Hawaii is one of the biggest tourist traps in the world. It kind of reminds me of Tijuana (just South of my home), but much cleaner and the clientele are just not there to drink alcohol. Most of the population of Waikiki is temporary and the locals love to take advantage of them. You will be paying top dollar for many items listed as “on sale” or see a store front claim to be going out of business for almost two straight years. The highest prices you will pay are for the hotels.
Make a point to getting a hotel under 80$US a night. You can do that with no reservation or travel discount. You should be able to get a flight and hotel deal for even cheaper if you do not require staying on the water. That is most likely up to your spouse or traveling buddy! Move 2-3 blocks off the shore and you will see the prices drop by ½.
EDUCATIONAL SITES
~ The USS Arizona Memorial – Paying tribute to the 2, 388 Americans that died here during Japan’s surprise attack December 7th, 1941. This 184-foot memorial lies over the sunken Arizona where a trail of oil continues to seep to this day. The park is open seven days a week 7:30 to 5:00. Plan on lines ranging from 1-2 hours if you get there after 9am. This is very popular!
~ The Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific) – This cemetery lies in the crater of an extinct volcano. Most of the remains are from those that died in the Pacific during WWII, however, many others are buried here as well such as Viet Nam and Korea. There is also a section of almost 30, 000 headstones to represent the missing bodies of soldiers that died in war. Open 8-5:30 and is free.
~Fort DeRussy Army Museum – This museum still houses one of the beach front artillery pieces in place during the island’s defense in the 1940s. There is also a room dedicated to Hawaiian Native Medal of Honor winners that is very interesting. There are old military vehicles parked out in front as well as several displays inside. The cost is only what you feel like donating to the cause.
~ Waikiki Aquarium/Zoo – Though they are not connected, both of these places are on the eastern end of Waikiki and are not visited as often as they should be. The aquarium costs 3-7$US so it is not that expensive. The aquarium features thousands of different “organisms” such as sharks, seals, jellyfish, and other colorful reef fish. Open 8-5.
The Zoo is much like any other zoo but this only costs 6$US to get in and $1 for children. The zoo exhibits African, Tropical, and Pacific animals. There is also a children’s zoo with more passive animals for getting up close and personal. Open 9-4:30.
A REAL LUAU? WHAT ARE THE BEST?
Are you talking about the big pig roast and ladies hula dancing? Yes, the luau is a must for a tourist, even though you will not find the best luaus in downtown. The Hale Koa offers their own, but I am not sure if that is just for military (it is a US military resort). Your hotel will be able to coordinate a luau package for you but you will most likely be bussed outside Honolulu to a resort area. The Paradise Cove luau is by far the best and it is about a 45 – minute drive west to the SW corner of the island. It is expensive, but the dancing and presentation is superior to other luaus. The Polynesian Culture Center on the upper-east side also offers a good luau so ask about these if you are interested.
WHERE TO SHOP
First of all, do not get all excited if you see a store that is “Going Out of Business.” I saw the same store go out of business for 2 straight years and the tourists were always excited to try to take advantage of that last deal. Sales offering 60% off are probably still making double on what you just paid for it. The quality Hawaiian products will cost you some money, but there are built by expert craftsmen. Do not get too excited about a great deal in downtown.
~ The Ala Moana Center is HUGE. This complex of almost 250 stores offers everything from New York fashion to Hawaiian native craftsmanship. This really is not a place to go if you want to see Hawaii as it is just like any other super shopping area. There are some restaurants and pubs to go to later, though.
~ Hilo Hattie – this is inside the Ala Moana Center area, however, this shop is one of a kind and its own entity. This is a must for any tourist as it is the home of probably the biggest Aloha Shirt shop. They have a great discount area where I found a couple shirts that are collecting dust to this day.
~International Market Place – This is the home of cheap stuff that people try to pawn off as being quality Hawaiian goods. Sure, there might be some great items to buy there, but do not be disappointed if your wrist turns green or that quality wood product cracks after its first use. This is still a great place to walk through.
THE BUSIEST NIGHTLIFE
~The Red Lion: This basement bar always charges a cover but you will find a 20-30 yr old crowd always packed in there on the weekends. A more rowdy crowd with extremely low ceilings and filled with smoke. Shoulder to shoulder some nights.
~The Irish Rose: This Irish Bar is in the basement of one of the Ohana hotels. There is never cover. Their weekend specials are usually Red Dog, however. As far as Irish clientele, there really isn’t any and the music is rarely even an attempt at Irish songs. The live music on the weekends is more classic rock and roll.
~Moose McGillycuddy’s: This is the military bar of downtown next to The Red Lion. You will find mostly young crowds here as well as a hang out for a lot of Waikiki’s transvestites.
~Todai: This is the seafood/sushi eaters all you can eat dream. You pay around $30 to just get started but you can eat most anything that swims in the water here. Their weekend specials offer better products, however, you will pay more on the crab and lobster nights.
~Duke’s Canoe Club: This is the best place to go on a Sunday afternoon. The prices are a little stiff here but so are the drinks. Duke’s is located in the lobby of the Outrigger Hotel and is supposed to be where Duke rode the largest wave of his life. There is an excellent salad bar here with some of the best pineapple on the island. The live music starts about sunset and that’s when you cannot get in without an hour wait. Both tourist and locals flock to this bar on the weekends.
~Zanzabar and Ocean’s located in the Ala Moana Center: If you are looking for a dance club, these are the places to head to. These are also some of the only places with a dress code so I avoided them at all costs. I hate dress codes, especially in Hawaii.
CONCLUSION
Probably the key to a Hawaiian vacation is just lounging around and relaxing. That’s why you are on vacation.
Waikiki is mostly for sunbathing and sitting next to the ocean enjoying your drink of choice. You can sea kayak, snorkel and even take some surfboard lessons on Waikiki. Some of the other areas of the island offer better packages and venues, however.
Relax and try to keep your money in your wallet. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.