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Post by mom on Jun 1, 2021 19:30:35 GMT
DH and I are going to Honolulu in July to see our son. While we have always *wanted* to go to Hawaii, we weren't planning on doing it this soon so I feel like I am late in planning. But here we are and I need some guidance on what to do and what to skip.
I doubt this will be our only trip before he moves back stateside, but just in case it is, I'd like to get most out of this trip.
We are there for a week. During the day, its just DH and I and DS2 will join us on Friday/Sat/Sunday all day and every night after he is off work.
Right now, the only *must* do that I have booked is Pearl Harbor.
Getting the lei's at the airport? Worth it? Dole Plantation? Worth it? Luau worth it?
We'd like to hike to see a waterfall. Any recommendations? Whats not worth the effort and time?
Restaurant recommendations? Our hotel is on Waikiki Beach.
I think I'd like to send DH fishing one day we are there, but then Im not real sure what I would do while he is gone.
So, throw me anything you know or suggest.
On my potential list of things to see/do:
Manoa Falls Diamond Head Halona Blowhole Hanuama Bay for snorkeling Iolani Palace - not sure if its worth a tour or not? Waimea Valley Toa Luau - not sure if its worth the $$ Ko Olina Lagoons - for a sunset Rainbow Drive In - supposed to be good local food Ala Moana Center - shopping Leonards Bakery Sharks Cove - not sure if its only for scuba or also snorkeling
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jun 1, 2021 19:54:53 GMT
We love Duke's for breakfast if it's still open. When I was a kid we used to go on field trips to the Bishop Museum ~ it was awesome but I was a kid. Many people will suggest the Polynesian Center on the other side of the island. We weren't that impressed but that's just us. Hanuama Bay was closed during Covid, make sure it's now open. We spent lots of time there as kids before they had the shuttle. A drive around the island is a must to see where the locals are. Waikiki had 7 hotels when I lived there, now it's full of hotels and upscale shops. Tourists seem to like luau's but I found most of them too commercialized. Maybe someone can give you the name of one that it is more authentic.
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Post by mom on Jun 1, 2021 20:03:07 GMT
We love Duke's for breakfast if it's still open.When I was a kid we used to go on field trips to the Bishop Museum ~ it was awesome but I was a kid. Many people will suggest the Polynesian Center on the other side of the island. We weren't that impressed but that's just us. Hanuama Bay was closed during Covid, make sure it's now open. We spent lots of time there as kids before they had the shuttle. A drive around the island is a must to see where the locals are. Waikiki had 7 hotels when I lived there, now it's full of hotels and upscale shops. Tourists seem to like luau's but I found most of them too commercialized. Maybe someone can give you the name of one that it is more authentic. Thanks for this! DH and I are thinking we'd definitely like a more authentic luau, for sure. And we will have a car, so I will make sure a drive around the island is part of what we do. DH will love that.
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,309
Jun 28, 2014 4:39:12 GMT
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Post by Belle on Jun 1, 2021 20:09:45 GMT
DH and I are going to Honolulu in July to see our son. While we have always *wanted* to go to Hawaii, we weren't planning on doing it this soon so I feel like I am late in planning. But here we are and I need some guidance on what to do and what to skip. I doubt this will be our only trip before we moves back stateside, but just in case it is, I'd like to get most out of this trip. We are there for a week. During the day, its just DH and I and DS2 will join us on Friday/Sat/Sunday all day and every night after he is off work. Right now, the only *must* do that I have booked is Pearl Harbor. Getting the lei's at the airport? Worth it? Dole Plantation? Worth it? Luau worth it? We'd like to hike to see a waterfall. Any recommendations? Whats not worth the effort and time? Restaurant recommendations? Our hotel is on Waikiki Beach. I think I'd like to send DH fishing one day we are there, but then Im not real sure what I would do while he is gone. So, throw me anything you know or suggest. On my potential list of things to see/do: Manoa Falls Diamond Head Halona Blowhole Hanuama Bay for snorkeling Iolani Palace - not sure if its worth a tour or not? Waimea Valley Toa Luau - not sure if its worth the $$ Ko Olina Lagoons - for a sunset Rainbow Drive In - supposed to be good local food Ala Moana Center - shopping Leonards Bakery Sharks Cove - not sure if its only for scuba or also snorkeling If your staying anywhere near the Ilikai , I would highly recommend breakfast at Cinnamon’s.They have amazing guava pancakes.
