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Hawaii vacation help

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Carole G
Advanced Member
Username: Greengal

Post Number: 344
Registered: 01-2010
Posted From: 68.205.151.181
Posted on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - 11:54 pm:   

Stanford,
So glad you enjoyed your visit. Sounds like you did it all. Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Please sign up for the new site and share it in Space A trip reports even though you didn't go space a. It has lots of info for places to go to share with others. We have used the Kaneohe Bay terminal for space a and they are very space a friendly.
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Stanford W. Johnsey
Advanced Member
Username: Swjohnsey

Post Number: 285
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 75.9.213.129
Posted on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - 10:30 pm:   

A little feed back . . .

All the information was great. Went on the Admiral's Tour and had a flag flown over the Arizona. One of the best things I did on the trip. Three trips to the Swap meet at the stadium. Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, walked up Diamond Head, went to Punchbowl cemetery, stayed a Hale Koa about 10 days, Kaneoea Marine base 2 days, KMC 3 days. Did the Dole plantation, Polynesian Curltural Center and Luau at Hale Koa. Was there for the draping of Komeamea (cost me sixteen bucks to park for two hours).

A little off the beaten track, did the factory tour at the Kamaka Ukulele factory (also bought a Kamaka Ukulele but don't tell the wife how much they cost Had it signed by Fred Kamaka). Did the another ulelele factory tour (Kanaliea) met Herb Ogta, Jr.

Went to Valcanoes National Park. Got to walk across the caldera. Went to the bay where Cook got his head bashed in, the refuge, South Point. Drove the rental car to the top of Moana Kea and say some Silver Sword. Ate at a funky place in Hilo (Aloaha Luigi), went up to Rainbow Falls, Black sand beach and saw some Green Sea Turtles feeding.

Check out the terminal at Kaneohea for a Space A trip back on the cheap.

Overall a great trip with your help.
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walter burke
Member
Username: Ltcwalt

Post Number: 37
Registered: 03-2004
Posted From: 70.126.124.13
Posted on Friday, June 18, 2010 - 08:00 pm:   

Thanks for the info Phyllis. That is still the correct tel # to reserve the tour. However, they are fully booked through 8 Jul and our visitation dates in HI are 21 Jun to 5 Jul. We'll just have to return to HI and try again!!!!! Mahalo, Aloha.
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Phyllis DeLancey
Senior Member
Username: Phyllis

Post Number: 2750
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 99.93.231.12
Posted on Friday, June 18, 2010 - 07:46 pm:   

Try calling 808 471 9988 and see if that is still the number. It is a wonderful tour.
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walter burke
Member
Username: Ltcwalt

Post Number: 35
Registered: 03-2004
Posted From: 70.126.124.13
Posted on Friday, June 18, 2010 - 05:24 pm:   

Anyone have a point of contact to reserve/request a (VIP or Admiral's) tour of the Pearl Harbor Naval faciliies, etc.? Wife and I have vacationed in Oahu several times and are planning to arrive in Oahu Mon 21 June for about a ten day stay. Thank you.
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JEB
Senior Member
Username: Wingrider

Post Number: 490
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 74.194.55.231
Posted on Monday, May 10, 2010 - 09:49 pm:   

I was lucky enough to be there the day they started charging. There is a machine to take your money but they had a parking attendant there to show you how to use it, and I suppose, to make sure you DID use it.

Since I had been there several times before and had not paid, I found it kind of irritating that they now charge for "the view." But I guess everyone is looking for additional revenue these days.
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TR
Advanced Member
Username: Travel_ready

Post Number: 233
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 74.192.161.189
Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2010 - 01:38 am:   

"The Pali has started charging for parking. I think it is $3.00 for a car."

Does that pay for full time on site police presence to thwart car break ins?
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Jeff Glanzer
Intermediate Member
Username: Jlglanzer

Post Number: 148
Registered: 04-2007
Posted From: 205.188.116.208
Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 11:27 pm:   

The Pali has started charging for parking. I think it is $3.00 for a car.
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Cherry C.
Senior Member
Username: Cherry

Post Number: 6318
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 71.163.18.160
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 11:45 pm:   

The "wonderful lookout" is Nu'uanu Pali ('Noo-oo-ah-noo Polly'). Definitely worth a visit.

