fscher
Jun 16, 02, 11:46 am
This is a trip report from our recent vacation to Oahu.
I can sum it up in one word: WOW!
For those who want a more detailed report, read on.
We flew from Houston to Dallas on AA. My two kids (18 & 15 ½) and my daughter’s friend from Atlanta were with us. We caught up with my parents from Michigan here and the seven of us flew together to HNL.
We arrived on June 5th and we were met by Jeff from Oahu Shuttle Service. I knew we would need a van and had prearranged this service. We checked into the Hilton Hawaiian Village and were impressed from the first minute. My parents stayed in the Rainbow tower and were upgraded to an ocean view on the 16th floor. I used my ALON award for them. The five of us stayed in a two bedroom condo at the Lagoon Tower and were on the 19th floor (Gardenview, but a great view of city, mountains and harbor area. This was after 2 nights on 3rd floor with no view – only view of another building, garbage and a parking structure!). This was a PAID stay. All of us had breakfast coupons and we used them each morning and upgraded for $6.25 to a nice full breakfast to start the day! With a family of 5, a condo was the only way to go for us.
We took time to tool around the hotel and see what was where. We were amazed at the all the different types of ducks, birds, and other feathered friends. The penguins are the cutest things and the biggest surprise to see.
We were just glad to get simple fare at the Tropics Bar and Beach Café before calling it an evening. We had left our home at 5:30 am and sleep was in order.
I had made arrangements for the two girls to get picked up at the Tapa tower at 8:55am to go to the Hawaiian Water Adventure Park for the day (Thursday). The “older” crowd wanted to chill and relax for day one. When the girls got back we ventured to the International Market area just to get out of the hotel complex (MAJOR COMPLEX! 23 acres) for a short time. We went through the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and just walked the area for a few hours.
Tappert’s ice cream was our evening ritual at the hotel. Food is pricey at the hotel, but some things were fair…….this is not one of them. We spent over $25.00 each day on ice cream since we each upgraded to a waffle cone for another $1.25. Roundtable Pizza was the other snack of choice for us late at night and we really enjoyed it and can recommend it (try the gourmet veggie pizza with artichokes)!. We NEVER had any meal that was bad.
We took THE BUS on Friday to Pearl Harbor. We saw the Arizona Memorial. We went early enough that it was only about an hour before our tour. There is a museum with actual letters that were sent to family members right before the bombing. It was a moving tour the included a movie about Pearl Harbor before the boat ride to the Memorial. There is not a charge for this at all, and the concession stand was fairly priced. It seems like it took forever to get back to the Hotel with all of the stops. It wastes a good part of the day by using the bus, but it is very easy to get around. It is $1.50 for adults and .75 for kids and seniors with a Medicare card (not AARP card). You can get a transfer to use back if you will be returning within a few hours. We got back to see the Hotel show and fireworks display that is done every Friday. This ritual was stopped for a short time after 9/11, but is back on the schedule. We paid to see the show ($ 5.00 drink purchase if I recall) in order to sit around the pool. This is a rip off (unless you really want a drink at that moment) since the view turns out to be better if you stand around or sit at the surrounding restaurant or balconies) and there is NO CHARGE to do it that way. Even if you want a drink, the view is better from other places. Live and learn. Then we went to the Golden Dragon on the hotel grounds for a very nice dinner. Very elegant, but you can go in casual clothes. There is a coupon from the Entertainment Book for this. Let me say one thing here: Someone reported on another thread that you can use the Entertainment Card from other regions if the card had not been punched with a particular number. This is NOT true at the hotel. The Hawaii region had the letter D and they do look for this. I had the proper cards, but they pointed it out when I handed them one in error from Houston. I purchased three Hawaii books before leaving.
