Hawaii Cheat Sheet - compiled from many contributors on the forum

[azrose]

Wonderful list!! Thanks for digging it back up....

[vegs1]

Great list. Thanks for posting it. It has saved me a ton of research.

[firstplacechef]

I would like to add Happy Garden Restaurant for Dim Sum in Chinatown in Honolulu. We just ate there a couple of weeks ago on our Mercury cruise. Very good and only 2.00 per item. We had a feast for under 15.00 for two people. Hot tea was included. We were there on a Sunday afternoon and a line was out the door with many Chinese families. Since it was just the two of us we were moved to the head of the line.

[cruiseman40]

glorybtogod:

 

Just wanted to add more small local eateries that wasn't mentioned: Ted's Bakery on Northshore, and Papa Ole's near Laie few miles from PCC. Also wanted to add to the list is the Ko Olina beach lagoons. It's a great place because it's secluded and less crowded.

[SCUBA Mark]

I saw a special kind of hot dog on a Food Network show.

 

The bun is round like a cylinder. You put your condiments inside and then slide your hot dog in. Then they cook it in a round cooker.

 

I think it is sold some place on Oahu but I don't remember where

 

Does anyone else know where I can find this unique hot dog?

 

As I was typing this, I did a google search and I think I found it. It is called a Puka Dog

 

http://www.pukadog.com/

[donscomp]

I saw a special kind of hot dog on a Food Network show.

 

The bun is round like a cylinder. You put your condiments inside and then slide your hot dog in. Then they cook it in a round cooker.

 

I think it is sold some place on Oahu but I don't remember where

 

Does anyone else know where I can find this unique hot dog?

 

As I was typing this, I did a google search and I think I found it. It is called a Puka Dog

 

http://www.pukadog.com/

 

 

Yep thats it. Had it bookmarked right after the show.

GOTA try it in Oct.

[SusanMelody]

Thank you for this great thread. I am saving this for our upcoming 6/27/09 cruise.

[smrtypnts]

Thank you so very much for resurrecting this thread!!:)

[kakalina]

Hawaiian Plate lunch at the Prince Kuhio Grill, Hilo. It's ono!

 

Bubba Gumps and Cheeseburger in Paradise, Maui

 

Koko's famous hot dogs at North Shore

[tourguy1]

Since I am now 3 weeks away from my PoAm cruise and week in Maui :D :D :D , I thought I would revive this thread to see if any recent cruisers or vacationers had any thoughts on this cheat sheet - any new restaurants or excursions that you would recommend?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Hamaura's Siamin on Kauai. Not too far from the harbor. Voted by Zagat as the best local food in Hawaii.

[forensicsgirl]

Awesome cheat sheet!

 

Here are some suggestions for Kauai. We rented a car for both dates. Drove to Hanalei. Bought some gifts at Ola's, 808-826-6937. Definitely one of the better galleries featuring artwork and crafts from local artists. Grabbed some sushi rolls and seaweed salad at the Hanalei Dolphin behind Ola's. Drove to Hanalei bay for a quiet picnic lunch.

 

We're checking out one of the local breweries tonight. Perhaps, it'll be worth adding to the cheat sheet.

 

FYI - Parking by the pier is $20 overnight.

[flamomo]

You didn't include the live Hawaiian music and hula dancer nightly from 7-9 PM at the Halekulani Hotel in Honolulu. This takes place at the "House Without A Key" restaurant, which is an outdoor patio, overlooking Waikiki Beach. The hula dancers are former Miss Hawaiis. Their menu only offers appetizers in the evening, but appetizers, a couple of yummy fru fru drinks, the music, the dancer, and the sunset make for a delightful and relaxing end of the day.

Edited September 4, 2009 by flamomo

[tripster]

Thanks for bumping this thread back up to the top! I would have missed out the great cheat sheet otherwise!!

[Leggo]

bump to the top again --- thanks!!

[McDebbie]

thanks also!

[spaceflower77]

I note you have no eating suggestions for Hilo.

 

Cafe Pesto. Great, eclectic pizza and other stuff. (One of the best pizzas I've had anywhere.)

 

Kiawe Kitchen at Volcano. It's unusual, but very tasty.

 

(and we must never forget the Aloha Mixed Plate on Maui. Where does the Old Lahaina Luau get its food? Aloha Mixed Plate. And yes, the photo on their website is what it's like.)

 

"Ponds" restaurant in Hilo sits on stilts right over the Ice Ponds which is an inlet of water that is popular for swimming. Ask for a table by the windows (actually there are no windows...just open air) so you can see and feed the fish in the water below you. Enjoy!

