[wtwo3]

Hey all - haven't been posting on here as often, but I'm back - and what better way than to ask for your advice on a trip.

We're planning to go to Oahu in late October. It'll be 4 adults, a 6 year old, 4 year old, and a couple 2 year olds. The first 5 nights of the trip we'll be staying in Waikiki at the Hilton resort. The final 4 nights we'll be staying at the Aulani Disney Resort.

Any suggestions for things to do or places to eat?

[Alfisti]

I posted a similar thread a couple years ago, not complaining but saying it is worth your time to look.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I posted a similar thread a couple years ago, not complaining but saying it is worth your time to look.

true, rookie mistake... i'll take a look

[wtwo3]

I'm unable to find that thread - guess the search function still doesn't work for OT.

[RickFLM4]

I've been to Waikiki and Maui on separate trips, both many years ago. Waikiki was like a typical tourist destination and I'd say somewhat disappointing. Still beautiful scenery but kind of tacky area. I recommend considering checking out the other islands for at least a portion of the trip if you can.

Biking, hiking, beach, nice drives (e.g. Road to Hana in Maui - guessing similar options on other islands) with stops to see the sites are popular activities. We also took a helicopter tour (Blue Hawaiian if I recall) and went out on a boat for whale watching, so there's a couple of additional suggestions. I'm sure there are also charter boats for fishing if so inclined. Also, don't go in super hungry and expect to be blown away by the food, but finding a good luau is a good way to experience some local culture, although a lot / most of them are commercialized tourist traps. I never visited the Big Island but if I did, I'd visit a coffee farm or two.

[dscabra]

There is a lot more to Oahu than Waikiki. The Hilton Village is a great place to stay, but Waikiki beach is horrible. Lots of rock (hard on the feet), lots of people, and unfortunately, lots of other negatives (homeless, theft, etc.). The beach just to the north at Ala Moana Park is much better and just a short walk from the Hilton. My favorite things to do and see on Oahu are:

1. Pearl Harbor (Arizona Memorial and U.S.S. Missouri)
2. Haleiwa on the north shore
3. Dole Plantation for some pineapple ice cream (Dole Whip)
4. Several beautiful beaches along the north shore
5. Sea Life Park for the kids - did a dolphin experience there last year!
6. Kayaking at Kaneohe Bay
7. Diamond Head Crater

As for food, things change very quickly and what was there last time I was there may not be there now. My favorite "go-to" was the Cheeseburger in Paradise, but is now the Waikiki Brewing Company (parent company) just a short walk from the Hilton. The Wailana Coffee House was a long-time favorite for breakfast, but closed up during Covid. For the best Mai Tai on the island, go to the Hale Koa hotel's Barefoot Bar (open to the public), which is right next to the Hilton Village.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Soul_Glo

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1898344

There's a lot of info here and if not staying too long appears no need to change islands. You lose a full day changing islands.

[peterfromsd]

Don’t forget to eat at Zippys and shaved ice.

[BMWGUYinCO]

Great suggestions so far...
As far as Waikiki, it is a tourist destination for sure, but we had one of our most memorable lunches at Dukes, so named after a famous Hawaiin native surfer. Great drinks and food, and we were sat outside on the balcony where we could watch whales breaching right off the beach.

If you are up for some physical activity - take the hike up to the top of Diamond Head Monument for great views and interesting history.

This is also a good site for suggestions:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...hu_Hawaii.html

We loved our trip...but be advised that it often rains on the eastern side of the island in the afternoons, so plan accordingly. You will love the sunset views from Aulani though, as it is Western facing. Also, they have amazing pools and keep a sharp eye out for spotting Menehunes. I think they still do a sun set story hour by a fire for little ones, so book that for the kiddos.

Have fun!

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

I've been to Waikiki and Maui on separate trips, both many years ago. Waikiki was like a typical tourist destination and I'd say somewhat disappointing. Still beautiful scenery but kind of tacky area. I recommend considering checking out the other islands for at least a portion of the trip if you can.

Biking, hiking, beach, nice drives (e.g. Road to Hana in Maui - guessing similar options on other islands) with stops to see the sites are popular activities. We also took a helicopter tour (Blue Hawaiian if I recall) and went out on a boat for whale watching, so there's a couple of additional suggestions. I'm sure there are also charter boats for fishing if so inclined. Also, don't go in super hungry and expect to be blown away by the food, but finding a good luau is a good way to experience some local culture, although a lot / most of them are commercialized tourist traps. I never visited the Big Island but if I did, I'd visit a coffee farm or two.

Main reason we ended up in Oahu is because we got dirt cheap flights. We did consider island hopping, but decided against it mainly because of the hassle with all the kids. We did Maui back in 2019 and loved it.

