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This is an alteration of 2 previous Flyertalk postings
For starters, I like Waikiki because that's where the action is. Lots of things to do, places to eat, good beaches and plenty of hotels. I would find a hotel within about 5 blocks of the Hyatt Regency. Hotel list:
http://discounthotelshawaii.com/waikikimap.html
On budget, I tend to go toward the low end. To get to Waikiki from HNL you can take TheBus 19 or 20. A bus stop on the far right is on the arrival/departure level in the middle island. Make sure the flag says Waikiki. $2.75 one way or $5.50 exact change for all day. Max luggage size allowed is standard carry-on.
In Waikiki TheBus goes down Kuhio with the same numbers as Kalakaua. Check the map. My number one required attraction (a must) is the Arizona Memorial. TheBus 20 or 42 both go there in a little over an hour. A reserved pass to the movie and boat can be made on line for a fee or free passes when you arrive. They go fast so get there early. Opening time 7 am. If coming from the mainland and are wide awake early. To return you have to walk out to the main road. On the way back you could stop off at Chinatown (1st stop after the river; good place to buy fruit) or the Ala Moana Center, the largest open air shopping center in the world with a great food court. TheBus has an AP that gives real time arrival times at your numbered stop. As you cross the canal going onto Waikiki, look out toward the ocean. This is where Gilligan's voyage started.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...hu_Hawaii.html (This website has good hotel info)
A couple of good happy hours are PF Chang's and Yard House on Lewers Street
Happy Hour Specials | PFChang's
https://www.yardhouse.com/happy-hour...estaurant/8316
Also Cheeseburger Paradise
Cheeseburger In Paradise, Waikiki - Cheeseburgerland
http://www.cheeseburgerinparadise.co...u_Standard.pdf
Good inexpensive Korean plate lunch (or dinner, same plate) is Me's BBK. Cash only. Take out or eat outside at tables. I like their chicken and kimchi, etc.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/mes-bbq-honolulu
You might share 1 for 2 if not big appetite.
Good Pho bogo at Pho Tri on Saturday. A Foodland supermarket is just up the street to the left.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/pho-tri-vie...ho+Restaurants
The McDonald's on Kalakaua serving rice, eggs and SPAM for breakfast.
Duke's in the Outrigger, 2335 Kalakaua has a good buffet lunch for $19 which includes my favorite Kahlua pig and cabbage.
Father Damien museum is at the St. Augustine Church, 3500 Kalakaua. This may have moved or gone.
HIstoric items on 2nd floor of the Moana Surfrider hotel built in 1901.
TheBus 23 will take you to Diamond Head that you can climb. It is not too far to walk but if you want to use the bus one way, use going to since it is mostly downhill on the way back.
Oldest Hotel, Moana Surfrider has an excellent free tour.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...hu_Hawaii.html
The 2nd oldest hotel, The Royal Hawaiian, "the pink hotel" has a tour Tue. & Thur.
https://www.royal-hawaiian.com/events/historical-tour/
For a scenic bus ride you can take the 22 and 23 out and back to Sea World. For a scenic walk go on Kalakaua toward and below Diamond Head until you reach the lighthouse. You will pass the Barefoot Beach Cafe and many historic houses.
BAREFOOT BEACH CAFE :: HONOLULU, HAWAII :: +1.808.924.2233
TheBus will take you to the historic downtown; Chinatown, Punchbowl Cemetery, etc.
On the street past Lewers is a reasonably priced mini tiki bar, Arnold's
https://www.yelp.com/biz/arnolds-bea...grill-honolulu
The last real Tiki restaurant and bar is La Mariana, but would require a car or cab.
A good choice for dinner on a day you have a car.
La Mariana Sailing Club | Oahu's Private Marina and Original Tiki Bar
In getting a car, just get it one day at a time since overnight parking is expensive. Get in real early, the later line is long at least at Dollar. Check lots of websites for best prices. Use for North shore trip, etc
Food Pantry is a small supermarket in Waikiki, including alcoholic beverages, somewhat higher prices.
| Shops of Hawaii
A Foodland supermarket is on the far side of the Ala Moana Center.
https://www.foodland.com/stores/food...arms-ala-moana
A couple of Safeways are on TheBus lines.
A big Walmart, including alcohol and food is located a block behind the Ala Moana Center.
If need be, take a heating coil and container to make hot dogs for lunch. All hotels have a small frig. (Check to make sure) Could keep things like hot dogs, milk for cereal, lunch meat.
Beaches are good in Waikiki. Start checking for hotels and location. Remember you won't be spending a lot of time there. See if you can negotiate not paying amenity fee.
A free Army museum is located in Waikiki, Tuesday to Saturday.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...hu_Hawaii.html
The Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki is worth wandering through.
Toward Diamond Head are the Aquarium $12 and Zoo $19.
Aloha Ken