Hawaii? About This Page:

[Suzan]

My folks are traveling to Hawaii in a few days to visit with my nephew who is stationed there. He just finished serving our country in Iraq. Needless to say, is is thrilled to be back in Hawaii. Anyway, any tips, suggestions, 'must dos' that I can pass along to them?

[Happymommy]

I'm guessing they would be going to Honolulu? So, I'm sure they'd want to go to Pearl Harbor. Do you know if they will be spending any time in Maui? We went there for our honeymoon--- it was beautiful. We stayed at the Hyatt, it was great, although now I'm hearing about the Grand Wailea. If going to Maui, they should check out helicopter tours-- we did that it was great. We also booked a trip on a katamaran for a snorkelling trip. And, if in Hawaii, they definitely need to go to a Luau.

[LisaJ]

Go to the Travel Channel on the web, and they have some nice ideas for Hawaii right now. It must be one of their featured destinations. They list resorts, etc., and the different beaches to see.

Glad your nephew made it back safe and sound!

[Wendyismyname]

Oh Oahu, Diamond Head Crater, The Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Beach, Punchbowl Crater, Arizona Memorial.
On Maui, there's IAO Valley, Rainbow Falls.
On the Big Island Volcano National Park is really neat.
On Kauai Waimea Canyon and Napali Coastline are breathtaking!!

[JoanW]

Your nephew will have access to the MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation association) in the military and get get really good discounts on tours. Make sure they suggest that he check there first before doing any sightseeing. We saw the Tower in Honolulu, USS Arizona and the USS Missouri, both were awesome. We got a tour by boat in the harbor and saw the wreckage. We did do a luau, and there is a military hotel called the Haile Koa which has a nightly luau. It's right on the beach in Waikiki.

[Suzan]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I will pass all of them on! My nephew has booked them a room at the Hilton in Honolulu. I think he tried to get a room at the Haile Koa, but it was full. I will suggest the Luau there to them.

[DANAinSACTOWN]

My wife and I have visited Oahu many times. We typically stay at mid-range hotels as we have a toddler and a 12 year old boy in tow. Outrigger has numerous affordable properties (however, they are about to undertake a HUGE development of a large chunk of Waikiki that will create a large shopping district and will displace a number of business that have existed for a long time. It is my understanding that construction has begun). Be sure to call in advance if you choose Outrigger/Ohana. We love doing simple things like just hanging out at the beach on Waikiki, which is EXCELLENT! There are plenty of tourist attractions; Pearl Harbor (which includes the Mighty Mo and an old diesel submarine called the Bowfish, all worth seeing). At PH, you'll be treated to a moving 30 minute film before being ferried out to the USS Arizona Memorial. Don't talk or the Navy representative on duty at the memorial will chew you out. Huanama (sp?) Bay is fun for snorkeling (but it's very touristy and pretty crowded). There are many restaurants located right on Waikiki Beach at various hotels. Island hopping, helicopter tours, hiking, driving around the island in a rental car are all fun. Don't leave Oahu without visiting the "Flea Market" that takes place Wed, Sat and Sun at Aloha Stadium (it's right across the fwy from Pearl Harbor, perhaps you could combine it). Save all of your hawaiian shirt purchases and most of your gift shopping for this market. There are real deals to be had and there is more variety than you can shake a stick at. You'll also want to visit the International Marketplace (just ask for the location, if staying in the Waikiki district, it's within walking distance). Gee, can you tell I love Oahu? I'll shut up now.