Suggestions in Hawai????

[rhino101]

Going to Hawai next week for a holiday, anyone got any reccommendations for gyms, good supp stores, places for a feed or just general things to see or do??????

[MrAust92]

Never been mate...........

Slimmo and his missus have been there, give him a bell.

[stealth1245]

spent my birthday there last year mate.. Where are you headed? Which island? How long? Awesome place.. Heaps of tours.. Where you staying?

I was at outriggers main at waikiki..

Perfect time of year..

Perhaps throw it in the off topic section so more of the guys from the us see it..

[rhino101]

spent my birthday there last year mate.. Where are you headed? Which island? How long? Awesome place.. Heaps of tours.. Where you staying?

I was at outriggers main at waikiki..

Perfect time of year..

Perhaps throw it in the off topic section so more of the guys from the us see it..

Yeah mate, staying at Waikiki, probably have a look at the volcano and try and see some big surf. Was initially planning on having a couple of weeks off gym, but i keep hearing the food is pretty full on, so might have to fit some sessions in. Did you train over there?

[ProteinDirect]

Hey Rhino, great choice for a holiday.

Like stealth said heaps of things to do. I've been there 4-5 times and as recent as two months ago.

My advice is rent a car for the day and take a drive at your leisure around the island with stops at Hanauma Bay, Sunset Beach, Waimea Falls and whatever else you see along the route.

But, one thing you must not miss is the Macadamia Nut Plantation in Kaaawa. Many believe this is the best kept secret in Hawaii. It is a farm where they serve free samples of macadamia nuts (lots of free samples available) in all sorts of flavours: cinnamon, garlic, coffee, salted, etc etc all set among lovely gardens. Also free coffee. The secret though is there is a mini tour behind the hut where they serve the free samples. It is a tour run by the locals ($20) where they take you on a boat ride, they do fire dance, they show you how they crack coconuts, how they make coconut milk, how they light fire (without matches) and they also serve you fresh fruit right off the tree. And the tour guide is a comedian as well so yeah....for me and the kids that was the highlight of the whole trip. Hawaii is beautiful and I know this is a big statement but I believe the most beautiful sights are from the boat ride which is part of this tour. And they also show you the most filmed spot in the whole of Hawaii along with the name of all the films filmed there. You can tell I really enjoyed this place. Anyway, here's the link on tripadvisor so you can see what others are saying: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...i.html#REVIEWS

Only downside it's about 45min to get there from Waikiki but then again, the drive there is nice. Oh yeah, and this Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki, one block away from the you cannot miss McDonalds has a two story high aquarium (free to visit).

I think you'll love Hawaii.

[stealth1245]

Yeah mate, staying at Waikiki, probably have a look at the volcano and try and see some big surf. Was initially planning on having a couple of weeks off gym, but i keep hearing the food is pretty full on, so might have to fit some sessions in. Did you train over there?

Waikiki is nice.. Always a good atmosphere.. People in the streets, and being their holiday season..there's heaps of students over from the states, makes for a good laugh..

I didn't train whilst over there, used it as a rest period.. Although i wish i had've.. There is a few gyms right near the main part of waikiki, of which you will see when you walk the main strip..

There are little stalls that sell tours not far from the international market, which are good value.. (heaps cheaper than booking at the hotel).. So, depending on what sort of holiday you're after, they have plenty to choose from..

When i was there, we had a few various tours.. e.g. swimming with the dolphins, and the bays which PD mentioned.. A memorable tour guide, his name was Felix, who used to sing songs when waiting for passengers to arrive from various sights..

There is great shopping if you choose to head out to waikelli(cant remember spelling), but it's where all the factory outlets are.. Especially with our dollar being so strong, you'll find heaps of great name brand clothes, heaps cheaper than buying here in aus..

Meals aren't too bad depending how fussy you are.. my gf at the time, was mad for the 'Cheesecake factory'(located on main strip of waikiki), good quality food.. great value..

Hope this helps..

If you feel homesick, just head down to the main beach at waikiki, and familiarise yourself with the queensland sand..(they have shipped in because the beach is man made)

[peshay]

Yeah mate, staying at Waikiki, probably have a look at the volcano and try and see some big surf. Was initially planning on having a couple of weeks off gym, but i keep hearing the food is pretty full on, so might have to fit some sessions in. Did you train over there?

