Notes and Thoughts–Oahu
North Shore:
Definitely worth a drive if for nothing else than a nice way to spend the afternoon. I highly recommend you pack water shoes and sneakers. Our main purpose for driving to the north shore was to see the crazy waves, the pipeline and maybe some talented surfers if we got lucky. We wore sandals and if that wasn’t stupid enough we left them in the car – assuming the walk would be all sand. IT’S NOT!! Its broken coral, broken shells, twigs, rocks, glass, etc.. and the closer you get to the better waves, the worse the ground gets. At one point I questioned if I even cared about the waves - that’s how much it hurt just walking there. Bottled water and suntan lotion are also a very good idea. There is not much around in terms of stores and supermarkets so come prepared. Right off of Kamehameha Highway– you can’t miss the waves. Make sure you stop at Matsumoto Grocery for a shave ice. This family owned store is probably the most famous place for shave ice which in NY we call a snow cone. Many flavors to choose from but be prepared to wait in line as they serve, according to their website, over a thousand a day. We waited 35 minutes for two “cones.” Bees are everywhere due to the syrup that spills on the ground. The place itself is shack-like, selling t-shirts and trinkets but everyone is there for one reason only. Tom Hanks and Adam Sandler among others have enjoyed this frozen treats. http://www.matsumotoshaveice.com
Breakfast in Waikiki Beach:
Unless you want to spend a fortune for some type of hotel-buffet, I recommend one of two things; 1. Stop at a supermarket, buy cereal and/or fruit and use your hotel room’s mini bar to store it. 2. Go to Denny’s (or somewhere similar). Denny’s is located directly across the street from the Halekulani Hotel, on Lewers. Although over priced for eggs, it is by far your best breakfast bet. It’s relatively fast (let’s not forget you are in Hawaii), and its 1/3 of the price you’d pay for these $30 per person buffets. While we were there they had an “egg special,” which included two eggs, meat, and bread for $8.29. Like I said, not cheap but far cheaper than the alternative. We found it to be packed and clean, with the service being affable yet sometimes on the slow side.
Diamond Head:
Located about 15 minutes from Waikiki Beach is Diamond Head. Open from 6am to 6pm, this facility charges $5 to park and a $1-per person fee for entrance. The hike is less than 1 mile, and it ranges from paved walkways to dirt paths to stairs. This is not for the handicapped or for small children who require strollers. To reach the top point, which is the reason you go here at all, you must ascend two large sets of steep stairs. The top is the only area with true views of Waikiki Beach and of the water, the lighthouse, etc. That being said, I recommend you pack light but do remember the film, water and suntan lotion. Season Passes are available (for locals who make this about exercise and not sightseeing). Wear sneakers (not sandals or slides) or hiking shoes (if you feel it necessary). Tours are available but to be honest why would you need to take a tour? You need a local to walk you to the top? Trust me, you can’t get lost and paying a tour guide is a waste of money. While we were at the top, we heard a tour group talking and although the guides do talk about things like vegetation, unless that interests you, save the money and do the hike on your own. Many guide books state a flashlight is necessary but this is not true; lights have been installed in the once dark tunnel. Highly Recommended.
Getting Around:
I HIGHLY recommend renting a car in Oahu. If not for your entire trip then for a day at the least. This way you can drive around and see places like Diamond Head, the North Shore, etc., without paying a small fortune for a cab or tour company. Every major car rental company resides at the airport or speak to your concierge about a daily rental. We got really lucky with rates on hotwire.com. I am assuming all the hotels charge for parking, as there is very little available in Honolulu so be prepared.
Waikiki Beach:
Many people refer to Oahu as New York City on a beach–ah… no. It does remind me a lot of the nicer parts of Miami, Florida, though. It’s clean, the people are all beautiful and having fun, there is an excessive amount of high-end shopping, and one hotel is nicer than the next. Everything you need for a fun, yet relaxing vacation is available in Oahu. The restaurants cater to even the pickiest of eaters, the shopping goes from trinkets to Chanel and the hotels from Motel 6 to the Halekulani and Mandarin. The drive from the airport is about 45 minutes (without traffic) and there is a lot to be seen, all within walking distance. The beach, although very slim at times, goes on for miles and everyone is always outside enjoying themselves. ABC stores are in high supply here. Almost like 7-Elevens on the mainland. They are a cross between a mini-mart and a souvenir shop. It is impossible to walk a block and not see at least two. This is the best place to buy Hawaii t-shirts, snacks, postcards or that last minute duffel bag because you over packed and the airline wants to charge you $50 for the extra weight.
Dole Plantation:
Again available through a tour or you can rent a car. It is a bit of a drive but on the way to the North shore from Waikiki. The Dole Plantation is a gimmick to be honest. First and foremost it’s a large gift shop that sells everything from postcards to pineapple ice cream to jewelry to salad dressing. The back has a pineapple maze, a "train" ride through the plantation, locals selling items off of kiosks and an area displaying pineapple tree/bushes from around the world. It took us longer to park than to look around. Total yawn fest.
Pearl Harbor:
A definite must while in town–without question. Free parking and entrance to the memorial. Expect crowds. Read more about my experience in my other journal entry entitled “Pearl Harbor”.
General:
The visitors here tend to be 50% American and 50% Japanese. Prices are in line with NYC and other major U.S. cities. I have been to four Hawaiian Islands, and Oahu seems to be the least expensive in terms of restaurants and resorts. There is a slew to choose from. For whatever reason Oahu has a reputation for being a stop-over island. I completely disagree. We were here for three full days and could have easily found another few days' worth of activities. The people are warm and friendly, and there is just about something for everyone. Highly recommended