We rented a van to go to the flea market at Aloah Stadium. We spent about 1 ½ hours here and bought several things. I bought the two girls sterling silver rings that were Hawaiian Heritage rings with their Hawaiian names put on them. They were custom done and were delivered to the hotel that evening. They ran $30.00 each. You will find them for less, but not with the intricate cut outs and quality that these had. They wanted $35.00 each, but since I bought two they came down in price. We got a disturbing call from back home that our house had been broken into! One of my good friends had to deal with the constables and boarding up a window to prevent other problems. Drawers and closets were open and things on the floor, but at this point I was assured TV’s and stereos were there. I had to spend a long time on the phone with the constable and this ate into our time and needless to say, I was upset. While my friend handled most of it, there was information they needed from me. I left a message with my insurance agent and we continued to the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was a very hot day. We did not have near enough time to see it all. We did the IMAX show, the canoe tour and saw mostly the Village of Samoa. They had a Tonga Drum show that used audience participation and my son was selected. It was the funniest thing! My kids are so far from shy. They will ham it up with the best of them and the audience was hysterical. He wore a grass skirt and a woven headband and got into the spirt of things. People came up to him for days and said they had seen him. The food at the Luau was good (not excellent) and overall I would suggest this place…….but we would take the charted bus tours to get there. It would have been easier for us in the long run. After the luau is a huge evening show that lasts about 1 ½ hours. Hula dancers, music, fire shows, etc. Very enjoyable. The concessions during the day were expensive, but when it is hot outside you have no choice but to use them. I had used the discount coupons from the Entertainment Book and had made reservations months in advance and had great seats for the evening show.
Sunday morning was a preview of the timeshare presentation for HHV. They offer Hilton Points or a food credit and it was painless. We were truly interested and curious to hear what they had to say. They are very active in recruiting guests to do this and have many desks around the property to sign up for this if you are not approached first. Then we went to the beach and pool for a bit. We had brought huge floats from home and had them blown up on the beach for $2.00 each. The ABC store (convenience store on property) sells floats, but these had the headrests and armrests and cup holders. Cup holders are of no use on a float with crashing waves, but fun anyway). We gave the floats away to a family with two kids on the last day. We had all intentions of leaving them behind when I bought them. Reservations had been made for Parasailing. We were picked up about noon. Four of the seven took this experience……..I was not one of them! I am a chicken. The cost was $40.00 per person, but there were buy one, get one free in the Entertainment Book. We took the Navetek dinner/ Sunset Cruise that evening. Once again we were picked up at the Tapa tower. My husband and son were both chosen for another audience participation portion and we had a good time. All the kids participated in the limbo and the views were nice to see while standing on the observation deck. Yes, Entertainment Book was used again! Gotta love it! We had purchased three of them BEFORE THEY WENT ON SALE FOR $5.00 LAST MONTH. OUCH!!
Monday was Diamond Head. Make sure you take plenty of water with you. If you don’t you can purchase it at the entrance for $2.00 each. You will also need a small flashlight. This day was our 21st wedding anniversary and we had tickets to see the Don Ho Show. Yes, he is still around. We did the cocktail show, not the dinner show. The show was worth seeing, but certainly not the best show around. We bought the picture that we had taken with him and he autographed it. I will frame it and put it in my husband’s office. We had eaten at the Village Steak and Seafood Restaurant at the Hilton and it was some of the best steak I ever ate! It was a great treat to eat here. (Did you say coupon?) I would eat here without one, but we happened to have them from the book, too. Even if you don’t stay at the Hilton, try this place when you come to see the hotel grounds. While it happened to be our anniversary, we were really celebrating my son’s high school graduation this trip.
I purchased a gold charm (a pineapple) for my charm bracelet at Maui Divers at the HHV. They did not want me to charge it to the room since it was under $500.00, but the Hilton front desk got that situation straightened out. It is clearly against policy for them to have told me that, but they sure have some nice things. I bought a gold Hawaiian Heritage ring for myself at another Jewelry store.
My parents left on Tuesday. They were afraid to leave on a tour and not get back in time for a two thirty pick up. We took a shuttle to shop at Hilo Hattie just to kill some time.
After they left for the airport, we did the beach and pool thing for the afternoon. Dinner was at Duke’s Canoe Club in Waikiki. It was more than a one hour wait at 8:30 pm, but worth the wait. The food is great, but the HULA PIE (with macadamia nut ice cream) was to die for. Don’t pass it up. We walked around and saw some street entertainers and walked back to the hotel even though we had taken a taxi to get there.
