Oahu
 

I'm going to Oahu this summer to visit the SO (Hawaiian native going to live with family for the summer).

Between her and my parents I have a laundry list of things I HAVE to do while I am in Hawaii. Unfortunately, I only have 6 days.

At this point there are only a few things I know I would really like to do.

- learn to surf
- convince the SO to possibly go sea kayaking

I will be there for the 4th of July, where would be the best place to celebrate?

I'd also like to get a oceanside bungalow, or hotel room with an ocean view for a few nights, any suggestions on good places to stay?

Any suggestions at all would be great? Any books I should pick up and read through?

Buy this book: http://wizardpub.com/oahu/oahu.html ... they write invariably fantastic reviews with a lot of details, and have web supplementals with a code from the book. My thought is Diamond Head for the 4th, but it may be crowded. Waikiki will be overflowing with people - it's SOSOSOSOSOSO busy there. The north shore is cooler, IMHO.

I may also want to travel to Maui, to visit a high school friend while I am there. Is there a ferry, or cheap way to do this. My friend suggested Pacific Wings airline, their prices seem to be halfway decent.

When I was in Oahu last October, we stayed at the Renaissance Waikiki - it's at the far end of the Waikiki beach. It was a lot calmer than other areas, and we had a beautiful ocean view from the 23rd floor. I feel your pain about trying to cram everything in - I was only there for 4 days, and we didn't get to do everything. Diamond Head is VERY cool - BUT - It will be hot as hell - don't make the hike if you don't plan to carry water... they've had to lift people of it before.


As far as airlines, I would check online through the FAA - there should be registered air companies, and they may have a website somewhere for you to check out.

Just remembered: If you're learning to surf, check out HawaiianFire - they're a group of firemen that run a surf school/shop on the side. They'll take you to north beach and spend some quality time with you. My brother did it and had a GREAT time.

JustJess, Oahu Revealed just jumped to the top of my "books to buy" list.


I'll check out HawaiianFire. My dad has a friend who taught him how to surf who may be willing to teach my SO and I (she's lived there for 18 years and never touched a surfboard).

Also, searching around found the Temple I've always wanted to visit, Byodo-In Temple. Has anyone else been there? It looks spectacular!

I've only been to Kauaii, and I loved it so much. The first time I stayed for three weeks, the following year for a month. Even then, it was hard to do all I wanted to. The pace of life there is two speeds: slow and reverse. The tourists are the ones who buzz around like busy bees. I really enjoyed it the most when I just stopped trying to fill an agenda and went with the flow of life there. Stay longer if possible, or start to plan a return trip when you have the time to just BE. Camping is very inexpensive or free and you really feel the mana that way. Shopping at the farmer's markets is also the best value for your dollar and a great way to meet the locals. My best memories involve just chillin' on the beach and looking for shells or hiking the beautiful trails. Try to avoid the "hurry up and relax" mentality that we mainlanders tend to embrace.
If your SO's family lives there, you may find yourself in Hawaii more often, so enjoy the opportunity to visit as often as possible and do a little bit each time you go.
I'm hoping to go to the islands this winter and hop around between the big island, Kauaii and Ouahu. To do this in a relaxed way, I'm going to stay at least a month, finances be damned.
Enjoy your trip! You will absolutely love it there!!!!!
Aloha!

Having a Hawaiian SO is da bomb. Free lodging when we go to visit, native guides to all the good stuff, not getting treated like a mainlander.

Can't help you with the touristy stuff; all I ever do is hang out with the inlaws, go shopping at the local markets, and relax on the beach.