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Island of Oahu - Travel Tips
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Island of Oahu - Travel Tips
Island of Oahu Travel Tips
The Heart of Hawaii
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Introduction
In Oahu, you'll find it all. Bustling Honolulu, the state's
capitol, and the famed resort area of Waikiki Beach draw visitors
from around the world. Waikiki offers almost unlimited water and
beach activities, electric nightlife, golf, tennis, museums and
historic sites. Visitors can dine in fine restaurants of every
variety, shop for souvenirs or simply soak up the sub on the
beach.
Venturing out of Honolulu and Waikiki you'll find an entirely
different side of Oahu just waiting to be discovered. A day trip
around the island will uncover quiet retreats, great surfing spots,
quaint villages, scenic vistas and remote beach hideaways.
Oahu has many faces and personalities. It's the perfect blend of
cosmopolitan city life, a modern beach resort, and Polynesian
culture. It doesn't matter if your here on business, a family
vacation or a romantic honeymoon, the sights, sounds, history and
the warm gracious people of this wonderland will call for you to
return time and again.
What To Do
Honolulu:
Hawaii's largest city looks like any other big metropolitan
center with tall buildings, but within Honolulu's boundaries,
you'll find rainforests, deep canyons, valleys and waterfalls, a
nearly mile-high mountain range, coral reefs, and gold-sand
beaches. The city proper -- where most of Oahu's residents live --
is approximately 12 miles wide and 26 miles long, running east to
west, roughly between Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. Within the
city are seven hills laced by seven streams that run to Mamala Bay.
Surrounding the central area is a plethora of neighborhoods. These
areas are generally quieter and more residential than Waikiki, but
they're still within minutes of beaches, shopping, and all the
activities Oahu has to offer.
Some 5 million tourists visit Oahu every year, and 9 out of 10
of them stay in Waikiki. This urban beach is where all the action
is; it's backed by 175 high-rise hotels with more than 33,000 guest
rooms and hundreds of bars and restaurants, all in a 1
1/2-square-mile beach zone. Waikiki means honeymooners and sun
seekers, a round-the-clock beach party every day of the year -- and
it's all because of a thin crescent of sand that was shipped over
from Molokai. Staying in Waikiki puts you in the heart of it
all.
On the edge of downtown is the Chinatown Historic District, the
oldest Chinatown in America and still one of Honolulu's liveliest
neighborhoods, a nonstop pageant of people, sights, sounds, smells,
and tastes -- not all Chinese, now that Southeast Asians, including
many Vietnamese, share the old storefronts. Go on Saturday morning,
when everyone shops here for fresh goods such as gingerroot, fern
fronds, and hogs' heads.
East Oahu:
There are a few reasons to come here: to have dinner at Roy's,
the original and still-outstanding Hawaii Regional Cuisine
restaurant, in Hawaii Kai; to snorkel at Hanauma Bay or watch
daredevil surfers at Sandy Beach or just to enjoy the natural
splendor of the lovely coastline, which might include a hike to
Makapuu Lighthouse.
The Windward Coast:
The windward side is the opposite side of the island from
Waikiki. On this coast, trade winds blow cooling breezes over
gorgeous beaches; rainsqualls inspire lush, tropical
vegetation.
Kailua the biggest little beach town in Hawaii, sits at the foot
of the sheer green Koolau Mountains, on a great bay with two of
Hawaii's best beaches. The town itself is a funky low-rise cluster
of timeworn shops and homes. With the prevailing trade winds
whipping up a cooling breeze, Kailua attracts windsurfers from
around the world.
Kaneohe is one of the most scenic bays in the Pacific. After you
clear town, this great bay beckons you to get out on the water; you
can depart from Heeia Boat Harbor on snorkel or fishing charters
and visit Ahu o Laka, the sandbar that appears and disappears in
the middle of the bay. From here, you'll have a panoramic view of
the Koolau Range.
Kualoa/Laie, the upper northeast shore is one of Oahu's most
sacred places, an early Hawaiian laning spot where kings dipped
their sails, cliffs hold ancient burial sites, and ghosts still
march in the night. Sheer cliffs stab the reef-fringed seacoast,
while old fishponds are tucked along the two-lane coast road that
winds past empty gold-sand beaches around beautiful Kahana Bay.