"Pali" is the Hawaiian word for "cliff" and the lookout is up at the top of the Nu'uanu Valley, named for the stream that runs down through it.

This is an important site in Hawaiian history, because it is the place to which the Oahu 'king's' defending warriors were pushed by Kamehameha's troops during his campaign to unify all the islands under his rule. The Oahu men faced a choice -- be slaughtered, or jump off the cliff to their deaths.

Go on a fairly clear day, and you will see wonderful vistas of the Windward side of Oahu including several small offshore islands.
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Carole G
Intermediate Member
Username: Greengal

Post Number: 99
Registered: 01-2010
Posted From: 68.205.151.181
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 10:19 pm:   

Phyllis,
Where is the free parking lot near the Hale Koa? I wasn't aware there was any free place to park around there. That would be a good thing to know for next year.
Thanks
Carole
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Phyllis DeLancey
Senior Member
Username: Phyllis

Post Number: 2707
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 99.92.37.22
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 09:05 pm:   

I have not read all of this, but we stayed at the Navy Lodge on Ford Island last winter. You would need a car, but parking is free, and it is a nice place to stay. They have a small breakfast that will come with your room, nice pool area and two other places to eat on base, but not the evening meal. We parked in the free lot near the Hale Koa when we went downtown. Dirk talked about a drive across the island, I think that is where the wonderful look out place is, not sure of the name, but some one can tell you.
If you haven't done it yet, look at the BFB from this year, and Berttie gave a couple of good plances to visit, one is with the turtles, nice beach, free and very lovely.
We also picked up the free booklet at ITT and it had a whale watching tour in it, they won't be there now, but it was a nice boat ride,
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Stanford W. Johnsey
Advanced Member
Username: Swjohnsey

Post Number: 283
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 75.49.113.86
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 08:30 pm:   

A VIP tour of Pearl Harbor/Arizona.
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Joe Joyce
Intermediate Member
Username: Joejoyce

Post Number: 150
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 199.224.21.254
Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 01:05 pm:   

Just returned last week from a stay at the Hale Koa and we feel we got our money's worth.

Uncle Bud - My understanding of the leave early policy is, in addition to the nights you've stayed, you are committed to paying only for the last night of your reservation.

Although there is an activities and tour office in the lobby of the Hale Koa, the tour desk is a commercial operation charging market prices. The ITT office at the Pearl Harbor NEX offers the same tours at discounted prices. The NEX is easily reached from the Hale Koa via a recently instituted free shuttle from the Hale Koa to the Hickam Commissary and the NEX and return.

Cherry C. - I agree with you about the Polynesian Cultural Center, espescially about the dinner and show. I also agree The Bus is the way to go everywhere vice renting a car.

What is the Admiral's Tour???
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Stanford W. Johnsey
Advanced Member
Username: Swjohnsey

Post Number: 282
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 75.16.108.226
Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 12:17 pm:   

Got on the Admiral's Tour for June 10th.
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john j ryan
Intermediate Member
Username: Galwaybay

Post Number: 137
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 137.110.150.23
Posted on Sunday, May 02, 2010 - 04:19 am:   

thanks to all for all that amazing info. i and my partner will be in hawaii may 19 thru may 29 and staying at the island colony hotel (no vacancies at the hale koa). not flying space a as partner not auth but still (i believe) got a great deal on flt/hotel. thanks again. jjr
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Jim H
Member
Username: Jhunt66

Post Number: 33
Registered: 12-2009
Posted From: 66.31.169.240
Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 08:15 pm:   

All kine good stuff about Hale Koa on "Space A Lodging" thread, where it should be: http://www.pepperd.com/spacea/messages/438/662868.html?1272661287
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Cherry C.
Senior Member
Username: Cherry

Post Number: 6289
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 71.163.18.160
Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 12:13 pm:   

My only problems with the Maile Sky Court are (a) no lanai, and (b) kitchenette (microwave & small fridge) only in the more costly "studios."

