Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
The OZ and Kiwi Review: Two Reports from Down Under
Land of Oz (written August 11, 2007)
Australia has been amazing! Sydney is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I even enjoyed the "Figaro" opera at the Sydney Opera House! In the last few days we drove up the Gold Coast and visited Surfers Paradise and Brisbane as well. Although the view was pretty, I don't suggest driving up the Gold Coast. Instead, fly Virgin Blue with their cheap fares and extensive network. Yes, yes . . . I drove from the right side of the car, but drove on the left side of the road.
We also held koalas at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (the world's largest koala sanctuary) and fed several kangaroos too! We flew into Cairns last night and spent all day today snorkeling around the Great Barrier Reef--one of our most memorable experiences! Sightings include a 7 foot shark, sting ray and a pod of squids! I tried to make the squid squirt ink but it changed multiple colors instead . . . truly amazing.
We're headed to Kuranda, a World Heritage certified national rain forest tomorrow. Then we'll press onward to New Zealand (both North and South islands). The Australians we've met have been quite friendly and blunt about their distrust of the Aboriginal people. One even said that "those people are untrainable!" Now how is that for racism.
I also enjoyed an outdoor thermal hot spa in Rotorua, where geo-thermal activity is evident everywhere. Rotorua's city streets even had pools of bubbling mud and the entire town smelled like a rotting egg! We toured Wai-to-pu, a geo-thermal park with bubbling colored mud.
I talked with dozens of people about their Australian and Kiwi experiences before I visited. The consensus? Most folks thought Australia was boring, expensive, and not worth it--and one acquaintance said the only good thing about going to Australia is to say that you did. New Zealand, however, received rave reviews. At the end, I've discovered that my expectations were so asymmetrically skewed that I ended up really enjoying Australia, but some what disappointed in New Zealand. In other words, I was pleasantly surprised by Australia where my highlights include Sydney Harbour and its surrounding gardens, the zoo, the Great Barrier Reef, and the people! I'm headed for Melbourne and Ayers Rock the next time I return!
New Zealand, however, was overrated. I saw many of the same sights done bigger and better in Canada! For example, the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the sounds of British Columbia are larger and more spectacular than NZ's Milford Sound and Mount Cook/Aoraki (both Lord of the Rings and The Last Samuari were filmed here). Thus, it may be much cheaper to fly to Canada and experience similar, if not better, sights. A ferry ride between Vancouver and Victoria Island in British Columbia offers better views than Milford Sound. Skip Mt. Cook all together. The two hotels there are exorbitantly priced and awful. We ventured into one of the older hotels and it reminded us of The Shining.
Despite New Zealand's small size, I'm impressed with the variety of topography it boasts: from its snow capped mountains and pristine beaches, to its conspicuous geothermal activity. Highlights include blackwater rafting, riding the luge in Queenstown, boat tour of Auckland, visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum, eating, and driving. I may return to New Zealand to visit more of the Northern Island, but only if there's a good deal.
Australia has been amazing! Sydney is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I even enjoyed the "Figaro" opera at the Sydney Opera House! In the last few days we drove up the Gold Coast and visited Surfers Paradise and Brisbane as well. Although the view was pretty, I don't suggest driving up the Gold Coast. Instead, fly Virgin Blue with their cheap fares and extensive network. Yes, yes . . . I drove from the right side of the car, but drove on the left side of the road.
We also held koalas at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (the world's largest koala sanctuary) and fed several kangaroos too! We flew into Cairns last night and spent all day today snorkeling around the Great Barrier Reef--one of our most memorable experiences! Sightings include a 7 foot shark, sting ray and a pod of squids! I tried to make the squid squirt ink but it changed multiple colors instead . . . truly amazing.
We're headed to Kuranda, a World Heritage certified national rain forest tomorrow. Then we'll press onward to New Zealand (both North and South islands). The Australians we've met have been quite friendly and blunt about their distrust of the Aboriginal people. One even said that "those people are untrainable!" Now how is that for racism.Land of Kiwis (written August 15, 2007)
The food tastes much better here than in Australia and our exchange rate works favorably for our US dollars! New Zealand is BEAUTIFUL! We were up in the North Island for a few days and just flew down to Queenstown in the South Island. Stark contrast in scenery. We spent a night exploring Auckland and then drove down to Waitomo where we ventured out in a wetsuit to go blackwater rafting 210 feet underground. Blackwater rafting is tube-water rafting in underground caves. We jumped off of underground waterfalls and went water caving--crawling upside down to fit between the water and the rocks. Glowworms unique only to New Zealand lit up the cave ceilings.
