Thanks for the reply.

One of my friends who has been to the Dole Plantation says I should try the pineapple slush. But curious to know what is there to do at the plantation rather than going there for refreshments.

For Haunuma Bay, do I have to get tickets to snorkel? I plan to head there as early as I can.

Thanks for the eats. I have alot of places destined to try. Happen to know if its worth trying Kona Coffee? If so, where is the best place to get it and should I get it iced or hot?

For souvenirs, wheres the ideal place to get Macadamia nuts? I plan to buy a huge load and ship them. I assume the ABC Stores or somewhere else? Also, what souvenirs are ideal to bring back? Anything in particular aside from t-shirts and bags?

As for the beaches, I wouldn't mind driving around. Will do it mostly for gorgeous photos but wouldn't mind jumping in the pool if I deem safe to do so. Not really a beach guy. I'm more of a pool guy.

By the way, happen to know an ideal place to meet any local Hawaiian or Asian girl? Tinder is not cutting it for me unfortunately.

Thanks again for everybody's suggestions. Looking forward to my holiday.

Dole Plantation is mainly a huge gift shop selling everything pineapple related. Their gifts are overpriced but I love their pineapple ice cream. If you are with a local, they have kamaaina discount in the shops.

Other than the shop, there a field with different kinds of pineapple on display, there is a train ride going around the plantation, and a maze around pineapple plants.

For Hanauma Bay, parking lot gets filled up quickly, so arrive early. Or take TheBus route 22 from Kalakaua Avenue. Parking is $1 per car. Admission is $7.50 per visitors and free for kamaaina. Then you have to watch a video on how to respect the nature before you can walk or take a tram down. Tram is $1 downhill and $1.25 uphill. Bay is closed on Tuesdays.

Cheapest place to purchase Macadamia nuts are Costco and Longs Drugs. Anywhere in Waikiki are rip off.

My favorite place for Kona coffee is Honolulu Coffee Company, right beside the Moana Surfrider hotel. They have really good 100% Kona and Kona blend coffee and if you get a seat by the open window right on Kalakaua, it is a great place to people-watch.
Costco, Sam's Club or Longs for macadamia nuts, hands down. With Walmart in the mix as well. Or my favorite store, Don Quijote, the Japanese discount store which has everything at cheap, cheap prices. Don't even think about ABC. Total rip off.

Didn't know the bus 52 / 55 thing was changed. Too bad since, if you want to do the circle island just for the views but not stop, you have to stop in Haleiwa to switch buses. If I read the maps right, both go all the way through the main area of Haleiwa so it isn't too bad.

Maortega, I'm not a big coffee drinker, but my friends who are always look forward to me coming back to the mainland to visit and bring Kona coffee. At restaurants (or stores to buy packages of it) be aware that they'll often have "Kona coffee" in big letters, but it is often only 10% Kona. The 100% Kona is considerably more costly. There are other Hawaiian coffees and some may prefer them on personal taste. I know there is Waialua coffee (town right next to Haleiwa). And Molokai coffee. Probably others.

If you are driving near Dole Plantation, there is a place right near there that carries an number of different kinds with samples as I recall. Don't recall the name of the place, but easy to get to. If driving back to Honolulu from Dole Plantation, just turn right at the first traffic light. The building is immediately on your left after making the turn. They have other stuff too, like shave ice, but I never tried their version.

Can't really tell you much about souvenirs since so much of that would be personal taste. You'll find coconuts you can literally mail without packing. Usually with colorful designs on them, but I would suspect they could get scratched up pretty good when shipping that way. Really, best approach is just to go places where they sell lots of souvenir stuff and see what options there are. That's one reason the Aloha stadium Swap Meet is a good place. Lots of tent type booths all around the outside of the stadium - sometimes more than one row deep. Lots of duplication, but I have found unique stuff too. Duke's Lane in Waikiki is sort of a much tinier version of it. Never compared the prices though. I have noted that shirts often have the collar tag cut which, I think, is a sign that it is "factory seconds". So should be a flaw in them someplace, but you can examine before buying and I never found anything wrong with any I bought. Only obvious flaw in anything I even saw at the swap meet was a beach towel that spelled one of the islands wrong.

