Honolulu Journals

Return to Honolulu, Hawaii

A November 2001 trip to Honolulu by katkids

Cliff Diving in Honolulu Photo - Honolulu, Oahu

Quote: I'll tell you about the hotels, car rentals, and great places to eat as well as shopping and even include some things you might want to stay away from. You'll need to check out the Park entry for that info.

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Return to Honolulu, Hawaii

Overview

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Going to the Polynesian Cultural Center was the greatest.

Don Ho never changes, he just gets a little older, but the show is still wonderful and a lot of fun.

Shopping, of course, is the best with some really great deals to be found everywhere.

Last, but not least, was Pearl Harbor. A very somber, yet educational experience.

Quick Tips:

If you are going as a family, try to get one of the condos instead of just a hotel room. The hotels are great, but the condos just seem to be a bit more personable.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around is either public transportation (one of the best I've experienced) or walking is just great exercise.

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Outrigger Reef on the Beach

Hotel

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The staff was friendly and the accommodations very nice. This hotel has all of the amenities one could want. There are all sorts of shops within, as well as a karaoke bar, rental car desk, and the hotel restaurant. You can read more about the restaurant in my dining entry. It is right on the famous Waikiki Beach. The rooms were nicely decorated, clean and comfortable.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 27, 2001

Outrigger Reef on the Beach
2169 KALIA ROAD
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815-1989
808-923-3111

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Shore Bird Beach Broiler

Restaurant | "The Shorebird Broiler"

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Dining here was interesting to say the least. The breakfast buffet was excellent with a lot of different choices. Diner was probably the most interesting, because you actually prepare your own food. There is a wonderful chef who will help and guide you, but if you prefer, he will do the cooking as well. It is right on the beach so the atmosphere is great and the service wonderful.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 27, 2001

Shore Bird Beach Broiler
2169 Kalia Road
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
+1 808 922 2887

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Makapuu Beach Park

Attraction

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WARNING: This park is right across from Sea Life Park. It's a nice park, but you should be very careful while visiting. We rented a car (a Mustang) to drive around the Island and decided to stop here for awhile. It's really a pretty beach with some great small rock climbing. The rocks can be slippery so take it slow, but the tropical fish and other habitats are really nice. We were at the beach about 45 minutes and upon our return, we found that our car window had been broken into and my daughters beach bag stolen. I guess they thought money or something was in it. When the police arrived, we were told this had been happening at this particular park as well as the one above it. I don't rememb...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on December 27, 2001

Makapuu Beach Park
Windward side of the Island
Honolulu, Hawaii

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Polynesian Cultural Center

Attraction

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This is a park with 7 different Villages and cultures to learn about. It's amusing in some villages, entertainment in others, and educational in others. My favorite Village was the Samoa Village. Watching the guy go up the Coconut Tree as well as coming down was exciting. The host was quite entertaining and really knew how to keep an audience's attention. The main show at the end was great with all of the different cultures coming together. There was Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa, and others. Plan to get the all day ticket so you'll be sure to experience each and every one of the villages. They are truly fascinating.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 27, 2001

Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway
Laie, Hawaii 96762
(808) 293-3333

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Waimea Falls Park

Attraction

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Waimea Falls is probably the closest thing on Oahu to the real Hawaii. You can either walk through (take comfortable walking shoes) or ride the train which takes you to the Waterfall where the cliff divers put on one heck of a show. I suggest getting there early, taking the train up to see the cliff divers and then walk down unless you really just want the exercise. It's a pretty steep walk, but if you aren't in any hurry, some of the smells and sights are priceless as you are walking to the top. Be sure and take strolls along the many paths. There are some great Hawaiian flowers and animals among them. You might even get to feed a peacock or one of the many ducks. If you're lucky enough, you m...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 27, 2001

Waimea Falls Park
Northshore of the Island
Honolulu, Hawaii

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Don Ho Show

Attraction | ""Don Ho""

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A trip to Honolulu just wouldn't be complete without seeing the one and only Don Ho. You'll start out with Dinner and one cocktail. Try to get there early as you can actually get seats right in front of the stage. He'll sing a little, tell a few jokes (some good ones, too), and introduce you to some newcomers as well. You may even get lucky enough to see his daughter, Hoku, who sings like a songbird. During the show, you can have your picture taken with him and he'll autograph it after the show. This is quite a night, so go prepared to laugh and have a lot of fun.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 27, 2001

Don Ho Show
2330 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
+1 808 923 3981; +1

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Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial

Attraction | "Pearl Harbor - USS Arizona Memorial"

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Pearl Harbor is probably the one thing you'll want to do if you don't do anything else. It is educational, historical, and you'll walk away with a truly different feeling than when you arrived. Upon arriving at the USS Arizona, it's almost as though you've gone back in time. It is a very sombering experience and you will walk away talking about it for quite some time. It's almost hard to put in words, but's it's something you definitely don't want to miss.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 27, 2001

Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial
One Arizona Memorial Place
Honolulu, Hawaii 96818
(808) 422-0561

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International Market Place

Attraction

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This is one of the greatest shopping areas to go to for just about anything. You can get all of your souveniers in this one place, including coffee, clothes, and jewelry. Be sure to check the different booths out though, because you may find a better price just a couple of stores down. My suggestion would be to just walk around and look first to compare prices. This is a fairly large shopping area. Some are outside and some are inside, but it is definitely worth spending some time here. You may even be fortunate enough to catch one of the many shows put on in the food court.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 27, 2001

International Market Place
2330 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 971-2080