Hey guys. My family and I are going to Hawaii for two weeks this summer and I was wondering if any of you had some suggestions for sights to see and things to do. We are not restricted to one island and I think we are going to try and visit a couple. Of course, we plan on visiting some volcanoes and hanging out on the beach, but I would like to hear some other ideas. I remember seeing that there are some good fishing spots for Peacock bass and other cichlids, which I think would be awesome. Once again, if there's anything that I "just have to do," please let me know.
Hawaii
- Thread starter Optimist
- Start date
Go snorkeling. You can get on one of those glass bottom boats so for those who can't swim they can still see underneath. There are also canoe trips that you can do. Lets not forget golf
On Oahu, go snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. Make sure you have an underwater camera. The gorgeous tropical fish swim all around you in this wonderful preserve. Saw a great big eel swimming below us. I was too freaked out to get a picture. The Polynesian Cultural Center is a good place to get a historical perspective of Hawaiian culture. The Bishop Museum is also great. You've also got to go to the huge swap meet at Aloha Stadium on a Wed., Sat. or Sun. You can get super great bargains on Hawaiian souvenirs. Watch the kite boarders at Kailua Beach. Rent a surf board at Waikiki, and take a lesson. Drive around the island. Check out the surfing at Sunset Beach and Waimea Beach. Try a Hawaiian shave ice. In Waikiki, check out the International Market place. At the Food Court, get a bite to eat at Choi's Kitchen--it'll be the only food place with a line of people, the food is great (I was there 1 1/2 weeks ago). Be adventurous and try the ocean salad (seaweed)--it's really good. Check out Ala Moana Shopping Center--it's a huge mall--you'll see a lot of foreigners buying tons of designer stuff. The koi are pretty nice in the pond at the mall. If you're into history, you can check out the historical sites at Pearl Harbor--the Arizona Memorial, etc. Personally, though, I'd rather be on the beach at Waikiki or driving around the island...
4/23/08
Koi at Ala Moana Mall
Hanauma Bay snorkeling pictures 9/07
Kiteboarder
On Maui, watch the windsurfers.
Watch a sunrise from the top of Haleakala. Better yet, rent a bike and do the down hill ride from the top of Haleakala. They will pick you up at your motel, drive you there, and give you a bike to ride after the sunrise. On the way down, make sure you see the silver sword plant, and keep an eye out for the Nene goose--Hawaii's bird. Go parasailing out of Lahaina.
On the Big Island of Hawaii, of course, you have to check out the volcanos. There's a big resort in Kona where you can get in the water and pet dolphins. The beaches out of Kona are basically empty, and protected turtles will swim and feed very close to you. (you're not supposed to touch them). Have some macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup at Uncle Billys in Hilo. While you're there, check out the fish market early in the morning before the resturant people buy all the huge fish caught that morning.
They have all kinds of tours and activities on all the islands--take a boat to pristine snorkeling/scuba sites; whale watching, etc.
There are all kinds of fun things to do in Hawaii. Make sure you have a camera--Those disposable underwater cameras are great for snorkeling. If you go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay (which I highly recommend) make sure it's a nice bright day (don't go if it's a stormy day. When the surf is rough, there is no water clarity as the sand just churns around) I probably sound like a travel agent, but most of these things are what we like to do when we are there. If you're not used to intense sun, slather on the sunblock to prevent bad sunburns. If you snorkel, wear a t-shirt in the water to protect yourself from the sun. (I spent the rest of one vacation with a terribly blistered back--and my husband has done the same thing--it'll ruin a vacation fast!)
I always travel very light going to Hawaii, and return loaded down to the max with all the goodies I picked up. BTW, you have to try Li Hing Mango. Li Hing Mui is the "in" flavor of the islands. They put the Li Hing powder on pineapple, apples, popcorn--everything. It's really yummy.
Have a great time! It'll seem like you just got there, and you'll find yourself sitting at the airport waiting for your plane to fly back home.
ps - do not make the mistake of taking a kiteboarding lesson. You will just waste your money as they will charge you a lot and then you will have to have several lessons before they even let you go in the water with a board and their kite. (been there done that)
pps - Waikiki has an aquarium - wanted to go there and take pictures, but was only there 3 days and had a funeral to attend and relatives to visit so didn't get my pics
4/23/08
Koi at Ala Moana Mall
Hanauma Bay snorkeling pictures 9/07
Kiteboarder
On Maui, watch the windsurfers.
Watch a sunrise from the top of Haleakala. Better yet, rent a bike and do the down hill ride from the top of Haleakala. They will pick you up at your motel, drive you there, and give you a bike to ride after the sunrise. On the way down, make sure you see the silver sword plant, and keep an eye out for the Nene goose--Hawaii's bird. Go parasailing out of Lahaina.
On the Big Island of Hawaii, of course, you have to check out the volcanos. There's a big resort in Kona where you can get in the water and pet dolphins. The beaches out of Kona are basically empty, and protected turtles will swim and feed very close to you. (you're not supposed to touch them). Have some macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup at Uncle Billys in Hilo. While you're there, check out the fish market early in the morning before the resturant people buy all the huge fish caught that morning.
They have all kinds of tours and activities on all the islands--take a boat to pristine snorkeling/scuba sites; whale watching, etc.
There are all kinds of fun things to do in Hawaii. Make sure you have a camera--Those disposable underwater cameras are great for snorkeling. If you go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay (which I highly recommend) make sure it's a nice bright day (don't go if it's a stormy day. When the surf is rough, there is no water clarity as the sand just churns around) I probably sound like a travel agent, but most of these things are what we like to do when we are there. If you're not used to intense sun, slather on the sunblock to prevent bad sunburns. If you snorkel, wear a t-shirt in the water to protect yourself from the sun. (I spent the rest of one vacation with a terribly blistered back--and my husband has done the same thing--it'll ruin a vacation fast!)