You'll either love or hate Waikiki, won't be any big North Shore surf this time of year as it's their summer and that happens in their winter. There's a "24 Hour Fitness" chain all over Hawaii with one right in Waikiki that's ok for a holiday w/out. There use to be a great Golds behind the Ala Moana centre (where you'll want to go for shopping) but it's now moved up near Honolulu - it's a good old fashioned/hardcore gym worth the 15 min ride from Waikiki.

Should have a great time with guaranteed perfect weather. Wish I was heading over there to get away from Winter.

[Mr Oz]

my mate was on the north shore 2 weeks ago, he had to ask a lifeguard where pipe was as it resembled a lake (which is the norm for their summer/this time of year)
he went for a snorkel over the reef and said it looked crazy down there.

[Hound_Dog]

Hawaii is a way cool place. I agree with the comment to rent a car....we got a convertible Mustang and it was a blast. Went shopping at Waikele, but a HUGE MUST is Pearl Harbour, it was excellent and I spent almost a whole day there. I didnt rain but saw a few gyms around town. 2 things I did note 1) the food was not that good for the better part ( Yanks please note; Bacon shouldnt look like a deep fried shoelace!!!) and 2) Americans really do eat Cheesburgers for breakfast washed down with bucket sized Cokes.

Would definitely go back. Oh yeah, do a Trolley Bus tour that goes out of town to. Its cool

[Taurus]

Sweet! Im going there in 5 weeks too, thanks for the tips boys!

[rhino101]

Thanks for all that fellas!!!

Seems to be a few common threads on what to do, my only problem sounds like it will be not having enough time to fit everything in.

Definitely sounds like a hire car might be the go, although am not super keen on that opposite side of the road caper...............

Thanks again.

[Slim2008]

Thanks for all that fellas!!!

Seems to be a few common threads on what to do, my only problem sounds like it will be not having enough time to fit everything in.

Definitely sounds like a hire car might be the go, although am not super keen on that opposite side of the road caper...............
Thanks again.

All good big fella, only takes a few goes - I reckon I scared them more than they scared me!!! I sent you an email.

[Paulus]

Yanks please note; Bacon shouldnt look like a deep fried shoelace!!!)

That's exactly right - American bacon is typically bad to start with and then burnt to a crisp.

You tell me which is better - choose option 1 or option 2...

[Stilletto]

Never been to Waikiki, but Maui was Awwwweeesommmme! The Hana Highway, Red Sand beach, Bamboo Forest and the seclusion was sublime. When I went to Hana, I actually met this guy named Armin...he had a little outfit where he had powered hang-gliders he would take you up. Also, went snuba diving off of Molikini... Lots of sea turtles, then on the way back to dock, there were several dolphins on the bow.

Get to Maui if you ever get a chance, or try to at least get a charter flight there. You won't be disappointed.

[rhino101]

Waikiki is nice.. Always a good atmosphere.. People in the streets, and being their holiday season..there's heaps of students over from the states, makes for a good laugh..

I didn't train whilst over there, used it as a rest period.. Although i wish i had've.. There is a few gyms right near the main part of waikiki, of which you will see when you walk the main strip..

There are little stalls that sell tours not far from the international market, which are good value.. (heaps cheaper than booking at the hotel).. So, depending on what sort of holiday you're after, they have plenty to choose from..

When i was there, we had a few various tours.. e.g. swimming with the dolphins, and the bays which PD mentioned.. A memorable tour guide, his name was Felix, who used to sing songs when waiting for passengers to arrive from various sights..

There is great shopping if you choose to head out to waikelli(cant remember spelling), but it's where all the factory outlets are.. Especially with our dollar being so strong, you'll find heaps of great name brand clothes, heaps cheaper than buying here in aus..

Meals aren't too bad depending how fussy you are.. my gf at the time, was mad for the 'Cheesecake factory'(located on main strip of waikiki), good quality food.. great value..

Hope this helps..

