View Full Version : Hawaii
Smokin Joe
06-19-2005, 10:45
Next month the wife is dragging me to Hawaii. :( I know it completely sucks but hey someone has to go. :D We are staying on Ohau just outside of Wakiki. Neither one of us has been to Oahu before so we are kind of at a loss as to what we should go see and do.
So I'm seeking some guidance and advice on where to go and what to do. We will be there for 10 days. The wife will be in a conference for 5 days while I get to enjoy mysef the entire time we are there. :lifter. Is there anything I should go and see that the wife shouldn't or wouldn't like? Is there any restraunts or anything that we HAVE to go see?
Thank you for any recommendations....I appericate it.
:munchin
I'm no expert, and I didn't stay in a Holiday inn Express last night but I'll do my best.
I highly recommend Matsumoto (http://www.matsumotoshaveice.com/) shave ice in Haleiwa. It's on the north shore, and a bit of a haul but if memory serves, the Dole pineapple plantation (http://www.dole-plantation.com/) visitor center was on the way, and while touristy it was worth a stop.
I found that local food tends to be cheaper than mainland fare. McDonalds even has food only available in the islands, such as Portugese sausage with rice and eggs for breakfast ( My own personal favorite,you get a platter of food and a large coffee for roughly the same $$ as an egg mcmuffin & a coke) Check out grocery stores in small outlying towns for their deli counter lunch specials referred to as,"Plate lunch" or "Box Lunch"
Pearl Harbor/Uss Arizona memorial - this is a no brainer, everyone should visit this site at some point in their life. Also, Punch Bowl National Cemetary is quite moving. The USS Missouri is on display in Pearl Harbor and the guided tour is well worth the price, try to get one of the older tourguides, our guide was a wealth of information and also had a scrapbook of unofficial photos that really added to the tour.
Hanauma Bay natural preserve - on beyond Diamond Head on 72 this is an excellent place for snorkeling/scuba diving, lots to look at.
Here (http://www.joetourist.ca/hawaii/graphics/Hi-Oahu-map.jpg) is a basic map that lists a lot of common tourist traps, some worth visiting some not. (map works better when downloaded and opened in a program that allows you to enlarge it)
Oh yeah, and if you just want to lounge on the beach all day, I highly encourage you to visit a home depot or Wal mart and pick up a pound or two of quarter size galvanized washers, fill your swim trunk pockets with them, and covertly spread them in the early morning out in the shallows in the area of beach you plan to lounge on. All the folks with metal detectors hoping to strike it rich will be going nuts. I found this quite entertaining.
Most of all, Have fun
Good times,
blake
Smokin Joe
06-20-2005, 10:34
Thanks Blake,
I will check them out.
I will also try the washers routine. With the Misses being in meetings and such I may just have to do this in the early morning. To better cover my targeted area like one every 3 feet. :D
Bravo1-3
06-20-2005, 11:02
While the Mrs is in meetings, head for Ft. Derusy and tour the museum. Afterwards, head for the beach in front of the fort. Off to your left as you're facing the water is the Outrigger Reef Hotel. There is a beachfront bar there called Shorebirds. I believe they're open 11am - 2am. Drink beer and enjoy the view. I have wasted many hours and many brain cells there. The waitresses are HOT.
Sunday head for the Pacific Beach Hotel Brunch. They've got one of the worlds largest indoor aquariums, and the food is fantastic too.
If you're there for 2 Sundays, drive to the North Shore to Turtle Bay and do the Sunday Brunch there, then go play some golf (if you can get a Tee-Time).
Go take a ride on Atlantis Submarines (the white subs, not the yellow ones. The white ones are real subs, the yellow ones are just glass bottom boats that look like subs.
Word to the wise: THERE IS NOTHING FOR SALE AT THE ALA MOANA MALL THAT YOU NEED OTHER THAN A BUS.
Want cheap fun? Catch the #56 Kaneohe/Circle Island bus in the morning. Make sure you get a transfer from the driver. You'll be back in Waikiki is a couple of hours, and it's only a dollar for the ride.