(I found the Ponds entry posted on here a few weeks back and have it on "my Hawaii list." We're doing the heli tour of Kiluaea and wanted a good lunch place... we're also snorkeling at Richardson's black sand beach, which seems to be one of the few black sand beaches you can swim/snorkel at).

[DocM4]

Thank you very much for putting together this valuable list. I have printed it up for our trip in January.

 

It sure helps to have all this valuable information to guide us.

 

Thanks again

[slave2islandgoddess]

What a fantastic list! We made good use of it on our recent cruise on the Rhapsody. Thank you.

 

On the Hilo side of the big island, keep Native Guide Hawaii in mind for an excursion. We toured Volcanoes National Park with Warren Costa and he provided an outstanding excursion. We found him to be warm, genuine, and caring, but also truly professional and just oozing with info about volcanoes, flora, fauna, and all things Hawaiian. We couldn't help but catch his enthusiasm. :D

 

We found out about him on Tripadvisor.com. You can learn more at nativeguidehawaii.com. We told him we would gladly let the folks at CC know about him.

[karen327]

A big thank you to all who have contributed to this

[Dusty2]

Great list! Can't wait to put some of the great recommendations to the test!

[Kruising Katt]

Thank you so much for the great list! It's just what I need while planing for our March/April 2010 cruise.

[pspercy]

For Maui, take a look at

http://www.mauihawaii.org/

Compiled by a lucky guy who spends three months or so there every year. It's updated every April.

 

Also see http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/hawaii/

There's an Oahu resident who posts a long list at times for Oahu, goes by "Dusty56438" with a Yahoo email address.

Example:

dusty56438 on May 29, 06 at 2:18am

 

List of things to do on Oahu

 

These are some hints/suggestions for things to do and see on Oahu. Many of the websites listed are good for all islands.

 

Arizona Memorial: (free) get there early, preferably by 8am. Opens at 7:30am. If you get there after 10am the lines can get long and you may spend 1-2 hours in line. Battleship USS Missouri and Submarine USS Bowfin are in the same area. These are about $15 each so you can go or skip them. Look for coupons in brochures for two for one. You can take pictures of them from Arizona Visitors Center and the Arizona tour ferry. Go on the lawn behind the Visitor's Center (Circle of Remembrance) for great pictures. You can also walk around the Bowfin Memorial area for free without taking the tour. Its worth the time. The Swap Meet is only a couple blocks from here at Aloha Stadium.

 

Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): www.polynesia.com General Admission about $50 or the luau buffet package ($80). They also have an optional buffet (no entertainment) for $15. The evening 'Horizons' show is the best Polynesian show in all of Hawaii. It comes with all ticket price options. The higher priced ticket packages get the better seating for 'Horizons'. Also the earlier you get there, the better the seating is for 'Horizons'. The Ali'i Luau Show that is part of the luau package is also a good Polynesian show. IMAX, Canoe Pageant, Samoa and Tonga villages and Canoe ride are the best other attractions (these are included with any type ticket). Plan on this as an all day event. Get there by 1pm (earlier if possible), leave around 9:30pm. When I take visitors, I try to keep on this schedule: IMAX 1:30, Canoe Pageant 2:30, Samoa 3:00, Tonga 4:00, Canoe Ride around 4:30, regular buffet or Ali'i luau buffet 5pm and 'Horizons' at 7:30. The other villages are nice also, but there is not enough time for all of them. You will have time to do some shopping or looking around between the buffet or luau and 'Horizons'. Closed on Sundays. You can go back for free for two days. Check with PCC employees for instructions before leaving the Center if you want the extra days.

Coupon in Entertainment Book to save $36.

 

Diamond Head Summit: Drive right into the crater and hike to the top. ($5 per carload or $1 each if you walk into the crater). I prefer to drive in. Awesome 360 degree view from the summit. Best time is around 8am or around 4pm. In between it can get hot walking to the top. Takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours roundtrip.

 

Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific): (free) While you are there, drive to the overlook area. Short walk to the summit that overlooks the entire city. If you have time, take the Mt. Tantalus/Round Top drive through a rain forest. Stop at the Puu Ualakaa State Wayside about 2/3 of the way to the top of the mountain. It has an awesome view of the city from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor. Punchbowl is near the bottom of Mt. Tantalus.

 

Hanauma Bay: Snorkel. Its for any age. You can rent snorkeling equipment there or some places in Waikiki or bring your own. Closed on Tuesdays. Try to get there as early as possible. If you drive, the parking lot gets filled up by 9:00 or 10:00. ($1 for parking, $5 for each person). You can reserve snorkel tours with several companies. They provide equipment, transportation, etc. They seem to have better equipment than the park does. You can also take the city bus. But the first city bus doesn't leave Waikiki until 8:30 am. Website:

 

http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/facility/hanaumabay/welcome.htm

 

Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples): $2 each. Just past Kaneohe. Haiku Gardens in Kaneohe is close by.