If you feel homesick, just head down to the main beach at waikiki, and familiarise yourself with the queensland sand..(they have shipped in because the beach is man made)

Well, just got back from 9 days at Waikiki. Managed to do most of the things every one suggested - hired the covertible mustang and spent the whole time laughing at our 4 year old who spent his whole time hunched over in the back seat getting wind blasted and yelling at us to "PUT THE TOP BACK ON!!!!"

That cheesecake factory was awesome!. You know a place is good when there are line ups out on to the street day and night. We finaly got in and skipped the main meals and went straight to the 35 different cheesecake varieties. Only a pity that i couldn't do the place a post comp justice, and only managed to get through 2 and a half pieces.......Taurus, if you don't mind cheesecake, make sure you get there!!!!

Did the volcanos and Pearl Harbour and Waikele - all excellent stuff. Ran out of time to do everything we wanted but overall very nice place. Love the 10.00 am to 11.00pm lifestyle they have over there.

Thanks again for the info fellas, now, back into the gym to get rid of the cheesecake!!!!

[stealth1245]

Good work mate.. :-) great choice.. Well done..

[Taurus]

That cheesecake shop sounds great! We leave this saturday night!

[hellno]

Well, just got back from 9 days at Waikiki. Managed to do most of the things every one suggested - hired the covertible mustang and spent the whole time laughing at our 4 year old who spent his whole time hunched over in the back seat getting wind blasted and yelling at us to "PUT THE TOP BACK ON!!!!"

That cheesecake factory was awesome!. You know a place is good when there are line ups out on to the street day and night. We finaly got in and skipped the main meals and went straight to the 35 different cheesecake varieties. Only a pity that i couldn't do the place a post comp justice, and only managed to get through 2 and a half pieces.......Taurus, if you don't mind cheesecake, make sure you get there!!!!

Did the volcanos and Pearl Harbour and Waikele - all excellent stuff. Ran out of time to do everything we wanted but overall very nice place. Love the 10.00 am to 11.00pm lifestyle they have over there.

Thanks again for the info fellas, now, back into the gym to get rid of the cheesecake!!!!

I'm going to Hawaii in November and the mrs would like a 4 star or better

If we have a week there - where would you recommend we stay?

TIA

[Costa]

I'm going to Hawaii in November and the mrs would like a 4 star or better

If we have a week there - where would you recommend we stay?

TIA

hellno,

i have stayed at the SHERATON Waikiki which was brilliant, 4 or 5 stars i think.

[rhino101]

I'm going to Hawaii in November and the mrs would like a 4 star or better

If we have a week there - where would you recommend we stay?

TIA

Mate we stayed at the "Outrigger on the reef", (there are about 3 different Outriggers) which was around 4 stars - found it very nice, nice rooms, pretty flash hotel right on the beach (literaly on the sand). has 3 restaurants attached and is positioned pretty much on the main drag of Waikiki, pretty good pool and 3 seperate hot spas. from memory it was pretty reasonably priced too.

[rhino101]

That cheesecake shop sounds great! We leave this saturday night!

Good stuff! Mate, if you want to get in without a long wait, we found the best time was mid avo - anything from 5.00pm on to 10.00 pm and you'll be sitting outside for 1/2 an hour with a buzzer waiting for a table.

It's right across the road from the international markets too, if you want shitloads of cheap t-shirts and other souveneir gear.

[hellno]

Mate we stayed at the "Outrigger on the reef", (there are about 3 different Outriggers) which was around 4 stars - found it very nice, nice rooms, pretty flash hotel right on the beach (literaly on the sand). has 3 restaurants attached and is positioned pretty much on the main drag of Waikiki, pretty good pool and 3 seperate hot spas. from memory it was pretty reasonably priced too.

I know this sounds like a stupid question but if we are going to Honolulu which we are in lat nov for a week...it that the best place to go? Is it the same as the other parts like maui etc and if the flight goes into Honolulu airport, how far are the other places ? Do you fly there/bus there/taxi there?

Gotta admit, I got no idea. Any advice would be really appreciated

[rhino101]

I know this sounds like a stupid question but if we are going to Honolulu which we are in lat nov for a week...it that the best place to go? Is it the same as the other parts like maui etc and if the flight goes into Honolulu airport, how far are the other places ? Do you fly there/bus there/taxi there?