The North Shore:
The North Shore, the Hawaii of Hollywood, giant waves, surfers
galore, tropical jungles, waterfalls, and mysterious Hawaiian
temples. If you're looking for a quieter vacation, closer to
nature, and filled with swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, or
just plain hanging out on some of the world's most beautiful
beaches, the North Shore is your place. The artsy little beach town
of Haleiwa and the surrounding shoreline seem a world away from
Waikiki. The North Shore boasts good restaurants, shopping, and
cultural activities.
Central Oahu:
The Ewa Plain is flanked by the Koolau and Waianae mountain
ranges, the hot, sun-baked Ewa Plain runs up and down the center of
Oahu. Let your eye wander west to the Waianae Range and Mount
Kaala, at 4,020 feet the highest summit on Oahu; up there in the
misty rainforest, native birds thrive in the hummocky bog. In 1914,
the U.S. Army pitched a tent camp on the plain; author James Jones
would later call Schofield Barracks "the most beautiful army post
in the world." Hollywood filmed Jones's From Here to Eternity
here
Leeward Oahu:
The west coast of Oahu is a hot and dry place of dramatic
beauty: white-sand beaches bordering the deep blue ocean, steep
verdant green cliffs, and miles of Mother Nature's wildness. The
funky west coast villages of Nanakuli, Waianae, and Makaha are the
last stands of native Hawaiians. This side of Oahu is seldom
visited, except by surfers bound for Yokohama Bay and those coming
to see needle-nose Kaena Point (the island's westernmost outpost),
which has a coastal wilderness park.
Dining
La Mer (tel. 808/923-2311): This is the splurge
restaurant of Hawaii, the oceanfront bastion of haute cuisine, a
romantic, elegant, and expensive place where people dress up -- not
to be seen, but to match the ambience and food. It's an open-sided
room with views of Diamond Head and the sound of trade winds
rustling the nearby coconut fronds. Award-winning chef Yves Garnier
melds classical French influences with fresh island
ingredients.
Alan Wong's Restaurant (tel. 808/949-2526): One
of Hawaii's premiere chefs, Alan Wong specializes in absolutely the
best Pacific Rim cuisine. His restaurant is always packed, for
serious "foodies" this is heaven. Masterstrokes at this shrine of
Hawaii Regional Cuisine: warm California rolls made with salmon
roe, wasabi, and Kona lobster instead of rice; luau lumpia with
butterfish and kalua pig; and ginger-crusted fresh onaga. Opihi
shooters and day-boat scallops in season are a must, while
nori-wrapped tempura ahi is a perennial favorite. The menu changes
daily, but the flavors never lose their sizzle.
Chef Mavro Restaurant (tel. 808/944-4714):
Honolulu is abuzz over the wine pairings and elegant cuisine of
George Mavrothalassitis, the culinary wizard from Provence who
turned La Mer (at the Halekulani) and Seasons (at the Four Seasons
Resort Wailea) into temples of fine dining. He brought his
award-winning signature dishes with him, and continues to prove his
ingenuity with dazzling a la carte and prix-fixe menus.
L'Uraku (tel. 808/955-0552): Try this pleasant,
light-filled dining room with an expanded fusion menu for lunch or
dinner. It's not overly fussy, but still has the right touch of
elegance for dining in style without breaking the bank. Chef
Hiroshi Fukui, born in Japan and raised in Hawaii, was trained in
the formal Japanese culinary tradition called kaiseki; he combines
this training with fresh island ingredients and European cooking
styles. Dishes such as seared scallops, garlic steak, and superb
misoyaki butterfish are among the many stellar offerings.
Olive Tree Cafe (tel. 808/737-0303): This
temple of Greek and Mediterranean delights is the quintessential
neighborhood magnet -- casual, bustling, and consistently great.
Owner Savas Mojarrad has a following of foodies, hipsters, artists,
and all manner of loyalists who appreciate his integrity and
generosity. Standards are always high, the food reasonable, the
dishes fresh and homemade. Order at the counter and grab a table
inside or out. Bring your own wine, and sit down to fresh fish
souvlakia, excellent marinated mussels, and spanakopita made with
special sheep's cheese.
