Oahu 25th Anniversary Trip

We relish the unusual out of the way places that really tell the story of a destination and its people. We loved the beaches, mountains, beautiful vistas, the cultural, historical places,and the plants, animals, photography and less crowded places. We usually manage to visit places that are not so frequented by the tourist--seeking out the essence of the place.

Quick Tips:

We used the National Geographic Traveler Hawaii book and the Oahu Drive Guide put out by Alamo Car Rental. Along with a good AAA map of Hawaii and Honolulu and a pictoral map from the O'ahu Visitors Bureau I received prior to the trip, we found most of the places we wanted to visit.

Best Way To Get Around:

We enjoy the freedom a car gives us to really explore places that are not usually included on the traditional tours. We pack a picnic and plenty of water and just wander where we want. Around town walking or public tranit are good ways to go. But for efficiency of time we find driving suits us best.

We had tried for years to get RCI accommodations anywhere in Hawaii with no luck so our three children booked this trip for us through United Vacations.(The price is a guess since the package was a gift.) We had a one bedroom condo with great views from both the bedroom and livingroom of Wakiki area and Diamond Head and Kapiolani Park. We especially liked sitting on our 30th floor balcony watching the ships come in and the surfing action of the beach. The changing light in the morning and evenings on Diamond Head were beautiful. Bring binoculars for better views of the action.

There was a nice swimming pool that we never seemed to have time to take advantage of, and an on-site convenience store. Staff was very helpful. We had our bed made and the bathrooms cleaned daily. We did our own kitchen cleanup. It was not a high entertainment hotel but adequate. Many families were staying there. It was located close to the action without all the noise one would have on the beach about two blocks away. It was great for evening walks of Waikiki Beach. Since most beach stores stay open until 10:30 at night, there is plenty of time to shop after a full day of fun on the beach.

Most tours had pickup at our hotel or the Marriott, just a block away. The parking garage cost $7 a day which was a surprise to us as we are spoiled by free parking on the mainland. Even many of the places that validated parking tickets still had a minimum they charged so it is good to ask ahead of time. Check out was at noon and our plane didn't leave until 10pm. If we had needed storage, the hotel would have kept our bags in a safe place after check-out and provided us with a place to shower and clean up. The United Package Tour people would have arranged hotel to airport transport for us. Since we had the car, we just checked out and had a full day of fun.

It was our last meal in Honolulu. We had checked out of our hotel and were feeling a bit broke at the end of the trip, but we didn't feel broke enough for fast food. We wanted a truly nice last meal to remember.

We had decided this last day to visit some places on our "want to see list" and Hilton Hawaiian Village was one of them. We checked out several restaurants $40 and up. Finally I strolled up to a hotel employee and asked him where the working stiffs ate around the Village and he called Rainbow Lanai to check their schedule. So we decided to try it.

The Lanai opened at 5:30pm and we were first in line. It was open air and had semi-circular "islands" of the dining space that extended over the lagoon on one side. The waiter steered us to one of the lagoon tables that had a view of one of the pedestrian walks over the lagoon that connected the beautifully landscaped swimming pool area and the beach. Behind the walk was a lava rock cliff with water cascading over the edge to the lagoon. A more romantic spot we couldn't have created ourselves. We enjoyed watching a wedding photographer posing a couple in the lovely settings and people almost fall into the lagoon because they were so busy watching the activity in the Village.

There were several salads and sandwiches that were under $10 on the menu. What really tempted me was the lavish buffet that was only $23 for the early birds but went to $28 later. I took a good look at it but decided to not stuff myself for the long plane ride home later that night. We had excellent service. Next time I will make time for the buffet. I highly recommend this for those who want a fine dining experience that is also within a limited budget

Just after the meal we caught a Polynesian dance program taking place around the pool area. We just relaxed on a lounge chair and let our food digest while watching some more of what makes Hawaii so special . . . it's people, music, and culture.

This beach is for those who want to experience what the natives must have seen before the tourists took over the island in droves. It is located about 2/3's of the way north of Honolulu on the road to the Polynesian Culture Center.The cove is below the rock formation called the Sleeping Warrior. We went there twice and never saw more than 20 people at any one time. It has areas of grass shaded by coconut trees and a beautiful semi-circular beach of fine sand with plenty of ocean treasures still around for those of us who like looking for tide pool junk. I found lots of the Kukui seeds washed to shore -- they are the round seeds, usually black, that are strung up and sold in all the tourist shops for $8 or more.