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Post by jlynnbarth on Jun 1, 2021 20:10:55 GMT
How exciting! Good to hear Pearl Harbor is booked.
A Luau is worth it to me. The drinks and the food are great, as is the entertainment of seeing the dancers and hearing the music. I haven't been to the Dole Plantation since High School. I don't remember most of it other than buying some pineapple (sent a case home for the family) and sugar cane sticks.
I myself would go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. I'm sure your hotel would have a tour to get there if you aren't able to rent a car to get there yourself. If I remember correctly it's about 25 mins from Waikiki.
I loved the hike (it's easy! LOL) to Hamama Falls. It's the only hike I've done on Oahu but it was memorable, with a swimming hole to cool off in. That again was back about 30 years ago, but it was beautiful and I'd do it again if we ever went back to Oahu.
I'm no good with restaurants as it's just been too long since we've been there.
If my dh went on a day fishing trip, I'd shop and then be at the beach. A long walk on the beach with a stop to sit and maybe eat lunch and just listen and watch the water... The beach is my happy place.
I hope that no matter what you decide on, that you have a great time.
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Post by dewryce on Jun 1, 2021 20:16:03 GMT
I really enjoyed Iolani Palace, one of my favorite parts of my trip. But, we often try and take an architectural tour when we travel as I’m super interested in architecture and history is his thing. I was quite a bit younger, but I do remember being surprised it was considered a palace, didn’t seem big enough or fancy enough to be one. Pretty sure I was expecting something like Buckingham Would also do Diamond Head and another luau again if I went back. When DH went to Hawaii with his family one of his favorite things, despite his fear of heights, was a helicopter tour that included lots of waterfalls.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jun 1, 2021 20:23:10 GMT
I haven't been to the Dole Plantation since High School. I don't remember most of it other than buying some pineapple (sent a case home for the family) and sugar cane sticks. Back in the 50's, pineapple juice came out of the water fountains! Don't know if that is still true.
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Post by mom on Jun 1, 2021 20:26:37 GMT
I really enjoyed Iolani Palace, one of my favorite parts of my trip. But, we often try and take an architectural tour when we travel as I’m super interested in architecture and history is his thing. I was quite a bit younger, but I do remember being surprised it was considered a palace, didn’t seem big enough or fancy enough to be one. Pretty sure I was expecting something like Buckingham Would also do Diamond Head and another luau again if I went back. When DH went to Hawaii with his family one of his favorite things, despite his fear of heights, was a helicopter tour that included lots of waterfalls. Ha! We love architecture so I will add that back on the list. Wasn't sure if it was ok as a drive by or if a tour really was worth the time. I haven't thought of a helicopter ride! We did that in Canada and flew between Montreal and Quebec along the river and we loved it! Must check into that again. Thanks for the reminder.
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Post by mom on Jun 1, 2021 20:28:40 GMT
How exciting! Good to hear Pearl Harbor is booked. A Luau is worth it to me. The drinks and the food are great, as is the entertainment of seeing the dancers and hearing the music. I haven't been to the Dole Plantation since High School. I don't remember most of it other than buying some pineapple (sent a case home for the family) and sugar cane sticks. I myself would go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. I'm sure your hotel would have a tour to get there if you aren't able to rent a car to get there yourself. If I remember correctly it's about 25 mins from Waikiki. I loved the hike (it's easy! LOL) to Hamama Falls. It's the only hike I've done on Oahu but it was memorable, with a swimming hole to cool off in. That again was back about 30 years ago, but it was beautiful and I'd do it again if we ever went back to Oahu. I'm no good with restaurants as it's just been too long since we've been there. If my dh went on a day fishing trip, I'd shop and then be at the beach. A long walk on the beach with a stop to sit and maybe eat lunch and just listen and watch the water... The beach is my happy place.
I hope that no matter what you decide on, that you have a great time. Me too. DH isn't really into sitting on the beach for very long so that's probably a good time for the schedule it for me to do. Ok, Hanauma Bay and the falls are now permanently on the list.