The Reaper
06-20-2005, 11:02
Get a car and drive.
Get out of Waikiki and see some stuff.
Blake has good recommendations, Hanauma Bay is great, but get there early or miss out. Drive around the Windward side (east). Go through the Wilson and Pali Tunnels and stop at the top for spectacular views. Drive the North Shore, see Elvis' mansion, the surf hangouts, and drive west on the North Shore all the way out to Dillingham Airfield. Skip the west side of the island.
See the Arizona and Missouri Memorials, and the sub as well if you have time. Walk down to Fort DeRussy and check out Battery Pratt and enjoy the only undeveloped piece of Waikiki.
Surf should be low if you want to try some boogie boarding. Snorkel or just swim around the area. Climb to the top of Diamond Head.
If you get a free day with the wife, consider a day trip to Maui or Kauai.
Relax, get some rays, and have fun Bruddah!
TR
Bravo1-3
06-20-2005, 11:09
All of the above is good gouge, but this bit is especially good:
Skip the west side of the island.
One word about renting a car: Parking in the wrong lot can be a very expensive mistake.
While you're in Haleiwa, you can pay a visit to that idiot who set up the human shields thing in Iraq and stomp him.
Ambush Master
06-20-2005, 16:05
Get a car and drive.
Get out of Waikiki and see some stuff.
See the Arizona and Missouri Memorials, and the sub as well if you have time. Walk down to Fort DeRussy and check out Battery Pratt and enjoy the only undeveloped piece of Waikiki.
TR
If you do the sub thing, they have a recording that was done by the Skipper who commanded her during the war. He made several runs into Tokyo Harbor !!! He recorded the tour as he walked through the Boat and explains what each of the various duty stations were for. Very interesting !!!
Be sure to give us a Brief-back when you return !!
Later
Martin
Roguish Lawyer
06-20-2005, 17:27
Concur with Air.177 and TR, but I have only been to Oahu once. I like the Big Island best and can make recommendations if you go there.
Smokin Joe
06-20-2005, 18:52
Thank you gentlemen.
I will be a googling fool tonight to get maps an itenary.
It's been awhile since I've been there, so my memory may be a little hazy, But You need to check out the Pali lookout, Waimea bay, and take the missus, to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Smokin Joe,
It's been 3 years since I lived in paradise but I still remember what not to do. I lived on Oahu for 3 1/2 years while stationed at Schofield.
If you like a little night life you should go to a luau. Very entertaining for couples. Beach strolls aren't a bad thing to do either. ;)
Bars to visit, Duke's is a good one and right off the beach on Waikiki. They are pricey like most everything else out there but are receptive of tourists.
I'd strongly recommend avoiding Lewers street on Fri-Sun. When the military has any free time that is where they frequent. Bars to avoid: Moose Macgilicuddy (sp?) or commonly referred to as Moose's. Red Lion is a good place for your wife to avoid and so is the Cellar. They have a woman shortage and get a bit handsy because the crowds are so large you can't tell who's grabbing you.
If you are out late enough around Lewers street you'll most likely see a fistfight or some kind of altercation. Lewers isn't far from the beach and Ft Derussy so be aware.
PM me for specifics if you'd like.
I'm dissapointed noone has made a Magnum PI joke yet.
Bravo1-3
06-23-2005, 09:37
What's wrong with Mooses? I have my own reserved bar stool there! :D
What's wrong with Mooses? I have my own reserved bar stool there! :D
Nothing against you and your brother Marines, but when you all came off of RIMPAC (sp?) all you guys wanted was brews, broads and brawling if anyone denied you that right.
I'm not a badass but I had to put a fella down (cheap shot) for being an ass. Kept bumping me as he'd walk by (up on floor #2) and when I politely asked what his issue with me was he got a bit angry. I told him I didn't want any trouble, he looks at his friends and calls me a choice female body part. As he had his head turned laughing I cracked him in the noggin' and did some short legged husltle down the stairs and out the front door. At that time I was running 11:40 2 milers, came in handy that night as my friends and I E&E'd to the Derussy parking lot and continued to Schofield.