Thanks for the replies once again.

The coffee place is right next to my hotel so it will be really convenient to get a cop of coffee in the morning. Anything specific I should go for and try?

Moving on, anyone know where the best place is to get Macadamia Nut pancakes?

Also, what other activities are recommended? I'm leaning towards water sports.

Thanks

The best banana macadamia nut pancakes (or just mac nut if you prefer) I have ever had are at Lulu's. It is on the corner of Kalakaua and Kapahulu, right beside Kapiolani Park, upstairs above the ABC. Fantasic views as it is an open air place right on the water, and the banana-mac pancakes are awesome. Get a half order as you get 4 HUGE pancakes in a regular size order. I have tried them pretty much everywhere on the island and nothing even comes close to Lulu's. Make sure you ask for the coconut syrup as well.

Actually, it is no big deal to go to a luau if travelling solo. Nobody is checking to see if you have a +1, and anyone who is should be minding their own business. That said, it is just having a drink on the beach, watching them take a pig out of the pit, lining up for a buffet dinner, and then watching a Hawaiian dance show, the kind that is very common in Hawaii.

Beaches - the very finest beach in Hawaii, and maybe the world is Lanikai Beach. More accessible is Sandy Beach, and I am very fond of Wahiawa - a convenient stopping point when driving around the island. I also love driving all the way up the west coast to Kaena Point State Park. It is very remote there, with a great pounding surf.

Food - I happen to love the Chinese food and Japanese Ramen that they have in Honolulu. It is better than in most cities in the US. The sushi is superb, and they have some great steakhouses.

Souvenirs - There's an ABC store on every street corner. Souvenirs galore.

Lanikai is nice, but it's not THAT nice. On Oahu alone, I prefer Kailua next door (although I heard that Kailua lost a lot of sand in a recent storm). Bellows is also nice. Also, in the summer I prefer Waimea, but you can't swim it when the 20 footers are rolling in during the winter. On the Big Island, I prefer Mauna Kea and Punalu'u, and Hapuna is also nice (but not as nice as the adjacent Mauna Kea). And that doesn't even cover Maui and Kaua'i, which are strewn with great beaches.

And if you think Lanikai is the best beach in the world, might I suggest you spend some time in Thailand, at Railay Bay or Tonsai.

Al, you've got to visit a few more beaches.
Lanikai is the finest beach in Hawaii, Maybe the World??!!

Not only is it not the finest in Hawaii, it's not the finest on Oahu, and many would rate it 4th when only considering it and it's next door neighbors, Kailua, Bellows and Waimanalo.

"Best" beach is very subjective, but my nominees on Oahu include Waimanalo, Makapu'u, Mokuleia, Waimea, and Sunset/Pipeline with the winner of best going to Sunset/Pipeline. Again, so subjective...try Halona, the little pocket beach next to the Blow Hole at Sandy's.
Finest in Hawaii, toss-up between Sunset, and Kalalau, but only if you hike into it. And if you make it that far, swim around the cliffs to Honopu.

Hello. I just booked the DblTree Alana Waikiki: 9/24-28 @ 40K pts/each (couldn't get the 5th night free b/c of no availability). Had to book over the landline (it showed the 40K online but couldn't book online (Anyway to still collect the 500pt online bonus/get compensated for the 5th night loss?).
This is for a secret wedding anniv before either moving on to GH Kauai/HR Maui for the actual anniv day. Staying here to visit Pearl Harbor (the main reason b/c I'm a Disabled Vet and it seems closer). After reading the majority of everything here, I'm now not planning to reserve a car until later (Has Uber arrived in HNL yet in case I don't take a shuttle?).
I would like to know how good of a hotel this is (even after reading TripAdvisor I'm still not sure). I'm HH Gold so what should I expect upgrade and free bkfst wise? I still have the HR Waikiki on hold for cash+pts. I'm wondering which is the better option? I will be Hyatt Diamond by the time I reach there and might divide the 4 days into 2 nights w/ pts+cash and 2/pts only.
I have Groupons for "Chef Chai,M,Cafe Julia and Tilia Aloha (bkfst)." Considering Nico's Pier.