As a backdrop to the beach we were surrounded by the tall and lush Koolau Mountains. For those more adventurous the Kahana Valley State Park is across the HW from the beach.The mountain tops were a favorite launch site for parasailors who landed on the beach in front of us.

The water was just challenging enough for those of us who grew up in the mainland interior. The waves were breaking close to shore, and beyond, the water was calmly rolling. There was enough action for one to feel the power of the ocean but not to be overwhelmed by it.

If you desire a nice romantic, private, uncommercialized beach experience where you can have a quiet picnic with a mid-afternoon nap afterwards, this would be my choice. And we saw all the beaches on all sides of the island.

Every weekend for 50 years, local artists have exhibited their creations on the fence of the zoo that borders Monsarrat Ave. The exhibitors are very friendly and the prices are reasonable.

Across from the Art Exhibit in Kapiolani Park on the Sunday we were there was a big craft fair that had wonderful items for sale. There was a basket maker who was singing Hawaiian ballads to her electric guitar accompanment. She seemed more interested in singing than selling as she never stopped the performance. There were the retired teachers who collected gems and minerals from all over the world and transformed them into pieces of art. The jewelry maker who sold her exquisite wares for half of what the stores sold them. The crafts person who turned leaves and flowers in to angels that could hang on your wall or Christmas tree. Numerous seamtresses who made all manner of cloth goods. It was a wonderful look into the creative talents of the local people.

If you can only afford one tour, take this one! It gives you the essence of what Hawaii is all about. It is well worth spending the extra $10 per person to have a tour guide steer you around the shows in record time.

We booked the bus tour from the Waikiki area. Our tour guide, Uncle Walter (in Oahu, we are all cousins and the guides are uncles), filled us in on a lot of sites along the way that we later drove to ourselves. The bus takes you along the interior of the island past the places that parts of Jurassic Park, Windtalkers, George of the Jungle, Pearl Harbor, Raiders of the Lost Arc, Gilligan's Island and Fantasy Island were filmed. We learned about the various flora, the legends connected with the land forms, how Oahu has the purest water in the world that is catched from the 200 inches of rainfall a year in a pool under the volcanic mountains.

The Center is divided into three major areas: the Polynesian Villages, the visitor-shopping area, the luau-night show areas. The villages include Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Marquesas, Hawai'i. Each has its own special show, demonstrations, and participatory activities. Our guide had worked in all areas of the Center for several years and steered us from one place to another so we could have seating in the shade and not duplicate things we might be seeing later in the various big shows that night. We got to ride the long canoe through the lagoon and viewed the 2:30pm Canoe Pageant in a prime location. The Pageant featured two long canoes connected with a platform which served as a stage for the various dance demonstrations by each Village. Uncle Benny from the Hawai'i Village sang as each boat load of dancers performed.

Most of the young performers and guides are students at the nearby Brigham Young University, who started the center 40 years ago. They work a maximum of 18 hours a week to earn scholarships to attend the school. They are from each of the islands and work in the villages they are most related to. They are very eager to share their culture and island stories so don't hesitate to visit with them in order to learn more.In addition to the various Village shows you may participate in Village activities.

We went to the Ali'i Luau which was in a terraced area with food buffet at the top and stage at the bottom. Everyone received an orchid lei. There was constant entertainment from the stage backed by a waterfall and volcanic rock cliffs. The menu was traditional and included several Hawaiian specialties. Finally we attended the Horizons night show. There were 100 performers with a story and presentation for each island culture. The final fire dancer was amazing!

Save your ticket and check before you leave about return visits within three days for free.

A geological point of interest as the cemetery is in the crater of a volcano. The views of Honolulu from the observation deck of the rim walk are worth the trip.

The real reason for visiting this area are the spectacularly dramatic views of pounding surf and huge waves against the rugged black lava rock from Koko Crater. This area is just south of the golden sand of the beach. Don't hesitate to stop at all the lookout points along the way. There is always a magnificent view. The Halona Blowhole is quite fun to watch and a challenge to photograph as the 50 foot spout of water shoots out of the hole. Nature lovers come here in the winter to view humpbacked whales. One of the prettiest places we viewed where ocean and land come together.