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Post by mom on Jun 1, 2021 20:30:01 GMT
DH and I are going to Honolulu in July to see our son. While we have always *wanted* to go to Hawaii, we weren't planning on doing it this soon so I feel like I am late in planning. But here we are and I need some guidance on what to do and what to skip. I doubt this will be our only trip before we moves back stateside, but just in case it is, I'd like to get most out of this trip. We are there for a week. During the day, its just DH and I and DS2 will join us on Friday/Sat/Sunday all day and every night after he is off work. Right now, the only *must* do that I have booked is Pearl Harbor. Getting the lei's at the airport? Worth it? Dole Plantation? Worth it? Luau worth it? We'd like to hike to see a waterfall. Any recommendations? Whats not worth the effort and time? Restaurant recommendations? Our hotel is on Waikiki Beach. I think I'd like to send DH fishing one day we are there, but then Im not real sure what I would do while he is gone. So, throw me anything you know or suggest. On my potential list of things to see/do: Manoa Falls Diamond Head Halona Blowhole Hanuama Bay for snorkeling Iolani Palace - not sure if its worth a tour or not? Waimea Valley Toa Luau - not sure if its worth the $$ Ko Olina Lagoons - for a sunset Rainbow Drive In - supposed to be good local food Ala Moana Center - shopping Leonards Bakery Sharks Cove - not sure if its only for scuba or also snorkeling If your staying anywhere near the Ilikai , I would highly recommend breakfast at Cinnamon’s.They have amazing guava pancakes. Im not sure if we are, but we have a car + DH loves food, lol.
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Post by jlynnbarth on Jun 1, 2021 20:40:44 GMT
We did a helicopter ride that went by waterfalls and over the Kilauea Volcano on one trip to the Big Island. That was so amazing! I hadn't even thought of doing it on Oahu. If it's possible, I will agree! Worth it!
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Post by travelsoul on Jun 1, 2021 20:41:56 GMT
Dukes is the best on Sunday late afternoons - early evenings when they have live Hawaiian music. It is the one thing I never miss. Of course, who knows if it’s still happening right now.
Haleiwa is a must visit. It’s on the North Shore and it is a very authentic hippy/artist/surfer town. Matsumoto Shave Ice is iconic but there are several shave ice stores in town.
On your way to the North Shore you must stop at a shrimp truck. They are all over but the most well known is Giovanni’s.
I personally think the Polynesian Cultural Center is fun for one visit. It’s definitely a been there, done that. If you do choose to go, and you want to experience a luau with alcohol, don’t do the luau there. It’s run by BYU so there is no alcohol. (To me alcohol is a must at a luau).
Enjoy! I’ll admit I’m jealous. It’s been five years since I’ve last been and I usually go every other year so I am missing it.
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Post by SockMonkey on Jun 1, 2021 20:42:11 GMT
Dukes has great MaiTais and is right on the beach. We rented beach chairs there from the hotel for the day and just enjoyed the water, ate lunch at Dukes, and chilled. We didn't snorkel at Hanauma Bay (no time, and we just stopped by there), but I would ABSOLUTELY do that if we went back. (Last I remember, it was definitely closed on Tuesdays). The luau we went to was Diamond Head Luau right on the beach at the little Waikiki aquarium, but I think they're closed due to COVID. The other one that came up frequently when I did research was the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
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Post by SockMonkey on Jun 1, 2021 20:43:12 GMT
If you want Huli Huli chicken, we stopped at Mike's and it was very good. www.mikeshulichicken.com/(Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives)
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Post by lavawalker on Jun 1, 2021 20:46:53 GMT
DH and I are going to Honolulu in July to see our son. While we have always *wanted* to go to Hawaii, we weren't planning on doing it this soon so I feel like I am late in planning. But here we are and I need some guidance on what to do and what to skip. I doubt this will be our only trip before we moves back stateside, but just in case it is, I'd like to get most out of this trip. We are there for a week. During the day, its just DH and I and DS2 will join us on Friday/Sat/Sunday all day and every night after he is off work. Right now, the only *must* do that I have booked is Pearl Harbor. Getting the lei's at the airport? Worth it? Dole Plantation? Worth it? Luau worth it? We'd like to hike to see a waterfall. Any recommendations? Whats not worth the effort and time? Restaurant recommendations? Our hotel is on Waikiki Beach. I think I'd like to send DH fishing one day we are there, but then Im not real sure what I would do while he is gone. So, throw me anything you know or suggest. On my potential list of things to see/do: Manoa Falls Diamond Head Halona Blowhole Hanuama Bay for snorkeling Iolani Palace - not sure if its worth a tour or not? Waimea Valley Toa Luau - not sure if its worth the $$ Ko Olina Lagoons - for a sunset Rainbow Drive In - supposed to be good local food Ala Moana Center - shopping Leonards Bakery Sharks Cove - not sure if its only for scuba or also snorkeling -Dole Plantation - I’d shop, and get a Dole Whip. No train ride. It was a one time thing for us. Don’t feel the need to go back -Sharks Cove - if it’s the place I’m thinking of, it’s shallow, for snorkeling only. -stop at Matsumotos for shave ice. It’s awesome!