We had to check out on Wed. at 11:00 and our flight was not until 9:30 in the evening. We put our things in storage and took THE TROLLEY (blue line) 3 hour scenic tour and saw even more of the beautiful city. There is a buy one, get one free coupon in one of the lobby magazines. I think it was called Oahu Today or Oahu This Week. It was only $10.00 after the discount and could have been used all day and for other tours if we had had the time. Saw an area of homes where Better Midler, Jim Nabors and other stars have homes. Very impressive area. Saw the blowhole and Hanauma Bay and went back to the hotel for lunch at Hanajuban Noodle Bar. It was a must do! Then we laid by the pool. For those who are familiar withWWF, you can imagine my kid’s delight to see the Wrestlemania stars: The Rock, Edge, Kiddman and Christian all gave them autographs. They were staying at the HHV for a match coming up. A hospitality suite was available for showering at 5:00. The Bell Captain could not find my son’s carry on. It showed up at last. It was given to another guest from storage in error. They were very professional about the situation and we were lucky to get it back before we left. We then headed to the airport (picked up by Jeff) and on to Las Vegas.
I am writing this at the LAX airport while waiting for our connecting flight to LAS. We had decided that we should stop in Las Vegas to adjust to the time change at a gradual pace. J I had the time and thought I would get a jump start on the trip report. We will be staying at The Paris and I will add to this when I have a chance . I get back to Houston on Saturday very late and we have to be at A&M University Sunday night for a bar b que that kicks off orientation for my son. I hope I have time to catch my breath.
I do want to mention that the Lagoon Towers had a washer and dryer (2) on each floor. There was no charge for these and it came in very handy. Before you call in the Nurse to have my head examined, I will promise you that I never cooked once!
………………
Las Vegas
No upgrades at all and the view stinks (The Paris Hotel)! The rooms are very nice (two connecting rooms) and we don’t plan on being in the room very much. We are facing the parking garages of The Aladdin and The Paris and the A/C units. Guess I cannot have everything. Room #s 1720 and 1722 if you are curious. Was not thrilled with the overall attitude of the hotel staff, but no major complaints. Have stayed at many hotels on strip that I like better and will stay at again. They had a super price special at The Paris. I thought it was worth trying since I needed two rooms each night.
Kids saw Lance Burton at Monte Carlo and my son went to see the Blues Man Group at the Luxor, as well. All shows were enjoyed. My husband and I played poker at The Mirage and Bellagio and overall came close to breaking even.
Temp was 107 degrees and too hot to go to the water park.
………….
We got home last night around midnight. As I said earlier, I head back out to College Station, Texas tonight. I think I need a vacation. I am pooped.
I can sum it up in one word: WOW!
For those who want a more detailed report, read on.
We flew from Houston to Dallas on AA. My two kids (18 & 15 ½) and my daughter’s friend from Atlanta were with us. We caught up with my parents from Michigan here and the seven of us flew together to HNL.
We arrived on June 5th and we were met by Jeff from Oahu Shuttle Service. I knew we would need a van and had prearranged this service. We checked into the Hilton Hawaiian Village and were impressed from the first minute. My parents stayed in the Rainbow tower and were upgraded to an ocean view on the 16th floor. I used my ALON award for them. The five of us stayed in a two bedroom condo at the Lagoon Tower and were on the 19th floor (Gardenview, but a great view of city, mountains and harbor area. This was after 2 nights on 3rd floor with no view – only view of another building, garbage and a parking structure!). This was a PAID stay. All of us had breakfast coupons and we used them each morning and upgraded for $6.25 to a nice full breakfast to start the day! With a family of 5, a condo was the only way to go for us.
We took time to tool around the hotel and see what was where. We were amazed at the all the different types of ducks, birds, and other feathered friends. The penguins are the cutest things and the biggest surprise to see.
We were just glad to get simple fare at the Tropics Bar and Beach Café before calling it an evening. We had left our home at 5:30 am and sleep was in order.
I had made arrangements for the two girls to get picked up at the Tapa tower at 8:55am to go to the Hawaiian Water Adventure Park for the day (Thursday). The “older” crowd wanted to chill and relax for day one. When the girls got back we ventured to the International Market area just to get out of the hotel complex (MAJOR COMPLEX! 23 acres) for a short time. We went through the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and just walked the area for a few hours.
Tappert’s ice cream was our evening ritual at the hotel. Food is pricey at the hotel, but some things were fair…….this is not one of them. We spent over $25.00 each day on ice cream since we each upgraded to a waffle cone for another $1.25. Roundtable Pizza was the other snack of choice for us late at night and we really enjoyed it and can recommend it (try the gourmet veggie pizza with artichokes)!. We NEVER had any meal that was bad.