The food tastes much better here than in Australia and our exchange rate works favorably for our US dollars! New Zealand is BEAUTIFUL! We were up in the North Island for a few days and just flew down to Queenstown in the South Island. Stark contrast in scenery. We spent a night exploring Auckland and then drove down to Waitomo where we ventured out in a wetsuit to go blackwater rafting 210 feet underground. Blackwater rafting is tube-water rafting in underground caves. We jumped off of underground waterfalls and went water caving--crawling upside down to fit between the water and the rocks. Glowworms unique only to New Zealand lit up the cave ceilings.
I also enjoyed an outdoor thermal hot spa in Rotorua, where geo-thermal activity is evident everywhere. Rotorua's city streets even had pools of bubbling mud and the entire town smelled like a rotting egg! We toured Wai-to-pu, a geo-thermal park with bubbling colored mud.Tonight we arrived in Queenstown, a ski resort town with every activity imaginable. I want to sky dive and bungee jump, but I'm pressed for time so I probably won't make it. Tomorrow we're headed out on a tour of Milford Sound which includes a nice cruise along the coast of New Zealand.
Final Review
I talked with dozens of people about their Australian and Kiwi experiences before I visited. The consensus? Most folks thought Australia was boring, expensive, and not worth it--and one acquaintance said the only good thing about going to Australia is to say that you did. New Zealand, however, received rave reviews. At the end, I've discovered that my expectations were so asymmetrically skewed that I ended up really enjoying Australia, but some what disappointed in New Zealand. In other words, I was pleasantly surprised by Australia where my highlights include Sydney Harbour and its surrounding gardens, the zoo, the Great Barrier Reef, and the people! I'm headed for Melbourne and Ayers Rock the next time I return!
New Zealand, however, was overrated. I saw many of the same sights done bigger and better in Canada! For example, the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the sounds of British Columbia are larger and more spectacular than NZ's Milford Sound and Mount Cook/Aoraki (both Lord of the Rings and The Last Samuari were filmed here). Thus, it may be much cheaper to fly to Canada and experience similar, if not better, sights. A ferry ride between Vancouver and Victoria Island in British Columbia offers better views than Milford Sound. Skip Mt. Cook all together. The two hotels there are exorbitantly priced and awful. We ventured into one of the older hotels and it reminded us of The Shining.
Despite New Zealand's small size, I'm impressed with the variety of topography it boasts: from its snow capped mountains and pristine beaches, to its conspicuous geothermal activity. Highlights include blackwater rafting, riding the luge in Queenstown, boat tour of Auckland, visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum, eating, and driving. I may return to New Zealand to visit more of the Northern Island, but only if there's a good deal.Sunday, April 27, 2008
World's Scariest Runways
This picture of the Matekane Air Strip in Lesotho just makes me laugh. The functionality is questionable--a plane taking off does not become airborne until after dropping off of the 2,000 foot cliff at the end of the runway. Don't think about landing into one of these other airports either! Read the article.
8 Quintessential Travel Planning Sites
These are my quintessential travel planning sites. I use each and everyone every time I plan a trip . . . which is often. Here's an 8 step process to ensure you're snagging up the best deals at the best cost!
- http://www.smartertravel.com/. Start here to capture a broad overview of latest deals and choice destinations.
- http://www.farecompare.com/. Then use this site to narrow down the cheapest airfare. You can track changes in fares and sign up for an e-mail update once a fare reaches your target price.
- http://www.kayak.com/. Double check your FareCompare price with Kayak.
- http://www.studentuniverse.com/. Triple check your fares here. You must be a student or in the education industry to take advantage of their prices. May not necessarily be cheaper.
- Once you have triple checked your fares, go straight to the individual airline websites to see if they can offer you an even better deal! A real hit or miss!
- http://www.seatguru.com/. Before you book your airline seat, make sure you visit the SeatGuru to get the best tips on where to sit!
- http://www.traveladvisor.com/. Start your hotel search here by checking on-line reviews. Use the "top rated" hotel option at your destination to see reviewers' preferred hotels.
- Then go to individual hotel websites for the best deals or try http://www.priceline.com/ (I'm a fan)!
Suggested South East Asian Destinations
South East Asia
Burma--As the 2nd most authoritarian regime in the world, the Burmese military junta has created a paradox: a visit to Burma is both delightful and frightening. The culture and food are inspired by its cross-roads location: its an eclectic mix of Thai, Indian, and Chinese.
(1) Rangoon. Relatively untouched by tourism and development, Rangoon offers amazing cultural and gastronomical delights. The street stalls of Rangoon offers some of the cheapest and tastiest foods in the world! I spent my first day here walking and eating samosas, lemon grass noodles, fresh fruits, curry, and other spicy dishes. Evident everywhere are sights of old British rule, from buildings to an old man I talked with who spoke perfect British English and who longed for those British days. Check out the Golden Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Recommended stay: 2-3 full days. Get there: cheap and safe flight on Bangkok Airways from BKK.
