Andrew and Adam's Hawaii Vacation
- Day 1, Saturday Aug, 22 (3 schedule items)
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- Arrive 8:19pm, Depart 10:40pm
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- A Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu
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Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa, Waikiki Beach
Since 1901, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach, considered the first hotel opened in Waikiki, has offered luxurious accommodations to its guests in a Victorian-style setting by the beach, and is approximately 12 miles from Honolulu International Airport. Local attractions include Diamond Head, approximately two miles away, and Pearl Harbor, located 14 miles from the hotel.Known as the First Lady of Waikiki, this hotel's signature attraction is the Banyan Tree. Planted in 1901, the 150-foot-wide tree provides shade under which lei making and Hawaiian crafts classes are held. Walking tours and the Historical Room detail the hotel's storied past. The hotel features a private beach, and surfing lessons, snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing can all be arranged. The outdoor pool is situated next to the beach, and towels and lounge chairs are provided. Afternoon tea, sandwiches, and finger foods are served daily on the Banyan Veranda, a tradition continued since the hotel's early days. Additional amenities include a kids' program, business center, boutique shops, laundry facilities, dry cleaning services, tour desk, multilingual staff, parking, beauty salon, free coffee, poolside food and beverage services, 24-hour medical services, and beach service. Dining options include the Beachside Cafe, the Snack Bar, the Banyan Grill, and the Beach Bar.Guest rooms feature cable TV, movies on-demand, magazines, newspapers, video games, bath amenities, slippers, bathrobes, hairdryers, high-speed Internet access (for a fee), dataports, alarm clocks, voicemail, outlet adaptors, bottled water, 24-hour room service, refrigerators, safes, work desks, laundry bags, sewing kits, air-conditioning, irons, ironing boards, and shoe shine kits.[Full Description]
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- Hula's Bar and Lei Stand
- Day 2, Sunday Aug, 23 (5 schedule items)
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- B Cream Pot, Honolulu
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Delightful quirky and distinctly different from other breakfast spots in the area, this quaint café offers up a unique menu and setting. Located in the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel just across from the Ala Wai Canal and at the very edge of Waikiki, this small restaurant has a stylized French country décor and seats only about 40 people. The menu includes a fantastic Maguro Benedict a creation of ahi tuna and avocado on rice, The Apple Tatin Crepe with crispy cooked fresh Granny Smith apples and a yummy freshly made homemade caramel sauce. The feminine setting lends perfectly to a gathering of girls enjoying a leisurely lunch or early tea. Don't forget your car validation or cash no credit cards accepted here. - Lottie Tagupa[Full Description]
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- C Waikiki Beach, Honolulu
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Never has a beach been as fabled as Waikiki. Since the 1950s, this beach has been a tourist destination extraordinaire. While much of it has been eroded, trampled by millions of feet, or encroached upon by towering skyscrapers, hints of its original beauty can still be seen in the crashing waves and the warm sand. Come night time, the hipsters strut their clubwear on the beachwalk, and lovers find peaceful little nooks under the cover of sweeping palm trees.[Full Description]
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- Angles Barbeque
- Queen's Surf Beach
- Tanaka of Tokyo (Central)
- Day 3, Monday Aug, 24 (5 schedule items)
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- Thrifty - Pick-up Waikiki, Drop-off HNL
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- D Leonard's Bakery, Honolulu
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A favorite local stop since 1952, this bakery, less than a mile outside Waikiki, is famous for malasadas. These pastries are a local favorite, similar to doughnuts only without the holes. They're best eaten hot, leaden when cold. Another specialty is pao doce (Portuguese sweet bread). Danish pastries, cookies, breads and specialty wedding and birthday cakes are also available. Take out only; there is no place to sit. Parking is available.[Full Description]
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- E Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, Honolulu
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On this lush 400-acre preserve, all of the world's foremost tropical regions are grouped geographically. A staggering variety of rare and endangered plants thrive here, with particular emphasis placed on native Hawaiian flora. Facilities include hiking trails, campgrounds, a visitor center and a 32-acre (non-swimming) lake. A variety of educational programs such as guided nature hikes are offered. Camping is allowed on weekend nights (Friday through Sunday). Admission: free.[Full Description]