Gotta admit, I got no idea. Any advice would be really appreciated

Mate,

Don't worry I had the same confusion level before I got there.

Honolulu is the main city on the Island of Oahu. Waikiki is the main tourist suburb in Honolulu. Maui is a different island altogether. Then there is "The big Island", which is where the active volcanos are.

So if you want to go between the islands you pretty much have to fly. Not sure about Maui, but we flew from Oahu to the big island with Hawaiian airlines (mainly because we got a $200 voucher each after our flight was delayed out of Sydney). The airfares would have been around $200 each return and the flight was about 40 mins each way. We flew over for a day trip and hired the old mustang convertable and drove around and went to the volcanos.

I know a lot of people do a few days on each various island.

Who are you flying over with?

[hellno]

Mate,

Don't worry I had the same confusion level before I got there.

Honolulu is the main city on the Island of Oahu. Waikiki is the main tourist suburb in Honolulu. Maui is a different island altogether. Then there is "The big Island", which is where the active volcanos are.

So if you want to go between the islands you pretty much have to fly. Not sure about Maui, but we flew from Oahu to the big island with Hawaiian airlines (mainly because we got a $200 voucher each after our flight was delayed out of Sydney). The airfares would have been around $200 each return and the flight was about 40 mins each way. We flew over for a day trip and hired the old mustang convertable and drove around and went to the volcanos.

I know a lot of people do a few days on each various island.

Who are you flying over with?

Thanx

Coming in with Qantas from LA.

So far am leaning towards the Trump as the wife likes her luxury wants to be near the shops etc. We got a price of 2k for 7 nights in a deluxe ocean view room.

Ever been there?

[rhino101]

Thanx

Coming in with Qantas from LA.

So far am leaning towards the Trump as the wife likes her luxury wants to be near the shops etc. We got a price of 2k for 7 nights in a deluxe ocean view room.

Ever been there?

Sorry mate, can't help. I did see it from the outside and it looked ok, thats about all i can tell you.

[Taurus]

Thanks for the tips! In Waikiki at the moment! Jut got back from a traditional luau (like a kiwi hangi). Was awesome and ate heaps. Having lunch at cheesecake factory on Wednesday. Snorkeling in the morning and pearl harbour on thursday! The beaches are lovely but busy. I still love my local beach maroubra more!! Great place and weather plus the people are so nice and friendly. The day at the macadamia nut farm yesterday was sensational, thanks for pointing us in that direction!!
Lloyd

[rhino101]

Thanks for the tips! In Waikiki at the moment! Jut got back from a traditional luau (like a kiwi hangi). Was awesome and ate heaps. Having lunch at cheesecake factory on Wednesday. Snorkeling in the morning and pearl harbour on thursday! The beaches are lovely but busy. I still love my local beach maroubra more!! Great place and weather plus the people are so nice and friendly. The day at the macadamia nut farm yesterday was sensational, thanks for pointing us in that direction!!
Lloyd

[Taurus]

one of the many big meals i had, this at the Cheesecake factory, thanks for the tip Rhino. The food there was fantastic.


Waimea Bay, pretty flat at this time of year, but what a great beach


Top of Diamond Head Crater, not an easy hike, but worth the view. Plus after all the huge meals i ate, some cardio was needed!


Pearl Harbour Arizona Memorial over the sunken ship


Packed Waikiki Beach, bit much for me, give me Maroubra anyday!! haha


At the shooting range. Awesome fun. The Magnum was ridiculous!!
The next night some chic shot herself in head at this range!

[Hound_Dog]

Good pics mate, keep em coming!!

[Taurus]

Cant remember the name of this temple, but the cliffs/mountain ranges in the background made for a decent photo!



Diamond Head Beach


Streets of Waikiki

[ProteinDirect]

Cant remember the name of this temple,

I think it's Byodo.

Any photos of the macadamia nut plantation??

[Taurus]

I think it's Byodo.

Any photos of the macadamia nut plantation??

Yeh that's the name of it.
No pics of the macadamia farm, I didn't get my camera out of our bag for the first couple of days! Wish I had

[Taurus]

2 pics from snorkelling off Waikiki beach (just got the photos back from the waterproof disposable camera)