We took THE BUS on Friday to Pearl Harbor. We saw the Arizona Memorial. We went early enough that it was only about an hour before our tour. There is a museum with actual letters that were sent to family members right before the bombing. It was a moving tour the included a movie about Pearl Harbor before the boat ride to the Memorial. There is not a charge for this at all, and the concession stand was fairly priced. It seems like it took forever to get back to the Hotel with all of the stops. It wastes a good part of the day by using the bus, but it is very easy to get around. It is $1.50 for adults and .75 for kids and seniors with a Medicare card (not AARP card). You can get a transfer to use back if you will be returning within a few hours. We got back to see the Hotel show and fireworks display that is done every Friday. This ritual was stopped for a short time after 9/11, but is back on the schedule. We paid to see the show ($ 5.00 drink purchase if I recall) in order to sit around the pool. This is a rip off (unless you really want a drink at that moment) since the view turns out to be better if you stand around or sit at the surrounding restaurant or balconies) and there is NO CHARGE to do it that way. Even if you want a drink, the view is better from other places. Live and learn. Then we went to the Golden Dragon on the hotel grounds for a very nice dinner. Very elegant, but you can go in casual clothes. There is a coupon from the Entertainment Book for this. Let me say one thing here: Someone reported on another thread that you can use the Entertainment Card from other regions if the card had not been punched with a particular number. This is NOT true at the hotel. The Hawaii region had the letter D and they do look for this. I had the proper cards, but they pointed it out when I handed them one in error from Houston. I purchased three Hawaii books before leaving.
We rented a van to go to the flea market at Aloah Stadium. We spent about 1 ½ hours here and bought several things. I bought the two girls sterling silver rings that were Hawaiian Heritage rings with their Hawaiian names put on them. They were custom done and were delivered to the hotel that evening. They ran $30.00 each. You will find them for less, but not with the intricate cut outs and quality that these had. They wanted $35.00 each, but since I bought two they came down in price. We got a disturbing call from back home that our house had been broken into! One of my good friends had to deal with the constables and boarding up a window to prevent other problems. Drawers and closets were open and things on the floor, but at this point I was assured TV’s and stereos were there. I had to spend a long time on the phone with the constable and this ate into our time and needless to say, I was upset. While my friend handled most of it, there was information they needed from me. I left a message with my insurance agent and we continued to the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was a very hot day. We did not have near enough time to see it all. We did the IMAX show, the canoe tour and saw mostly the Village of Samoa. They had a Tonga Drum show that used audience participation and my son was selected. It was the funniest thing! My kids are so far from shy. They will ham it up with the best of them and the audience was hysterical. He wore a grass skirt and a woven headband and got into the spirt of things. People came up to him for days and said they had seen him. The food at the Luau was good (not excellent) and overall I would suggest this place…….but we would take the charted bus tours to get there. It would have been easier for us in the long run. After the luau is a huge evening show that lasts about 1 ½ hours. Hula dancers, music, fire shows, etc. Very enjoyable. The concessions during the day were expensive, but when it is hot outside you have no choice but to use them. I had used the discount coupons from the Entertainment Book and had made reservations months in advance and had great seats for the evening show.
Sunday morning was a preview of the timeshare presentation for HHV. They offer Hilton Points or a food credit and it was painless. We were truly interested and curious to hear what they had to say. They are very active in recruiting guests to do this and have many desks around the property to sign up for this if you are not approached first. Then we went to the beach and pool for a bit. We had brought huge floats from home and had them blown up on the beach for $2.00 each. The ABC store (convenience store on property) sells floats, but these had the headrests and armrests and cup holders. Cup holders are of no use on a float with crashing waves, but fun anyway). We gave the floats away to a family with two kids on the last day. We had all intentions of leaving them behind when I bought them. Reservations had been made for Parasailing. We were picked up about noon. Four of the seven took this experience……..I was not one of them! I am a chicken. The cost was $40.00 per person, but there were buy one, get one free in the Entertainment Book. We took the Navetek dinner/ Sunset Cruise that evening. Once again we were picked up at the Tapa tower. My husband and son were both chosen for another audience participation portion and we had a good time. All the kids participated in the limbo and the views were nice to see while standing on the observation deck. Yes, Entertainment Book was used again! Gotta love it! We had purchased three of them BEFORE THEY WENT ON SALE FOR $5.00 LAST MONTH. OUCH!!