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- F Byodo-In Temple, Honolulu
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At the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains stands a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan. The graceful vermilion complex is surrounded by the largest Japanese garden outside Japan. At the temple entrance hangs a sobering three-ton bronze bell—ring it before entering the sanctuary to purify the mind of evil and temptation, then meditate to to the nine-foot-tall statue of the Buddha. More than 10,000 carp live in a two-acre reflecting pool and wild peacocks stroll the grounds freely. Admission: USD2 for adults; USD1 for children and seniors.[Full Description]
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- G Polynesian Cultural Center, Honolulu
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One of Hawaii's top visitor attractions, this tropical 42-acre site showcases seven Polynesian regions: Fiji, Hawai'i, the Marquesas, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga. Visitors enjoy frequent crafts demonstrations, musical performances, games and more. The famous Canoe Pageant reenacts the myths and legends of Polynesia through song and dance, all atop floating canoes. A spectacular show, Horizons, is presented nightly. There's also an IMAX theater. Entertainment packages start at USD54 for adults, USD37 for children ages 5-11. Shuttle bus transportation from Waikiki hotels is available for an extra charge.[Full Description]
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- Day 4, Tuesday Aug, 25 (8 schedule items)
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- H Arizona Memorial, Honolulu
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On December 7, 1941, the battleship USS Arizona was sunk, taking 1,100 sailors with it. In 1961, a solemn white monument was erected above the midsection of the ship. The deck of the Arizona lies now six feet below the surface of Pearl Harbor and is clearly visible from the monument. Take the shuttle launch from shore to the monument and view the dark shape of a once-great ship with its silent crew. Free guided tours are offered 8am-3pm daily. Visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial afterward.[Full Description]
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- I Battleship Missouri Memorial, Honolulu
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Stand on the deck of this imposing old structure that has been painstakingly cared for and extensively renovated. The "Mighty Mo" is where General Douglas MacArthur proclaimed the end of World War II in September of 1945 in Tokyo Bay. The great vintage battleship now sits at permanent anchor across from the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Admission: USD16 Adults, USD7 Children ages 4-12. Adult admission for guided tours starts at USD22. Visit the Arizona Memorial first to get a sense of the complete story.[Full Description]
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- J Bowfin Memorial Park, Honolulu
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This Pearl Harbor memorial park is dedicated to World War II submarines and their valiant crews. The park takes its name from a particularly distinguished sub, the USS Bowfin SS-287. Tour the narrow corridors and compartments where the crew worked, ate, and slept on nine hazardous missions. In addition to the Bowfin exhibit, there is a waterfront memorial. Also visit the Battleship Arizona and Missouri memorials.[Full Description]
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- Yama's Fish Market
- Kapena Falls
- K Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Honolulu
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For an experience that will give you chicken skin, take the Pali Highway to this spectacular lookout, one of the windiest spots on Oahu. Historians hotly debate the legend that says that in 1795, King Kamehameha I, the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands, forced thousands of his opponents to jump from the cliff to their deaths. From the lookout point high among the eerie spires of the Koolau Mountains, you can see a panoramic view of Windward Oahu. Admission is free.[Full Description]
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- Jackass Ginger Pool and Judd Trail
- The Pyramids
- Day 5, Wednesday Aug, 26 (2 schedule items)
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- L Hawaii Food Tours, Honolulu
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This is indeed a food-lover's idea of heaven! Culinary tourism in Honolulu has evolved in the form of Hawaii Food Tours, which organizes delicious trips to restaurants around the city. With rates depending on which tour you book, this is the perfect way for you get to indulge in a gamut of delicacies, most of them Hawaiian. Hawaii Food Tours offers three different tours including the Hawaiian Feast in Paradise which samples local favorites, the Hole-in-the-Wall Tour which features food from locations a little off the beaten path, and the Gourmet Trilogy Tour which allows you to taste the offerings from three of Oahu's best restaurants including wine with each course. Each location is different and unique making this a food experience you won't soon forget. For more information call the local or toll free number. Bon Appetit![Full Description]
