Thread: Hawaii HELP

Hi Miss Peachy and welcome!

It's been many years ago (at least 12 or 15) but I stayed once in a youth hostel about 2 blocks from Waikiki beach. It was adequate. They had a van that took people for a hike in the rain forrest that was fun. I don't remember the name of the hostel but I think we have a couple of hostel booking links in the Services Directory("Services" link at top). And of course I highly recommend a visit to Pearl Harbor if you've not been.

One option is Schrader's Windward Country Inn, owned and operated by a local. www.schradersinn.com The property is on the windward side of the island on beautiful Kaneohe Bay. The rooms as well as the property are basic but much cheaper than Waikiki hotels. You're nowhere near the masses of tourists and you will need a car. The property is only a few miles from the lovely, uncrowded, white-sand beaches of Kailua Bay and Lanikai. The water is usually calm and is a great place for beginner windsurfing or kayaking.

Oahu doesn't really have any spots that haven't already been "found", either by locals or tourists. But, here are a few of my recommendations...

* Drive around the island and stop along the way anytime you see a beautiful beach or a ramshackle shop selling local arts and crafts. Make a day of it.
* The Arizona Memorial. Arrive first thing in the morning as soon as they open to avoid at least some of the crowds.
* 'Iolani Palace. Although she's slowed down a lot due to age, you just might catch a glimpse of Princess Kawananakoa.
* In the same general area as the royal palace you can also check out Kawaiaha'o Church, the Westminster Abbey of Hawai'i, the site of royal coronations. State Funerals of members of the royal family are still said in the church to this day, as well as the funerals of other important Hawai'ians. On the grounds of Kawaiaha'o is the grave of King Lunalilo, per his request he was not buried in the royal mausoleum. Another royal church in the area is my personal favorite (as churches go), the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, built by King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. Washington Place was the home of Princess Liliuokalani until her Ascension to the throne. During the 20th century if was the official residence of the Governor and is still used for many formal State functions. It's open most days to visitors. Everything just mentioned from 'Iolani onward is within blocks of each other (including the Capital building). Park once and spend some time walking around this historic area.
* Afternoon high tea at the Moana. This beautiful hotel from the turn of the last century is a Waikiki treasure in the midst of some rather ugly urban sprawl. Call the hotel well in advance for a reservation for afternoon tea. Try to book the table at the end of the lana'i next to the beach. It's a most relaxing and elegant afternoon under the banyan tree that's as old as the hotel itself. This is a Waikiki tradition for more than a century. Valet parking is a necessity.

Except for the Arizona this might not be your traditional tourist list. But you can go home and tell everyone there's more to Oahu than overgrown Waikiki.

One last recommendation. Before leaving baggage claim at HNL you should pick up all the tourist brochures you can carry. Many include other ideas as well as the all important maps you'll be needing. A couple of the books contain coupons for food and trinkets that will help keep your budget in check in rather expensive Honolulu.

Have fun!

Check out this link:

http://www.sunset.com/sunset/travel/articl...1701370,00.html