hiking is something I didn't consider at first, but I will be looking more into it now.
Posted on 3/31/19 at 5:42 am to schwartzy
We did the Chiefs Luau. The show, the atmosphere, and the location was great. They do a pig roast in an imu, but the buffet was just ok. We went in '17 and Chiefs Luau was at Sea Life Park, but I think it is at the new(?) Wet N Wild now so....
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