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Post by SweetTea on Jun 1, 2021 20:55:58 GMT
Waimea Valley Trail was one of our top favorite outings. Super easy trails that end in a waterfall. The water is lifeguarded and life vests are provided for those that want to swim. Also, Sharks Cove is amazing for snorkeling. Enjoy your trip!
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Post by tenacious on Jun 1, 2021 21:02:14 GMT
We have been many times to Oahu, but this last time is the first time we did Waimea Valley and Falls. 10/10! Highly recommend!
Shark’s Cove was great for our kids snorkeling. We went to Snorkel Bob’s to rent equipment, and they were great.
We liked Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck at Haleiwa. I think Matsumoto’s is overrated, but, it’s still good.
We also took a day trip to Ko’Olina. We went to the Four Seasons/Aulani beach, but, there is a little area near there called “Secret Beach” that was very pretty.
Have fun! Oahu is just beautiful and I hope you have the best time.
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Post by SockMonkey on Jun 1, 2021 21:08:22 GMT
Whatever you do, definitely need shave ice.
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Post by bc2ca on Jun 1, 2021 21:16:34 GMT
I can't believe no one has mentioned a stop at Costco or Walmart for souvenirs. We stayed in a VRBO near Ko Olina Golf Course so Costco wasn't out of the way for us. The lagoons were amazing and amazingly empty then. It was so nice to have a surf free area to swim with the kids. There was a great luau beside the resort that bused people in from Waikiki hotels and other parts of the island. I'm sure it was Paradise Cove and I'd go back to it over the PCC. I saw PCC on a trip in my early 20s and have never felt the need to go back. A trip to the North Shore to see the big waves and watch the surfing is mandatory IMHO. Early morning Diamond Head hike and Pearl Harbor are must dos, but I don't remember being impressed with the Dole Plantation. These days I'm always interested in a food walking tour or local cooking lessons when traveling.
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Post by mom on Jun 1, 2021 21:25:19 GMT
DH and I are going to Honolulu in July to see our son. While we have always *wanted* to go to Hawaii, we weren't planning on doing it this soon so I feel like I am late in planning. But here we are and I need some guidance on what to do and what to skip. I doubt this will be our only trip before we moves back stateside, but just in case it is, I'd like to get most out of this trip. We are there for a week. During the day, its just DH and I and DS2 will join us on Friday/Sat/Sunday all day and every night after he is off work. Right now, the only *must* do that I have booked is Pearl Harbor. Getting the lei's at the airport? Worth it? Dole Plantation? Worth it? Luau worth it? We'd like to hike to see a waterfall. Any recommendations? Whats not worth the effort and time? Restaurant recommendations? Our hotel is on Waikiki Beach. I think I'd like to send DH fishing one day we are there, but then Im not real sure what I would do while he is gone. So, throw me anything you know or suggest. On my potential list of things to see/do: Manoa Falls Diamond Head Halona Blowhole Hanuama Bay for snorkeling Iolani Palace - not sure if its worth a tour or not? Waimea Valley Toa Luau - not sure if its worth the $$ Ko Olina Lagoons - for a sunset Rainbow Drive In - supposed to be good local food Ala Moana Center - shopping Leonards Bakery Sharks Cove - not sure if its only for scuba or also snorkeling -Dole Plantation - I’d shop, and get a Dole Whip. No train ride. It was a one time thing for us. Don’t feel the need to go back -Sharks Cove - if it’s the place I’m thinking of, it’s shallow, for snorkeling only. -stop at Matsumotos for shave ice. It’s awesome! Thank you!!!