 

Chinaman's Hat: (free) Kualoa Regional Park is just past Byodo-In-Temple. Nice for pictures, picnic, swimming. Also nearby is Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet just before Kualoa Regional Park. Kualoa Ranch is across the street.

 

Swap Meet: You can buy almost any souvenirs here much cheaper than anywhere else. All items are new. Vendors wrap around the stadium twice. Located at Aloha Stadium near Arizona Memorial. Open Wed, Sat, Sun.

 

Hilo Hattie's: Nice place to shop. Higher prices than swap meet, but not too much more on many items. Has good selection of clothing, candies and souvenirs. Check brochures for coupons. Can take free Hilo Hattie's shuttle from Waikiki.

 

Ala Moana Beach Park: (free) Nice beach. Great sunset location in the winter. Walk all the way out to the end of Magic Island. Great view of Waikiki, Diamond Head, Ala Wai Boat Harbor (shown in opening scene of Gilligan's Island).

 

Hike to Manoa Falls: $5 for parking at Treetops. One mile one way. Short hike through a rain forest. Also small bamboo forest there. Treetops restaurant there (at the previous Paradise Park site) has a good Chinese buffet. Lyon Arboretum is nearby. It is a nice botanical garden. You can park there and walk a short distance to Manoa Falls trail.

 

Hike to Makapuu Point Lighthouse: (free) Great view from here. Easy one mile hike. In winter months (mid-November to mid-April) it's great for whale watching.

 

Other Hiking on Oahu:

 

http://www.hawaiitrails.org/ (good for all islands)

 

http://www.backyardoahu.com/

 

http://home.hawaii.rr.com/oahuhikingtrails/home.html

 

http://oahuhiking.com/

 

North Shore Beaches: Haleiwa, Banzai Pipeline (Ehukai Beach), Waimea Beach, Sunset Beach, Shark's Cove (Pupukea) and Laniakea Beach. Laniakea Beach has sea turtles. Other nice stops for pictures in the area. Can be huge waves in winter. Good snorkeling at Shark's Cove in the summer. Laniakea Beach is located about 1/2 way between Waimea Bay and Haleiwa.

 

Other beaches: There are close to 100 beaches on Oahu. Besides North Shore and Waikiki beaches these are some of the better ones: Makaha Beach (west shore), Waimanalo Beach, Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area, Lanikai Beach, Sandy Beach, Hanauma Bay and Kailua Beach (east/Windward side), Ala Moana Beach Park (south shore). All public beaches are free except Haunama Bay.

 

Dole Pineapple Plantation: On H-2 just past Wahiawa. Can visit on the way to or back from the North Shore. Nice gift shop to browse, but expensive. Go behind the center for pineapple exhibits, gardens and carp feeding pond.

 

Kualoa Ranch: Several movies have been set here: (Jurassic Park, Mighty Joe Young and others), ATV rides, horseback riding, tours. Located across from Kualoa Regional Park. Several tours available.

 

Waikiki: Beaches, shopping, dining, nightclubs, shows, some museums. Wide range in dining prices. $3-4 breakfasts, $6-10 lunch buffets, $20-$25 fine dining and anywhere in between. Best Waikiki shows: Creation: A Polynesian Journey, John Hirokawa's Magic of Polynesia, Society of Seven, Blue Hawaii (Elvis impersonator), many more to chose from. Many Waikiki shows offer cocktail show along with the dinner show. They seat you after everyone else has eaten. Regular price of shows around $40-$60. Cocktail show about $25-$35. There are several other short free hula shows and other demonstrations in Waikiki daily. Check the brochures for location, days and times. Check brochures and Entertainment Book for coupons for shows/dining/shopping, etc.

 

Downtown Area: Aloha Tower (take elevator to the top, nice view), Chinatown, Hawaii Maritime Center, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, other museums.

 

Botanical Gardens: Oahu has many botanical gardens. Most are free, the others charge a few bucks. Haiku Garden in Kaneohe is nice and is a nice stop if you are taking an island driving tour. Located near Byodo-In-Temple (Valley of the Temples).

Here is a nice site for gardens in the state:

 

http://www.hawaii.edu/sciref/botgarden.html (all islands)

 

Check brochures or get info on-line for others. Search: oahu botanical gardens

 

Other: Sea Life Park, Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Children's Discovery Center, dinner cruises, whale watching cruise, submarine tours, parasailing, helicopter tours, horseback riding, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, scuba, surfing lessons, other luau shows (Germaine's, Paradise Cove, Royal Hawaiian). Many other attractions, things to do. Check the brochures.

