Well, it's finally here. The long awaited vacation to Hawaii. Not a solo trip, going with some family. We'll be on Oahu for the week.

Pearl Harbor is already blocked out for one day. Definitely going to visit the Missouri and Arizona. Any suggestions on easily missed things that area must see?

I know Luau is in the plan, swimming/snorkeling and some beach visits. Any other suggestions?

quote:

Originally posted by Rightwire:
...Missouri and Arizona...

Make reservations. The tours fill up early, from what my girlfriend tells me. She was there last year and had to put off her visit as it was already booked full.

Do you like sushi? Real stuff not rolls and crap.

Be mindful of the "No Bag" policy at Pearl Harbor. They are very serious about it, understandably due to terrorism concerns.

quote:

No purses, handbags, backpacks, camera bags, diaper bags, or other items that offer concealment are allowed in the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center or on the USS Arizona Memorial tour. Bag storage is available outside the main gate for a fee of $4.00 per bag in 2017 and $5.00 per bag in 2018.

Allowable items include wallets, cameras, cellular phones, and bottled water. Medicine can be brought into the park in a clear bag.

Baby carriages and wheelchairs are permitted, just no bags are allowed in their compartments.

While you are there, please visit Ono Seafood for the best poke.

Ono Seafood

JP

Howdy,

Former resident, left Hawaii 60 days ago.

Make reservation for Kualoa Ranch Movie Tour.

See where Jurassic Park movies, Godzilla, Lost and many other movies were filmed

Words of Caution, DO NOT leave anything in rental car you want Stolen, thieves are fast.

At the beach, Listen to Lifeguard if told to stay out of ocean.

Traffic can get really bad at times. Lots of bad drivers.

Do Atlantis submarine at mid day, brightest sun.

Use Lots of sunscreen and get small cooler with fluids to keep hydrated.

If there are Warning Signs, pay attention, means people have been killed or injured.

Take extra cost tour of Missouri, worth it.

Hawaii is Not gun friendly, leave yours at home.

Enjoy all the different ethnic foods Hawaii has to offer.

Have a nice vacation.

Another food recommendation: Leonard's Bakery, right in Waikiki, for their world-famous malasadas.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kkina,

Not a fan of the Luaus, but I guess some like them.

Hike up Diamond Head.

Polynesian Cultural Center.

Just a drive up the east coast is really nice. The north shore is nice, too. Snorkeling at Turtle Bay is good.

Dole pineapple plantation is okay if you're passing by. I wouldn't go out of my way for it, though.

Roy's has good food.

quote:

Originally posted by jprebb:
While you are there, please visit Ono Seafood for the best poke.

Ono Seafood

JP

just what is poke?

quote:

Ono Seafood

Confirmed! Good poke.

Poke is raw fish cubed, usually ahi(tuna), mixed with rock salt, soy sauce, limu, green onions, etc.

We really enjoy the North Shore area, fewer people, less traffic, and the views are fantastic. There are a number of small towns and natural attractions up there like Haleiwa and Waimea Falls. We love the Turtle Bay resort as a place to stay. The Polynesian Cultural Center is worth a visit if you have not been there before and the Luau they put on in the evening is entertaining. My wife loves sea turtles and there are places where you can see them up close on the beach. Don't miss stopping at the shrimp trucks on the drive up there. If you check the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives web site you will find reports on many of the restaurants and food trucks they have visited on the island over the years. Love Oahu, enjoy your visit.

The North Shore is a good diversion, with the rental car. Yes, don't leave valuables & walk off to the beach.

I like the mai-tai's at Chucks, 2nd floor of the Outrigger Waikiki. Happy hour 4:45-6, should you partake in such activities. The food is fine too, great view.

A simple swim in the main beach on Waikiki is nice, protected with the breakwall, safe & easy.

Yes, walk up to Diamondhead one morning. They have the zoo right there if a filler activity is needed, nothing special.

Have fun.

When we went, we stayed up on the Northeast corner of the Island. It was much quieter and simpler than on or near Waikiki. There are some EXCELLENT local restaurants up there and a pretty great scenic drive.

There's always the Magnum PI house on the West (MEANT EAST /sigh) side of the island, but seeing it from up on the road was enough for us. Heh.

Lots of good suggestions in this thread already.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Veeper,

When you go to the Arizona Memorial, bring tissues or a handkerchief.


Visit the USS Bowfin and the memorial to the Silent Service, too. You'll be very glad that you did.

Great advice all...

I love sushi, real sushi. Shake Nigiri is a favorite

We're staying near Ko Olina, so not too far from Pearl Harbor. A former co-worker was a commander on the Mighty Mo before she was decommissioned. Apparently a nephew is a Marine assigned there and sent a pic a while back of the superstructure surrounded by scaffolding due to renovation So that will impact some photo ops I'm sure.

We all love seafood so I am sure we'll check out Ona.

Any members on the island? Anyone else going to be there this coming week (7-14 Oct?)

quote:

Originally posted by Veeper:
There's always the Magnum PI house on the West side of the island

West?

For Pearl Harbor and similar destinations, polarized sunglasses are very good to have.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:

quote:

Originally posted by Veeper:
There's always the Magnum PI house on the West side of the island

West?

I think he meant the other west!

JP

I hadn't planned on traveling with firearms. How about pocket knives. Any issues there?

The USS Utah memorial is overlooked by most. You;ll need a military ID to get to it as it's on the active portion of Ford Island. You can also ask at the Missouri and they can arrange an escort.