When we are in Hawaii we stay for more than a few days at a time, and like to laze around reading or whatever on the open-air lanai, fix some meals (like breakfast) in our room, and have a safe cold place to stow restaurant meal leftovers for later reheating and consumption.
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Phil Doubleman
Senior Member
Username: Phil

Post Number: 1573
Registered: 08-2005
Posted From: 68.35.26.65
Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 12:47 am:   

Jeff, look on discounthotelshawaii.com for the Maile Sky Court with a city view. It is $49.95 + about 13% tax and is just a walk from the Hale Koa and you can still park a car at the Hale Koa if you wish. It is $45.00 a day in some instances.

Of course I don't know what conveniences you expect.
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Uncle Bud
Intermediate Member
Username: Unclebud

Post Number: 145
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 74.98.90.84
Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 12:39 am:   

In January and again in March this year I've stayed in the Maile Sky Court, between $47 and $50 a night plus tax, small rooms, just like Hale Koa, coffee maker, refrigerator, free wireless in lobby and sometimes in room, clean, new elevators,once we had a view of the ocean, once we had a view of the city, two blocks from inland from Hale Koa, Less than a 5 minute walk. In the past I stayed in a number of the Ohana hotels that were torn down to make room for the Executive Suites and the new Trump Hotel. Hector has many different hotels, give him a call and see if he can match up your needs with one of his hotel contacts.

Also if you book a number of days at a hotel with them, and have to leave early or do not like the room, you only have to pay for the days you stayed. I understand that if you leave early from Hale Koa you still pay for the entire booked stay.

Uncle Bud
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Jeff Glanzer
Intermediate Member
Username: Jlglanzer

Post Number: 142
Registered: 04-2007
Posted From: 207.200.116.12
Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 12:22 am:   

Uncle Bud, could you give me an example of a discount hotel you have stayed in Waikiki verse Hale Koa? I've checked the site and can't find something with the convience of the Hale Koa.
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Leland
Senior Member
Username: Leland

Post Number: 6172
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 98.218.147.237
Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 07:09 pm:   

John, do you mean military Hawaii residents?
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John
Advanced Member
Username: Jharpst

Post Number: 220
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 208.9.117.219
Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 06:56 pm:   

In today's Honolulu Star Bulletin (news paper) The Hale Koa has a full page add for Hawaii residents. Rooms for $99.00 including parking
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Uncle Bud
Intermediate Member
Username: Unclebud

Post Number: 144
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 74.98.90.84
Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 05:21 pm:   

Stanford, I've always found that the Hale Koa is overpriced and they don't have the aminities that many lower priced hotels do have, i.e. Coffee Pots, real refrigerators, etc. I've always used www.discounthotelshawaii.com to get rooms for about half what Hale Koa charges. Take a look at the webpage and give Hector or Grace a call and ask what they have. Tell them that Uncle Bud told you to call. You can still use all the facilities at the Hale Koa and you don't have to pay the prices that they charge. Also try www.afvclub.com to see if they have any Condo's for rent at any of the Islands you plan to visit. My wife and I just got back from Hawaii last month and we had a week at the Imperial Hotel for $349 plus tax.

Uncle Bud
www.unclebud.net
Make Every Trip an Adventure
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Phil Doubleman
Senior Member
Username: Phil

Post Number: 1572
Registered: 08-2005
Posted From: 68.35.26.65
Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 12:29 pm:   

Stanford, I'm sorry that your thread has been "hijacked".

Have your questions been answered to your satisfaction?

