Honolulu Activities planning
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 12
Honolulu Activities planning
Hello all!
What are the activities or sites which I need to book or reserve in advance?
I already have a rental car and now I need to figure out what to do where to go and maybe when to go!
It is our first time and we are looking to do everything! Please feel free to let me know your thoughts!
What are the activities or sites which I need to book or reserve in advance?
I already have a rental car and now I need to figure out what to do where to go and maybe when to go!
It is our first time and we are looking to do everything! Please feel free to let me know your thoughts!
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,604
Some ideas here:
https://www.gohawaii.com/
Also, if you have a good-sized public library near you, consider borrowing a Hawaii (or Honolulu/Oahu) guidebook, like Fodor's, Frommer's etc.
https://www.gohawaii.com/
Also, if you have a good-sized public library near you, consider borrowing a Hawaii (or Honolulu/Oahu) guidebook, like Fodor's, Frommer's etc.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,088
Also, google search will give you a lot of ideas. Pearl Harbor National Memorial was a favorite for us.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2023
Posts: 12
Thanks for the suggestion - I will definitely check out Pearl Harbor.
Are there any Tourist Traps that I should avoid? I am not a big fan of waiting in line , I have been told there is a lot of that in Honolulu.
Are there any Tourist Traps that I should avoid? I am not a big fan of waiting in line , I have been told there is a lot of that in Honolulu.
#5
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,043
Your question is somewhat broad in nature; if you provide the number of travellers in your party, general ages, and what kinds of sights/experiences you'd enjoy, more focused answers can be provided.
That being said, the top attractions in Honolulu are pretty-well documented. Of them, the ones that need a bit of pre-planning include Pearl Harbor and Hanauma Bay. Here's the existing thread on Pearl Harbor.
Consolidated "Going to Pearl Harbor -- Questions & Suggestions" thread
As far as "tourist traps" I have very mixed feelings on the tourist-targeted luaus which are basically pagents with buffet-style food and cocktails. While I appreciate the attempts to portray Hawaiian and Polynedian culture and educate vistors, they also are nothig like the luau that we locals hold to celebrate happy events (weddings, milestone birthdays, etc.)
The Aloha Festivals takes place most of this month with a large number of activities towards the end of the month; these are visitor-friendly but also are well-attended by locals. https://www.alohafestivals.com/events/
I encourage visitors to hear live performances of Hawaiian music; they are often accompanied by the hula that are associated with the songs. That’s a very authentic expression of the culture.
That being said, the top attractions in Honolulu are pretty-well documented. Of them, the ones that need a bit of pre-planning include Pearl Harbor and Hanauma Bay. Here's the existing thread on Pearl Harbor.
Consolidated "Going to Pearl Harbor -- Questions & Suggestions" thread
As far as "tourist traps" I have very mixed feelings on the tourist-targeted luaus which are basically pagents with buffet-style food and cocktails. While I appreciate the attempts to portray Hawaiian and Polynedian culture and educate vistors, they also are nothig like the luau that we locals hold to celebrate happy events (weddings, milestone birthdays, etc.)
The Aloha Festivals takes place most of this month with a large number of activities towards the end of the month; these are visitor-friendly but also are well-attended by locals. https://www.alohafestivals.com/events/
I encourage visitors to hear live performances of Hawaiian music; they are often accompanied by the hula that are associated with the songs. That’s a very authentic expression of the culture.
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Sep 15, 2023 at 4:28 pm
#6
formerly wchinchen
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Honolulu
Programs: AA CK, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,309
Hello all!
What are the activities or sites which I need to book or reserve in advance?
I already have a rental car and now I need to figure out what to do where to go and maybe when to go!
It is our first time and we are looking to do everything! Please feel free to let me know your thoughts!
What are the activities or sites which I need to book or reserve in advance?
I already have a rental car and now I need to figure out what to do where to go and maybe when to go!
It is our first time and we are looking to do everything! Please feel free to let me know your thoughts!
#7
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: USA
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,195
If you like tropical reef fish, I would think about snorkeling at Hana`Uma Bay. It’s considerably cleaner and better (from what I’m told) than it was when I was a keiki but you have to make a reservation now as they try to keep the numbers down.
#8
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LAX/SMF/PDX/HNL
Programs: Hilton-lifetime diamond, Southwest A+, companion pass
Posts: 1,749
We have spent a total of many months in Waikiki over our 5 decades of travel. Here are some admittedly unusual touristy things that we do:
Shop at the Ross stores. For some unknown reason, we always seem to find clothing to buy there, unlike on the mainland.
Visit a Costco (our favorite is in Hawaii Kai) because the selection of merchandise is unique to the islands. Bring back bags of Kirkland honey roasted mac nuts.
For the best macadamia nuts, albeit at a high price, buy from North Shore Macadamia Roasters - only sold at their store (which they have unfortunately recently turned into a touristy place).