Personally and just personally, I think that hotel is not in the best location. For us it is away from everything, unless you are just going to use it for sleeping and will use a cab, etc. to get places. It is several blocks from the beach and not in the "action". Location, location, location. Depending on how disabled you are, you can walk several blocks to get places including TheBus stops. HHV is a better location with ocean views available, although it involves a lot of internal walking. TheBus is fairly convenient to the Arizona Memorial. Not sure what HR Waikiki is. If it is the Hilton Waikiki Beach, I like the location.

I agree with the above poster. I don't like the location of the Alana at all. The Hilton Waikiki Beach is a perfect location, much better even than the HHV. The bus stops right outside the front door and you can walk to everything. As a HH gold, you will get free breakfast in the lounge. It is a buffet breakfast and, while the lounge is nothing special, the breakfast is good.

Thank You Very Much to you both. To be away from the noise is no problem. Cost is a factor w/ all of this. I had enough pts for the 4 days (plus no resort fees), not enough for the other Hilton's plus I'm disabled enough that the closer to Pearl Harbor the better if possible. This is another reason why I kept the HR Waikiki, in case I do change my mind.
KenfromDE: Hyatt Regency Waikiki

You are only closer to Pearl Harbor by about 20 blocks. You are still an hour away by bus or pretty much the same driving distance from either property by car/shuttle. In fact, it may even be a longer drive from the Alana as freeway access from the Alana is more difficult than it is from the Hilton Waikiki Beach (straight shot up Kapahulu). But I understand your point about cost.

Are you using points for the HR Waikiki? If cost (or points) is that important, perhaps the Hyatt Place might be better suited? Less points, no resort fee and the location is about a block from the Hilton Waikiki Beach, and about 5 blocks from the HR. Free breakfast buffet there as well (no status needed), similar to the one at Hilton Waikiki.

The Hyatt Regency is right in the middle of the action and a block from TheBus stop. See posting #6 for local things re a hotel a block away toward Diamond Head.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawai...-honolulu.html

As a side comment, unless you take a cab or are a strong walker/knowledgeable bus rider, your Goupons are all in rather inconvenient locations.

Agree with others that DoubleTree is not a great location, and is not any closer (time wise) to Pearl Harbor. The HR is HUGE, but is in a great location, directly across from beach and in the center of Waikiki action.
Were I to choose between DoubleTree x Gold or HR x Diamond, I would go with the HR. Much better chance for upgrade to higher floor with spectacular ocean/beach view.
As a vet, have you considered any of the Military Lodging options?
Lots of facilities on Oahu, including Waikiki and Pearl Harbor. Hale Koa is nice, with a great beachfront location, and much more reasonable rates for rooms, parking, food and bars. Never been to Navy Lodge Pearl Harbor, but sure would be unique way to visit Pearl Harbor. Also very close to Airport.
I would take best deal in Waikiki at either Hale Koa or HR, then visit Pearl Harbor and spend last night at Navy Lodge, if available.
(Availability at Navy Lodge Pearl Harbor looks scarce)

Hale Koa
http://www.halekoa.com/

Navy Lodge Pearl Harbor
https://www.navy-lodge.com/lodge_pag...odge_number=19

IHG Army Hotels
http://www.himwr.com/recreation-and-...hg-army-hotels

Agree the Hale Koa is all around A-OK. Unfortunately it is booked for all but one of the desired nights. If retired military, etc., you can still attend functions like a good Luau, etc., tax free.

Yes, I was going to use points+cash for 4 nights but possibly breaking it up w/ 2 nights for pts+cash and the other 2 nights for points only.
We arrive in HNL at 5:30PM so I see that as a day and the next day (a rest day) as already gone away. After reading "recreation.gov" for Pearl Harbor I don't see the Better 1/2 getting up early enough to try and get free tickets by 7AM anyway (it's not going to happen) so Sat will be the day (possibly Sun if that is a calmer day in HNL).
We will only be here for 4 days before pushing on to Kaua'i/Maui for our actual anniv night(s). I could do the HP if it is more close to Pearl Harbor.