 

Brochures: (free) Can be found in the airport baggage claim area or at hundreds of news stands throughout Waikiki, in hotels, in stores, and at some attractions. These are excellent "things to do and see" guide books (maps, attractions, beaches, dining, night clubs, etc.). There are a lot of coupons in these for dining, shopping, etc. The best brochures are: 'This Week on Oahu', 'Oahu Gold', '101 Things Oahu', 'The BEST of Oahu'. Some of these brochures can also be found for other islands (Maui, Kauai, Big Island) unique to that island. Most of these brochures also have on-line versions.

 

Websites:

 

www.thisweek.com 'This Week On Oahu' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also This Week Maui, Kauai, Big Island.

 

www.spotlighthawaii.com 'Oahu Gold' They will send up-to-date brochures for a few bucks. Also Maui Gold, Big Island Gold, Kauai Gold.

 

www.gohawaii.com This is the official site for Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. They will send a free brochure.

 

www.101thingstodo.com '101 Things to do on Oahu'. Also Maui, Big Island, Kauai.

 

www.visit-oahu.com Oahu Visitors Bureau, for free brochure 1-877-525-6248 (toll free)

 

www.hawaii.com Good site for comparing hotel locations, prices, etc.

 

www.hawaiiweb.com (all islands)

 

www.alternative-hawaii.com (all islands) Good narrative drive guide w/photos

 

www.portaloha.com/SecretsOfHawaii

 

www.alohatower.com

 

www.chinatownhi.com

 

www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/tours (driving and walking tours)

 

www.driveguidemagazines.com Good island maps including many detailed maps. Also good restaurant guide. Good for all islands

 

www.discoveringhawaii.com Free (pdf) circle island tour map. Also free (pdf) download Oahu movie location map.

 

www.hawaii-hotels.com Compare hotels

 

www.bookit.com Compare hotels

 

www.alohafriends.com

 

www.alohafriendshawaii.com

 

www.honoluluadvertiser.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, has dining and entertainment guides, TGIF calendar

 

www.starbulletin.com one of two main Honolulu newspapers, also has dining and entertainment guides

 

Automobiles: Oahu is the only island that you can get around by bus. Oahu has a good bus system, but a rental vehicle gets around a lot better. Parking in Waikiki can be a problem at times. If you plan on renting a car, make sure your hotel allows parking at the hotel or in a nearby lot or garage. Get the parking pass at the hotel registration area. Probably $10-$15/day to park at the hotel. You can get city bus passes at any ABC store in Waikiki for $20 for 4 days ($40/month). Or you can pay $2.00 per trip. There are also many shuttles, tour buses and vans and trolleys that go to many places (some are free). Also 1 or 4 day Waikiki Trolley passes available.

 

www.thebus.org

 

www.waikikitrolley.com

 

Internet Search Engines: Use Yahoo, Google, Dogpile or any other search engine to find information on any thing else on Oahu (or other island) that may interest you. Type in: hiking hawaii, hiking oahu, bed and breakfast oahu, condominiums oahu, botanical gardens oahu, oahu hotels or any other terms that will get you information.

 

Hotels: Most hotels (or hotel chains) have their own 800 numbers and/or websites:

 

www.outrigger.com

 

www.sheraton.com

 

www.ohanahotels.com

 

, etc. Or you can use a search engine to find the website or use the search engine's yellow pages for the phone number.

For more lodging options: www.vrbo.com

 

Entertainment Book

Entertainment books for Hawaii and many other locations can be purchased online at:

 

www.entertainment.com.

 

They cost around $35-$40 plus shipping or if you wait until mid-March, the price is reduced to about $25 (or less) with free shipping, $15 after mid-May. Expires November 1.

 

Coupons include half price tickets for John Hirokawa's Magic Show. Hundreds of other coupons for reduce price luaus, shopping, dining, movies, attractions, etc. The Hawaii book also has many mainland coupons for hotels, car rentals, Universal Studios, Sea World, etc.

 

Lots of budget ideas including some hotels & condos:

 

http://www.budgettravelonline.com/bt-dyn/content/usandcanada/us/hawaii/index.html

[caravellajn]

Love this thread! So much great info.

 

Pspercy...I hope you don't mind, but I copy and pasted your information on our roll call with credit to you. Great info, thanks!

Neva

[TYTY]

Any new info??

[CruisingGoddess]

Call home in real time with a computer at the statue of Duke Kahanamoku on Waikiki Beach!

 

Can someone elaborate on why you want to do this?

 

Thanks!