While you might go to Matsumoto Shave Ice due to its popularity, better shave ice can be found at these locations:
---Aoki's shave ice, just across the street from Matsumoto - note they have unusual business hours
---Island Vintage Shave Ice two locations in Waikiki - lines can be long at the kiosk location, but are shorter at the store location. Expensive.
---Shimazu Shave Ice - some homemade flavors -try the durian flavor syrup, if you are brave
North Shore Trading Company -across from Matsumoto shave ice for high quality Hawaiian-themed kitchen towels and other items
Poke bowl at Foodland supermarket in the Ala Moana shopping center - good value, although they have eliminated some of their toppings recently
KCC farmers market on Saturdays-huge and popular with locals
Any event that suits your fancy at the Blaisdell center - great sound system and semi-reasonable ticket prices
Finally, be sure to book a reservation to the Arizona/Pearl Harbor memorial. This is really the only tourist "must do" that we would recommend.
Aloha!
Shop at the Ross stores. For some unknown reason, we always seem to find clothing to buy there, unlike on the mainland.
Visit a Costco (our favorite is in Hawaii Kai) because the selection of merchandise is unique to the islands. Bring back bags of Kirkland honey roasted mac nuts.
For the best macadamia nuts, albeit at a high price, buy from North Shore Macadamia Roasters - only sold at their store (which they have unfortunately recently turned into a touristy place).
While you might go to Matsumoto Shave Ice due to its popularity, better shave ice can be found at these locations:
---Aoki's shave ice, just across the street from Matsumoto - note they have unusual business hours
---Island Vintage Shave Ice two locations in Waikiki - lines can be long at the kiosk location, but are shorter at the store location. Expensive.
---Shimazu Shave Ice - some homemade flavors -try the durian flavor syrup, if you are brave
North Shore Trading Company -across from Matsumoto shave ice for high quality Hawaiian-themed kitchen towels and other items
Poke bowl at Foodland supermarket in the Ala Moana shopping center - good value, although they have eliminated some of their toppings recently
KCC farmers market on Saturdays-huge and popular with locals
Any event that suits your fancy at the Blaisdell center - great sound system and semi-reasonable ticket prices
Finally, be sure to book a reservation to the Arizona/Pearl Harbor memorial. This is really the only tourist "must do" that we would recommend.
Aloha!
Last edited by dlaue; Sep 28, 2023 at 9:49 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: USA
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,195
Adding to the shave ice stores that are superior to Matsumoto's:
- Waiola: original location on Waiola St usually has poor parking and long lines due to tourism now but they have another location off Kapahulu Ave which generally has much shorter lines (albeit parking can still be an issue)
- Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha (https://houseofpurealoha.com/): original location in Aina Haina Shopping Center -- they had 1 or 2 other locations but those may have closed as I can't find mention of them.
- Ululani's: new O`ahu location off Kapahulu Blvd near Leonard's Bakery
Add a second vote for KCC Farmer's MArket
- Waiola: original location on Waiola St usually has poor parking and long lines due to tourism now but they have another location off Kapahulu Ave which generally has much shorter lines (albeit parking can still be an issue)
- Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha (https://houseofpurealoha.com/): original location in Aina Haina Shopping Center -- they had 1 or 2 other locations but those may have closed as I can't find mention of them.
- Ululani's: new O`ahu location off Kapahulu Blvd near Leonard's Bakery
Add a second vote for KCC Farmer's MArket
#10
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: YQR
Programs: no status
Posts: 1,054
If you like music then factory tours of Kamaka and KoAloha ukuleles are amazing. Also Bishop Museum and Aloha Stadium swap meet.
My question, we will be returning to Waikiki after four year absence and I wonder if there are still any decent hole in the wall plate lunch places? We loved ME BBQ at the Royal Grove but apparently they did not get their lease renewed last year.
My question, we will be returning to Waikiki after four year absence and I wonder if there are still any decent hole in the wall plate lunch places? We loved ME BBQ at the Royal Grove but apparently they did not get their lease renewed last year.
#11
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LAX/SMF/PDX/HNL
Programs: Hilton-lifetime diamond, Southwest A+, companion pass
Posts: 1,749
If you like music then factory tours of Kamaka and KoAloha ukuleles are amazing. Also Bishop Museum and Aloha Stadium swap meet.
My question, we will be returning to Waikiki after four year absence and I wonder if there are still any decent hole in the wall plate lunch places? We loved ME BBQ at the Royal Grove but apparently they did not get their lease renewed last year.
My question, we will be returning to Waikiki after four year absence and I wonder if there are still any decent hole in the wall plate lunch places? We loved ME BBQ at the Royal Grove but apparently they did not get their lease renewed last year.
Two of our favorites:
Musubi Cafe Iasumi on Uluniu Avenue.
Sam's Kitchen on Royal Hawaiian Ave.
#12
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,043
Mahalo to all for their responses. As the OP hasn't been back to clarify their request, I will close this thread for now.
FlyinHawaiian, Moderator
Hawaii (Travel) Forum
FlyinHawaiian, Moderator
Hawaii (Travel) Forum