I always travel very light going to Hawaii, and return loaded down to the max with all the goodies I picked up. BTW, you have to try Li Hing Mango. Li Hing Mui is the "in" flavor of the islands. They put the Li Hing powder on pineapple, apples, popcorn--everything. It's really yummy.
Have a great time! It'll seem like you just got there, and you'll find yourself sitting at the airport waiting for your plane to fly back home.
ps - do not make the mistake of taking a kiteboarding lesson. You will just waste your money as they will charge you a lot and then you will have to have several lessons before they even let you go in the water with a board and their kite. (been there done that)
pps - Waikiki has an aquarium - wanted to go there and take pictures, but was only there 3 days and had a funeral to attend and relatives to visit so didn't get my pics
I lived on Oahu for three years. I caught plenty of cichlids and Peacocks. Check www.hawaiibassfishing.com
Just please try to see the parts of the islands that tourists don't usually see. All the ideas posted above me are great, if you want to see the fake, touristy, side of the island. Tourists are quite sheltered in Waikiki, and I avoided it like the plague when I lived there.
I went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay once, wasn't very impressed. Tons of Japanese tourists, and I could see all the same fish at other, less crowded areas.
The Waikiki Aquarium isn't very great.
There is on pond in the mall with a couple dozen foot long Parachromis managuesis. That's the best part of that tourist trap.
If you like hiking this is an excellent site http://www.backyardoahu.com/ I'd recommend Maunawili Falls or Jackass Gingers.
Go to Sandy Beach and Makapu'u. Best beaches on the island. Lani'kai is nice as well.
Drive the Pali highway to Kaneohe bay (Jackass Gingers is on the way).
Eat poi, poke, lomi lomi salmon, taro bread, manapua's and spam musubi from an authentic restaurant. Drink kava ('awa).
Get to know the local people, not just what the big hotels and such want you too see. There is a lot of injustice, poverty, and corruption there that are well hidden from the tourists.
If you'll be on Oahu feel free to PM me and I can help you out a bit.
Just please try to see the parts of the islands that tourists don't usually see. All the ideas posted above me are great, if you want to see the fake, touristy, side of the island. Tourists are quite sheltered in Waikiki, and I avoided it like the plague when I lived there.
I went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay once, wasn't very impressed. Tons of Japanese tourists, and I could see all the same fish at other, less crowded areas.
The Waikiki Aquarium isn't very great.
There is on pond in the mall with a couple dozen foot long Parachromis managuesis. That's the best part of that tourist trap.
If you like hiking this is an excellent site http://www.backyardoahu.com/ I'd recommend Maunawili Falls or Jackass Gingers.
Go to Sandy Beach and Makapu'u. Best beaches on the island. Lani'kai is nice as well.
Drive the Pali highway to Kaneohe bay (Jackass Gingers is on the way).
Eat poi, poke, lomi lomi salmon, taro bread, manapua's and spam musubi from an authentic restaurant. Drink kava ('awa).
Get to know the local people, not just what the big hotels and such want you too see. There is a lot of injustice, poverty, and corruption there that are well hidden from the tourists.
If you'll be on Oahu feel free to PM me and I can help you out a bit.
Hey, thanks for all the suggestions guys!
Pacu mom-I really appreciate that you took the time to write up such a detailed response, and those pictures are spectacular. I love windsurfing, so I'm eager to give it a try in Hawaii. You've given me so many ideas that I could never find in any of the Hawaiian vacation books. Thanks for all the tips as well, I have a feeling they will come in handy.
Modest Man- I'm definitely want to spend some time away from the typical "tourist areas," and your post has been really helpful in describing the true Hawaii. I'm a big fan of Anthony Bourdain (if you've ever seen his show on the travel channel) and I couldn't agree more with his philosophy of straying off the beaten track. However, I'm not sure how much my parents would enjoy it, and I have limited independence since I'm only 17. I figure I'm in for some tourist activities. Anyway, thanks for the website links too. "Jackass Gingers," that's an interesting name. I'm going to be spending quite a bit of time on Oahu. My sister is spending her entire summer on Oahu working on a research project at the University of Hawaii. She's studying cone snail venom. That's the whole reason why my family and I are going to Hawaii. We're going to spend some time visiting different islands and we'll meet up with her on Oahu for a couple days.
Pacu mom-I really appreciate that you took the time to write up such a detailed response, and those pictures are spectacular. I love windsurfing, so I'm eager to give it a try in Hawaii. You've given me so many ideas that I could never find in any of the Hawaiian vacation books. Thanks for all the tips as well, I have a feeling they will come in handy.
Modest Man- I'm definitely want to spend some time away from the typical "tourist areas," and your post has been really helpful in describing the true Hawaii. I'm a big fan of Anthony Bourdain (if you've ever seen his show on the travel channel) and I couldn't agree more with his philosophy of straying off the beaten track. However, I'm not sure how much my parents would enjoy it, and I have limited independence since I'm only 17. I figure I'm in for some tourist activities. Anyway, thanks for the website links too. "Jackass Gingers," that's an interesting name. I'm going to be spending quite a bit of time on Oahu. My sister is spending her entire summer on Oahu working on a research project at the University of Hawaii. She's studying cone snail venom. That's the whole reason why my family and I are going to Hawaii. We're going to spend some time visiting different islands and we'll meet up with her on Oahu for a couple days.