The car is very useful to get out and about when you catch on that the most of Waikiki is now a shopping mall for the Japanese. I love the beaches in the North, and for what it is worth, and if you like that sort of thing try Three Lagoons which is out beyond H1. We went back to Sea Life park, and enjoyed it tremendously. As the weather can be a bit iffy some days, it is useful to be able to whistle up the car and go off exploring. That said car rental is not cheap, but by the time you've paid fro transportation to and from the airport it is probably worth while. The Bus is good and cheap. I don't use it as I have to use public transportation daily in London and I prefer not to in a town which is reasonably car friendly, well, after Europe that is.

I cannot help you over the leis. Our friend brought them to the airport. They weighed a ton, were very beautiful, and they're not cheap. They also provoke asthmatics. After wearing them we stored them in the room fridge and their perfume filled the air. My partner was terribly wheezy, and I rang the Asthma Centre to ask if there was any particular problem in Hawaii at that time. As soon as she said pollen the penny dropped. We took them straight out to Pearl Harbour and laid them on the waters of the Arizona. I like to go and pay my respects, and they allow flowers and leis. Sorry to be old fashioned. Hope that you enjoy Hawaii. I adore the place, I'm a 50th state junkie!