So i'm taking my wife to your town (Oahu) this weekend for an 8 day break, and man are we looking forward to it! Winter is over rated and we need some warmth. Anyway, I don't really want to do drive a lot, but if I did, how long would it take to drive around the island? That's even if it's something people do? We'll do the normal Pearl Harbor and things, but is there any cool, off the tourist track places to visit? Thanks
Been a very long time since I drove around Oahu but it is worth the trip. With some stops and sightseeing it will take a good part of the day. For sure get out of Honolulu. It is just a big city with palm trees. I have not driven around any of the islands (or the part you can drive around. Hawaii and Kawai come to mind) that were not worth the time but maybe I am just easily amused.
Thanks Brian. So it might be worth hiring a car then after all. I say I want to do nothing, but after 10 minutes I'm bored. A drive around the island is a good day trip then. Thanks
Driving around the island is a good thing to do if you have the time. It takes about 3-4 hours car time, if you can time it with not too much traffic. The lookouts are nice and there are a few beaches to see that are special so add time for all that. If you want to do any hiking you will need to drive there as well.
I like to do nothing in Hawaii too but don't forget cocktail hour starts at dawn and ends at....well dawn I guess. And enjoy the Hamachi or the ever present Poke.
Aloha Graham, You might want to hire a car for a day or two. The drive around North Shore to see the world famous Waimaea Bay, Sunset Beach and Pipeline is worth the drive. Stop off in Haleiwa for a stroll around and grab some huli huli chicken. The next day you can hit the south shore and the Holana Blow Hole and "From here to eternity beach". If you were ever a fan of Magnum PI you can swim in the tidal pools and see the back of the mansion. Feel free to pm me. I'll give you my cell number and you can call me for more info or to grab a Mai tai.
Thanks for the info Brian. I have to say we are really looking forward to our trip now. I have googled Hawaii until the button on the Mac have worn out! Lots to see and do for sure. But the best thing Im looking forward to is a good red at night and watch the sun set. Simple things. Can't wait.
Poke is chunks of raw fish (like sashimi), but seasoned with ingredients varying from soy sauce and wasabi to mayo, Sriracha, sesame oil and green onions. Unfortunately, when you get here, I won't have any ripe fresh fruit on my trees. I may have some papaya, but I need to check those trees.
Well we are going to have some poke then! Raw fish is the best. I watch what I eat usually because I use to have high cholestoral, but lowered it by diet alone. Plus exercise. Having said that, for the next 10 days anything goes Keen to try anything new
I'd like to challenge Kevin's claim of 3-4 hours, I'm certain I could do it in 2 All kidding aside, best poke on island is in Waipahu at a location named Tanioka's. Lots of other yummy local grinds such as mochiko chicken, garlic chicken, okinawan pie, local plates and more! If you go there, just beware of the recent heavy traffic due to rail construction and it's all take out. JN Exotics is offering some great deals on exotic rentals if you're looking to ride in something fast and/or pretty.
Poi is ground up taro root with a paste glue like consistency. It takes some getting used to. I usually add sugar to it so it is more palatable. lol Squid luau is an experience. It looks really nasty but tastes way better than it looks. If your stomach can't handle rich coconut milk, I'd pass on that. Laulau is pork and or chicken and a tiny piece of fish wrapped in taro leaves and steamed. I like it and it is really tasty. Kalua pork is pretty much salted pork butt that is slow cooked with liquid smoke. Good stuff. Haupia is a coconut pudding. Pipi kaula is more smoked pork. Hawaii is an international destination, so we pretty much have all the ethnic foods you could want.
Awesome info men, thanks. I looked at the site for a rental but not sure I can get that past the missus. It's still a try all the same Seriously, how long would it take to drive the island? With a few stops, drinks, and general looking around take? Im keen as to try that.
Straight driving and no long stops, you can do it in under 3 hours. However, you're on holiday, why rush?
A nice cruise around the island with some stops for drinks and a bite? I'd say 5 or 6 hours. I'd start with an early start from Waikiki/Town (light breakfast) heading east towards Hanauma Bay/Blowhole/Sandy Beach and work my way up. This has the least traffic impact when heading to North Shore. On your way towards North Shore you can stop at Giovanni's Shrimp truck and share a plate of garlic shrimp with the missus then proceed north to Haleiwa town. I personally enjoy eating at Kua'Aina Burger. If you're full and just want a refreshment, grab a shave ice from the infamous Matsumoto's. Then you can make your way to Wailua and to Kaena Point. You can then backtrack a bit to get to the H2 freeway which travels down the middle of the island, grab H1 westbound to head to Ko'olina and catch happy hour at Monkeypod. Jump back on H1 head eastbound and grab H3 for the scenic drive through the mountains and head into Kailua town. Many restaurants to choose from for dinner.