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- M Manoa Falls, Honolulu
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Tucked in the back of lush Manoa Valley is this waterfall, which is commonly thought to be one of the most beautiful sights on O'ahu. It rushes over a precipice and drops 100 feet to the pool below. The briskly cold water makes a refreshing change from the sticky Hawaiian air. The hike to the waterfall takes approximately an hour and is not particularly difficult. The trail can get slippery during the rain, but on sunny days, it's clearly marked and easy to follow.[Full Description]
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- Day 6, Thursday Aug, 27 (9 schedule items)
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- N Skydive Hawaii, Honolulu
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What could be better than a tandem skydive over the Waianae mountains and the Pacific Ocean? Of course you will want evidence of your adventure, so ask to have it videotaped, from the plane ride to the splashy ocean landing. Skydive Hawaii has been operating safely on O'ahu since 1988. Instructors are licensed and highly trained. Skyplanes can go as high as 13,000 feet, for a freefall of 5,000 feet. A Waikiki hotel pickup is available daily. You must be 18 years old and weigh less than 200 pounds to qualify for tandem jumps.[Full Description]
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- Opal's Thai Food
- O Matsumoto's Shave Ice, Honolulu
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Among the many, always welcome visitors, Matsumoto's has hosted movie stars, rock stars, pro-athletes and more. Photos of Adam Sandler and others hang on the walls. Shaved ice is a Hawaiian tradition, and nobody does it better than Matsumoto's. This is no snow cone; it comes in dozens of tasty flavors and a wide variety of add-on items. Lines are long, but it's well worth the wait. Try ice cream on the bottom, it's a local favorite. They have an old-town style retail shop for all sorts of things Hawaiian, like shirts and stickers. You can also check out their online shop. Their catch phrase is “the coolest place on the North Shore” and trust me, you'll agree. -Rex Davidson[Full Description]
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- Turtle Beach (Laniakea)
- Three Tables Beach
- Shark's Cove
- P Waimea Bay Beach Park, Honolulu
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When someone hears the name "Waimea", chances are that images of 20-foot waves and daredevil surf monsters come to mind. That stereotype is correct. This beach is ranked among the top ten big-wave surf spots in the world, and when the waves are high, hardcore surfers come from the far corners of the globe to test their mettle. Novices are discouraged from swimming in the wintertime, which is the big-wave season at this beach. During the summer it is usually safe to take a dip, but make sure to consult the lifeguard first.[Full Description]
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- Q Sunset Beach Park, Honolulu
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When the water is calm, this beach is a lovely swimming spot. The tide pools, located in a sheltered spot on the point of the beach, are great for snorkeling during calm days. It should be mentioned that, as with most beaches on the north shore, the surf here gets dangerously high during the wintertime. It also "cranks" sometimes during the summer. If you are not a strong swimmer or avid surfer, definitely check the local surf report before driving to this North Shore park.[Full Description]
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- R Ted's Bakery, Honolulu
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No doubt you have heard or even had a sliver of Ted's fabulous pies. For townies on the island, they are available in the bakery section of any quality supermarket and come in several flavors that include Macadamia Nut Chocolate Haupia, Chocolate mocha (the newest) and more. Located across the street from Sunset Beach, it is also one of the best spots for locals and enlightened tourists to stop off and have lunch while driving around the island. Yes, Kahuku prawns is on the menu and so are a few local favorites, including teri beef bento, loco moco and an assortment of salads, pastries and more. It's still for the most part a secret spot—so let's keep it that way. - Lottie Tagupa[Full Description]
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- Day 7, Friday Aug, 28 (6 schedule items)
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- S Shangri La, Honolulu
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Shangri La is a very interesting place in a gorgeous setting created by the late Doris Duke. Influenced by Islamic and other prevalent cultures from all across the globe, Duke decided to conceptualize this abode so as to house the myriad references to the countries she visited with her husband—the actor James Cromwell. Tour the place and visit the in-house artists working there on the conservation projects which are fueled by the Doris Duke charitable foundation. A highly informative website answers a lot of questions.[Full Description]