I've heard good things about the big island. Definitely will plan to check that out next time we plan a trip to Hawaii.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by dscabra

There is a lot more to Oahu than Waikiki. The Hilton Village is a great place to stay, but Waikiki beach is horrible. Lots of rock (hard on the feet), lots of people, and unfortunately, lots of other negatives (homeless, theft, etc.). The beach just to the north at Ala Moana Park is much better and just a short walk from the Hilton. My favorite things to do and see on Oahu are:

1. Pearl Harbor (Arizona Memorial and U.S.S. Missouri)
2. Haleiwa on the north shore
3. Dole Plantation for some pineapple ice cream (Dole Whip)
4. Several beautiful beaches along the north shore
5. Sea Life Park for the kids - did a dolphin experience there last year!
6. Kayaking at Kaneohe Bay
7. Diamond Head Crater

As for food, things change very quickly and what was there last time I was there may not be there now. My favorite "go-to" was the Cheeseburger in Paradise, but is now the Waikiki Brewing Company (parent company) just a short walk from the Hilton. The Wailana Coffee House was a long-time favorite for breakfast, but closed up during Covid. For the best Mai Tai on the island, go to the Hale Koa hotel's Barefoot Bar (open to the public), which is right next to the Hilton Village.

Awesome list!

[dscabra]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Main reason we ended up in Oahu is because we got dirt cheap flights. We did consider island hopping, but decided against it mainly because of the hassle with all the kids. We did Maui back in 2019 and loved it.

I've heard good things about the big island. Definitely will plan to check that out next time we plan a trip to Hawaii.

My wife and I have started doing the seven-day Norwegian Cruise Line inter-island cruise as our default Hawaii trips now. You visit the four main islands with overnights in Maui and Kauai and two ports on Hawaii Island. The cost is about the same as hotel and food and the ship moves at night, so no long at-sea days to try to figure out what to do with the kids. We typically add a couple of days in front or after (or both) of the cruise to have time on Oahu where the cruise starts and ends. We've done this cruise five times, and have a sixth booked for next summer to take my brother-in-law and sister-in-law for their first trip to Hawaii.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by BMWGUYinCO

If you are up for some physical activity - take the hike up to the top of Diamond Head Monument for great views and interesting history.

I was looking into that - do you think it's doable with a couple of 2 year olds in the party? I'd love to experience it but don't want to have a bad time if it's not kid-friendly.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by dscabra

My wife and I have started doing the seven-day Norwegian Cruise Line inter-island cruise as our default Hawaii trips now. You visit the four main islands with overnights in Maui and Kauai and two ports on Hawaii Island. The cost is about the same as hotel and food and the ship moves at night, so no long at-sea days to try to figure out what to do with the kids. We typically add a couple of days in front or after (or both) of the cruise to have time on Oahu where the cruise starts and ends. We've done this cruise five times, and have a sixth booked for next summer to take my brother-in-law and sister-in-law for their first trip to Hawaii.

Definitely something I want to do. We talked about a cruise at some point, and then these flights popped up - round trip from Chicago for $390 - so we felt we couldn't pass that up.

[EezyBeezy]

OP, how many days total are you staying on Oahu?

[dscabra]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I was looking into that - do you think it's doable with a couple of 2 year olds in the party? I'd love to experience it but don't want to have a bad time if it's not kid-friendly.

Going all the way to the top may be tough. It's a LOT of stairs and a tight tunnel.

[dizz81]

Originally Posted by dscabra

There is a lot more to Oahu than Waikiki. The Hilton Village is a great place to stay, but Waikiki beach is horrible. Lots of rock (hard on the feet), lots of people, and unfortunately, lots of other negatives (homeless, theft, etc.). The beach just to the north at Ala Moana Park is much better and just a short walk from the Hilton. My favorite things to do and see on Oahu are:

1. Pearl Harbor (Arizona Memorial and U.S.S. Missouri)
2. Haleiwa on the north shore
3. Dole Plantation for some pineapple ice cream (Dole Whip)
4. Several beautiful beaches along the north shore
5. Sea Life Park for the kids - did a dolphin experience there last year!
6. Kayaking at Kaneohe Bay
7. Diamond Head Crater

As for food, things change very quickly and what was there last time I was there may not be there now. My favorite "go-to" was the Cheeseburger in Paradise, but is now the Waikiki Brewing Company (parent company) just a short walk from the Hilton. The Wailana Coffee House was a long-time favorite for breakfast, but closed up during Covid. For the best Mai Tai on the island, go to the Hale Koa hotel's Barefoot Bar (open to the public), which is right next to the Hilton Village.

I was recently stationed on Oahu for 2yrs and this right here will keep you busy for a bit.

The Ko Olina Resort area has some great food spots and if you want a great spot to enjoy a romantic sunset.