Monday was Diamond Head. Make sure you take plenty of water with you. If you don’t you can purchase it at the entrance for $2.00 each. You will also need a small flashlight. This day was our 21st wedding anniversary and we had tickets to see the Don Ho Show. Yes, he is still around. We did the cocktail show, not the dinner show. The show was worth seeing, but certainly not the best show around. We bought the picture that we had taken with him and he autographed it. I will frame it and put it in my husband’s office. We had eaten at the Village Steak and Seafood Restaurant at the Hilton and it was some of the best steak I ever ate! It was a great treat to eat here. (Did you say coupon?) I would eat here without one, but we happened to have them from the book, too. Even if you don’t stay at the Hilton, try this place when you come to see the hotel grounds. While it happened to be our anniversary, we were really celebrating my son’s high school graduation this trip.
I purchased a gold charm (a pineapple) for my charm bracelet at Maui Divers at the HHV. They did not want me to charge it to the room since it was under $500.00, but the Hilton front desk got that situation straightened out. It is clearly against policy for them to have told me that, but they sure have some nice things. I bought a gold Hawaiian Heritage ring for myself at another Jewelry store.
My parents left on Tuesday. They were afraid to leave on a tour and not get back in time for a two thirty pick up. We took a shuttle to shop at Hilo Hattie just to kill some time.
After they left for the airport, we did the beach and pool thing for the afternoon. Dinner was at Duke’s Canoe Club in Waikiki. It was more than a one hour wait at 8:30 pm, but worth the wait. The food is great, but the HULA PIE (with macadamia nut ice cream) was to die for. Don’t pass it up. We walked around and saw some street entertainers and walked back to the hotel even though we had taken a taxi to get there.
We had to check out on Wed. at 11:00 and our flight was not until 9:30 in the evening. We put our things in storage and took THE TROLLEY (blue line) 3 hour scenic tour and saw even more of the beautiful city. There is a buy one, get one free coupon in one of the lobby magazines. I think it was called Oahu Today or Oahu This Week. It was only $10.00 after the discount and could have been used all day and for other tours if we had had the time. Saw an area of homes where Better Midler, Jim Nabors and other stars have homes. Very impressive area. Saw the blowhole and Hanauma Bay and went back to the hotel for lunch at Hanajuban Noodle Bar. It was a must do! Then we laid by the pool. For those who are familiar withWWF, you can imagine my kid’s delight to see the Wrestlemania stars: The Rock, Edge, Kiddman and Christian all gave them autographs. They were staying at the HHV for a match coming up. A hospitality suite was available for showering at 5:00. The Bell Captain could not find my son’s carry on. It showed up at last. It was given to another guest from storage in error. They were very professional about the situation and we were lucky to get it back before we left. We then headed to the airport (picked up by Jeff) and on to Las Vegas.
I am writing this at the LAX airport while waiting for our connecting flight to LAS. We had decided that we should stop in Las Vegas to adjust to the time change at a gradual pace. J I had the time and thought I would get a jump start on the trip report. We will be staying at The Paris and I will add to this when I have a chance . I get back to Houston on Saturday very late and we have to be at A&M University Sunday night for a bar b que that kicks off orientation for my son. I hope I have time to catch my breath.
I do want to mention that the Lagoon Towers had a washer and dryer (2) on each floor. There was no charge for these and it came in very handy. Before you call in the Nurse to have my head examined, I will promise you that I never cooked once!
………………
Las Vegas
No upgrades at all and the view stinks (The Paris Hotel)! The rooms are very nice (two connecting rooms) and we don’t plan on being in the room very much. We are facing the parking garages of The Aladdin and The Paris and the A/C units. Guess I cannot have everything. Room #s 1720 and 1722 if you are curious. Was not thrilled with the overall attitude of the hotel staff, but no major complaints. Have stayed at many hotels on strip that I like better and will stay at again. They had a super price special at The Paris. I thought it was worth trying since I needed two rooms each night.
Kids saw Lance Burton at Monte Carlo and my son went to see the Blues Man Group at the Luxor, as well. All shows were enjoyed. My husband and I played poker at The Mirage and Bellagio and overall came close to breaking even.
Temp was 107 degrees and too hot to go to the water park.
………….
We got home last night around midnight. As I said earlier, I head back out to College Station, Texas tonight. I think I need a vacation. I am pooped.