365 Things To Do In Hawaii

2012-01-15T02:39:00.000-08:00

15. Sandy Beach

Okay, it sounds like a chill way to spend the day....Sandy Beach.

On a calm day, it it a perfect family spot. On a not-so-calm day, the breaks can be brutal, with strong rip currents and a dangerous shore break. Experienced body surfers make it look easy, but use caution when entering the water on a not-so-calm day. Pay attention to warning signs and lifeguard recommendations.

The show from the shore is much better anyway.

From Waikiki, head east on the H-1 until it turns to Kalanianiole Highway. Continue past Hanauma Bay. Sandy's is just before the traffic light at Kealahou Street.

2012-01-14T02:26:00.000-08:00

14. Skydive Hawaii!!

It's Adventure and Sports day, and today my recommendation is skydiving. Though I've never done it myself, it is on my short list and I cannot imagine a more beautiful place to skydive than Oahu's North Shore.

Skydive Hawaii is the oldest and largest skydiving operation on Oahu. They are located at Dillingham Field on Oahu's North Shore, shuttles are available from various points including Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, and UH.

Photos to follow.....if I get my nerve up!

Skydive Hawaii

2012-01-13T02:05:00.000-08:00

13. Dole Plantation

It's Tourist Trap Day, and Dole Plantation can only be described as a tourist trap. From the kitschy activities to the overpriced shops and restaurants, it's a tourist's dream.

The Pineapple Express is a 20-minute narrated train ride around the grounds, and for the most part is unremarkable but the kids like it. The plantation garden tour (in my humble opinion) is the best part of the trip, mostly because I'm a photo nerd and get in to that sort of thing. The World's Largest Maze is something that I've honestly never done, and am planning to take my kid to do later this month. It gets mixed reviews, and I've heard that it can take up to an hour to find your way out. Plan accordingly.

The Plantation Grille offers a local-style menu at local-style prices. The Dole Whip is a very popular, and many consider it a must-have for their visit to the island.

Dole Plantation is located in the central part of Oahu, and on the route most visitors take when traveling from Waikiki to the North Shore. Take H-1 West, exit at H-2 North and follow the signs for North Shore. Dole Plantation is a can't miss stop on the right soon after the highway ends.

Dole Plantation

2012-01-12T01:33:00.000-08:00

12. 'Iolani Palace

'Iolani Palace is the only palace in the United States, a former home to King Kalākaua, who built it in 1882, and his sister and successor, Queen Lili‘uokalani. The palace has become a National Historic Landmark, and is a popular attraction in downtown Waikiki....by both tourists and activists.

`Iolani Palace was the official residence for royal functions and receptions of dignitaries from around the world. In the late 1800's it was the center of social and political life for the Kingdom of Hawai`i. The palace was used as a provisional government building until 1969 when it was restored to its original state and opened to the public as a museum in 1978.

Information on tours, admission, and hours can be found at the 'Iolani Palace website.

From Waikiki, take Ala Moana Boulevard to Alakea Street. Go three blocks, then turn right on King Street - the palace is one block down, on the left. Parking is on the street, bring change for the meters.

2012-01-11T02:02:00.000-08:00

11. Polynesian Cultural Center

Located in Laie, on the northern/eastern shore o f Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a popular tourist destination for most visitors. Each of the PCCs simulated villages is dedicated to the culture and life of each of the regions' island chains.

Spend the day (or a few hours) immersed in spear throwing, canoe racing, island cooking, and history of the islands.

From Waikiki, take H1 west to the H2 interchange. Head north to the North Shore, and keep going. After you pass Turtle Bay and Kahuku, you will see the PCC on your right. After your visit, turn right as you exit the PCC and head toward Kaneohe. You can get back to Waikiki via the H3, Likilike, or Pali. Your choice. Or you can do it all in reverse.

Polynesian Cultural Center

2012-01-10T01:48:00.000-08:00

10. Good Eats - Todai!

If you are staying in Waikiki, head over to Todai for an an all-you-can-eat buffet that will impress the most finicky eater.

The hubster is a sushi fan, and could spend all day at a sushi bar. I, on the other hand, prefer something a bit more.....cooked. Todai is a perfect compromise. In addition to an amazing sushi selection, Today offers cooked seafood, pasta, meats, and LOTS of desserts.

