Honolulu Things to Do Tips by wilocrek

Hike the Diamond! Diamond Head Review

Hiking Diamond Head Crater was definitely one of the highlights of visiting Honolulu because as crazy as it sounds sometimes the beach can get boring so having the option to do some hiking was nice. The hike itself is fairly mild so as long as your not pathetically out of shape you should be able to make it without a problem. The trail itself is a fun, though not anything out of the ordinary, that is until you get to the top.....what a view! The view from the top of Diamond Head is worth the hike. You will be treated to panoramic views of the beach, downtown Honolulu and more. Plan on staying up there awhile and appreciate the view because its something you won't soon forget. Or just sit on the beach like a slug the whole time instead...whatever.

Address: Scenic; Hiking Trail

No...its not the d*mn movie! Pearl Harbor Review

To visit Honolulu and not see Pearl Harbor would be a crying shame. It could even mean that your an uneducated product of the MTV generation or a communist, perhaps that is a bit harsh but I'm continually amazed by how many people I have met who have been to Honolulu and choose not to visit Pearl Harbor....maybe they just didn't know it was there. Anyway let me hop off the ol' soapbox...okay definitely plan on visiting Pearl Harbor. The visitor center where you wait before you take a boat out to the memorial is impressive. The displays are informative and well put together and the film they show just before you take the boat out to the memorial helps to prepare you to fully appreciate the significance of what your about to see. The memorial itself is beautiful, yet simplistic, which is fitting, the emphasis of the memorial is not the structure itself but the memories and emotions it evokes. Pearl Harbor will make even a former communist like me shed a tear...or two.

Address: Arizona Memorial; Battleship Missouri; Bowfin

Shopping Spree in Waikiki Shopping Review

The Waikiki strip that runs along the shore line is the heart of Honolulu, it pulsates with people and lights and has a magnetic draw to it. While I'm not big into shopping I found I spent hours walking down the strip looking into all the different upscale shops and taking in the vibrant feel of Waikiki. For those who love the upscale shopping they will not be letdown, all the big names have a home in Waikiki like Polo, Saks, Prada, etc. But whether or not you plan on spending money or not be sure to take the time to explore the Waikiki shopping district and take in the ambience!

Not exactly great but not exactly bad either... Waikiki Beach Review

The beaches of Waikiki are world famous because of their location...which is great...right along the main strip of Honolulu where all the fancy hotels reside. But the beach itself are rather basic, in fact the beach is really just a long strip of beach that aren't very wide and usually very crowded. In other words there isn't a lot of room to build sandcastles. However that said the location is wonderful and nothing beats swimming in the ocean with a view of Honolulu and a beautiful blue sky! The waves at Waikiki are nothing to write home about but they are big enough to have fun with...you will see far more body boarders than surfers. Which actually is a good thing...surfers are like snowboarders, obnoxious and pretentious! The best part of these beaches are the setting, sand and palm tree's and a thriving shopping/hotel district running perpendicular with the beach. It makes for some wonderful pictures and memories!

U.S.S Missouri USS Missouri Review

Your visit to Pearl Harbor would not be complete without taking a tour of the "Mighty Mo"! Most tour packages include both Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri so definitely take advantage of that. Its not often that citizens get to tour a USS battleship much less one that has as much history as the Missouri. The tour is excellent and they do a good job of intertwining history with explanations of what it like to be on a battleship. Some of the highlights of the tour are seeing where a WWII Japanese plane crashed into the battleship and the story behind it is quite memorable...don't worry I won't spill the beans! The best part of the tour is where they show you the seal that shows exactly the spot where the peace accord was signed. The tour takes about two hours and is a unique way to finish out your day after visiting Pearl Harbor.