A Waikiki Experience

We arrived on a Wednesday morning. Our flight arrived half a day earlier than check-in time at the resort, so we checked our baggage in with the desk clerks and arranged for a trip to the Flea Market at Aloha stadium. So many things there that are otherwise in all the shops in town, around the island at bargainable prices. Everyone there is friendly, offer suggestions on where on the island to go for entertainment, recreation. Make sure you apply sunblock before starting to shop as the sun does beat down on you. Buy a great hat! You could take an empty suitcase and buy all the clothing you would need for your vacation at the flea market, even buy an extra suitcase, there are many vendors.

Quick Tips:

The Hawaiian prints are fabulous, not to be found anywhere else. If you see something you like, get it as you won't see it again at home. I would go so far as to buy several yards of the fabric, take it home and have something made. Again, you won't find these fabrics at home.

Best Way To Get Around:

We relied on the travel desk at the resort for good information on tours. We weren't disappointed. We tried to get a bus on the street and found the directions not clear as to where exactly it would go, unless it was a clearly marked destination such as a shopping mall. We rented a vehicle for a day, went all around the island, stopping where and when we wanted. The freeway markings were not what we are used to and we wound up at the guard shack of the marine base instead of on the road back to Waikiki. Once you are on a freeway, it goes for miles, no exits! Very scenic drive on the North Shore area. Stop at one of the roadside stands for a coconut! They'll hack off the top and pop in a straw.

Best Things Nearby:
Shopping, transportation, beach, restaurants.

Best Things About the Resort:
Location,location, location! Friendly, helpful personnel. Very nice accommodations, 23rd floor.

Resort Experience:
Clean, great location. The travel/tour folks were very helpful, friendly, went over the top to make our tours the best. I loved the huge terry robes available to all -- did not use any of the pool or spa area as there was so much to do otherwise. Managed to get a very nice tan anyway.

• Unit Type: Studio
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

The location, ambience, service were great. The history of the place was evident and reminders of the great Duke Kahanamoku were everywhere. There is indoor/outdoor dining, buffet, and served food. All tastefully prepared and served. Good entertainment as well.

The view from the top is beautiful. You can see the entire coastline, the inner city of Honolulu, Waikiki, Kapiolani Park and surrounding communities. Flights leaving Honolulu for the mainland and other islands are clearly in sight. The changes in the color of the sea are beautiful. Just to know you have climbed all those stairs and switchbacks is great.

This was my third trip to Oahu, my favorite island. There is so much to see and do on Oahu and it is difficult to choose what to do in a week.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a must - take advantage of the return in three days offer they have. The shows take up most of a day, dinner takes a while and then there is the evening show.

The villages have other things to do besides the above, participation activities, the university to explore, etc. Do plan on renting a car for one day, just to go around the island at your own pace, stop when you want.

Nighttime on the main drag is interesting, from mini-shows, "statue" people, the huge fish tank/aquarium.

For sure go to Kings Village in time to see the changing of the guard. Very impressive -- the Queen of England would be proud if they served her.

I enjoyed the Luau at the Royal Hawaiian, the Pink Palace. Very close to the resort, walking distance, the show is presented on a stage with Diamond Head as a backdrop.

Pick up one of the street magazines on what is happening in Waikiki - they have Movies on the Beach one night of the week. A huge screen drops down and they show current movies, free. There are chairs set up on the lawn, people bring their own. The night air is pleasant, a nice warm breeze every once in a while. Good for families.

On Sunday, if you are so inclined, go to the Hilton in the morning. They have an interdenominational Christian service on the beach. No hell fire and damnation, just a simple message with a lovely, graceful dancer, dancing to several Hawaiian Christian songs. Very beautiful. Beach mats are provided for all to sit on. Try to choose a tree to sit under as the sun is out. The setting is so peaceful, you can hear the ocean waves softly brushing on the the sand.