This regional park is a favorite of the locals. Mokolii Island or Chinaman's Hat is the landmark off shore. During low tide, one can walk on a shallow reef to the island. Lots of rough, sharp volcanic rock along some of beach. Fishing is prominent sport. Picnic tables are available and birds are abundant. While there, we watched the coast guard doing helicopter water rescues.

We never seemed to find time to actually swim in the water. We did spend time sitting together on a bench to watch spectacular sunsets and people watch. We viewed the activity from our hotel balcony where we could see the surfers and long canoes going out to the big waves. We strolled along the sidewalks to visit the many stores and hotels along the beach strip. Go inside the really nice hotels and check out their landscaping, dining and shops. We walked along the beach at night with waves lapping at us for a wonderful romantic evening. A fun place for anything.

A beautiful replica of a 900-year-old temple in Japan with Oriental landscaping. This ornate building is nestled at the base of the Koolua Mountains on the windward side. The 10,000 golden koi swiming in the ponds are a sight to see. They literally follow you from bridge to bridge begging for food in great masses. There are black swans, peacocks, and a huge bell you swing a huge log at to ring. Take your shoes off if you enter the temple. There is a small fee at the gate of the cemetery.

This was a nice surprise. We had planned to see this, but hadn't located it until we made a wrong turn and there it was! The five Honolulu Botanical Parks are very under-advertised in the tour guides, probably because four of them are free like this one.

Absolutely wonderful for plant lovers, photographers, and walkers. 400 acres of lush plants at the base of the steep Ko'olau Mountains. Start at the visitor's center for map and information. It can be seen from car, but to really see all the vistas and plants, take time to follow some of the many trails and get up close up to the plants.

This is the one Honolulu Botanical Garden that costs to visit . . . only $5 a person. But it is worth every cent. It is small, only 14 acres, and right in the middle of Honolulu next to H1. To truly enjoy and have time to photograph the wonderful plants, give yourself about two hours. There is a visitors' center, restrooms, water, gift shop and picnic tables on site.

Many of the trees were planted as early as 1850 in what was then a private estate. 26 trees in Foster Gardens have the designation "Exceptional Tree". There are only 100 such trees on the island of Oahu. Near the entrance is a colorful display of Crotons and Bromeliads. Nearby is the Lyon Orchid Garden and an orchid house for more modern hybrids. The Prehistoric Glen features plants that have survived from primitive times, a humbling experience. Be sure to find the CannonBall Tree and the Sausage Tree . . . both close together. Bring a picnic lunch and watch the birds that populate the park.

Kapiolani Park at the base of Diamond Head is rich in history. It was Hawaii's first public park dedicated to a queen of the same name in 1877. There is lots to see in the 200 acres that includes the zoo, Zoo Fence Art Mart, Waikiki Shell with free hula shows, Kapiolani Bandstand shows, Waikiki Aquarium, Waikiki War Memorial built in 1927 with its deteriorating saltwater swimming pool. We enjoyed walking along the hotels and beaches going from and through the park coming back to our hotel. Lots of beautiful flowering trees and unusual looking birds to see.

Located in one of the most picturesque places on the island (where all the films are made), this farm is part of the 4000 acre Kualoa Ranch that backs into the mountains. There is an 800-year-old fishing pond, many tropical plants in the gardens bordering the pond, a tropical flower nursery where flowers are picked daily and sent to the mainland. The main purpose of our visit was to buy direct from a nut farm outlet the gifts we wished to take home with us.

We were greeted at the entrance to the shop by a friendly lady who patiently explained to me which fruits were which. There was a sample of each kind found in the islands and a plant out front to show where the fruit originated. Inside, there was coffee to sample and all kinds of macadamia flavored nuts to sample. We tried cracking some of our own to taste fresh and they were delicious . . . sort of like a mild hazel nut. There were a couple of other shops. One had some very nice locally made jewelry and other crafts.

A very large shopping center much like one would find on the mainland. But what we liked was the food selection for travel weary tourists that was affordable and quick. The food court had great selections and lots of room to eat.

One of the largest and most advertised gift shops on the island. A part of every tour guide's orientation. Lots of nice stuff but read the labels if you are truly interested in Hawaiian made. Most of the goods offered could be found elsewhere on the island but Hilo's offers a few perks for the busy shopper.

