Post #744745 by AceExplorer on Fri, Jun 12, 2015 8:15 PM

On 2015-06-12 16:32, EnchantedTikiGoth wrote:
We've been advised against going to Oahu by friends, but if we do stop there I think I know where we might try staying...

ETG, don't let your friends discourage you from going to Oahu. Yes, it's very developed, and "touristy," but mostly only in the confines of Honolulu. I always find many good things to see and do there -- it is a whole island, and not just the bustling city of Honolulu with its tourist traps, so keep that in mind. Some examples of things worth seeing/doing:

• On your first trip, enjoy some of the "tourist trap" things like Waikiki. Tourists go there because they have fun, and you will too. Just don't make your entire trip itinerary tourist things. More details below.
• Cocktail-wise, there are some amazing bartenders/mixologists along the Waikiki beachfront. It's mostly non-tiki, but it is tropical and there are cutting-edge drinks to be found and enjoyed. I had several "aha" moments in some of the hotel bars on the waterfront.
• There is a lot of history to see on Oahu. About 1 or 2 miles from the Dole Pineapple Plantation (HUGE Dole Whips to be had there, in carved-out pineapples, share with your friends, YUM!) you will find the birthing place of Hawaiian royalty. This is a very special site, and it's free, and it is REAL Hawaii.
• Great gardens, museums, beaches. The Bishop Museum in Honolulu is a must-see for anyone interested in seeing real Polynesian history and culture. Beautiful carved tikis, and a lot of other stuff, in a very elegant museum. World-class beaches at Waikiki (touristy, but gorgeous) and about 10-15 miles drive from Honolulu around the point is one of the top beaches in the world which is very non-touristy and mostly locals. And there are many gardens/parks with great things to see.

I could go on and on. The other islands are very nice as well, with much to see, and you can't do it in one trip. For your first trip to Hawaii, don't avoid Oahu. It's everything you've seen and heard, both good and bad. Just read guidebooks, make your own decisions, and really be careful with advice you get from friends. There's a fair amount of Oahu-bashing out there, don't let it cloud your own judgment, go where YOU want to go. You can't see it all on one trip, and you will likely make plans to come back multiple times to see new and different islands.

Hope you go soon, and enjoy your trip! I usually go in the fall, before the real rainy season picks up, because if I will be driving any dirt roads, they are most passable at the end of the dry season. I have a history of being very hard on rental cars in Hawaii, hahaha... Some of the very cool places may involve some dirt roads.