Padovani's Restaurant & Wine Bar (tel. 808/946-3456): Chef
Philippe Padovani's elegant, innovative style is highlighted in
everything from the endive salad to pan-fried moi at his two-tiered
approach to fine dining. Downstairs is the swank dining room with
its Bernaudaud china and Frette linens; upstairs is the informal
Wine Bar, with excellent single-malt Scotches, wines by the glass,
and a much more casual, but equally sublime, menu.
Roy's Restaurant (tel. 808/396-7697): Good food
still reigns at this busy, noisy flagship Hawaii Kai dining room
with the trademark open kitchen. Roy Yamaguchi's deft way with
local ingredients, nostalgic ethnic preparations, and fresh fish
makes his menu, which changes daily, a novel experience every time.
Yamaguchi's special dinners with vintners are a Honolulu
staple.
Kakaako Kitchen (tel. 808/596-7488): If you're
in the market for a quick-and-healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner
at budget prices, here's the place. Not fancy; in fact, the
trademark Styrofoam plates, warehouse ambience, and home-style
cooking are the signature at this local favorite in the Ward
Centre. The menu, which changes every 3 to 4 months, includes eggs
for breakfast; seared ahi sandwiches with tobiko (flying-fish roe)
aioli for lunch; and a signature charbroiled ahi steak, beef stew,
five-spice shoyu chicken, the very popular meatloaf, and other
multiethnic entrees for dinner.
Entertainment
Hawaiian Music:
Oahu has several key spots for Hawaiian music. Impromptu hula
and spirited music from the family and friends of the performers
are an island tradition at places such as the Hilton Hawaiian
Village's Paradise Lounge (tel. 808/949-4321). At Duke's Canoe Club
at the Outrigger Waikiki (tel. 808/923-0711), it's always three
deep at the beachside bar as the sun sets; extra-special
entertainment is a given here -- usually from 4 to 6pm on Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday, and nightly from 10pm to midnight. Nearby,
the Sheraton Moana Surfrider offers a regular nightly program of
live Hawaiian music and piano in its Banyan Veranda (tel.
808/922-3111), which surrounds an islet-size canopy of banyan tree
and roots.
Our best advice for lovers of Hawaiian music is to scan the
local dailies, especially the TGIF section in Friday's Honolulu
Advertiser, or the Honolulu Weekly, to see if and where the
following Hawaiian entertainers are appearing: Amy Hanaiali'i, one
of Hawaii's top female vocalists, who sings a range of Hawaiian
songs, from traditional to contemporary; Kekuhi Kanahele,
accomplished chanter and kahiko (ancient hula) dancer, whose
award-winning recordings have redefined Hawaiian music; Ho'okena, a
symphonically rich quintet featuring Manu Boyd, one of the most
prolific songwriters and chanters in Hawaii; Keali'i Reichel,
premier chanter, dancer, and award-winning recording artist; Robbie
Kahakalau, another award-winning musician; Kapena, for contemporary
Hawaiian music; Na Leo Pilimehana, a trio of angelic Hawaiian
singers; the Makaha Sons of Niihau, pioneers in the Hawaiian
cultural renaissance; slack-key guitar master Raymond Kane; and
Fiji, Hawaiin-style music.
Nightlife:
The nightclub scene in Waikiki and Honolulu is just as hot at
night as the sun-kissed beaches are during the day. It's not New
York of course, but a laid-back version where the dress is casual
and few people show up before midnight.
The Wave Waikiki at 1877 Kalakaua Ave. between
Ala Wai Blvd. and Ena Rd.; tel. 808/941-0424, is one of Hawaii's
top dance clubs with two levels featuring a huge variety of live
music and every type of DJ you can think of. Twice the size of the
Wave and filled with dancing, darts, a pool, and a sports bar with
huge TV screens is the Pipeline at 805 Pohukaina
St., in Kakaako tel. 808/589-1999. The 20-something crowd,
visitors, and military personnel tend to head to Moose
McGillycuddy's at 310 Lewers, Waikiki tel. 808/923-0751.
"Get loose at the moose" is the advertised slogan for this place.