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Post by mom on Jun 1, 2021 21:27:14 GMT
I can't believe no one has mentioned a stop at Costco or Walmart for souvenirs. We stayed in a VRBO near Ko Olina Golf Course so Costco wasn't out of the way for us. The lagoons were amazing and amazingly empty then. It was so nice to have a surf free area to swim with the kids. There was a great luau beside the resort that bused people in from Waikiki hotels and other parts of the island. I'm sure it was Paradise Cove and I'd go back to it over the PCC. I saw PCC on a trip in my early 20s and have never felt the need to go back. A trip to the North Shore to see the big waves and watch the surfing is mandatory IMHO.
Early morning Diamond Head hike and Pearl Harbor are must dos, but I don't remember being impressed with the Dole Plantation. These days I'm always interested in a food walking tour or local cooking lessons when traveling. Ha!! The North Shore is a mandatory for us --- our son has been learning to surf and wants to show his skills. Ok -- early morning for Diamond Head...gotcha. Pearl Harbor in the am as well? Right now we have 230 pm tickets but I can change them if AM is better.
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Post by mom on Jun 1, 2021 21:29:03 GMT
We have been many times to Oahu, but this last time is the first time we did Waimea Valley and Falls. 10/10! Highly recommend! Shark’s Cove was great for our kids snorkeling. We went to Snorkel Bob’s to rent equipment, and they were great. We liked Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck at Haleiwa. I think Matsumoto’s is overrated, but, it’s still good. We also took a day trip to Ko’Olina. We went to the Four Seasons/Aulani beach, but, there is a little area near there called “Secret Beach” that was very pretty. Have fun! Oahu is just beautiful and I hope you have the best time. ohh this gives me some more things to look up. I haven't even thought of going to Ko'Olina. Thank you!! I seriously cannot wait. Its always been a bucket list trip for me...but with DS2 there and since we haven't seen him in 7 months, we are just going to go now and do what we can.
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Post by mom on Jun 1, 2021 21:29:34 GMT
Waimea Valley Trail was one of our top favorite outings. Super easy trails that end in a waterfall. The water is lifeguarded and life vests are provided for those that want to swim. Also, Sharks Cove is amazing for snorkeling. Enjoy your trip! Easy hike + waterfall is exactly what we want!
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Post by bc2ca on Jun 1, 2021 21:36:45 GMT
Ok -- early morning for Diamond Head...gotcha. Pearl Harbor in the am as well? Right now we have 230 pm tickets but I can change them if AM is better. Early morning for Diamond Head to get ahead of the crowd and heat. IIRC, morning is recommended for Pearl Harbor if you want to take your time exploring beyond the Arizona Memorial.
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Post by mom on Jun 1, 2021 21:48:59 GMT
Ok -- early morning for Diamond Head...gotcha. Pearl Harbor in the am as well? Right now we have 230 pm tickets but I can change them if AM is better. Early morning for Diamond Head to get ahead of the crowd and heat. IIRC, morning is recommended for Pearl Harbor if you want to take your time exploring beyond the Arizona Memorial. ooh ok. I hadn't heard/read that about Pearl Harbor. Definitely want to take our time. I'll change our tickets.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jun 1, 2021 21:49:34 GMT
I'm sure it was Paradise Cove and I'd go back to it over the PCC. I saw PCC on a trip in my early 20s and have never felt the need to go back. Yes, we went to Paradise Cove twice with the band kids. They had fun with the interactive stuff there. And that's where I had my first Lava Flow. Heaven on earth, dessert in a drink! We also enjoyed the tour of the USS Missouri which is by the Arizona Memorial. They signed the peace treaty in 1945 on the Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
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Post by katlady on Jun 1, 2021 22:26:21 GMT
Diamond Head - can get hot and the trail can get very crowded.
Waimea Valley - Beautiful place. Nice hike and there is a waterfall at the end.
Rainbow Drive In - supposed to be good local food - Yes, It is good!
Ala Moana Center - shopping - It has become a very trendy place. There is still a good food court on the bottom. There is also a Japanese food court on the Sears side.
