Hello:

In October of this year, I will be blessed with a second trip to Honolulu and I can't wait. My 1st trip was life changing, I hope this trip is more!.

I'm looking for things to do on the cheap, I will not be renting a Heep, too much extra. I've been to Pearl harbor, punch bowl cemetery and the Polynesian cultural center. Did the shark cage dive(life changing experience, my fear in life are sharks)doing it again....what can I say, I made my peace with God.

What activities can we(my lovely wife, the one responsible for my return to HI.) do without breaking the bank?. What are the local places to see?, things to do?.

We will be all over the island and need ideas. If you have been there, or live there, please help.

Thank you.

Gonzzo.

 

That's awesome sauce man, there are tons of stuffs to do. Hanauma bay there is some beautiful reef to see, KOKO Head it's right across the street if you like a lil hike also for a hike check out Diamond Head as well. Check out the blow hole and sandy beach but becareful the water is pretty dangerous These are all on the South Shore right by each other. If you like shopping like the local hawaiian type gifts for cheap then got to the Stadium for that. Maunawili falls is a pretty easy hike and really cool. White planes and Nimitiz beach is pretty cool, another pretty beach is Waimanalo Beach and if you go there go eat at Teddy's Bigger Burgers in Kailua it's da bomb. Man honestly what do you like or want to do, there are plenty of things to do for free or the low low. North Shore area is always fun, great snorkleing and surfing and boogie boarding just watch out for rocks.

 

What's up Victorville, I'll take you around if you bring me a papa meal from Baker's!!! Don't forget the hot ketchup tho.

 

I do not live on the Island but I have spent a lot of time on Oahu as my dad lives there...

Finndogs recommendations are perfect...Hanauma Bay (easily spend all say snorkeling), Koko Head, Diamond Head, Muanawili Falls, Nimitz, the swap meet at the stadium, etc...

I would also recommend a few other things...

- Drive the H3 (a modern engineering marvel) and check out the Kaneohe Bay Area (you will get to this on the way to Muanawili Falls)
- For a real tourist day - go grab drinks at Poo-Poos's Duke's on Waikiki Beach, take a catamaran boat ride, and watch the sunset
- Take a Helicopter Tour of the Island (Most beautiful thing I have ever done - but it's not cheap and I know you were looking for cheap)
- Head into Chinatown for a dinner - my favorite is Little Village Noodle House


Keep in mind that several different things can be done in a day... Whether I was on spring break or visiting with my wife we would get up early pack a lunch, and head out in the car. We could see several beaches and do a few hikes in a signal day. My best day ever consisted of leaving Ewa Beach early AM and watching the sunrise as I drove the H3 on the way to Muanwili Falls hike. We hiked the trail had lunch at the falls, and headed back to the car. Cruised over to Waikiki Beach, took the long route that took us by the Blow Hole, and chilled at Duke's before watching the sunset and catching the green flash. Then we headed over to Chinatown and ate at Little Village.

We also snorkeled Hanauma, had a picnic, and hiked Daimond Head the same day.

Last piece of advice...Be aware of the terrible traffic. Make sure you leave early enough in the morning to avoid it. The afternoon is even worse...so much so that you are better to just stay on the beach and extra hour than sit in traffic.

 

^^ Xlnt ideas, also check out the North shore and take a walk thru historic Haleiwa. Stop by Matsumoto's and try the world famous shave ice. If you like paddle boarding stop by surf and sea and rent a couple. Take a paddle up the river, lots of fish n sea turtles gather there. Then head further north and stop at Waimes bay. Just pass Waimea bay is a place called 3 tables. Great for snorkeling and less crowded. If you get to foodland on the right you've gone too far. You'll know it when you see it because there are 3 rock shelves protruding thru the water like tables. And Giovanni's Shrimp truck is another must. Soo much stuff to do

 

In and out double double with onions, animal style fries and a tall chocolate shake!.

Thanks everyone, you all have some awesome ideas and I do appreciate all of them.

If you think of any more make sure to post up, I have a few months to plan. I'm sure they will feel like an ETERNITY! !!.

Thanks again.

Gonzzo

 

Oahu is my second home. I spend alot of time at Ko Olina. 3 man made lagoons. 1st lagoon is a little busy but the 2nd lagoon is still pretty quiet. Limited parking so get there early. Then I like to go to Ted's on North Shore for a plate lunch and chocolate Haupia Pie. While I'm on that side of the island I love going to Sharks Cove. Great snorkeling, not over packed like Hanauma Bay. And on the weekends the Swap Meet is great for souvenirs, at Aloha Stadium.