Downstairs is a cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; upstairs
is a happening nightclub with live entertainment and dancing. At
the edge of Chinatown is something that feels like it comes from a
1940s film noir: Indigo's at 1121 Nuuanu Ave. tel.
808/521-2900, serves sizzling food during the day, then turns to
cool jazz in the early evening, and progresses to late-night DJs
spinning Top 40, disco, rock, funk, and other assorted music. The
college-age crowd flocks to Blue Tropix at 1700
Kapiolani Blvd. (tel. 808/944-0001 this place features a small,
100-square-foot dance floor, and lively DJ jams of Top 40, hip-hop,
and R&B dance music.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for foreign visitors outside of the United
States
Under the Visa Waiver Plan, designed to speed up immigration
procedures, citizens of Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand
and most European countries in possession of full passports do not
require visas for trips to the United States of less than ninety
days. Visa waiver forms are handed out on incoming planes, and are
processed during immigration control at your initial point of
arrival on US soil. The form requires details of where you are
staying on your first night, and the date you intend to leave the
US. You should be able to prove that you have enough money to
support yourself while in the US. You may experience difficulties
if you admit to being HIV-positive or having AIDS or TB. Part of
the form will be attached to your passport, where it must stay
until you leave. The same form also covers entry across the land
borders with Canada and Mexico.
Citizens of all other countries should contact their local US
embassy or consulate for details of current entry requirements.
Even those eligible for the visa waiver plan must apply for a free
tourist visa if they intend to stay in the US for more than ninety
days. Whatever your nationality, visas are not issued to convicted
felons or to anybody who owns up to being a communist, fascist or
drug dealer.
Money
ATMs-- Hawaii pioneered the use of ATMs more
than 2 decades ago, and now they're everywhere. You'll find them at
most banks, in supermarkets, at Long's Drugs, and in most resorts
and shopping centers. Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787) and PLUS (tel.
800/843-7587) are the two most popular networks; check the back of
your ATM card to see which network your bank belongs to (most banks
belong to both these days).
Traveller's Checks-- Traveler's checks are
something of an anachronism from the days before the ATM made cash
accessible at any time. Traveler's checks used to be the only sound
alternative to traveling with dangerously large amounts of cash.
They were as reliable as currency, but, unlike cash, could be
replaced if lost or stolen.
You can get traveler's checks at almost any bank.
Visa offers traveler's checks at Citibank locations nationwide,
as well as at several other banks. The checks come in denominations
of $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000. Call tel. 800/732-1322 for
information. AAA members can obtain Visa checks for a fee (for
checks up to $1,500) at most AAA offices or by calling tel.
866/339-3378. MasterCard also offers traveler's checks. Call tel.
800/223-9920 for a location near you.
If you choose to carry traveler's checks, be sure to keep a
record of their serial numbers separate from your checks in the
event that they are stolen or lost. You'll get a refund faster if
you know the numbers.
Emergency
Emergencies -- Call tel. 911
for police, fire, and ambulance. The Poison Control Center is
located at 1319 Punahou St. (tel. 808/941-4411).
Map of Oahu
Oahu Weather
Weather Averages
 |
Average High
Temperatures |
80.0°F
26°C |
80.0°F
26°C |
81.0°F
27°C |
82.0°F
27°C |
84.0°F
28°C |
86.0°F
30°C |
Average Low
Temperatures |
63.2°F
17°C |
63.0°F
17°C |
64.3°F
17°C |
64.9°F
18°C |
66.7°F
19°C |
68.6°F
20°C |
| Average Temperature |
71.0°F
21°C |
71.0°F
21°C |
73.0°F
22°C |
74.0°F
23°C |
75.0°F
23°C |
77.0°F
25°C |
| Average Precipitation |
4.2% |
2.5% |
2.1% |
1.3% |
1.0% |
0.4% |
|
 |
Average High
Temperatures |
87.0°F
30°C |
88.0°F
31°C |
88.0°F
31°C |
86.0°F
30°C |
84.0°F
28°C |
81.0°F
27°C |
Average Low
Temperatures |
69.8°F
21°C |
69.7°F
20°C |
70.1°F
21°C |
68.6°F
20°C |
66.6°F
19°C |
64.5°F
18°C |
| Average Temperature |
78.0°F
25°C |
78.0°F
25°C |
79.0°F
26°C |
77.0°F
25°C |
75.0°F
23°C |
73.0°F
22°C |
| Average Precipitation |
0.6% |
0.7% |
0.9% |
2.4% |
2.9% |
4.1% |
|
General Details
Temperature and Climate Zones
Weather on all of the Hawaiian islands is very consistent, with
only moderate changes in temperature throughout the year. This is
possible due to the year-round warm sea surface temperatures, which
keeps the overlying atmosphere warm as well. In practical terms
there are only 2 seasons here: the summer months (called Kau in
Hawaiian) that extend from May to October and the winter months
(Ho'oilo) that run from November to April. The average day-time
summer temperature at sea level is 85 degrees F. (29.4 C) while the
average day-time winter temperature is 78 degrees (25.6 C).
