Tips for Honolulu

[Thom]

Can anyone recommend some family (4 people) accommodation In Honolulu without blowing the budget? Any tips on hire cars or anything else of relevance would be great. I have been myself before but my only interest was the surf, this time however with the family, its going to be a whole different show.

 

[mainly tailfirst]

Can anyone recommend some family (4 people) accommodation In Honolulu without blowing the budget? Any tips on hire cars or anything else of relevance would be great. I have been myself before but my only interest was the surf, this time however with the family, its going to be a whole different show.

My wife and I are going there in Jan, so this is 'what we plan to do' instead of 'what was good'. Check back in a couple of months for the latter

1. Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay (Oahu) - can catch public transport from Waikiki - number 22 bus. $2 each way. $5 entry to bay.
2. View the active Kilauea Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii's Big Island.
Have to catch a ferry or fly (~$90pp). Including car hire and parks pass, we figure it's around $220.
3. Visit the USS Arizona and USS Missouri memorials in Oahu's Pearl Harbor.
This one is an early start (7:30AM) and about $20 from memory
4. Rainforest hike, Sea Kayaking - Kailua Beach - Haiwaiian Watersports $45 half day
5. Some whale watching for about $30 half day

I'll have an update on flying Death* as well. We'll see how "down the back with BYO eveything" goes for a 11hr flight.

mt

 

[Maca44]

The last time I went to Hawaii was about 15 years ago, but after lots of searching for flights and accommodation I managed to get a good package deal that included four days in Waikiki (I think Outrigger Reef on Lewers) and 3 nights at Maui. If you have been there before I might be nice to show the family some of the nice parts of Hawaii instead of just Waikiki which (in my opinion only) is something similar to the Gold Coast and too touristy. Then again, I haven't been there for some time. You only need a rental for one day to drive the family around the island, and use The Bus at other times.

 

[Mal]

Personally, I don't like Honolulu. Think of the Gold Coast, make it 10 times more dodgy and touristy, and you're getting close to the Waikiki Beach area. It's a tourist spot for American and Japanese tourists, so the place is definately geared for them rather than Australians.

Honolulu itself is a fairly average city but has it's charms.

I agree with using the Bus over there. Simple and cheap. Hire a car for 1-2 days (watch out for parking expenses - it might actually be cheaper if renting for 2 days to return it at the end of each day and then re-rent the next morning!)

A drive around the Island is achievable in one day, but you could have two seperate trips over different days to make things easier.

Definately agree about checking out the VNP on the Big Island, but flying over can be a hassle. It's a very tough one day trip so I would recommend staying in Kona or Hilo for one night if you were planning that.

I can give you plenty of things to *not* go see, but would really prefer not to as different people have different opinions over what is good and bad.

 

[Thom]

My wife and I are going there in Jan, so this is 'what we plan to do' instead of 'what was good'. Check back in a couple of months for the latter

1. Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay (Oahu) - can catch public transport from Waikiki - number 22 bus. $2 each way. $5 entry to bay.
2. View the active Kilauea Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii's Big Island.
Have to catch a ferry or fly (~$90pp). Including car hire and parks pass, we figure it's around $220.
3. Visit the USS Arizona and USS Missouri memorials in Oahu's Pearl Harbor.
This one is an early start (7:30AM) and about $20 from memory
4. Rainforest hike, Sea Kayaking - Kailua Beach - Haiwaiian Watersports $45 half day
5. Some whale watching for about $30 half day

I'll have an update on flying Death* as well. We'll see how "down the back with BYO eveything" goes for a 11hr flight.

mt

Hey thanks, I will be interested in how you go, that sounds like the sort of stuff the family would be interested, I wasn't really thinking of the big island and the volcano - but as we don't have much in the way of active volcano's over here in the west oz it may interest them.

 

[Thom]

Personally, I don't like Honolulu. Think of the Gold Coast, make it 10 times more dodgy and touristy, and you're getting close to the Waikiki Beach area. It's a tourist spot for American and Japanese tourists, so the place is definately geared for them rather than Australians.


I can give you plenty of things to *not* go see, but would really prefer not to as different people have different opinions over what is good and bad.

No really I would be interested in your comments, having spent 5 weeks over there on the north shore I only ventured into Waikiki once and that was enough for me --- But---- the wife and kids love that crazy environment, so I'm going to have to play the good tourist.

 

[Mal]

I wasn't really thinking of the big island and the volcano - but as we don't have much in the way of active volcano's over here in the west oz it may interest them.

Yeah the VNP is quite nice. Very interesting to see how volcanoes shape an Island and what happens with them. Plenty of things to see in that park.

Be warned though, you'll only see steam rising from the ocean where lava is entering the ocean, or the glow of the lava at night/early morning. To actually get close to the lava, you need to hike for a while over set lava. Where that is changes every little while, and it's not a simple hike. Even if you are close, I'm not sure what you see as most/all of the lava travels through tunnels into the sea.

You'll be able to find out more here: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park - Plan Your Visit (U.S. National Park Service) (although the information about lava flow basically says at the moment you won't see much unless flying over the volcano. Things change daily, so it could improve by the time you're wanting to go)

 

[Mal]

No really I would be interested in your comments, having spent 5 weeks over there on the north shore I only ventured into Waikiki once and that was enough for me --- But---- the wife and kids love that crazy environment, so I'm going to have to play the good tourist.