If not, you might want to start another thread with the same subject.
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Carole G
Intermediate Member
Username: Greengal

Post Number: 75
Registered: 01-2010
Posted From: 68.205.151.181
Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 12:18 pm:   

The Hale Koa operates at 90% or better occupancy year round for those that care. It is not just a room it comes with the whole package of amenities pool, beach, restaurants, shopping(BX) atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
To each his own.
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ed williamson
Advanced Member
Username: Regnav

Post Number: 163
Registered: 07-2009
Posted From: 76.114.109.206
Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 09:30 am:   

John David Brooks: Doggone it, you are doing that old apples and oranges bit again. :-) There is not a cheaper alternative to Space A. I don't think DOD is likely to consider the occupancy rate at the Hale Koa when making decisions about Space A.

I always go for the cheaper alternative, if it meets my requirements. I don't spend money on "name". If I just need a place to sleep and shower, for example, I find the lowest price motel that appears not to have bed bugs. Recently I stayed in a motel where I had two prostitutes in the room to the left of me and two guys selling drugs on the other side. I chose the wrong interstate exit to look for a motel. Admittedly, I would have chosen other accomodations had I known about my neighbors before I paid for the room. It did make an interesting story for the old fogey coffee klatch when I got home.

On a road trip awhile back I spent a couple of nights in my SUV at a rest stop, and cleaned up in the rest room.

I'm not cheap, I just like to save money so I can buy the very best guns and ammo I can find.
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John David Brooks
Advanced Member
Username: Johnb6597

Post Number: 375
Registered: 04-2008
Posted From: 121.55.235.75
Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 04:52 am:   

If we're destined to pray exclusively at the altar of whatever is cheaper, then let's hope DoD never discontinues the Space-A program because it would simply be cheaper to stick to cargo transport without the added expense of hauling passengers, too.

Loyalty works in both directions. In a game of chicken between Hale Koa prices and the military community it supports, both sides would lose.
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ed williamson
Advanced Member
Username: Regnav

Post Number: 162
Registered: 07-2009
Posted From: 76.114.109.206
Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010 - 02:23 am:   

Can't believe no one has mentioned Hotel Street - very historical! :-)

John David Brooks: Here we go again.:-) If the Hale Koa is there to support the troops, and it is, it obviously is not doing a very good job if better and cheaper accomodations can be had elsewhere.

Perhaps a lack of patronage will encourage lower prices.
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Michael J. Martin
Member
Username: Csm_retired

Post Number: 8
Registered: 01-2008
Posted From: 71.172.75.120
Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - 11:13 pm:   

Stanford: here are 3 places to go on Oahu that haven't been mentioned yet: A train ride , a Queens house and a mansion. Your wife and daughter will enjoy the last 2 and maybe the train ride.
http://www.hawaiianrailway.com/ http://www.daughtersofhawaii.org/
http://www.shangrilahawaii.org/
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Mike McCrystal
Senior Member
Username: Stinkin_badges

Post Number: 430
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 71.193.170.118
Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 - 03:14 pm:   

You'll find the tourist restaurants are pricey compared to mainland prices. Locals, ie. Hawaiians, like great portions for a low price. Here are some suggestions.

L&L Hawaiian BBQ on Kuhio St. in Waikiki. Try the chicken katsu plate lunch.

Rainbow Drive In on Kapahulu St. on the edge of Waikiki. Not many tourists but lots of food for low prices.

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck in Kahuku on the North Shore. Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Outside dining, not cheap, but great atmosphere.

Ted's Bakery in Sunset Beach. Haupia chocolate cream pie! Ask anyone on the island how to get there.

Try the fare at the many lunch wagons around the island. They look funky but thousands of locals can't be wrong when it comes to lots of cheap food.

Last but not least, Coast Guard Base galley on Sand Island, and Tripler Army Hospital dining facility still feed you much for cheap.