Oh the good times, I do miss'em. :D
The Reaper
06-23-2005, 10:43
The dreaded sucker punch.
Cheap, but effective.
TR
The dreaded sucker punch.
Cheap, but effective.
TR
My point of view, there is no such thing as a sucker punch. If you're willing to mess with somebody hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
And yes it was cheap, I could've waited until he put the bottle to his lips and helped him in his consumption efforts, but thought that to be a bad choice. :D
Besides by the time he hit his @ss I was out the door :lifter
Bravo1-3
06-23-2005, 11:22
Yeah, I tossed a guy over that rail once a few years ago under disturbingly similar circumstances to those you described. It was a good night.
Smokin Joe
06-23-2005, 11:23
After being in my line of work for a while you get kind of tired of fighting with people its just a waist of time. So I don't! I avoid, de-esclate, and give any aggressor every opportunity to not fight with me.
But if they choose to presist I choose to not fight but to neutralize my threat quickly, ruthlessly, and as effiently as possible. I have Zero interest in fighting with anyone. I have an interest in presservation and protection of my family, my friends, my officers, myself, then innocent bystandars. If anyone chooses to jeoprodize my little happy place I will be the first through the breach to bring hell upon those individuals. :cool:
As for the dreaded "Sucker Punch" the only time I object is when someone trys one on me. :D I however hole heartly believe in hitting someone so hard and fast that the first thing on there mind is "What the hell happened?"
After being in my line of work for a while you get kind of tired of fighting with people its just a waist of time. So I don't! I avoid, de-esclate, and give any aggressor every opportunity to not fight with me.
But if they choose to presist I choose to not fight but to neutralize my threat quickly, ruthlessly, and as effiently as possible. I have Zero interest in fighting with anyone. I have an interest in presservation and protection of my family, my friends, my officers, myself, then innocent bystandars. If anyone chooses to jeoprodize my little happy place I will be the first through the breach to bring hell upon those individuals. :cool:
As for the dreaded "Sucker Punch" the only time I object is when someone trys one on me. :D I however hole heartly believe in hitting someone so hard and fast that the first thing on there mind is "What the hell happened?"
I tried to talk him down, but he was set in the ass whippin' mode. Having been the youngest of 3 brothers and gotten my butt handed to me on a number of occasions. I'm 5' 8" 170, my oldest brother (Mongo) is 6' 2" 240, middle one is 5' 11" 225. I've learned that talking a person down is desirable, but if it fails, take whatever edge you get. The swift kick to the jimmy or backhand to the throat is an effective means at creating that gap for you to scoot. Hanging around for a reaction is for Hollywood and fools. I'm not an actor or dummy. :D
Yeah, I tossed a guy over that rail once a few years ago under disturbingly similar circumstances to those you described. It was a good night.
Did he catch himself or make a wet spot? Good night for you I guess. :)
Smokin Joe
06-23-2005, 11:35
I tried to talk him down, but he was set in the ass whippin' mode. Having been the youngest of 3 brothers and gotten my butt handed to me on a number of occasions. I'm 5' 8" 170, my oldest brother (Mongo) is 6' 2" 240, middle one is 5' 11" 225. I've learned that talking a person down is desirable but if it fails take whatever edge you get. And so the swift kick to the jimmy or backhand to the throat is an effective means at creating that gap for you to scoot. Hanging around for a reaction is for Hollywood and fools. I'm not an actor or dummy. :D
Trust me I totally understand, Once people get that big cloud of "stupid" over their brain and all they see is RED. I have found that it is best to take the fight to them with a decisive pre-emptive strike.
Joe –
First and foremost, if you want to get souvenirs and stuff to bring home like t-shirts, do not shop in Waikiki. Go to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet – it is only on Wed, Sat, & Sun 06:00 – 15:00.