So you feel that the HR is better distance wise to Pearl Harbor? As per the Groupons, I hear you. I was just going off of what I was reading and by using Google directions for distance.
Weather wise, after 4 days from 9/24 we will be moving on to Kaua'i/Maui. What are our chances?

Thanks Alot! I'm on my way to researching these now. As a Navy Vet I'm going to try and reach out to them 1st.

As said by others, all travel times to the Arizona from Waikiki are within 10 minutes of each other. You might want to reconsider the day you go to the Arizona. Because of the changing time zone you will zonk out early evening on day of arrival and be wide awake at the crack of dawn the next, making it the best day to go. Are you game for TheBus? Weather? At least, unless you go to the mountain on Hawaii, you won't run into snow.

Any of the hotels you are considering are all exactly (give or take 5 minutes) the same amount of time away from Pearl Harbor so please don't Let that be a factor in deciding which hotel. All of the hotel choices you have mentioned are in Waikiki, all within blocks of each other with the furthest being the Alana, but still all in Waikiki. Pearl Harbor is out past the airport, so a 20 minute-ish drive (with no traffic) or a one hour bus ride from Waikiki. There are shuttles as well that you can book and pay for but the driving time varies depending on where your hotel is on their pick up route. Faster than the bus but slower than driving yourself.

So none of the hotels on your list will be any closer to Pearl Harbor than any other. A few blocks does not make any difference at all. Choose your hotel based on your other criteria. And I agree with KenfromDE, plan for Pearl Harbor on your first morning. You will be awake early, trust me. And we have gone to PH as late as 10 or 11am and still gotten walk up tickets, although earlier is definitely better.

PS In addition to cost, an added advantage of taking TheBus to the Arizona is stopping at the Ala Moana (Shopping) Center on returning, then using your transfer to continue on to Waikiki. The Center has a fantastic food court. If over 65, show your medicare card for a $1 bus fare.

To FinkFace and KenfromDE:^:D^:)!
I wish I had known about the Base Hotels beforehand! Until the OP's question and you 2 scholars came along, I would have not even thought of the Base Hotels. Unfortunately they are occupied on our dates.
If Blessed to make this 1st trip and do another, I will definitely keep this in mind 1st and foremost for the return trip at least the next time.

So my trip is 2 months a way or so and I'm really excited. Everything has been book from the rental car to the hotel.

I have a few additional questions to get off my chest.

Someone mentioned the Honolulu Coffee Company for coffee. Anything specific to try out?

Where can I book tickets for the Pearl Harbor museum?

Anyone know where the best place is to get Macadamia Nut pancakes?

And can anyone recommend some other activities especially some water sport activities?

Thanks!

Recommend you do the Arizona the first day after arrival since you will be wide awake early. Advance tickets are available on this website, but you should not need them if you get there early.

http://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm

Never had their Macadamia pancakes, but they have them and all other breakfast items are good.

http://www.restauranteur.com/keoni/

Most of your other questions can be answered by wading through this thread. Have a great time in paradise! :)

Note that if you want to go to the Pearl Harbor museum, you can go at any time, it's free and you can just walk in.

If you want to go to the Arizona Memorial you will need a ticket. If you can't get a ticket for the time you'd like, at 7am HST the day prior they make unsold tickets available for morning time slots. I had reserved for 2pm and was able to get tickets the day before for 9am. I believe the tour companies hold a lot of morning tickets and they release them back for distribution if they haven't sold.

Unfortunately, there is no way to cancel the tickets you won't be using. I tried and there's no option. I even tried telling them at the gate and they didn't care. BUT, if you end up doing this, you'll have to open a second account with the NPS. The system won't let you have 2 sets of tickets for the same day. It makes no sense, but that's the way it was last month. I had to scramble to set up another account at 7am. If you can't get a desired time, have a second account ready.

