Oahu, Hawaii

Not everyone can rent one of these cottages. It is on a Marine Corps base and is only open to military, their family, and friends. We've stayed in the cottages many times but it was one particular time that is most memorable--my wedding.

Actually, I rented it for my girlfriends who were coming from Vancouver, Canada, for my wedding. The cabins are very nice for the price, $60. This particular one was recently renovated, situated on the beach, three bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Walking onto the deck, you will enjoy a wonderful view of Pyramid Rock Beach from your own padded lounge chairs. If you get hungry, you can grill yourself a hamburger on the full size grill provided.

Next to the North Shore, Pyramid Rock has the best waves for surfing and boogie boarding. Needless to say, my girlfriends were very happy with the accommodations. On the night of the wedding, we decided to end the evening off at the cabin with a party for all our guests. Let's just say that the cabin has enough room to fit about 40 plus people.

If you're looking for a place with atmosphere and a lot of food for the price, Dixie Grill is the place for you. I not only ate there, I also worked there. I can't say enough good things about the place. The food is New Orleans Southern style cooking (ribs and crab) and the atmosphere is very festive. The servers yell out things like "hot food!" or "hot stuff coming out!".

It is a great restaurant if you want to bring the kids. They can color, play in the sandbox, or play video games. If you ever have a chance to got there, order the Sceamin' Mai Tai. It comes in a 64-ounce glass and of course the servers have to yell out "hey everybody, I have screamin' Mai Tai!" and the whole restaurant screams. It's a lot of fun for the whole family.

Centered in the middle of Waikiki, Duke's is a must see if you are in town. The restaurant is a local landmark named after Duke Kahanamoku, a Hawaiian surfing legend. Evenings are very crowded but worth the wait. If you step off the back deck, you are on Waikiki Beach. The food is excellent, especially the Hula Pie, made for you, macadamia nut lovers. On Sunday afternoon's (the best day to go in my opinion) live entertainment makes for a perfect day.

Hanama Bay is a beautiful beach with coral reefs. When entering the bay from above, you get the most beautiful view of the ocean. If the sun is positioned right, the water is the most wonderful shade of blue that I have ever seen. While snorkeling, make sure to get some fish food, but be careful when feeding the fish, they do bite! Other sea creatures that can be seen are sea turtles and electric eels.

Around the corner from the bay is a path that leads you to the Toilet Bowl. It is a circular carving in the lava rock. If you stand in the carving when the waves come in, they lift you up to the top and swirl you around, like a toilet bowl. Although this is a very popular activity, it can be pretty dangerous if the waves are very strong. I've tried it once or twice.