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-   -   First timer to Hawaii (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawaii/1650004-first-timer-hawaii.html)

nishimark Feb 5, 2015 3:10 pm

Many Waikiki hotel reviews here.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g6...ii-Hotels.html

JA610 Feb 7, 2015 6:08 am

You should pick up a copy of Oahu Revealed. www.wizardpub.com they also offer an i phone app. As they say it is the Ultimate guide book for Waikiki and beyond.

SamRothstein Feb 7, 2015 8:00 am

You should browse the hotels website for each property, if you're interested in the two Outrigger properties. On the right hand side of each of their respective overview pages you'll see a layout of the room categories. Very helpful if you want a specific view. The Reef and Waikiki properties are about 2-3 minute walk from each other, with the Reef being a little further "off center". The beaches in Hawaii are all public, so you can go to any one you like, not just in front of the hotel.

Outrigger Reef Overview
Waikiki on the Beach Overview

You also really need to pick up a guidebook or do some online research. Figure out what you'll be doing while there based on things YOU like, not what others tell you.

davesam12 Feb 7, 2015 8:27 am


Originally Posted by maortega15 (Post 24298296)
Thanks again for the reply. How was the parking at the Outrigger Waikiki?

And since you mention a pool and beach is a priority for you, what would you recommend?

Gave my opinions to you of best pools in previous post, when you said pools were a priority for you. We liked all of them equally.

"You also really need to pick up a guidebook or do some online research. Figure out what you'll be doing while there based on things YOU like, not what others tell you"

Great advice from "Sam" too. ^

maortega15 Feb 9, 2015 2:08 pm

Thanks for all the suggestions!!

I have already booked my hotel at the Outrigger Waikiki after doing some research and that seems to be the choice for singles.

It's about US$279 a night and there is no resort free and free WiFi in the room which is great. I'm not sure I would care about the pool anyways.

Now that's out of the way, I like Drinking, meeting girls, Snorkeling, ATV's, Luaus, etc. :p :D

SamRothstein Feb 9, 2015 2:32 pm

Did you sign up for the Outrugger email alerts, and use the "Earlybird" promo code when you made your reservation?

SamRothstein Feb 9, 2015 2:41 pm

For drinking, the aforementioned Dukes will be a great start for you. There's several hotels with beachfront bars (note drinking ON the beach is illegal), and other bars and lounges right off the beach. For an ATV adventure look into Kualoa ranch. I'd suggest the luau and show at Polynesia cultural center, but it's alcohol free. You might look into Chiefs Luau or Paradise Cove, both get recommended a lot over on TA, are out of the city and offer shuttle transportation. Look into the Mai'Tai catamaran sail for a nice sunset cruise with drinks included, very single friendly from all accounts.

maortega15 Feb 10, 2015 12:33 pm


Originally Posted by SamRothstein (Post 24320198)
Did you sign up for the Outrugger email alerts, and use the "Earlybird" promo code when you made your reservation?

Unfortunately, no. I didn't use the EarlyBird promo since when I booked, it wasn't available yet I think. What benefit would I get with that?


Originally Posted by SamRothstein (Post 24320239)
For drinking, the aforementioned Dukes will be a great start for you. There's several hotels with beachfront bars (note drinking ON the beach is illegal), and other bars and lounges right off the beach. For an ATV adventure look into Kualoa ranch. I'd suggest the luau and show at Polynesia cultural center, but it's alcohol free. You might look into Chiefs Luau or Paradise Cove, both get recommended a lot over on TA, are out of the city and offer shuttle transportation. Look into the Mai'Tai catamaran sail for a nice sunset cruise with drinks included, very single friendly from all accounts.

As for my plans, I have the Kualoa ranch already part of my itinerary. Other activities on my itinerary include snorkeling at Haunuma Bay, and the Pearl Harbor memorial.

maortega15 Feb 10, 2015 5:32 pm

SamRothstein: I just finished chatting with a representative and I got a good deal. About USD$1276 a night compared to the previous rate of $1589.

Great deal! :D ^

SamRothstein Feb 10, 2015 6:32 pm


Originally Posted by maortega15 (Post 24327152)
SamRothstein: I just finished chatting with a representative and I got a good deal. About USD$1276 a night compared to the previous rate of $1589.

