Honolulu Holiday Tips

smart78 on 09/11/2024 - 18:35
Last edited 09/11/2024 - 19:58 by 1 other user

Hi Peeps, I've booked a trip to Honolulu in last week of December and it's a surprise for my wife (she knows we are going but not where).

None of my friends ever been there, so asking here for tips and planning of this holiday, also first ever overseas holiday for us without kids, so want to make it special.

Few queries:

  1. Should I hire a car for whole trip (from Airport itself).
  2. Haven't booked accommodation, not sure to stay one place or move around.
  3. Is shopping cheaper there, I mean same like USA.

I'd really appreciate all the help here.

Thanks…

Travel Hawaii Honolulu North America United States

Comments

  • MS Paint on 09/11/2024 - 18:46
    +6

    last week of December

    My tips are take plenty of deodorant and ear plugs.

    • Deodorant for the humidity.

    • Ear plugs to block out all the loud obnoxious American holiday makers from the other 49 states.

  • onetwothreefour on 09/11/2024 - 18:52
    +9

    Hire a car and drive round the island. Make sure to stop at Hanauma Bay and Lanikai Beach.

    Also take lots of money, it's supposed to be expensive these days.

    • altomic on 09/11/2024 - 21:28
      +1

      But dont drive around on the weekend as it's crowded then.

      • fantombloo on 09/11/2024 - 22:29

        Lanikai man. But don't worry too much about Lanikai Beach itself - that whole bay is gorgeous and other close by beaches are more easily accessible.

    • Hansi on 10/11/2024 - 08:20
      +4

      Honolulu is just touristy, here are some tips outside of Waikiki:

      Outdoors:
      - Kaʻena Point State Park (furthest place W)
      - Kahe Point Beach Park (snorkelling)
      - Haleiwa (nice and small compared to Honolulu)
      - Waimea Bay and Sharks Cove
      - Sunset Beach Park (Beach)
      - Kuilima Cove Snorkeling (Forgetting Sarah Marshall?)
      - Kailua Beach Park
      - Lanikai Beach
      - Makapuu Beach Park
      - Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail (Hike)
      - Koko Head (Hike)
      - Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (Snrokelling, but watch out - lots of homeless people)
      - Lyon Arboretum
      - Diamond Head State Monument

      Food:
      - Kamehameha Bakery
      - Chiba-ken
      - Sunrise Restaurant Hawaii
      - Rum Fire
      - Duke's Waikiki
      - Honolulu Cookie Company

      Culture:
      - Iolani Palace
      - Kawaiahaʻo Church
      - National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
      - Pearl Harbour (go early in the day)

      Shopping:
      - Ala Moana
      - Ross
      - Various outlets

      There are many places you can snorkel from the shore and it's very beautiful.

  • fullmetal on 09/11/2024 - 18:55
    +1

    Depending how long is your trip consider island hopping to Big island and Maui.Visit jurassic park film site, lava tunnel, up to the very top of Mauna Kea (4 wheel drive is mandatory).

    • Hansi on 10/11/2024 - 08:21

      Agree, but I think only if they're going for longer than a week. 5-7 days per island to get around and see things, more if you want to spend some time in a resort etc.

  • knasty on 09/11/2024 - 18:57
    +6

    Hire a car from start to finish…I would just stay in one place and then do day trips. We island hopped in July and had a great time. Anything involving labour ends up being very expensive - tours, restaurants etc. We alternated meals out and cooking at the apartment which made it much more budget friendly. THe great thing is you can do sunrise on the east coast and sunset on the west coast very easily…

    • mascooler on 09/11/2024 - 19:21
      +1

      +1 went to oahu march of this year definitely good to have a car to get around the island. we stayed on north shore but leaving honolulu stocked up at the costco about 20 min from the airport which was phenomenally cheaper than other grocery stores (we were a group of 7 though so ymmv). polynesian cultural center on north shore of island is very cool would be a day trip (think there's a bus you can take) - wraps up with an epic buffet and performance.
      as far as shopping don't remember many/any deals to be had but this is store is amazing: https://alohashirts.com
      have a great time good luck with surprise

  • 7ekn00 on 09/11/2024 - 20:00
    +3

    Is shopping cheaper there, I mean same like USA.

