places to kick it on oahu....
 

I have to go to Honolulu on friday for work. I will be busy but will have 2 sundays and Thanksgiving off, probably off by 4:00 most days. Any tips on good friendly dining establishment bars that you have enjoyed. Also it is the Triple Crown of Surfing starting on Sat. so weather and surf permitting we should be able to catch a competition or two.

MALAEKAHANA STATE PARK
 

Well, I can't remember any of the good restaurant/bar names but there is one place on the North Shore that is worth going to sightsee. It's called "MALAEKAHANA STATE PARK" and it's easy to miss. It's near the Polynesian Village but because it's hard to find, it's almost always deserted.

Hanuma Bay is great too. I could snorkel there for days.

I found most of the eateries in Waikiki proper to be pretty awful. There was one really great Thai restaurant but I can't remember the name. They have sticky rice on the menu. Vietnamese food is a good bet on Oahu. It's cheap, fresh and delicious. Also be sure to get a Bento box on the road.

Have a great time!

Just got back from Waikiki, I was there for a meeting. I advise you to go anywhere else on the island. The area is very touristy and kind of trashy. I like natural areas. Sounds like the state park and Hanauma bay are good.

Helicopter tour over the non-populated islands.

The Real Island
 

Yes, I agree...Waikiki blows! Escape from that place (and all the ABC stores) as quickly as possible. Go see the real Island.