Near Sea Life Park there is the Makapu'U light house which is a relaxing uphill walk on pavement. Views are amazing and you can often see whales surfacing.

You can hit up turtle bay to watch the turtles swimming around. Just can't touch them, that'll get you in some trouble.

The Byodo Temple area is a great walk, they have memorial sites as well and if it's available the Polynesian Cultural Center is pretty awesome as well.

[Route 16]

Visit the Botanical Garden, Hanauma Bay, hike Koko Head, Bellow's Air Field, just before getting on-base there's a beach with sand like sugar, comparable to Kailua and Waimanalo basically. Go to Mermaid's cave and get sucked out by the waves if it's high tide (rookie mistake almost drowned). Go to Yokohama Beach. My go to is getting Mexican food along California Ave near Schofield Barracks. Try the Poke at Foodland. Enjoy the sights at China Walls, Tantalus Lookout. Google food truck schedules on Honolulu and up in North Shore. Randomly see lifted trucks and Tacoma's on the weekend drives around the island. Start developing contractures of your left hand for the shaka whenever you ask for right of way or someone gives you right of way. Bring your own dash cam, be observant of people looking into your cars or breaking your windows, keep personal belongings home if you can. Dress local, blend with the crowd, don't make yourself obvious. I've seen a local break a tourist van window as soon as the whole family walked out to Pali Lookout. My usual tactic is to have all family head out first. I stay in the car, check my phone for a bit, make it look like I'm chilling, then head out.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by EezyBeezy

OP, how many days total are you staying on Oahu?

8 full days not including 2 travel days. We'll be spending first 4 nights at the Hilton in Waikiki and then the final 5 nights at Aulani.

[EezyBeezy]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

8 full days not including 2 travel days. We'll be spending first 4 nights at the Hilton in Waikiki and then the final 5 nights at Aulani.

Cool, that's actually works perfect for family with kids. If you're wanting to see most of the Oahu, days you are staying in Waikiki you can focus on Waikiki/Honululu, East and Northeast regions of the Island. The final days relax on the West side, if desired you can drive from Aulani up through Central Oahu and to the North Shore.

Waikiki, obviously there's the infamous Waikiki strip to stroll along during the day and night. Down the block there's Ala Moana shopping center. Most of the big names places you'll see in the mainland you'll see likely see in Waikiki and Ala Moana. If you're coffee drinker, I'd suggest trying Island Vintage Coffee. Like pastries with your coffee? Try Liliha's Bakery for their pastries, desserts, and also food plates. Best place to get inexpensive Hawaii souvenirs is at the swap meet at Aloha Stadium(open certain days). Iolani Palace, Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium. Leonard's Bakery(famous for their malasadas), Waiola Shave Ice, Ululani's Shave Ice, Rainbow Drive-In, 7-11's(great road snacks and masubis)

Cruising on the East/Northeast; Windward, there are so many places along the main road where you can exit and check out the scenery. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, Hanauma Bay, Lana'i Lookout, Halona Blowhole Lookout, Sea Life Park, Waimanalo Beach, Lanikai Beach, Kailua Beach, Kualoa Regional Park, Turtle Beach, Turtle Bay(if you're lucky you can see sea turtle hanging out on the sand)

On the Aulani; Westside; Leeward, right by Disney Aulani there a few beautiful quiet lagoons perfect for family and kids. Highly suggest doing Breakfast at the Makahiki restaurant inside Disney Aulani(live entertainment and the kids will enjoy all the Disney character walk around). If wanting to do a luau, Paradise Cove Luau is worthy mention. It's next door to Disney Aulani. Now since you're on Aulani and I would make the drive to the North Shore rather than from anywhere else on the island. One the way to North Shore, you can check out the Waikele Premium Outlets. After that, drive North to the Dole Plantation, followed by the Hale'iwa Beach, Matsumoto Shave Ice, and Waimea Falls.

**Will edit more later **

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

I've heard good things about the big island. Definitely will plan to check that out next time we plan a trip to Hawaii.

The Big Island is freaking amazing if you're the adventurous type. Far less people, beaches freaking everywhere, no crowds, no traffic, epic and expansive views. My kids and I have been 5 times and my wife 12 times. We still haven't seen and experienced everything. The Big Island is better suited to those that like to pave their own trail and aren't about resorts and inclusive stuff.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

The Big Island is freaking amazing if you're the adventurous type. Far less people, beaches freaking everywhere, no crowds, no traffic, epic and expansive views. My kids and I have been 5 times and my wife 12 times. We still haven't seen and experienced everything. The Big Island is better suited to those that like to pave their own trail and aren't about resorts and inclusive stuff.

Will definitely have to check it out in that case! A lot of the adventurous stuff we're holding off on until the kids are a bit older. Right now at 2 and 6 they can be a handful.