It is a spectacularly good buffet there. For real sushi/sashimi fans, you can get a reduced rate buffet there that excludes the heated entrees, ask. It's still pretty darn expensive, but I think worth it for a special splurge. Don't forget to say hi to the dolphins after you eat, there are several on premises.

If you are really cheap like me, I love the sashimi platters at Costco, handy if you already have a membership. That's right they sell sashimi at Costco in Hawaii, not exactly a sit down restaurant, why am I even mentioning this? The octopus/Salmon combo is really nice, as is the Ahi Poki. Talking about it probably makes half of you totally sick, but I swear that stuff is so good it makes my toes curl.

If you want real local food, try a dive like Loco Moco or KC drive inn and get a "plate lunch" of "Chicken (or pork) katsu". Maybe $4. Hope you have a strong stomach and a tolerance for consuming a pint of grease. **** I love that stuff. A "plate lunch" is something of a local staple food. "Yummy Korean BBQ" is a good value also, many locations, give the pickled seaweed and spicy cucumber a try. Many good local restaurants around Kaimuki, no tourists to prop up the bad restaurants here -- spectacular value and merciless competition.

The area around Ward Center/Ward Warehouse is a happening place these days. There is a theater a numerous hip and good but a little more expensive restaurants, if that's your thing. Fun place to browse the uppity stores and people watch. The crowd that wears $200 sunglasses and constantly talks too loudly into their cell phone hangs out here. Ahh, Hawaii. I like Dixie Grill (Eee Haw!) on Ward Avenue, but it's probably not what you had in mind in coming to Hawaii. I want to try the Argentinian "Gaucho Grill" someday. If you even think about eating at Bubba Gumps I will personally beat you. Across the street from Ward Warehouse is a large Fish Market and Oriental Supermarket, I think it's really interesting to see.

Ala Moana is an interesting mega-mall to check out, don't miss the 2nd story of Shirokiya. This mall used to be more local oriented, but is now fairly upscale. Ala Moana Park across the street is full of local life. If you happen to be around for the Greek festival, what a blast.

Sharks cove is good in the summer, but forget about it in the Winter. It's just around the corner from Waimea Bay.

I think Hanauma Bay is best in the morning before it gets churned up inside the reef. I go outside the reef on either side but can't recommend doing that for folks who don't have some familiarity with the hazards of the place. Wherever you swim keep a concern of currents in mind. Sandy Beach is more dangerous than it looks, don't let the local little kids frolicking there fool you. There is a lovely little cove/beach down below the blow hole, but again be very careful with the water there. You can swim safely at Kailua beach, what a great place. I will be shot by a dozen locals for mentioning it. Nice restaurants in Kailua too.

I love visiting the botanical garden at Lyon Arboretum. A little hot later in the day due to the rainforest like humidity here. This is located right next to the hike to Manoa falls and Paradise Park, the latter being something of a tourist trap.

The Zoo in Hawaii is really excellent, again try the morning, also because the animals may be more active. The Aquarium across the street is really tiny but especially well done. Kapiolani Park next door is full of local life, especially on weekends of course. It's a short walk to the Moana Hotel, old and wildly upscale, worth walking through. Diamond head isn't so far in the other direction, nice to see the windsurfers and joggers.

Tantalus has fantastic hiking and the best view of any drive, except maybe the coast between Hanauma and Sandy's. Beautiful to see the lights of waikiki from here at night. Don't miss the Pali lookout, if you like it is safe to walk down the "old pali highway" for a mile or so. Don't even think about leaving valuables in your car at any of these places.

[This message has been edited by benoit (edited 04-21-2003).]