Night-time temperatures are approximately 10 degrees F. lower.
Visitors to Hawaii will find that it is a marvel of nature. As a
result of the shielding effect of her volcanic mountains and the
differences in weather found at various elevations, there are as
many different climate zones here as exist along the entire coast
stretching from Alaska to Costa Rica. The islands can be described
as an incredibly diverse collection of many micro-environments,
each possessing unique weather, plants and animals. To see the full
impact of this natural wealth visitors only need to explore the
islands by car, or helicopter and they will be struck by the beauty
of tropical rain forests, cool alpine regions, stony deserts and
sunny beaches, all within the span of just a few short miles.
Rainfall and Storms
Through most of the year Hawaiian weather patterns are effected
primarily by high pressure zones in the north Pacific that pump
relatively cool, moist trade winds down onto the island's
northeastern slopes. This pattern holds true for most of the summer
and approximately half of the time in the winter. These winds are
forced up-slope by the mountain heights where ultimately their
moisture condenses into clouds that produce rain. Most of the rain
then falls in the mountains and valleys on the windward
(northeastern) side of the islands. It is this weather phenomenon
that creates the rich tropical environment of flowers and verdant
greens that have made Hawaii famous. The wettest months are from
November - March, but these winter rains do not generally disrupt
vacationer's plans, since the very localized nature of the weather
usually means that if it is raining where you are, there is almost
always a sunny spot to be found by a short drive around the
coast.
The action of trade winds here means that there is always a
cooling breeze. The strength of this wind builds as the heat of the
day rises and reaches a peak in the afternoon, only to diminish in
the evening and start again the following day. Several times during
the year the trade winds will stop completely and the wind will
switch around to come out of the south or west, bringing stormy or
hot sticky weather. Islanders sometimes call this "Kona" weather,
because kona is a polynesian word that means leeward or South, and
this points to the direction from which these weather systems
arrive. Stormy weather does come to the islands, primarily in the
winter and sometimes lingers for several days. Severe storms,
however, are not a common occurrence here.
Water and Surf Conditions
Beach-goers will be happy to learn that the temperature of
Hawaii's near-shore waters stay comfortable throughout the year.
The average year round water temperature is 74 degrees F. (23.3 C),
with a summer high of 80 degrees F. (26.7 C). Wave action varies a
great deal between winter and summer, and between island coasts.
Generally summer waters are very gentle on all beaches. This
changes in the winter on many north facing beaches, as storms far
out into the Pacific drive ocean swells towards the islands, which
build into large breaking waves.
As with island rains, wave conditions are often very localized,
so if there is too much surf on your beach, you can usually find
calmer water by taking a short drive to a beach that is sheltered
from the prevailing surf. Swimmers should keep in mind that h4
currents can make any beach unsafe at any time during the year, but
this is particularly true in the winter. When in doubt, simply ask
your hotel staff or a local for their recommendations and also
watch for warning flags and posted beach conditions.
Hawaii's Mountains and Volcanos
Many visitors to the islands will be drawn to the natural beauty
found in the higher elevations such as Kokee on Kauai, or Haleakala
on Maui, or Kilauea on the Big Island. In preparing for your trip
you'll want to take long pants and several layers of cool weather
clothing because the temperature in the higher locations drops 3.5
degrees for every 1,000 feet above sea level that you climb. For
example, the summit of Haleakala at an elevation of 10,023 feet can
be as much as 30 degrees F. cooler than the resort areas on the
coast. Similarly the summit of Kilauea, which is at an elevation of
4,078 feet, can be 14 degrees cooler than the sea level
temperature.
