Okay experts and frequent travelers, time to help out one of your own!!!

On January 1, 2001...my wife, 2-year-old daughter, mother-in-law (built-in babysitter!), and I are taking a well deserved vacation trip to Oahu for ten days. We will be staying on the North Shore at the Hilton Turtle Bay Resort (thanks to a 100k VIP award) for six nights, then traveling over to the windward side of the island near the city of Kailua for 3 nights at a B&B or rental property.

So...all that time and what to do? Here are some of the things we are looking for answers/help with:

* Whale watching...your experiences during that timeframe (early January), and which outfits on the island are best for this activity.

* Snorkeling...from the beach only, as I doubt we will take a boat tour. Also, is Snorkel Bob's the best place to rent weekly equipment?

* Golf...what are your top 3 courses on the island, and has anyone use the Stand By Golf tee time service whiler there?

* Dining...let me have it! Your favorite spots on the island, those little "out of the way" places hardly anyone knows about, best ice cream shops (for my wife's Kauai Pie fix), etc.

* Other activities and sightseeing...what are the "must not miss" places, sights, and/or things to do on Oahu, and who does it best there?

I love being able to contribute to threads like this when I have some "expertise" in traveling to a particular area, and I hope you will do the same for me. Regards, everyone!