Hawaii Vacation

[el borracho]

Current girlfriend and I will be going to Hawaii in early May. Will be staying on Oahu (definitely) and going to The Big Island (probably). Would love any insider advice on places to visit, things to do, and specific companies you might recommend for services. We are far more interested in natural beauty and food trucks and far less interested in shopping and fine dining. We will be in Hawaii for 10 days.

We will definitely visit Pearl Harbor. Are there any insider tips or should we just turn up?

Would like to include 1 or 2 days of scuba diving (both have certifications and experience to do more challenging dives- maybe you have a favorite dive shop and/or a favorite dive site?)

Would like to rent surfboards 1 day (both really awful surfers- maybe you know a beach that is appropriate for beginners?)

Would like to visit a live volcano (is it essential to hire a guide? which part of the volcano park is the most exciting? which part of the volcano park is the most picturesque? We would like to see some cool stuff and get some good pictures but come back with all of our feet)

Would like to hike to (and swim in) waterfalls (Anyone have some favorite falls they can recommend? Or even favorite hikes that do not include falls?)

Helicopter tours are out- too expensive.

Submarines are probably out, too- same reason.

Also looking for recommendations on food. Again, more interested in the best affordable options, less interested in fine dining. Street treats and food trucks are fine with us.

Also looking for recommendations on best beaches. "Best" meaning most beautiful and least crowded as opposed to most popular or most amenities.

Also looking for recommendations on best places to watch the sunset.

Any and all help appreciated.

[Megatron96]

Congrats.

My honeymoon was on Kauai, but I had similar thoughts as to activities.

One thing I'd recommend, depending on how sentimental either of you are, is to do a luau. I know, it's kinda cheezy, but honestly, that night was one of the highlights of the week for me and my then-wife.

And the pig was pretty darn good. Basically, pulled pork without the bbq sauce.

[tx4chiefs]

Agreed... Climb Diamondhead and get a Spam McMuffin at McD's.

[KingKong]

On Big Island:
Rent a Jeep, there are a lot at the car rental suggest reserving one you will be glad you did and will need it to get to a few places.

Go to green sand beach, there are only two in the world and one is there. It is way down on the point and the road ends some 2 or 3 miles before you get there. Many people try to hike rest of the way or pay locals to ferry you in 4x4. Since you have Jeep from step one lock in 4 low drive down to where you see locals picking folks up and follow one back. There are many trails and they crisscross because sections are rutted out so you need to know which forks to take or not. They use pickups and Tahoe’s if they can make you will have no problem in Jeep, you will freak out not novice trail but don’t stop or turn back.

Bring food and drink for the day, blankets, umbrella, towels and TP in case you need to find bush. There are no facilities for miles and it is not manned park. Once you get there you will have to hike down thin crevice in a cliff down a couple hundred feet, bring decent shoes to hike down, no flip flops, follow the path it not as difficult as it looks. Once you get there you will not Want to leave, hang out drink eat it’s an amazing place.

[LoneWolf]

Originally Posted by Donger

I'd skip the Big Island, personally. Go to Maui or Kauai instead.

Best advice in this thread.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by tyton75

Hard to find a place that isn't awesome, its Hawaii.

Waikiki and its trash and bums are pretty easy to find.

[splatbass]

If you like food trucks Pupukea on the North Shore has a food court of food trucks. There is also a smaller one in Haleiwa. For sunsets Waikiki near the aquarium is a great spot. Also on the North Shore, Sunset Beach (which unfortunately lost most if it's beach a couple of years ago in a storm, but the sunsets are still nice). A good restaurant that isn't too expensive, but has the best (IMO) breakfasts on Oahu, is Liliha Bakery on Nimitz. If you want a low cost diner type place that locals go to try Zippy's, they are all over the place. There is a ton of great food here, from many different cultures, particularly asian. Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, etc. Also find a good plate lunch restaurant, lots of food, good prices. And poke, Hawaiian sushi. Fresh Catch in Kaneohe is good.

Definitely go to the Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor, but note that you can't actually go on to the memorial itself right now due to issues with the dock, so the boats just take you out near it.

You can rent snorkeling gear pretty cheaply, and also body boards. Hanauma Bay is the best snorkel spot for beginners, but get there early (like 6:00 am). I like Paradise Cove luau because they have a good show and serve alcohol. Polynesian Cultural Center has a better hula show, but is an all day thing, and they don't serve alcohol because they are owned by the Mormon church.

Manoa Falls is a good short hike to a tall waterfall.

Tantalus Lookout has a great view of Honolulu from the mountains

There are numerous hikes you can take. Kaena Point, from the North Shore side, is a good one. But there is no shade so bring a hat and plenty of water. Too many others to tell you, but search on google and you can find a lot.

IMO the best beaches on Oahu are on the Windward side of the island (Kailua area). Kailua Beach, Lanikai Bech (very little parking), and Waimanalo Beach are all beautiful. I would recommend Waimanalo due to it being less crowded (but still crowded). Laniakea Beach near Haleiwa has endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles sunning on the beach most days, really something to see.

Also note that Pali highway is closed until August. Be aware of rush hour traffic. Honolulu, and H1 freeway going west to and from Honolulu are brutal during rush hour.

And if you find yourself on the North Shore in the evening come see open mic night at Turtle Bay Resort, I play in the house band. Usually lots of talented performers (and a few not so talented). I also play in a couple of other North Shore venues regularly. I'll buy you a beer.

If you have any questions just PM me. I've lived on Oahu for 27 years, so I can probably answer your questions.

[TwistedChief]

Manta ray dive on the Big Island. Google it and watch some videos. Unlike any other diving experience you'll have.

Enjoy the trip.

[Oz_Chief]

I think Punchbowl Cemetery is a far more powerful experience than Pearl Harbor. Maybe it’s all the tombstones. Maybe it’s when you realize all of the names carved in stone are the just the MIAs. I feel Punchbowl is a must visit if you would consider visiting Pearl Harbor.

[ChiefGator]

Been many years since I went, but rent a jeep or car and drive around the Big Island. It was definitely more chill (and cheaper) than the other islands. Really a good time there, honestly.

China town in Oahu is pretty cool.

[Oz_Chief]

Other cool places to eat in Honolulu:

Mahina and Sun’s
Tchin Tchin Bar
Sushi ii - pronounced ē ē
Fête

It’s easy to eat well in this town.

[splatbass]

Originally Posted by Oz_Chief

Other cool places to eat in Honolulu:

Mahina and Sun’s
Tchin Tchin Bar
Sushi ii - pronounced ē ē
Fête

It’s easy to eat well in this town.

Lot's of good restaurants in Chinatown, but can be pricy. Little Village is good.

[Oz_Chief]

Originally Posted by splatbass

Lot's of good restaurants in Chinatown, but can be pricy. Little Village is good.

Agreed. I love wandering around Chinatown. I enjoy going into The Dragon Upstairs. Nothing to eat but it has a cool vibe, especially on jazz nights. Hank’s is just underneath if you really want to get hammered.

[lewdog]

Another vote for Kauai. It was absolutely amazing and very relaxed.

[splatbass]

Originally Posted by Oz_Chief

Agreed. I love wandering around Chinatown. I enjoy going into The Dragon Upstairs. Nothing to eat but it has a cool vibe, especially on jazz nights. Hank’s is just underneath if you really want to get hammered.

I've played with bands at both Hank's and Dragon. Cool bars.

[KChiefs1]

Been 3 times & one thing you must do is climb Diamond Head. Awesome view.

Maui is by far my favorite island. Do the Road to Hana.

Just enjoy!