Originally Posted by HawaiiFlyerDC8

I live on the North Shore of O'ahu and just returned from a two night "staycation," at the Rainbow Tower at the HHV. I had never stayed at that iconic structure and enjoyed it very much. The room was very big and nicely furnished. I had chosen the view over the marina and toward the Waianae Mts so I could watch the planes at HNL airport with my binoculars. Of course there were views of the ocean, too. The hotel grounds were very nice and well kept, and a few restaurants in the surrounding shops were open. For the most part they aren;t posh, which isn;t my style anyway, but food was good. I especially enjoyed my Japanese meal at Hatsuhana, and the fish and chips at Blue Water was excellent. Of course the Waikiki version of tourism is a bit passe compared to the big resorts with their golf courses on the other islands, but still, mornings in Waikiki have a special air of tranquility and beauty.
This is a good time to visit Hawaii, if you are OK with the Safe Travels program, because there aren't crowds and you are really helping the local economy and the hotel workers (who I hope will soon be labeled essential workers so they can get the vaccine). Hawaii's current relations to tourism is complex, as it would have to be when the numbers kept climbing for so many years causing wear, tear, and strain to the island infrastructure.
Personally, I love seeing people enjoy the islands and you can sure see that when they are at the beach.