Travel tips for Hawaii

[madmonkeygirl]

Having gone to Hawaii 3 or 4 times in my lifetime since my dad had to go over there for work the month of September is nice to go. I think i went second week of September once and the weather was gorgeous (occasional rain shower but not enough to keep me and CM out of the water much). We stayed on Oahu though since that is where my dad had to work. I would rather have gone to Maui but hey maybe someday when i go back i will stay in Maui instead. But let me tell ya nothing like laying on Wakiki beach and swimming in the nice clear blue warm water...i don't like the beaches here anymore i am very spoiled.

I've done the luau thing before really nice transportation to and from your hotel. Also CM and i did a dolphin watch all day on a catamaran it was a blast. Just things off the beaten path so to say. I would never have done the dolphin watch on my own so i thank CM for being the one to try this with me.

Pearl Harbor held meaning for CM so we did it. Brings tear to me eye just thinking about all those lives lost. Something that should be seen just once if you're able to.

I would have taken him on the hike to the top of the volcano but the worst thing about that hike (needing a flashlight yes a flashlight) due to the spiral staircase in the complete darkness going up the top part. It was very scary with no flashlight and i'm really surprised i did not twist my ankle or break any legs.

I didn't get to snorkel or horseback but did go over to the North Shore to watch the surfers.

But for the most part i am one to just lay on the beach reading a good book and go swimming in the water. Kicking it back doing nothing.

Yes the flea market is there (it was right across the street from our hotel) but we didn't go there at all...and oh yeah forgot we did make the trek to the Dole Pineapple Factory of course.

[Gemini Cricket]

O'ahu:

I say rent a car and take a trip around the island. This is one of my favorite things to do. Drive from Hawaii Kai towards Kaneohe right around the island up to the North Shore and stop when the road stops. Many tourists do not get to see this but it is highly recommended. There are many places to pull over, take pics and then jump into the water.

A word on swimming and jumping in the water: if you don't see any local people in the water and only toursits, it's a pretty good indication that there is a reason for that. Be warned that the undertow at Hawai'i beaches can be pretty strong. Watch out for Portuguese Man O' War jellyfish... they're sting-y.

For Hawaiian food, I recommend Ono Hawaiian Food in Kapahulu. It's a hole in the wall but it's wonderful. There is also Hawaiian Food in Ala Moana shopping center in one of the ugliest food courts ever created. That place is called The Poi Bowl. (And if you want good Chinese food, go to Patti's Chinese Kitchen in the same ugly food court.) Try poi at least once, don't be a poi hater.

Spend a couple of hours in Waikiki and that's it. It's gross, touristy and lame. If you go to the Cheesecake Factory there, you may see a waitress that looks like me. It's my sis.

If you want a good plate lunch go to any one of the L&L Drive-Ins that you encounter. But for an awesome plate lunch, go to Rainbow Drive in in Kapahulu.

If you must, go to the Polynesian Cultural Center. It's wonderful. Although I myself do not support that place with my money, it's a cool romp. The evening show is quite good.

Get shave ice from Matsumoto's in Haleiwa. It's good. If the line's too long, go to Aoki's... it's pretty much the same there.

For hiking, I recommend the Diamond Head trail, Makapu'u trail and a trail that takes you into Koko Head Crater.

I don't know a whole lot about the shows and luau-type events, but there are a number of them. If you want just a mellow time with good Hawaiian music, go to Chai's in the Aloha Tower Marketplace. They have live performances while you eat. Robert Cazimero is there on Tuesdays, I believe. He's great.

If I think of more, I'll let you know.