Are you PADI certified? Some good dive boats run out of the west - get out to the Mahi, a wrecked mine sweeper off Makaha 90' down. Nice dive if you've never been there.
If you have time to kill and want to hike there are hundreds of good day hikes up into the Koolaus. There are several hikes in the Manoa Valley – close to town. Manoa Falls park and Nuuanu overlook trail are a couple that come to mind. Check out: http://www.backyardoahu.com/ for lists of hikes. Much more up to date than my knowledge. I graduated from high school in ’90 and only go back every 2 years or so.
Drive up to the Pali and lean into the wind :D
Stop at Makapuu and hike up to the top so you can look down on both sides toward the light house. Great views from there. Do this in conjunction with driving around the island.
The military sights:
As others have said, check out the Battery Randolph Museum at Ft. Derussy. http://www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org/index.html This is a great stop over on the way to the beach... first day there, kind of un wind and take your tourism slowly.
Pearl Harbor can be an entire day. The Arizona memorial, the Missouri, and the USS Bowfin submarine are all worth the visit.
If you are near Kaneohe, check out the Hawaii Veteran's Cemetery. Say hi to grandma and grandpa for me. http://img124.echo.cx/img124/2152/img02632kz.jpg
Punchbowl National Cemetery is another place to pay your respects to Veterans. There is a nice WWII Memorial there.
Don’t forget to hike Diamond Head. That is a nice morning if you are alone, walk through Kapiloani park and up and around DH from Waikiki and into the crater. Bring your camera. Walk back in time for lunch. or just drive and save time. I think they are charging for parking inside Diamond Head these days.
If you are just wanting to go to the beach and do nothing and want to stay near Waikiki, there is a great little beach just to the left of the War Memorial at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki. If you want to stop and be a beach bum it is great. Close to Waikiki but hardly any tourist.
That is what I can think of off the top of my head. I can bug the wife and she'll come up with tons more.
What's wrong with Mooses? I have my own reserved bar stool there! :D
Damn, is moose's even still there?
Bravo1-3
06-23-2005, 12:05
Did he catch himself or make a wet spot? Good night for you I guess. :)
He landed like a wet sandbag.
Damn, is moose's even still there?
Yep, Doc Doom went there when he was interviewing. Bastard sent me a picture of him sitting in my chair!
Smokin Joe
06-23-2005, 13:03
Cool thanks Gackman.
What are some good places for dinner? I don't really care where but it would be nice to have know of few near Waikiki, the North Shore, and East Side.
Thanks Again everyone.
Smokin Joe
07-18-2005, 03:18
Hawaii is great!
The weather is awesome and the sun is INTENSE!!!
Yesterday, I took the wife snorkling at Hanauma bay....cool place but a**hole to elbow with tourist by 0900. We were out of there by 0930. It was her first time ever snorkling originally she was apprehensive about snorkling in the first place (fear of the unknown) I also made the mistake of buying her a 20 dollar mask and snorkle set...needless to say it sucked! After 10 mins of her choaking on salt water and complaining about water in her mask I gave her my 70 dollar mask and snorkle, while I got her 20 dollar POS :rolleyes:. I got the privilage of refreshing my mask clearing skills (every 30 seconds). I have to take gods little gifts as he gives them to me....right NDD?
My mistake has been corrected the wife now has the same mask and snorkle I do. I broke my own rule when I bought her original 20 dollar POS...."buy nice or buy twice" so instead of coughing up 70 bucks in the first place for a good mask and snorkle...I got to pay for breaking my own rule and spending 90 bucks. Actually all in all "The Man" let me off pretty easy for breaking one of my own rules.
Later that day we visited the "Punch Bowl" this is one of the most beatiful cemetery's / monuments I have ever seen. They have done a wonder job with it. If you ever go to Oahu you NEED to go see it.
More updates as needed...
I hope you and yours are doing well,
Joe
Pics of:
Hanauma Bay and Punch Bowl
Roguish Lawyer
07-18-2005, 11:00
Nice pics.