I like this route too but I would add in a bunch of stops in this order. -Sergios in Waimanalo for Mexican Food. (disclaimer, I have not tried it yet but people say it is very good) -Waimanalo Feed store and get some bird seed to share with the birds along the way. Check out the hydroponics shop behind the feed store if you are interested in this type of thing. It is a wonderful way to grow sustainable food! -Stop at 7-11 and grab some Spam Musubi for the road. Water too! -Lanikai beach has the softest sand on the island, do check it out and take a dip. If you are up for a hike the Lanikai pillbox is a very steep and short hike with a vista from the top of the bunker that is remarkable ( enjoy your spam musubi and get some photos) -Visit Island Snow on your way out of Lanikai for a shave ice. -Proceed to shrimp truck if that sounds good. It is very tasty but I usually skip this in favor of going a bit further to the Turtle bay resort and I like to sit by the pool and eat/drink and relax. Something about that space is magical for me, sit as close the ocean as you can near the rocky shore, with no agenda, friendly staff serving you, etc. -Up for another shave ice yet? Go to Matsumotos in Haleiwa. There are some shops there if you want to browse/shop a bit. There are beaches to see along the way. I have to leave this for now but that should kill a big part of your day. You need to get back to Waikiki and surf!
Here are a few gorgeous locations of the north side and "ferry" to the USS Arizona Memorial. 1) Looking towards Waimanalo 2) Waimanalo Beach 3) Ride to the USS Arizona Memorial Beautiful locations... Enjoy your time! Aloha! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Man I'm looking forward to this trip. We leave in just a few hours. The wife packing a house lot and I packed in literally 26 seconds. I could google this, but Im too lazy, but is there any nasties in the water like in Australia? In NZ there's nothing that can really get you. So if we stop at these locations like Raconteur posted, is it OK just to leap in? I also want to rent a convertible Mustang just because, and go to the blow hole, pearl harbour and drink stuff. Lots of friends have told us about some awesome eating places, so I'm already getting an appetite.
Jelly fish can be in the water. Don't touch any! On the windward side they will be thumb sized or smaller purple or blue tinted. It hasn't been that windy so they shouldnt be too much of a problem. Nothing else should be an issue like Australia with the fences in the water!! So yes jump right in! Coral can be sharp! Cheers
Oahu = "Manhattan with Palm Trees".... Maybe I'm a tad jaded from a great many trips there on business over 13 years... Just know that traffic on Oahu is HORRID. And stay away from jellyfish and beaches that have no "mainland people" on them... both can be bad!!! [edit] Oh, wait - Kevin addressed part of that... Jedi
When parking your car, keep all valuables out of sight. You have to watch out for the giant 2 legged rats.
We try to vacation in Honolulu at least annually and to visit with my niece in Kailua. She usually indulges me on my usual 3 - 6 hour drive from Waikiki (hotel) west on H1, around Diamond Head via Highway 72, up to North Shore via Highway 83, then crossing south on Highway 99 through the Dole Pineapple Plantation back to H2 and H1, returning back to Waikiki. This route allows you to stop by: 1) Halona Blowhole Lookout 2) The light house at the western tip of Oahu (Makapu'u Lookout where my first photo was captured) 3) Waimanolo Beach where my second photo was taken. This is a pretty secluded "locals" beach with pristine white powder sand. After parking, if you walk east from the Lifeguard Booth, there is a LONG stretch of sand where you can find a quiet spot to enjoy. 4) Mike's Kiawe Broiled Huli Huli Chicken (and pork) food truck for a bite. 5) Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in Kaneohe. It's a cemetary, but for $5, you get to see how many religions celebrate use of temples (see photo). 6) Polynesian Cultural Center (very clean bathrooms). 7) North Shore and historic Haleiwa for a shaved ice. Matsumoto's is the iconic location, but I don't like standing in a line of 50+ deep waiting for IMO flavored sugar water over shaved ice. 8) Dole Plantation It's a nice way to spend a day sightseeing. Enjoy! Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'd bypass Waimanalo Beach Park because some travel magazine listed it as the best beach in the US. After that listing, tourists and tour buses have flocked to the beach park making parking difficult.