Great deal! :D ^

The Earlybird promo is % off, can't remember if it's 30% or what. The representative probably plugged it in for you. Now sign up for the email alerts so you can get an even better deal if it pops up.

maortega15 Feb 12, 2015 5:21 pm


Originally Posted by SamRothstein (Post 24327417)
The Earlybird promo is % off, can't remember if it's 30% or what. The representative probably plugged it in for you. Now sign up for the email alerts so you can get an even better deal if it pops up.

I just upgraded my room to Ocean View. Still lower than the regular price of the Partial Ocean View. You think I can just chat with a representative to score a better deal?

SamRothstein Feb 12, 2015 8:23 pm

Email. Alerts. There is currently a 72 hour sale going on for Outrigger. Found out via email.

maortega15 Feb 16, 2015 1:59 pm


Originally Posted by SamRothstein (Post 24342433)
Email. Alerts. There is currently a 72 hour sale going on for Outrigger. Found out via email.

I chatted with them a few days ago and my current rate with the Earlybird promo is the lowest they could give me. I'll try to contact them at least once a month if I could score a better deal. Thanks.

MrsBurrill Feb 21, 2015 5:07 pm


Originally Posted by maortega15 (Post 24246079)
I am planning my first trip to Hawaii in December from the 7th till the 12th. I will be travelling alone and will be renting a car. Will there be a shuttle to take me to the rental car and where do I get the shuttle if there is one? I would assume right outside arrivals but I just want to make sure.

I am looking as well for some good eats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I'm interested in the local sutff like BBQ's, Hawaiian pancakes, saimin noodles, seafood, loco mocos, plate lunches, Hawaiian desserts and stuff like that. Sam Choy is on my mind.

For things to do, I am looking to go to the Pearl Harbor Memorial. How do I get tickets, is there parking, etc? Besides that, I would like to do other stuff as well like Snorkeling, ATV's, etc.. Maybe someone has recommendations on things to do.

I would also like to bring some Hawaiian food back home like nuts, coffee, etc. So maybe some can recommend places to get those.


Tips and suggestions greatly appreciated.

Cheers


The Honolulu marathon is on the 13th of December so you will miss the chaos of the road closures for it.

I love Rum Fire which is located at the Sheraton. By day it's a bar with a lovely water view. At night it has loud music and a party atmosphere. The hamburger is great for lunch with a beer.

Visit Leonard's Bakery for a malasada or two.

Pearl Harbor you can book a tour bus or DIY. If you DIY pre-book your tickets online for the memorial. If you don't pre-book you are given a ticket to the next available tour which could be hours away. The rental car will make it easy for you to get there. We caught The Bus which cost us $2.50 each. On the way back we were waiting at the bus stop and a van pulled up. We were offered a ride to our hotel for $5 each. I was happy to pay that rather than wait for an unknown length of time for a bus I might not get a seat on. Doesn't always happen but is great when it does. My BIL thought I was nuts saying yes to the man in a van but he realised later I had made the right decision.

In terms of nuts and coffee buy them at an ABC store. They are easy to find.

If the Palace interests you visit in the morning on a guided tour. The guides are amazing and the palace isn't open to the general public at that time so it's quiet.

Hopefully I have helped you a little. I'm sure I will think of more for you.

maortega15 Mar 30, 2015 3:18 pm

Forgive me if I have to bump up this thread.

I've got some activities planned already. The Pearl Harbor museum, ATV's at the Kuala Ranch and Snorkeling at Haunuma Bay are all on my list. Are there any other activities that I should consider? I'm not sure what else is there to do!

Also, I've got alot of restaurants narrowed down. Like is there anything specific I should go for?

The hotel is already booked. Staying at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort so thanks for that suggestion. ^

And where are some good places to meet girls espeically the asian and local girls? I'm in my 20's and could really meet a girl :D :p

And is it worth going to a luau especially if its my first time going to Hawaii and I'm single or I should just skip it?

Once again thank you all for your contributions. I was watching Diners, Drive-Inns, and Dives and Man vs. Food that featured Hawaii and I was just drooling. Can't wait to try Pipikaula short ribs along with the Laulau!! :D :p


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