They also have standbys on the same day. I wouldn't take my chances with those, particularly if you're going at a busy time.

I actually plan to visit the Arizona Memorial. What would be the best way to get tickets? I plan to go there early morning around 9 or so.

The best way if you want to do it without a tour, it to go to the NPS website and reserve the tickets. They are free.

You can also get there by taking a tour, which IIRC, costs about $50-$70 and includes other stops.

Would you or anyone else recommend the tour?

Sure, I did a tour. Check out viator. We ended up doing a circle island tour, to check out the highlights on the island. In hindsight (we also had a rental car), we could have hit all the destinations on our own, but it was actually kind of nice not worrying out when/how to get there without dealing with all the details for a change. There are one or two places we probably would not have known to go on our own, and we also get commentary from the local tour driver (who talked about everything from history to real estate prices there)

A big part of the decision to do the tour was visiting the Arizona Memorial. I had an epic fail moment and somehow forgot to request tickets ahead of the trip, even though a friend reminded me to do it. Partly because it was a last minute decision to go so there was a lot of planning in a shortened amount of time. No regrets - tour took care of figuring when/how and the little details, and it was very nice for a change.

That all depends on the type of person you are and what else you want to do. If money is an object and a guided bus trip is not desired, you could take TheBus 20 or 42 for $2.50 each way. Takes about an hour. (Walk back to the main street for the return trip. Use the transfer to stop off at the Ala Moana Center's Food Court) It is the way we always do it and have always obtained free tickets for the launch by going early. They open at 7:00AM. If you wish to go around the island, you could rent a car for less than a tour bus for multiple people. Of course you will need to do a little research.

Tickets to the Pearl Harbor museum and the Arizona Memorial are free. No need to reserve or pay for a tour. I was there about 2 weeks ago when my nephew was visiting me and we just walked up at 10:30am, got a ticket for 10:50am on the next boat out to the Arizona (there is a short film first). Walked through the museum afterwards. Completely free. Same thing about 2 months ago with other visitors - walked up at 11:00am and got 4 tickets for 20 minutes later. I have never had a problem getting walk up tickets.

For the best banana macadamia nut pancakes I have ever tasted, go to Lulu's. Upstairs above the ABC store, on the corner of Kalakaua and Kapahulu. Make sure to ask for coconut syrup.

I'm looking at the website for the Arizona Memorial and I'm wondering I'f I should go for the narrated tour. Anyone have any suggestions? Also, anyone know how long the narrated tour is?

I purchased the narrated tour for the 4 of us. I used it very briefly and the other 3 not at all. The issue was that it was crowded so it was difficult to get to the location the narrator was talking about.

I would save my money. However, the information contained was very good. I just didn't use it very much.

I guess I should save my money and reserve a free ticket for the Arizona memorial?

Anyone know whats included in the tickets?

Moving on from the Pearl Harbor museum, anyone know if I will require tickets for snorkeling at Haunuma Bay?

For Hanauma Bay. Parking is $1 per car. Be there early as the lot gets full quick. Or take TheBus route 22 from Waikiki Kalakaua Avenue.

You are required to purchase ticket to the beach. $7.50 for non-Hawaii resident, Hawaii residents are free. Then you have to watch a 10 minute video about the nature preserve before you can walk down to the beach.

The park closes every Tuesday and whenever there is large wave or jellyfish influx (7 to 8 days after a full moon).

The movie, short boat ride to the memorial, and the memorial itself.

The museums are free and available to anyone, with or without a ticket to the Arizona.[/QUOTE]

So thats all included in the free reserved ticket? And with the narrated tour, a tour guide is included?

I guess I don't need a tour guide I guess.

Are there any other snorkeling places worth going to or Haunama Bay is the place for snorkeling?

Anyone know what time I should head out to the Arizona Memorial and Haunuma Bay so I can plan accordingly?

Moving on, there has been a string of shark attacks recently and somewhere in Oahu was mentioned. Should that be a concern if I plan to go to the beach?

Only if you plan on stepping off the beach and into the ocean...