You should also be aware that because these peaks rise through
the earth's atmosphere, there is less protection at these
elevations from the sun's powerful burning rays. This burning
effect can be easily masked by the cool temperatures on the
mountain, so be sure to use your sun block liberally, and bring
your hat and sunglasses.
Fun Things To Do in Oahu
Attractions & Activities
Oahu Attractions
Bishop Museum - This forbidding, four-story
Romanesque lava-rock structure holds safe the world's greatest
collection of natural and cultural artifacts from Hawaii and the
Pacific. The museum was founded by a Hawaiian princess, Bernice
Pauahi, who collected priceless artifacts and in her will
instructed her husband, Charles Reed Bishop, to establish a
Hawaiian museum "to enrich and delight" the people of Hawaii.
Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park - If you have kids, you have to take
them here! This 29-acre water-theme amusement park opened in spring
1999 with some $14 million in attractions. Plan to spend the day.
Highlights are a football field-sized wave pool for bodysurfing,
two 65-foot-high free-fall slides, two water-toboggan bullet
slides, inner-tube slides, body flume slides, a continuous river
for floating inner tubes, and separate pools for adults, teens, and
children.
Honolulu Zoo - Nobody comes to Hawaii to see an
Indian elephant, or African lions and zebras. Right? Wrong. This
43-acre municipal zoo in Waikiki attracts visitors in droves. If
you've got kids, allot at least half a day or more. The highlight
is the new African Savannah, a 10-acre wild preserve exhibit with
more than 40 uncapped African critters roaming around in the open.
The zoo also has a rare Hawaiian nene goose, a Hawaiian pig, and
mouflon sheep. For a real treat, take the Zoo by Twilight tour,
which offers a rare look into the lives of the zoo's nocturnal
residents.Polynesian Cultural Center - Even if you never leave
Hawaii, you can still experience the natural beauty and culture of
the vast Pacific in a single day at the Polynesian Cultural Center,
a kind of living museum of Polynesia. Here you can see first-hand
the lifestyles, songs, dance, costumes, and architecture of seven
Pacific island nations -- Fiji, New Zealand, Marquesas, Samoa,
Tahiti, Tonga, and Hawaii -- in the re-created villages scattered
throughout the 42-acre lagoon park.
USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor - On
December 7, 1941, the USS Arizona, while moored here in Pearl
Harbor, was bombed in a Japanese air raid. The 608-foot battleship
sank in 9 minutes without firing a shot, taking 1,177 sailors and
Marines to their deaths -- and catapulting the United States into
World War II.
Nobody who visits the memorial will ever forget it. The deck of
the ship lies 6 feet below the surface of the sea. Oil still oozes
slowly up from the Arizona's engine room to stain the harbor's
calm, blue water. The memorial is a stark white 184-foot rectangle
that spans the sunken hull of the ship; it was designed by Alfred
Pries, a German architect interned on Sand Island during the war.
It contains the ship's bell, recovered from the wreckage, and a
shrine room with the names of the dead carved in stone.
Today, free U.S. Navy launches take visitors to the Arizona.
While you're waiting for the shuttle to take you out to the ship --
you'll be issued a number and time of departure, which you must
pick up yourself -- you can explore the interesting museum's
personal mementos, photographs, and historic documents. A moving
20-minute film precedes your trip to the ship. Allow a total of at
least 4 hours for your visit.
Oahu Activities
Exploring Oahu's Rainforests. In the misty
sunbeams, colorful birds flit among giant ferns and hanging vines,
while towering tropical trees form a thick canopy that shelters all
below in cool shadows. This emerald world is a true Eden. For the
full experience, try Manoa Falls Trail, a walk of less than a mile
that ends at a freshwater pool and waterfall.
Snorkeling the Glistening Waters of Hanauma
Bay. This underwater park, once a volcanic crater, is
teeming with a rainbow of tropical fish. Bordered by a 2,000-foot
gold-sand beach, the bay's shallow water (10 ft. in places).
