Hi again! Okay, I've pretty much finalized my itinerary for our Oahu-Hawaii-Kauai trip, taking into account travel times, "down" times, flexibility/spontaneity, and when things are open or closed. Oahu will be our "busiest" island activity-wise, something we can afford to do since I'll be staying with friends (hence no hotel/car rental charges).
Still, there is SO much to do there that we've really had to narrow our options into "A" (must), "B" (would really like to), and "C" (maybe) lists in the interest of time and money, especially with the evening stuff. Two of the "A" list items are a luau and a sunset dinner cruise... now the question is which ones. For the luau, we've heard mixed reviews about the Polynesian Cultural Center. Everyone agrees it's good or great, but some people say do it only if you have the time and money. It costs more than other luaus, but you also get a lot more. I've got it scheduled, but with an option of also doing the luau at the Royal Hawaiian or elsewhere. Any suggestions? As for a dinner cruise, we'll splurge and go for the whole thing (versus a cocktail-only cruise). Again, suggestions?
One of the items on our "B" list is to do one of the shows, for example, those at the Beachcomber (Magic of Polynesia, or maybe Blue Hawaii or Don Ho). I know those can be pricey but when you consider it's also a dinner, it seems reasonable. Which would you recommend? BTW, if anyone has any coupons they're not using for any of these, I'll take 'em! Of course, we're also going to partake of the "freebie" stuff such as the city-sponsored torch-lighting ceremony the day we arrive. Thanks.
Hi: I can honestly tell you that Don Ho is a total waste of time and money. He is quite old and hardly sings at all. He does stand and talk very quietly...mumbles actually. If you want to see a really great show, go to see the Society of Seven, otherwise known as the SOS. They are seven guys who are extremely talented and perform everything from rock to Broadway and put on a show that is fantastic. They appear at the Outrigger and it's a show worth seeing.
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The original sos was only in Hawaii. Then it was such a hit, that the originals passed on the Hawaii show to their offspring and a new generation while they went to Vegas. I have seen the new group in Oahu and they are just as great as the originals!! So...while it is the same show, it is a different group performing it.
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We went to the Luau at Paradise Cove and really enjoyed it just a few weeks ago. We had rented a car but since the luau is on the other side of the island we took the free shuttle bus so we could both drink. The pre dinner crafts and activities were a lot of fun. The food was a bit rushed and tasted okay. Anytime, most anyone is trying to feed that many people at one time the food can only be just okay. The show was well done and kept my attention. Overall I would recommend Paradise Cove.
polynesian cultural center: i personally just don't like the place. some do and some don't. if it is your first time to hawaii and you haven't travelled much, and you are older, i suggest you might enjoy it. it has a long and strange history, that i'm not going to get into here. find out more if you'd like. in any event, never stay at the motel there (laie inn). that is the worst motel i've ever stayed at, period. i am not exaggerating.
Of course, we're also going to partake of the "freebie" stuff such as the city-sponsored torch-lighting ceremony the day we arrive. Thanks.