Plan to wait for a table, especially at peak times.

Todai is within walking distance of most of Waikiki, near the intersection of Ala Moana and Kalakaua.

2012-01-09T01:37:00.000-08:00

9. Hiking Day - Makapu'u Tidepools

This one start out as a casual stroll up a paved path, and ends with a hand over hand descent to deserted tidepools below.

The Makapu'u Lighthouse trail (the subject of a later post) is an easy-ish paved path up to a scenic overlook of the Windward side of Oahu. However, after you make the hairpin turn and go another 2/3 of the way to the lighthouse, look for an informational plaque about whale watching in the ocean below. Look below, and find the trail leading to a 'marked' path to the tidepools below. And by 'marked path' I mean random rocks spray painted with arrows. Or not.

It's hand over hand all the way to the bottom, but you won't be disappointed. Once you make it to the bottom it is an oasis of calm, cool tidepools. Relax, enjoy, break out the snorkel gear, or just chill with a cold drink. You've earned it!

2012-01-08T03:24:00.000-08:00

8. Beach Day - Go to Pupukea!

Pupukea Beach on Oahu's North Shore is perfect, no matter the season. If you time it just right in the winter you can see the huge north swells crashing in. In the summer it is one of the most calm beaches you will ever encounter, and the tidepools are amazing. It is a great, kid-friendly beach, especially in the summer. Bring water shoes, as the rocks are sharp. The crystal clear waters are ideal for snorkeling. Restrooms are nearby, but bring your own lunch.

2012-01-07T02:10:00.000-08:00

7. Swim With Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are all over in the waters of Hawaii, and it's not unusual to be out in the ocean and see a turtle swim by. They are amazingly beautiful and graceful creatures, and I love to swim alongside them as they surface, dive for seaweed, and then resurface for a breath of fresh air.

Before I tell you the best place to find them, please know that you need to respect their territory and admire them from a distance. Swim alongside them, but don't startle them or attempt to feed them. If they are sunning themselves on the sand, it's okay to observe and photograph them from a distance, but do not get into their space or touch them.

With that said, there is a beach on the North Shore known as Turtle Beach. Generally, you can see turtles on the shore, soaking up the sun. Go diving in the waters and you are likely to have a turtle encounter. Look for Laniakea Beach, about halfway between Haleiwa and Waimea on the North Shore.

2012-01-06T01:57:00.000-08:00

6. Walk The Strip

There's nothing like walking The Strip in Waikiki, the section of Kalakaua Avenue from Saratoga Road to Kapahulu Avenue. It's a mish-mash of high-end designer shops to tiny boutiques to tacky Hawaiian souvenir shops, all surrounded by high rise hotels and chain restaurants. My favorite thing to do on The Strip is people-watching. Don't miss out on what the shopping centers and side streets have to offer!

After a day of people-watching in Waikiki, head out to.......Kalakaua Avenue. Nighttime on The Strip is a different experience than daylight hours. The sidewalks fill with street performers, and often there are street festivals which close the area to vehicular traffic at night. Avoid Kuhio Avenue at night, unless you are looking to solicit a prostitute, Lol.

Waikiki (and Hawaii in general) is a relatively safe place to be. There is limited gang violence, and gun crimes are rare. The top dangers in the area are pedestrian/vehicle accidents and drunken partiers. As long as you remain aware of your surroundings, you will have an awesome visit!

2012-01-05T01:55:00.000-08:00

5. Visit Punchbowl, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

Minutes from Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, Punchbowl is a peaceful, surreal must-see on any visit to Hawaii. The road up to Punchbowl provides breathtaking views of the city, Diamond Head, Honolulu Harbor, and the coastline. The cemetery itself is set inside a dormant volcano, protected from the hustle and bustle of the city below. The remains of servicemembers who perished in the Pacific Theater beginning with WWI are interred in the cemetery. Nearly 29,000 who are missing or buried at sea are memorialized in the marble columns leading up the grand staircase to the statue of Lady Columbia. Behind Lady Columbia is a small multi-denominational chapel. Do some research in advance on the history of the site, as well as the current layout and artistic features of the cemetery. It will make your visit much more meaningful.