Aloha, Mike
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Ben Powell
Member
Username: Eaglelead

Post Number: 44
Registered: 09-2007
Posted From: 150.176.9.254
Posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 06:26 pm:   

Stan, By all means take the submarine ride. You can get good prices on tickets at the ITT at Hale Koa ($38 last July for adults, less for kids) and it leaves from the Hilton (?) dock right next door. They take you over 100 feet down and show you some old wrecks, etc. and you get to see a lot of good technology at work. And let the kids pet the sea creatures at the dock.
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Garee Michael Harrison
Intermediate Member
Username: Gareemharrison

Post Number: 121
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 68.226.13.204
Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 08:13 pm:   

We lived in Iroquois Pt for 3 yrs. and have visited many times. There is so much to see and do. I would agree with a day time trip to the Cultural Center. Evening show isn't that good and food is so-so. The Hale Koa has a good evening show and nice drinks too. Must see is PunchBowl and the Arizona Memorial. A trip across the island to the North Shore is a must. You will enjoy the Big Island and the Volcano House. Spent a week there and it was great.As much time spent beyond Waikiki, the better.
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Dan B-McC
Member
Username: Bensonmd

Post Number: 20
Registered: 04-2009
Posted From: 164.214.1.54
Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 04:26 pm:   

I'm surprised noone mentioned snorkeling (or just lazing out ) at Hanauma Bay! Great collapse volcanic caldera that let the sea in. Ride down and up (unless you really need a workout)
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Cherry C.
Senior Member
Username: Cherry

Post Number: 6273
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 71.163.18.160
Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 11:09 am:   

John David, that's an interesting point.

However, we believe that by not staying at Hale Koa (because it's not the right choice for us, both for price and amenities), we thereby free up a room for some military person or family who want to be there and for whom it IS a good deal!
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Kenneth Wilson
Member
Username: Nokaoi27

Post Number: 42
Registered: 01-2008
Posted From: 24.17.174.194
Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 03:02 am:   

Stanford-
On the Big Island, you should check the Volcanoes Nat. Park Museum, Chain of Craters road, and the various lava flows. There is a great botanical garden just north of Hilo, and Akaka Falls. And I think the highlight of our last trip was driving to the top of Mauna Kea (14,000 ft). Great sunset from up there (make sure your car rental company allows this, or take a tour...that's a little pricy). You can also drive out at night to where the lava is flowing into the ocean...like a dayglow river. I also enjoy driving to Southpoint. You may see divers going off the cliffs there. Enjoy. By the way, it is much cooler on the Big Island than Oahu so wear layers.
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John David Brooks
Advanced Member
Username: Johnb6597

Post Number: 367
Registered: 04-2008
Posted From: 121.55.235.75
Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 01:38 am:   

My wife and I have been to Oahu on vacation 5 times in the last 8 years and have always stayed at the Hale Koa. It's there to support the military community, so I think the military community should support them. Just one guy's opinion.
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Cherry C.
Senior Member
Username: Cherry

Post Number: 6270
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 71.163.18.160
Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 12:15 am:   

Although I agree that you don't want to spend a lot of time and effort moving from lodging to lodging, long time readers already know that IMO Hale Koa is not a very good deal except for a few people. Many retirees have to pay quite a lot, and what they get is not as good as what you can find in other fairly nearby hotels that give a good military discount AND have basic kitchenette facilities so you can make coffee, fix your own breakfast, mix a nightcap, and have a real refrig. in which to store leftovers (from restaurants that give you more than you can eat) to reheat in your microwave oven for later consumption.

I think that about all Hale Koa has going for it is oceanfront location and a lower daily charge for parking. (But you can park there even if not a registered guest.) As has been mentioned, we take the bus everywhere so parking does not even enter into the equation for us.
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Jeff Glanzer
Intermediate Member
Username: Jlglanzer

Post Number: 140
Registered: 04-2007
Posted From: 207.200.116.12
Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 08:19 pm:   

If your vacation is 14 days long and you have 6 nights reserved?? I would set up camp at the Hale Koa for your time on Oahu. When you are in Hawaii you don't want to be packing and unpacking very often, especially with a wife and 18 year old daughter, I can only imagine that process. 1st trip to Hawaii??
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Dirk Pepperd
Board Administrator
Username: Admin

Post Number: 996
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 97.19.33.228
Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 05:51 pm:   

Since I lived there for 5 years, I know a good bit about Oahu. Two of my local favorites are the Ku-Ina burger place on the North Shore (Kam Hwy heading north into town and L & L Drive in (Wahiawa).

