Must do's on O'ahu?

[cornishfrogboy]

Originally Posted by Willeve

We snorkelled at Hanauma Bay, picked up from our Waikiki Hotel. Short drive, really great snorkelling. Booked our tickets while we were there, not pricey.

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Apparently, the entry numbers are very restricted due to damage that has occurred to the reef when greater numbers visited.
We are considering this, but may concentrate more on snorkelling when we get up to Turtle Bay, Shark Reef etc.

[ariel2006]

Originally Posted by RockTheDots

Glad to hear you loved Aulani. MonkeyPod is already on our list having seen it recommended in a couple of vlogs

I’ve seen Kualoa Ranch mentioned a lot but we haven’t really seen any of the movies filmed there, is it worth visiting even if you’re not a film fan?

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I found it to be a really interesting and beautiful place, regardless of the filming. They still have bunkers there from the war, and we learnt all about the history of the ranch, the wildlife and the volcanos surrounding. The scenery is stunning too.

The Mai Tai's at MonkeyPod are delicious

[rachelhelen82]

We’re staying at Waikiki beach at the moment, moving to Aulani tomorrow. We’ve been here for 5 nights and have done;
North Shore, absolutely beautiful
Ted’s bakery, fantastic food
Dole Plantation, just ok, don’t think I’d recommend - only did the train tour not the gardens or maze
Pearl Harbour, very interesting - want to say enjoyable but that feels disrespectful
Laniakea beach, managed to see a sea turtle although not out of the water

We’re having a great time, we were in Vegas for four nights prior to this and will be moving to Anaheim after our Aulani stay.

[RockTheDots]

Originally Posted by ariel2006

I found it to be a really interesting and beautiful place, regardless of the filming. They still have bunkers there from the war, and we learnt all about the history of the ranch, the wildlife and the volcanos surrounding. The scenery is stunning too.

The Mai Tai's at MonkeyPod are delicious

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Thanks for the info, sounds like we should definitely add Kualoa Ranch to our list then

[RockTheDots]

Originally Posted by rachelhelen82

We’re staying at Waikiki beach at the moment, moving to Aulani tomorrow. We’ve been here for 5 nights and have done;
North Shore, absolutely beautiful
Ted’s bakery, fantastic food
Dole Plantation, just ok, don’t think I’d recommend - only did the train tour not the gardens or maze
Pearl Harbour, very interesting - want to say enjoyable but that feels disrespectful
Laniakea beach, managed to see a sea turtle although not out of the water

We’re having a great time, we were in Vegas for four nights prior to this and will be moving to Anaheim after our Aulani stay.

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Thanks for the tips. Sounds like you’re having a great trip, enjoy the rest of it

[mickeymouseears]

I would strongly recommend visiting Lanikai Beach (you may need to park at Kailua beach, also nice, and walk 5 min) after you have visited Kualoa ranch. Also nearby is the Byodo In temple.

3 min walk from Aulani is the Paradise Cove beach. There are turtles there regularly at lunchtime feeding on the reef. A beautiful beach also.

If you are a lost fan, you can see the season 1 beach (lost survivors beach camp on google map, next to the Gillingham airfield) - saw three turtles there, curious and happy to swim with you; the season 2 beach is next to the turtle beach laniakea (if you want to see turtles best in the afternoon)

A must - the kaneohe sandbar (captain bruce) tour. you will 100% see turtles there as they sleep on the side of reef (they have their own "sleeping areas" they have dug themselves on the side)

we did not visit pearl harbour as not for us

I would say with the dole plantation - gift shop and garden tour great - I would pass on the train ride and maze - you would be better spending 3 hours on a nice beach then in line and doing those (watch some vlogs and make up your own minds!)

luau - we did the chief's luau (got a Lyft from alumni) it was good and really funny also

[arielrocks]

If you are hiring a car I would recommend stopping at Walmart and getting a parasol and could of beach chairs for the car. Then just drive. The beaches are public and everyone we sound was lush!

[Myakka17]

Hi

Where do I even start looking for flights?

Planning on Jul/Aug 2023 for 3 weeks.

It either Hawaii or return to Florida to continue our 2019 road trip which was disrupted by Hurricane Dorian.

I’d like somewhere different and always fancied Hawaii but also pulled to Miami and the keys too.

Thank you

[rachelhelen82]

Originally Posted by Myakka17

Hi

Where do I even start looking for flights?

Planning on Jul/Aug 2023 for 3 weeks.

It either Hawaii or return to Florida to continue our 2019 road trip which was disrupted by Hurricane Dorian.

I’d like somewhere different and always fancied Hawaii but also pulled to Miami and the keys too.

Thank you

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We booked our flights with Southwest (not sure how far out they release them but I would expect you’re too early for Jul/Aug 23). We flew from Las Vegas to Honolulu and then Honolulu to LAX for our return. We found Southwest to be the cheapest when taking into account they allow two hold bags in the fare.

[Willeve]

We flew with United from SAN Francisco and return to Chicago.