First, a lot of stuff under one room at the main outlet on Nimitz Hwy. Second coffee as you shop. Third, good prices. Fourth a free trolley that will pick up and drop off at most major locations. The main goal is for the trolley to deliver you to Hilo's so if they drop you off at another site be sure to ask if you can get picked up from there to get back to your hotel. I took the trolley from the Duke's statue on Wakiki beach in front of the police station all the way to Hilo Hatties. Then on the return trip I got off at Aloha Towers shopping center where they would pick me up later. Aloha Towers is a good place to use public transport as there is limited and costly parking, if it is available at all.

Back to Hilo's. I purchased 100% Kona coffee there but the ABC stores on almost every block of Honolulu have equally good prices. Again...read the labels. If the coffee is under $9 a bag then it is probably only 10% Kona coffee. One item I especially was interested in was the quilting. But again . . . most is done in the Philipines and advertised as a Hawaiian design. On the zipped pillow cases look inside for the hidden labels at the various outlets. There are a few Hawaiian made large quilts but they are pricey as good quilts should be.

I did find a basket weaver in the back of Hilo's who was doing her own stuff as we watched. She had some interesting palm leaf woven goods from purses to covered containers. She also did photo albums covered in tapa cloth made out of the mulberry tree and decorated in shells. The more you bought, the cheaper it got. She also would make specially ordered items if you wanted.

I got most of my shopping done at Hilo's so I could see the rest of the island with that chore over with.

This is written about so much and is, of course, one of the great memorials to see, so I will just add a couple of tips. First, don't believe all those who tell you to get there early so you can get in quicker. We went by early in the morning and found the line stretched clear to the parking lot and beyond. We went to one of the security guards on his bike in the parking lot to ask him when he thought the best time was to come to avoid the lines. He said not until after 10am and, better yet, after lunch. He said after 3pm, they didn't take any more tours. So we finally got around to the memorial our last day on the island at about 1pm. There were few people out front and even then it was 1.5 hours before we could get in to view the orientation movie that is required before going to the memorial by boat. The gift shop is nice and the historical presentations in the museum filled the waiting time. I think it is a "must see at least once" but the wait time requires at least three hours for the whole tour. I wouldn't do it a second time.

We seemed always to start our day with a "planned itinerary" that we seemed never to get too. This was such a day. On our way to Foster Gardens, we found Punch Bowl, went there, and then discovered upon exiting that there was a drive around a mountain called Round Top Drive. It had wonderful views of Honolulu and a very natural environment of vegetation. For a relaxing tour of a little seen place, it was great. We met a local at the Makiki-Tantalus State Recreation Area view point and trail head. He came up to cleanse his mind of the city congestion. He pointed us to some other sights to see.

We were picked up by bus from the Mariott Hotel only a block from our hotel. The tour guides filled us in on the important aspects of our route and the dinner cruise itself. Then our guides turned into servers on the cruise.

We left the hotel about 4:30. We arrived at ship side greeted by hula dancers. On board we were quickly seated near the center of the first deck. We had great views out both sides of the boat and entertainment was forward and behind us. Tropical fruit drinks included with the cruise were immediately served to us and a photographer came by to take our picture.

As the cruise started all the newlyweds and people celebrating anniversaries were called to the dance floor to the tune of the Hawaiian Marriage song. Of course, we joined the group. One of our tablemates grabbed our camera and came running to the dance floor to record the moment. Everyone was always looking after others on this island.

We all ate the same menu and each group of tables had its own server. We had a tender salad from the heart of romaine lettuce, the most delicious tenderloin steak and all you could eat crab legs. The salad was garnished with fresh basil and the garlic potatoes with a sprig of rosemary which imparted its flavor throughout the potatoes. The passion fruit sherbet had mint on the side . . . all touches a herb grower appreciated.

There was plenty of time to dance, watch the dinner show and tour the ship. We found it to be increasingly hard to walk the higher we went. By the time we made it to the fourth or observation deck, most people were finding it hard to stay upright without hanging onto a railing. All the more fun! Check out the bar with its huge shell bowl full of orchids used to garnish your drinks. We cruised from Aloha Towers to Diamond Head and turned around to return. A very memorable time!