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- T Honolulu Academy of Arts
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The impressive holdings of Hawaii's fine arts museum include one of the nation's finest collections of Asian art as well as a 17,000-piece collection of graphic arts and artifacts from Hawaiian and other ancient civilizations around the world. Italian Renaissance and American works are also on exhibit. Guided tours are available. The 290-seat Academy Theatre presents more than 400 programs annually. A restaurant and gift shop is also onsite.[Full Description]
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- Pavilion Cafe
- U Iolani Palace, Honolulu
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Built in 1882 by Hawaii's last king, David Kalakaua, this stately old three-story building is a real treat to tour. After the overthrow of the King's sister Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, the structure served as the territorial and state capitol until 1969. The Palace Galleries showcases jewels and regalia from the days of Hawaiian royalty. Guided tours are offered every 30 minutes and reservations are suggested.[Full Description]
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- Maunawili Falls
- V Hau Tree Lanai Restaurant, Honolulu
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Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this place offers good food in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant takes its name from a huge Hau tree that grows out of Waikiki Beach and shades the beachfront terrace. This is a great place to take in the sunset while enjoying a wide variety of seafood and other well-prepared offerings at moderate prices. Mai Tais here are large and make a great view even better. The Hau Tree has live slack-key guitar music on weekend nights.[Full Description]
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- Day 8, Saturday Aug, 29 (3 schedule items)
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- W Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu
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This crater of an extinct volcano got its name when Western explorers mistook calcite crystals they found there for diamonds. The historic trail to the 761-foot summit starts inside the crater and is an easy, but steep, 45-minute hike to the top. Stay on the trail, wear appropriate footgear and sunscreen, take along water and bring a flashlight to light your way through the tunnels. Those who reach the summit are rewarded by a spectacular 360-degree view of O'ahu. The tunnel gates close promptly at 6p. Admission: USD1 per person, USD5 per vehicle.[Full Description]
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- X Chinatown, Honolulu
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Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the city's liveliest districts, containing every aspect of a big city within a fifteen block area. During they day, plenty of shop-owners open their doors for tourists and locals to browse at their leisure. When the shopping is done and your appetite is worked up, fill your belly with Dim Sum or go a bit further out to find Korean, Thai, Filipino, and Japanese restaurants waiting to calm your hunger. When the day is done, relax at a bar and have a few drinks with some friends, or go out and see a show. Chinatown theaters present everything from stand-up comedy to vaudeville, musicals, silent films, and plays.[Full Description]
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- Hula's Catamaran Cruise
- Day 9, Sunday Aug, 30 (2 schedule items)
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- Y Hanauma Bay Marine Preserve, Honolulu
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Famed for its beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandy beach and clear, calm turquoise waters, this natural marine sanctuary is home to thousands of colorful tropical fish. The waist-deep water inside the reef is perfect for novice snorkelers to explore. More experienced snorkelers might want to check with the lifeguard before venturing beyond to deeper waters to see sea turtles and other marine life. The Bay is least crowded in the early morning or late afternoon. Admission: non-resident adult visitors USD3, free to all others. Parking fee is USD1 per vehicle.[Full Description]
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- Z Ono Hawaiian Foods, Honolulu
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Ono means "delicious" in the Hawaiian language. This restaurant serves authentic, ono Hawaiian food, from jerky-like pipikalua to laulau (ti-leaf wrapped steamed packets filled chunks of pork). Most dishes come as complete combination plates, including a square of haupia (coconut pudding) for dessert. This is not a place for vegetarians, and the drinks are limited to canned sodas. Check out the wall-to-wall autographed photos of celebrity customers. No reservations are accepted.[Full Description]
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