Leonards Bakery - YES! For the malasadas! There are still Leonard's trucks at certain places around the island. If like bakeries/sweets, also try Liliha Bakery. Yum!
Saimin is the traditional noodle soup dish in Hawaii. It is still served all over. It is slightly different from Ramen, if you want to try something different. Popular places in Honolulu are Palace Saimin and Boulevard Saimin. Palace is literally a hole in the wall, 5 tables. Over on the other side, by Pearl City is Shiro Saimin.
Oh, I know you plan to go to Diamond Head on a weekday, but across the street on Saturdays there is a street food market at the community college. Lot of good local prepared food, some from popular places in town. I don't know if it is still happening with Covid. We found so many good foods to try there. All my suggestions relate to food. LOL!
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Post by checkwheelsdown on Jun 1, 2021 22:30:54 GMT
We were fortunate to be assigned to Hickam, two glorious years (three for DH lucky dog lol). I'm trying to think of places that haven't been mentioned off the top of my head...Queen Emma's Summer Palace (closed, but you can request a private tour), drive up the Pali Hwy to Nu'uanu Pali Lookout (it's a mountain side observation point with stunning panoramic views of the coast. Very windy, makes for fun photos lol), any of the botanical gardens, the Byodo-In Temple, the Punchbowl Crater (location of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, beautiful memorial and grounds, fabulous views), the USS Missouri battleship and the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island (apparently you have to ride a shuttle bus from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, we were able to drive onto Ford with a military ID card. Don't let that dissuade you though! Worth the visit.), Turtle (Laniakea) Beach to see the giant green sea turtles (volunteers rope off the ones on the beach and answer questions, but you can get in the water and see the baby turtles bobbing around--so cool!). Have a wonderful trip!
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Post by lisacharlotte on Jun 1, 2021 23:05:59 GMT
When DS was stationed at Schofield Barracks, we stayed for 10 days because he was going to deploy that spring to Afghanistan. I had a bucket list, some things didn’t happen. We stayed at the Hale Koa (DH is retired AF). We didn’t do a luau or the Dole plantation or the Polynesian Cultural Center. Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, didn’t happen because my sun allergy flared up. We did Pearl Harbor, toured the Missouri, shopped NEX at the Navy base. Drove pretty much around the entire island. Climbed Diamond Head, which was harder than expected but an amazing view at the top. Shopped at the International Market, which I’m not sure is still there. Walked around all the old hotels and all over Waikiki. Got malasadas. Most of the time we just spent time with DS. He deployed in 2011 and 2010 was the deadliest year for US troops in Afghanistan. We just wanted time with him. He wasn’t on leave so we worked around his schedule and spent a lot of time driving from Honolulu and Schofield and back. I’m happy to say he came back in one piece and his unit didn’t lose one member during his deployment, which was a surprise to everyone.
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,309
Jun 28, 2014 4:39:12 GMT
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Post by Belle on Jun 1, 2021 23:22:51 GMT
When DS was stationed at Schofield Barracks, we stayed for 10 days because he was going to deploy that spring to Afghanistan. I had a bucket list, some things didn’t happen. We stayed at the Hale Koa (DH is retired AF). We didn’t do a luau or the Dole plantation or the Polynesian Cultural Center. Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, didn’t happen because my sun allergy flared up. We did Pearl Harbor, toured the Missouri, shopped NEX at the Navy base. Drove pretty much around the entire island. Climbed Diamond Head, which was harder than expected but an amazing view at the top. Shopped at the International Market, which I’m not sure is still there. Walked around all the old hotels and all over Waikiki. Got malasadas. Most of the time we just spent time with DS. He deployed in 2011 and 2010 was the deadliest year for US troops in Afghanistan. We just wanted time with him. He wasn’t on leave so we worked around his schedule and spent a lot of time driving from Honolulu and Schofield and back. I’m happy to say he came back in one piece and his unit didn’t lose one member during his deployment, which was a surprise to everyone. Sadly, the original International Market is gone. That place was absolutely magical! DD and I visited the new International Market about 3 years ago. All of the vendors you would expect were there but they are literally just lined up between a couple skyscrapers. No ambiance like the original. I would say go for fun souvenir shopping but most, if not everything can be found at the ABC store and any number of other places so I wouldn't go out of my way to go there.
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