How to get there? It's not as simple as most places. Do NOT take Punchbowl Street, it will not get you there. The easiest way is to take the H-1, exit at Pali Highway and head toward the mountain. Take your first exit, Kuakini Street. Go one block and it will come to a 'T'. This is Lusitana Street. You should see a green and white sign in front of you marked "Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Punchbowl". It will direct you to turn left. Follow this sign and look for identical signs along the way. You will turn right on Auwaiolimu Street and head up the mountain before finding the entrance (on the right) to the cemetery. Your best bet is to follow the green signs.

The path leading through Punchbowl, to Lady Columbia.

Above, the chapel behind Lady Columbia. Below, the stained glass artwork lit by the sun in the chapel.

2012-01-04T01:05:00.000-08:00

4. Enjoy Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar

Slack key guitar is a traditional Hawaiian folk art, and must be heard to be appreciated! Stop by the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort for Slack Key Sundays. It is an intimate setting, more like a backyard beach barbecue than a resort in bustling Waikiki. Call for times (808) 921-5255. The Marriott is located near the Diamond Head end of Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki and metered parking can usually be found further down at the Honolulu Zoo or Kapiolani Park areas.

2012-01-03T02:18:00.000-08:00

3. Eat at Gordon Biersch

While I'm generally not a fan of chain restaurants, the ambiance of Gordon Biersch makes up for that. The restaurant is located in Aloha Tower Marketplace (on Honolulu Harbor) and the indoor/outdoor island feel has a calming effect....even without the Mai Tais! Have dinner on the lanai (the Pasta Jambalaya is my favorite!) as the cruise ships pull in to the adjoining harbor, browse the shops in the Marketplace, then enjoy a stroll along the waterfront before calling it a night.

http://www.gordonbiersch.com/resources/pdf/7019_GBHI_WineA.pdf

2012-01-02T01:56:00.000-08:00

2. Hike Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls is a relatively easy, short hike with a bonus waterfall view at the turnaround point. The downside is that the waterfall itself is off limits, and you have to stay on the marked trail while you admire it from a distance. The trail starts off simply enough with a wooden footbridge through a patch of eucalyptus trees. As it goes on and increases in elevation, you may encounter rain, mud, and mosquitoes! Plan to get muddy and bring mosquito spray. The upside to the rain/mosquitoes is that the waterfall is more spectacular when it has been raining. I've seen all age ranges and capability ranges on this trail, but it is not handicap accessible. From Waikiki, head to H1 and exit at Punahou/Manoa. Stay on Punahou and it will become Manoa Road (do NOT merge on to East Manoa Road when it splits). Follow Manoa Road to the end. There is paid parking, or you can park for free on the streets in the residential areas. (It's an easy walk from the residential areas, so that's what we always do.) Follow the signs to the trailhead.

2012-01-01T01:31:00.000-08:00

1. Hang out at Kailua Beach Park.

On Oahu's Windward (east) side, Kailua Beach Park is the perfect beach stop for everyone. The waters are calm and crystal clear with varying shades of blue and turquoise, and the sand is powdery soft. It's much less crowded that the more touristy beaches of Waikiki, and because it really is a 'park' there are shaded areas to avoid the scorching mid-day sun. There are restrooms in the park, a food truck on site most days, and other food/amenities within walking distance. Parking fills up fast on weekends and during peak season, so arrive early! From Waikiki, make your way on to the H1 West, exit at Pali Highway and follow it all the way to the end in Kailua. At the 'T' intersection (Kalaheo), turn right. The first entrance to the beach park is about 1/4 mile down, on your left (at the green Kalapawai Market). If you miss it, keep going until you see the park on your left and use the other entrance.

2011-12-31T02:24:00.000-08:00

What to do, what to do?

I've had so many people e-mail me or Facebook me or instant message me telling me they are coming to Hawaii on vacation and ask for recommendations of things to do and avoid while they are here. I've decided to dedicate a blog to them.....365 Things To Do In Hawaii. I will make one post each day, recommending a place, historical site, tourist trap, restaurant, or cultural place to visit in the islands. Some will have photos, some will not. Some will be personally recommended, some recommended based on friends' opinions.

Stay tuned. Blogging begins January 1st.