Waikiki Vacation Questions
 

My girlfriend and I are have booked a hotel in Waikiki beach for a week in November. We are from Seattle and have a few questions. We want to relax, enjoy the Hawaiian culture, and check out some cool places you don't find in Seattle. We are both in our early 30s.

Are there any must-eat dishes or must-try restaurants? We are looking to try Poke, Shaved Ice, Loco Moco, and to go to a Luau. We are excited to dine at The Pig and The Lady. Any suggestion for an affordable Luau to try?

We plan to rent a car for several days to explore the island. Overnight parking at our resort (near Queen Kapiolani Beach) is about $45 a night which is too pricey for us. Any suggestions as what to do? I was thinking of trying to rent the car just during the day instead of overnight. Another idea my girlfriend had was to park the car further out and Uber to the car.

Other then renting a car how should we be getting around the island? Is Uber, taxi, and public transit a viable option?

Our current plan is to spend most of the time in Waikiki, spend a day in downtown, an afternoon at the Dale Plantation, and an afternoon at Diamond Head. Any other suggestions in things to check out?

Are there any tourist or local coupon books that we can take advantage of? If so, where can we find these coupon books?

Choose a visit or tour to Polynesian Cultural Center (closed Sundays). They have an OK Luau, but there is so much to do, you can spend most or all day there and never be bored. NOT located in Honolulu but in Laie. The Polynesian Cultural Center probably has a desirable bus pickup if booked with tour.

Shave ice, BTW. Not "shaved" ice.

There are lots of these in racks at the airport baggage claim area and most hotels, as well as on the streets.

A lot of info are on the 3rd post on:

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawa...-honolulu.html

A one day car rental would be ideal for a trip around the island which could include dinner back at Honolulu at La Mariana listed in the clickon'

If you need additional info/?s, please post. Have a wonderful time. Just curious, which hotel? Ken

I would recommend climbing Diamond Head in the morning. Early morning.
It gets warm and sunny very quickly
would recommend to walk back into Waikiki from Diamond Head.
there are a few nice "local shops and places for eating" along the way
I know there is a bus that goes around the island of Oahu. May be a lot cheaper than to rent a car.
Parking everywhere is expensive and parking on the street comes with lots of restrictions.
Inside Honolulu take the bus or Uber
I like the luau at the Royal Hawaiian. It is anything but inexpensive. Hilton Village also has a rooftop luau (or used to)
Walk along Kuhio Avenue if you want to try some food stands/smaller food places. Much cheaper.