I have a moderate budget. Tell me about places other than the beach. Like some sort of hiking trails or temples. Im sporty and I like to hike. Any good spots , places to go, things to do鈥︹€? Thanks! If you like to hike, you'll definitely want to go up to the top of Diamond Head. It's a million dollar view that you don't want to miss.
Another good (albeit easy) hike is the Manoa Falls hike. The view and scenery will make up for the lack of challenge though.
There are a lot of other great things to do beside go to the beach.
If you've never surfed, go to the Hawaiian Fire Surf School. You'll be picking up waves in no time.
Try the Royal Hawaiian Catamaran (you may recognize it if you saw "Along Came Polly"). They have snorkeling, sailing and wildlife encounters.
The USS Arizona memorial is a moving experience and shouldn't be missed.
Not necessarily "temples", but other interesting places include the Polynesian Cultural Center, Queen Emma's Summer Palace, and Doris Duke's Shangri-La. In addition to the good suggestions you have already received.
Hikes: Makapuu (on the eastern tip of the island) offers a nice view of Diamond Head to the Windward side & is an easy climb. Jackass Ginger Trail (in Nuuanu on the way to the Pali Lookout) will take you across a stream & to a small waterfall & pool.
On the windward side, in Kaneohe, is Byodo-in-Temple, which is set in a beautiful valley. Lots of scenes from Magnum PI & Hawaii 5-0 were shot there.
We have a decent zoo & a small aquarium at or across the street from Kapiolani Park. On the weekends, there is Art on the Fence at Kapiolani Park; fun to look, even if you don't buy.
A visit to Iolani Palace is definately worth the price of admission. It has been beautifully restored & will give you a glimpse into Hawaii as a monarchy.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is a lot of fun, as well.
Hope you have a wonderful visit. FREE places- Pearl Harbor, King Kamehameha Statue, Valley of the Temples Cemetary, thats where the Japanese Replica Boyodo-In Temple is...Blowhole, Makapuu Light house, Diamond Head Light house, Kaena Lighthouse, Queen's Botantical Gardens, Mauna Wili Hiking Trail.
$1-$10 Entry - Hamauma Bay (closed on Tuesdays), Diamond Head Park, Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium,Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park!
$30-$50 - polynesian Cultural Center ( Closed on Sundays) Germaines Luau, Paradise Cove Luau, Society of Seven Show, Blue Hawaii Show ( Elvis Impersonation) Google "hiking Hawaii". There is a detailed map of Oahu and its hiking trails. There are those in the city area and also out of the city. You may need a car to get to some of then, but others are doable by bus (save the car for other things).
Pearl Harbor is not free, but you could spend the day doing that (go VERY early), the Bowfin submarine, the Pacific Aviation Museum, and the USS Missouri. Moving even if you don't like military stuff. There are Hawaiian food places (Ono's on Kapahulu Avenue is close-ish to Waikiki) rather than an expensive luau. But Polynesian Culture Center might be worth the visit (you can google for info). Hanauma Bay is nice, and can be visited by bus. Depending on when you come, there are north shore waves (right now they are 20 feet but that won't last) -- again you can take a bus around the island for $2 (you can get off once and reboard). There are a number of Buddhist temples, and also the Iolani Palace is the only one on American soil (palace of royalty). Bishop Museum is also very interesting (bus again).
There is also Diamond Head Crater--a good day's activity hiking. Take lots of water wherever you go--easy to get dehydrated--also bring sunscreen!! go to hawaiieventsonline.com. it tells you everything thats happening everyday. it helped me out when i moved here. it even includes prices and directions. check out gohawaii.com Hawaii Shark Encounters on the North Shore! They take you out about a mile or so off the coast and put you into a shark cage, throw some dead fish into the water and the next thing you know you are surrounded by sharks. It is one of the coolest things to do on the Island. You don't need to be a diver to do it. It may be a little out of your price range at $100+ per person, but it is an incredible experience. Blaaah... everyone's gonna suggest Diamond Point.
Go to Liliha Bakery. Seriously. BEST. BREAKFAST. -EVER-!
Happy Trails (or is it Happy Tails?) horseback riding up in north Oahu is the best horseback riding tour, in my honest opinion. There's another one that offers a movie set tour... but their horses are more twitchy.
Ala Moana Mall is FREAKING AWESOME! The mexican restaurant in the food court has the best cornbread ever.
Try to avoid Waikiki unless you get there early. It's INSANE. And don't bother renting a car unless you're going to venture to other parts of the island -other- than the heavily toured ones. If you stay below the airport, you're good. You can walk or hop buses and get almost everywhere.
Dunno if you're military or not, but the NEX is fantastic.
If you do rent a car, rent one from the airport. It's by far easier. And if you have a sensitive stomach, I would suggest drinking only bottled water you're used to. Hawaii tap water has always upset my stomach-even after living there for months on end. =)
Feel free to ask me any more questions hun! I'd be happy to answer anything about Oahu! North Shore- Waiamae Bay! So beautiful. |