    Double to triple the prices in AU :/

  • Dannyism on 09/11/2024 - 20:04
    +2

    One week right? 1 Yes you will need a car to get around the island, or hire about 4-5 days at a city based rental place, parking is expensive. 2 No, same place is fine. No, Expensive as.

    The turtle beach where you swim with the turtles is amazing. Pineapple farm for dolewhip is ok. Go up the diamond head crater thing.

  • altomic on 09/11/2024 - 21:31
    +1

    If you staying in Honolulu then buy your booze at the walmart (also souvenirs).

  • smart78 on 09/11/2024 - 21:40

    so far from all comments..

    1. Hire car for full trip, I'll look for accommodation with parking facility
    2. Stay at one place and drive around
    3. Shopping only at Walmart ;)

    Question - which area should I look for accommodation ?

    • MS Paint on 09/11/2024 - 22:08
      +1

      Whichever place has a vacancy. Hawaii is pretty popular around that time of year.

      • sumyungguy on 10/11/2024 - 10:22
        +1

        I just checked some rates, they have a massive seasonal loading just like here. Not yet booked out, possibly due to the massive drop in visitors from Japan.

    • try2bhelpful on 10/11/2024 - 01:59
      +1

      If you have a Costco membership in Australia it will work in America.

    • Trekky on 10/11/2024 - 10:18

      This also depends on your budget. Accommodation (and even Air BnB) are expensive.

  • Gunnar on 09/11/2024 - 22:17
    +1

    Should I hire a car for whole trip (from Airport itself).

    Hire a car and drive around the island on an as needed basis. Your time in Honolulu centre itself you won’t need a car. It’s just to go to the places outside of the centre. Parking is not cheap which is why I say hire in an as needed basis. When you’re on Waikiki you won’t need a car

    There’s a lot of places around that you can get bus trips to (as in tour bus). Where it’s worth having a car is going to the north shore, which is the most stunning place on O’ahu

    Haven't booked accommodation, not sure to stay one place or move around.

    Waikiki is really central to most things. It’s also touristy AF. I liken it to the Gold Coast on steroids. Some good, some bad (the Australians).

    If you can spare the time and cash grab a car and spend at least 2 nights driving around the island.

    If you have time to go to the other islands (eg Maui) do that. They’re way nicer than O’hau

    Is shopping cheaper there, I mean same like USA.

    Hawaii is generally cheaper than mainland US. The cheapness of Hawaii depends on the exchange rate

    • fantombloo on 09/11/2024 - 22:36
      +1

      Hawaii is generally cheaper than mainland US.

      Than NYC or SF maybe on par. But otherwise not my experience.

  • coxjon on 09/11/2024 - 22:17

    If you want to drive around the island like the final race in Test Drive Unlimited, some of the roads don’t exist in real life.

  • try2bhelpful on 10/11/2024 - 02:15

    It comes down to what are you intended to do. If you like it bustling and busy then stay at Waikiki. If you want it quieter and do some of your own cooking then consider an Air BnB. We did a Christmas in Hawaii with the family. My sister hired a big place further out so parking wasn’t a problem. We got a fair bit of rain so consider some waterproof jackets. We found a beach near the top of the Island where we could snorkel with giant turtles which was cool. There is an outlet centre, you can get a membership that gives additional discounts. However, the exchange rate is a bit of a killer. The cultural centre is pretty good. There is a Japanese temple you can visit. A flight that let’s you see the volcanos on one of the other islands might be worth looking into as well. Also climb up Diamond Head but park outside the tunnel road in. The traffic gets quite hectic through the tunnel.