Hiking to the Top of Diamond Head Crater.
Almost everyone can make this easy hike to the top of Hawaii's most
famous landmark. The 1.4-mile round-trip goes up to the top of the
750-foot volcanic cone, where you have a 360° view of Oahu.
Heading to Waimea Bay When the Surf's Up. From
November to March, monstrous waves -- some 30 feet tall -- roll
into Waimea. When they break on the shore, the ground actually
shakes and everyone on the beach is covered with salt spray mist.
The best surfers in the world paddle out to challenge these freight
trains. It's amazing to see how small they appear in the lip of the
giant waves.
Watching the Ancient Hawaiian Sport of Canoe
Paddling. On weekday evenings and weekend days from
February to September, hundreds of paddlers gather at Ala Wai Canal
and practice taking traditional Hawaiian canoes out to sea. Find a
comfortable spot at Ala Wai Park, next to the canal, and watch the
canoe paddlers re-create this centuries-old sport.
Finding a Bargain at the Aloha Flea Market.
Just 50¢ will get you into this all-day show at the Aloha Stadium
parking lot, where more than 1,000 vendors sell everything from
junk to jewels. Open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6am to
3pm.
Visiting the Lei Sellers in Chinatown. There's
a host of cultural sights and experiences to be had in Honolulu's
Chinatown. Wander through this several-square-block area with its
jumble of exotic shops offering herbs, Chinese groceries, and
acupuncture services. Be sure to check out the lei sellers on
Maunakea Street.
Experiencing a Turning Point in America's
History: The Bombing of Pearl Harbor. Standing on the deck
of the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, with the ship
underneath, is an unforgettable experience. On that fateful day --
December 7, 1941 -- the 608-foot Arizona sank in just 9 minutes
after being bombed during the Japanese air raid. The 1,177 men on
board plunged to a fiery death -- and the United States went to
war.
Watching the Sun Sink into the Pacific from a 1,048-Foot
Hill Named after a Sweet Potato. Actually, it's more
romantic than it sounds. Puu Ualakaa State Park, at the end of
Round Hill Drive, translates into "rolling sweet potato hill"
(which was how the early Hawaiians harvested the crop). This
majestic view of the sunset is not to be missed.
Ordering a Shave Ice in a Tropical Flavor You Can Hardly
Pronounce. In Haleiwa, stop at Matsumoto Shave Ice, 66-087
Kamehameha Hwy., for a snow cone with an exotic flavor poured over
the top, such as the local favorite, li hing mui (lee hing moo-ee),
or with sweet Japanese adzuki beans hidden inside.
Flight Overview Oahu
Honolulu International Airport sits on the south shore of Oahu,
west of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, near Pearl Harbor.
While the airport is large and constantly expanding, the layout
is quite simple and easy to navigate. You can walk or take the
Wiki-Wiki Bus, a free airport shuttle, from your arrival gate to
the main terminal and baggage claim, which is on the ground level.
After collecting your bags, exit to the palm-lined street, where
uniformed attendants flag down taxis, Waikiki shuttles, and rental
car vans.
All major American and many international carriers fly to
Honolulu International Airport.
United Airlines (tel. 800/225-5825) offers the most frequent
service from the U.S. mainland to Honolulu. Aloha Airlines (tel.
800/367-5250 or 808/484-1111) has direct flights from Oakland and
Orange County with connecting flights from Las Vegas. American
Airlines (tel. 800/433-7300) offers flights from Dallas, Chicago,
St. Louis, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles and St. Louis to
Honolulu. Continental Airlines (tel. 800/231-0856) offers the only
daily nonstop from the New York area (Newark) to Honolulu, in
addition to flights from other cities. Delta Air Lines (tel.
800/221-1212) flies nonstop from the West Coast, Houston, and
Cincinnati. Hawaiian Airlines (tel. 800/367-5320) offers nonstop
flights to Honolulu from several West Coast cities. Northwest
Airlines (tel. 800/225-2525) has a daily nonstop from Detroit to
Honolulu, as well as service from other cities.
Our Airline Partners Serving Hawaii:
American Trans Air
Delta Airlines
United Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
American Airlines
Aloha Airlines
Horizon Airlines