Honolulu/Oahu suggestions?

I'll be heading to Honolulu next month for the first time in eight years. I don't remember too much from my last visit other than Pearl Harbor and lots of time at the beach. Anyone who's been recently have suggestions for restaurants, places to see, etc.?

 

Be sure to have a map.

 

If you've already been to Pearl, skip Oahu and hit any of the other islands. Maui, Kauai, Big Island. Oahu and Pearl are a one-time visit, the rest is just too touristy, traffic clogged and overpriced.

 

This isn't a bad idea. You won't find much of the authentic Hawaii on Oahu these days. The Big Island will give you all the natural splendor you can handle, and Kauai is perfect if you're after a bit of tropical seclusion.

If you're absolutely locked into Honolulu, here's a starting point:
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Anthony_Bourdain/ci.Hawaii.show?vgnextfmt=show

 

I'd pass on Maui too. Last few times I was there it was getting to be as bad as Oahu in terms of congestion.

 

Head to the north shore. If you don't have a car, the bus will give you a circle tour of the island to get there.

 

Once you get out of Honolulu, Oahu is actually spectacular. I'd only ever changed planes there headed for the other islands, but last year got a Marriott offer I couldn't refuse and spent a week at their resort there.

In the southeast corner of the island (30 minutes or so from Honolulu) is Hanauma Bay, a protected volcanic crater that's a state park. Some of the best snorkeling in the world. Sea turtles everywhere, close enough to reach out and touch.

The one thing on Oahu I can't recommend enough is the beach at Lanikai on the east shore. It's in an upscale residential area, but by law most Hawaiian beaches are public and there are pass-through alleys that give access. Simply the most spectacular beach I've ever seen -- freakishly blue, clear water and sand like baby powder. Recently saw a Travel Channel special on Hawaii's best beaches, and they had it No. 1.



http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/beaches/lanikai_beaches.htm

 

Polynesian Cultural Center is up the coast from Honolulu. It's a bunch of exhibits on the islands of Polynesia, which extend from Hawaii down to New Zealand. I liked it but then I was 13 when we were there, so for all I know the thing could be gone by now. North Shore is a must, for sure.

Yes, definitely see other islands. Kona, Hawai'i, is high on my list for a couple of reasons.

 

Best restaurants on Oahu:

http://maona.net/archives/2005/08/roys_restaurant.php
Try: Roy’s Classic Trio of Hibachi Grilled Salmon
Roy’s Original Blackened Island Ahi
& Hawaiian Style Misoyaki Butterfish
Citrus Ponzu Sauce, Spicy Soy Mustard Butter, Sizzling Soy Vinaigrette

Make sure you get the chocolate souffle for dessert

http://www.samchoy.com/restaurants_diamondhead.html
Try the Island-style ahi poke: Fresh cubed ahi lightly tossed with sesame oil, soy sauce,
onions, scallions and ogo (farm raised seaweed) choice of raw or flash fried

and/or:
14-ounce seared ribeye seasoned with special spice blend,
served with crispy onion strings

Best scenic attraction:

http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/facility/hanaumabay/welcome.htm

Have drinks at sunset here — you will remember it all your life:
http://www.moana-surfrider.com/

Have breakfast on the North Shore here:
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/oahu/D37850.html

 

lono's list is tragically short on Zippy's.

 

I saw the PCC when I was there. First-rate.

 

If you're going to be hanging out in Waikiki at all, I highly recomment Sansei if you like Sushi

http://www.sanseihawaii.com/