Here's my quick thoughts:

Waikiki area is ok safe. Watch out in Honolulu if wandering around late - it can get a little rough.

The beaches in Waikiki aren't that special (I'm spoiled by visiting the Gold Coast/Sunshine Coast lots I think). The beaches outside of Waikiki are so much nicer and not too busy.

Visiting Pearl Harbour is ok, but get there early. The queue starts growing quickly, and unless you're there about 45min-1 hour before opening, then you'll waste half your day waiting.
USS Arizona National Memorial - USS Arizona Memorial (U.S. National Park Service) My personal view is that it's not so much of a 'must see' for Australians, but still interesting. Keep in mind the strict security that applies there.

The Aloha Swap meet (basically a flea market) is just up the road from the Pearl Harbour area, and is an ok couple of hours. There are some very cheap souvenirs there but also lots of rubbish and tacky t-shirts etc.
Aloha stadium swap meet is one of the largest Swap meets in Hawaii. Experience the great shopping at Aloha Hawaii swap meet and Flea Market at Honalulu region

Driving around the island is really where I started enjoying things. The contrast of different areas is great. I'm sure you've probably seen a pineapple plantation at some stage, so you don't need to visit the Dole Plantation, but it's still an option Dole Plantation - Hawaii's Complete Pineapple Experience (Once again, this could be a Queensland thing ). The pineapple is very sweet and tasty (and available all around the island in different places)

I remember travelling through a tunnel on Highway 3 near Honolulu and just being absolutely amazed by everything when I came out of it. Can't find out which tunnel that was, but it was very very nice. After coming out, you're on a viaduct and there is beautiful views all around.

You could always stop for your shrimp shack fix while driving around to the North Shore. Reasonable fare and fairly cheap (just very small prawns really) Honolulu & O'ahu Features | Fodor's Online Travel Guide

The Ala Moana Center (although a standard American Mall) is probably where you'll find your shopping fix Ala Moana Center: Hawaii's Premier Shopping, Entertainment, and Dining Destination Only a few mins from Waikiki.

Diamond Head should be an interesting afternoon's hike, but I didn't go to it.

I wouldn't really recommend visiting a luau, although if you really wanted to get into the Hawaii spirit, it could be a good night.

I'd also recommend skipping the Atlantis Submarine tour Atlantis Adventures - while it would be nice, the water can be a little disturbed and the coral scarce. I havn't been, but that's the opinions I've head from friends.

So really, I recommend not doing too much in Waikiki and getting out and about from there.

Now for accommodation, you'll find it hard to find cheap accommodation. Others may have some opnions on the best way to handle this. I used Hilton points to stay at the Hilton in Waikiki, which was a brilliant use of points for me as it was ~$300US per night.


I normally do my travel research using Fodor's Fodor's Travel Guides | Plan Your Trip Online and WikiTravel www.wikitravel.com . You should have a read through the various Hawaii information on those pages - but remember it's slanted towards American tourists of course.

 

[Thom]

Thanks for your thoughts Mal I appreciate them.

I had forgotten about the Pearl City flea markets - the girls will certainly be interested in them. The accommodation looks like the big hurdle $300 a night makes me feel ill but I'm confident I will find something in between.

 

[BlacKnox]

Can anyone recommend some family (4 people) accommodation In Honolulu without blowing the budget?

Look at the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and Honolulu Advertiser (2 largest papers in Hawaii) "on-line edition classified sections" for accomodation options (e.g. Condos with fully equipped kitchens) and you can save quite a few bucks.

 

[Alanslegal]

a must if you are playing tourist is a visit / walk to the top of Diamond Head, of course you can catch a taxi up to near the top, but the view is gorgeous...........

also, try a sunset catamaran cruise which the boat slides onto Waikiki Beach, pick up the passengers, and you have a nice sunset cruise watching the Waikiki skyline...

in terms of accommodation, i usually stay at the Sheraton Waikiki.... the largest hotel on Waikiki, it can get very busy as it has 1000+ rooms but well worth the location..........if u have SPG status, then you are likely to get an ocean view room on a spg level =)

 

[BlacKnox]

Look at the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and Honolulu Advertiser (2 largest papers in Hawaii) "on-line edition classified sections" for accomodation options (e.g. Condos with fully equipped kitchens) and you can save quite a few bucks.

For example, you could start your search here:
Honolulu Advertiser Classifieds: Real Estate/Rentals

 

[Thom]

Thanks for the ongoing tips, can anyone recommend good seating on the jetstar Syd/Hnl flight for 4 people with a couple of window seats? I have to admit to being a peasant seating wise, usually just ask for a window seat but after doing some reading here its got me intersted, best I can tell we will be on a A330 and obviously economy.

cheers

 

[N860CR]

If you're on a cheap JQ seat the you won't be able to select the exits, and on my wander around the plane on the way to KUL I didn't notice any economy seats that looked any better than the others.

Config on the A330 is 2-4-2 so you're never far away from an aisle. I'd probably recommend 2 rows of 2. I like sitting near the front, however if the flight isn't too busy (my KUL-SYD was about a 30% load factor) if you sit down the back you might be able to grab a whole row of 4 for yourself to lie in.


Now a question regarding my upcoming trip to HNL. It'll be a first for me so I want to spend a few days in HNL, however I wouldn't mind a few days on another island. What is the best one to head to? I won't have a car, so something that is easy to walk around, nice scenery and beaches but with a little something to do as well. Go! have $39 interisland fares which are very appealing.