The drive across the kole-kole pass provides some really good views. It goes from Schofield BKS to the west side of the island.
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Jan
Advanced Member
Username: Seychelle

Post Number: 318
Registered: 07-2006
Posted From: 70.137.19.148
Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 03:59 pm:   

We have enjoyed many of the restaurants already mentioned, but we have also twice taken advantage of the coupon we found in the little tourist booklet I think is called "Oahu" you can find in stands all over the island, including the lobby of the Hale Koa.

It is for a "2 for the price of 1 buffet" at the Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar at the Outrigger Reef Hotel. It is located within easy walking distance of the Hale Koa -- towards Diamond Head beyond the park and is just the 2nd building down. The restaurant is right on the water and the buffet is nice while enjoying a casual lunch with an unbeatable view. I think the coupon is only good for lunch. Hope it is still available.
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Phil Doubleman
Senior Member
Username: Phil

Post Number: 1567
Registered: 08-2005
Posted From: 68.35.26.65
Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 02:16 pm:   

The place to see the planes take off and land is the Sea Breeze. That is a good place for lunch, cocktails and dinner.

A better place for breakfast is the Wright Brothers Cafe. It is right next to the club and some lodging. You can watch ships come and go real close.
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Barton Pepper
Advanced Member
Username: Barpep

Post Number: 302
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 99.5.95.120
Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 12:24 pm:   

If you don't stay at Hale Koa, at least make good use of swimming pools and dining, as well as the PX. Parking is cheaper there, too. Cherry would agree that The Bus is the most economical way of getting around the island, literally going all the way around. Seniors only pay half price.

The Crouching Lion is a good place to eat if you are going on the Kam highway north of Kaneohe. I'm told that a great place for breakfast in on Hickam where you can watch the planes take off from Hickan/Honolulu International.

Learn to say Aloha a lot!
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Carole G
Intermediate Member
Username: Greengal

Post Number: 69
Registered: 01-2010
Posted From: 68.205.151.181
Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 12:46 am:   

Go to the ITT office on Pearl Harbor or Hickam and get books with coupons for restaurants etc. They have one in there for PF Changs for buy one get one free. We used one a couple of times and they have great food. #19 bus goes from across the street from Hale Koa all the way to Hickam for a couple of bucks.
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Doug Skillman
Member
Username: Dskillman

Post Number: 15
Registered: 02-2010
Posted From: 70.33.13.243
Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 12:02 am:   

Hi Stan,
My vote goes for the Cultural Center. Also, the best saimen I've found is Shiro's Saimen Haven in Pearl City. (Is it still there??) I think the drive to the middle of the island is good to see the Dole plantation and hit the gift shop, LOL. It's a crying shame that the factory isn't still in Honolulu. I still have dreams about the ice cold pineapple juice that used to flow out of the wall at the end of the tour!
Happy Travels!!
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Stanford W. Johnsey
Advanced Member
Username: Swjohnsey

Post Number: 281
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 75.0.255.72
Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 11:59 pm:   

Keep it comin', got two weeks ya know. I'm takin' notes.
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James
Member
Username: Hlrjj

Post Number: 8
Registered: 05-2008
Posted From: 74.229.172.227
Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 11:41 pm:   

Also visit the International Market place have lunch at Fatty's and korean food. Happy Travels.
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Cherry C.
Senior Member
Username: Cherry

Post Number: 6267
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 71.163.18.160
Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 10:58 pm:   

Stan, I'm going to disagree slightly with the advice you're getting about the Polynesian Cultural Center. I agree 100% that it's a great attraction BUT I think the dinner and evening show are not worth the time and money. What I recommend is to get there right when it opens, study the program and line up your tour of the various "villages" according to the demonstrations they each will be giving. If you spend the entire afternoon there, you will have seen just about everything that would be in the evening show -- except that the show is (a) noisy, (b) full of flashing lights [most UN Polynesian ;-D] and (c)repetitive because you already saw those dances and costumes in the daylight that afternoon! Furthermore, the dinner was only so-so IMO, and they don't serve adult beverages either -- what's a Hawaiian party without a Mai Tai!