    There are some quite good rock pools to swim in but the rocks can be razor sharp so you need to be careful. Also the surf can be quite strong which makes getting in and out of the water for snorkeling a little difficult.

    It is a beautiful place you will have a good time.

  • dan2k on 10/11/2024 - 08:34
    +1

    Two words. Dole Whip

    • sumyungguy on 10/11/2024 - 10:26
      +1

      TIL you can get it here, so far 13 outlets

      • dan2k on 11/11/2024 - 10:01

        Oh you got me excited then, but I looked my nearest is several hours away.. :(

  • gar519 on 10/11/2024 - 08:59
    +2

    Last week of December will be very busy, with mainlanders. Stay in Waikiki. Book now. Staying a block or two back from the beach will be more affordable. All of Waikiki is easily walkable and fun. It has a lovely laid back holiday vibe, and December won't be too hot.
    Only get a car for a day trip. Pick up early the morning and even consider returning that night. Parking is expensive most hotels around $60.
    Pick up discount excursion/restaurant brochures at hotels and some side walk vendors.
    Ala Moana Shopping has all the big name shops. Take the bus, about 15 minutes from Waikiki
    Food in the food courts is cheaper, than Waikiki. Foodland at Ala Moana is the cheapest supermarket. If you are into poke bowls their deli has a huge range.
    Talk to accommodate staff about good affordable restaurants.
    Don't be affraid to use the local bus service to get around.
    Waikele Premium Outlets is just 30 minutes from Honolulu, and is the only outlet shopping center in Hawaii. Discount shuttle vouchers available in hotels and street vendors. Don't expect huge great prices due to the exchange rate. However big sales post Christmas.
    If you want some military history and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, take a Pearl Harbour tour including visiting the sunken Arizona.
    Once again cannot stress talk to locals
    or accommodate staff, even those not at reception for eating out ideas.
    Enjoy.

  • FimpBARGAIN on 10/11/2024 - 09:47

    Spend a weekend there by myself last month.
    Booked a cheaper hotel near the airport, which had a shuttle each hour from the airport.

    I just walked up and down the beach, but then caught the bus for a few hours. You can buy day bus passes from ABC stores for 10bucks takes you all over the island

    Ps- probably wouldn't stay near airport with my family, wasnt the safest feeling area

  • Jeannie77 on 10/11/2024 - 10:32

    We had booked a transfer so got the Hawaiian welcome with flower Lei there at the airport from the driver. It did cost more to order the lei greeting when you booked the transfer but it was a really nice touch. Also I would pre book accomodation as at that busy time of year you might end up having to sleep in the car. We were ok with public transport in Waikiki, going to shopping centre etc would only need a car when going to other areas.

  • sam-1966 on 10/11/2024 - 18:41

    Generally more expensive that the mainland due to shipping costs.

    If you like reading, check out James A Michener's "Hawaii" before you go - wish I had read it before I went for the history.

    I did a tour that included the Arizona Memorial and it was recommended to go as early as possible as numbers can be limited. It was a very moving experience - highly recommended.

  • dan2k on 11/11/2024 - 10:01

    The other thing is to do while there is to eat some of their pineapples. They are different from everywhere else in the world. So sweet, no acid.. mmm

  • SlickMick on 11/11/2024 - 10:22

    for 1 week I'd just get a hotel and enjoy all the free touristy things: dance shows, ukulele classes etc. There is plenty to do for a week just wandering around Honolulu, and you don't have to plan a thing.

  • Nuclearvodka on 14/11/2024 - 14:40

    Whatever you do, get travel insurance.
    We all know how bad medical expenses are in the US but you're not ready for Hawaii.
    (also please declare any pre existing medical conditions, it's worth paying extra than having a claim declined and being $10000s in debt)

    Source: decade in emergency assitance, Hawaii is the worse place on the planet to have a medical episode (medical care is great though)

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