'Nuff said about that.

The Hale Koa luau is as good as any of them, very conveniently located, and a reasonable price. I recommend reserving your tickets at one of the first row of tables that is under the roof -- that way you will have excellent sightlines but will not get wet if some "mist" happens to fall. Watch them take the pig out of the imu, and sip your included adult beverage, but as soon as the gate to the dining area opens, go in to locate your table and put dibs on seats as near as possible to the stage end of the table.

Places to go/things to do or see: ; North Shore surf and villages; Chinatown (walk through the markets full of wonderful foods; have a bowl of Saimin at Ba Le restaurant, or dim sum at the Golden Dragon); Nuuanu Pali (where Oahu's defenders made their last, futile stand against Kamehameha's invading warriors) -- great views; Punchbowl Cemetery; Arizona Memorial (GO FIRST THING IN THE MORNING BEFORE THE TOUR BUSES GET THERE); Battleship Missouri; Bowfin submarine (these last 3 are all in the same area); Ala Moana shopping center (some stores will be out of your price range!) including lower level food court (worth repeat visits to sample more treats) and Zippy's -- a favorite local restaurant for plate lunches, located on lower level past Sears -- and Shirokiya Japanese department store on first level up; take surfing lessons at Fort de Russy beach... and on and on and on.

There are too many good places to eat to enumerate!

Best guidebook: Oahu Revealed, by Andrew Doughty.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_13?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field- keywords=oahu+revealed+the+ultimate+guide+to+honolulu+waikiki+%26+beyond&sprefix =Oahu+Revealed

Also see my comments about the place where we stay in Waikiki:
http://www.pepperd.com/spacea/messages/7731/663025.html?1269607458
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Kathleen M. Collier
Member
Username: Latterdayesther

Post Number: 31
Registered: 08-2007
Posted From: 71.198.64.222
Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 10:08 pm:   

Hello Stan,
I concur with John; don't miss the Polynesian Cultural Center! Spring for upgraded seats for the evening show, and just prepare yourself for a full day of playful polynesian young people.
Its a blast!!
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John David Brooks
Advanced Member
Username: Johnb6597

Post Number: 365
Registered: 04-2008
Posted From: 121.55.235.75
Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 08:26 pm:   

Greetings, Stan: An all-day visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center is an absolute must for any trip to Oahu. It is an amazing experience that none of you will soon forget.
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Phil Doubleman
Senior Member
Username: Phil

Post Number: 1566
Registered: 08-2005
Posted From: 68.35.26.65
Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 08:13 pm:   

Do the luau at the Hale Koa while there.

Go to the ITT office on Hickam and Pearl and see what is available.
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Carole G
Intermediate Member
Username: Greengal

Post Number: 63
Registered: 01-2010
Posted From: 68.205.151.181
Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 07:30 pm:   

There is lodging available at all the bases Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Kaneohe, Bellows and others. Go to Dodlodging to check for availability. You will enjoy the Hale Koa and all the great restaurants nearby.
Enjoy your stay.
Carole
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Stanford W. Johnsey
Advanced Member
Username: Swjohnsey

Post Number: 279
Registered: 06-2003
Posted From: 75.0.255.72
Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2010 - 07:07 pm:   

Taking the wife and daughter (18) to Hawaii for a couple of week (not Space A). So far I have three nights at the Hale Koa and three nights at the Kilauea Military Camp. I plan on going to the swap meet, I am going to call at the end of the month and try to get on the Admiral's Tour.

I need suggestions on other thing to do and see. I want to take in a Luau and have considered the one at the Hale Koa. Suggestions on the best Luau, places to stay that are inexpensive both Space A and commercial, places to eat, both funky and nice, places to see, places not to see, things to do.

I have a rental car on both Oahu and Hawaii so I am pretty mobile

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