(2) Bagan is the land of 3000 pagodas and a World Heritage site. Rent a bike and bike around. Take a tour of a lacquer ware factory (Burma is famous for lacquer ware). Head into town for a dinner puppet show. Recommended stay: 2 full days. Get there on a 15 hr bus ride from Rangoon.
(3) Inle Lake is appropriately dubbed "Venice" of S.E. Asia. Stay at one of the bungalow hotels, but make sure you don't stay at a government owned enterprise! I paid $35 for an amazing floating suite. You'll need a boat taxi to get around so I suggest renting one all day ($20). Take a tour to the floating markets and temples, and visit a silk spinner. Recommended stay: 2 full days. Get there: on a seven hour bus ride from Bagan to Inle Lake.
Cambodia--my favorite S.E. Asian country because of its people and their culture. Relatively unknown to Americans, Pol Pot (aka Saloth Sar) and his Khmer Rouge destroyed this once great nation.
(1) Siam Reap (Angkor Wat) offers delightful moss covered temples. Rent a bike and bike around the ruins--watch for landmines! You can also hire a tour guide and car for about $50/day (probably more now). Our private guide took us to the Citadel temple and secret waterfalls. Skip the floating village, it's a tourist trap. Recommended: stay for 2 full days. Get there: by plane or cross the border by land straight from Bangkok.
(2) Phnom Penh (capital) still retains its uniquely French-Khmer charms in its architecture and life style. Enjoy iced teas and people watching along the waterfront. 1 hr, $3 massage at "Seeing Hands," a non-profit empowering the blind through free skills & language training. Checkout the Royal Palace, art museum, Killing Fields, S-21 interrogation center, Documentation Center of Cambodia, and the Central Market (an converted from an elegant train station; Cambodia had the most efficient and extensive railroad system in S.E. Asia before the Khmer Rouge). Recommended stay: 2-3 full days. Get there: fly from BKK or take speed boat from Siam Reap.
(3) Getting around: take motorcycles. Waive your hand and a mob of drivers will pull over. Agree on a price before you board; a one-way ride should cost 2000-2500 Riels ($1 US = 4000 Riels). More or less for longer destinations and for rising fuel costs.
Kuala Lumpur
(1) KL is is to Malaysia, as BKK is to Thailand. Arrive early to check out the Petronas Towers. Take the sky metro for a cheap way to tour the city! Recommended stay: 2 days. Get there: by bus from Singapore or by plane. The KL Int'l Airport is a destination on its own!
Singapore
(1) Singapore has its charms. Another good place to base yourself, though more expensive than BKK. Check out the Orchid Gardens, Chinatown, India Town, museums, Raffles Hotel (get the original Singapore Sling here), malls, and the financial district. I enjoyed staying in boutique hotels such as the Peacock Inn and the Hotel 1979 in Chinatown (converted from brothels). Recommended stay: 2-3 days.
Thailand
(1) Bangkok is worth a visit and a smart destination to base your S.E. Asian travels. As a major hub for air travel, you'll find cheaper air deals into BKK and cheap, quality hotels. Checkout the temples, Royal Palace, Kaosan Road (touristy area . . . but you can check into a $3 hotel room for the first few nights & book all your local and int'l travels), Potpong night markets. Get a spa massage for $3-4, take a boat ride on the river, visit little India and Chinatown. Eat at Cabbages & Condoms, a non-profit restaurant where proceeds help fun sex education: http://www.pda.or.th/restaurant/. On the same street down from the Cabbage Condom is a cheap and wonderful spa! Take the SKYtrain (metro) all around BKK to acclimate and for cheap sightseeing. Recommended stay: 2-3 full days.
(2) Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island down south hit hard by the tsunami, but remains Thailand's national treasure. The surrounding water is awful, but hire a wooden fishing boat to island hop all day for clearer and more beautiful waters. Go rock climbing. You can easily get a hotel once you're on the island. Recommended stay: 2-3 days. Get there: on an 18 hr bus/boat ride from BKK.
Vietnam
(1) Saigon is hustling and bustling, so stay out if you're weary of sights of a big city. Check out the American War Museum, the waterfront, City Hall, and the old Saigon Capital. Recommended stay: 2 full days. Get there: cross by land from Phnom Penh, or fly from BKK.
Burma--As the 2nd most authoritarian regime in the world, the Burmese military junta has created a paradox: a visit to Burma is both delightful and frightening. The culture and food are inspired by its cross-roads location: its an eclectic mix of Thai, Indian, and Chinese.
(1) Rangoon. Relatively untouched by tourism and development, Rangoon offers amazing cultural and gastronomical delights. The street stalls of Rangoon offers some of the cheapest and tastiest foods in the world! I spent my first day here walking and eating samosas, lemon grass noodles, fresh fruits, curry, and other spicy dishes. Evident everywhere are sights of old British rule, from buildings to an old man I talked with who spoke perfect British English and who longed for those British days. Check out the Golden Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Recommended stay: 2-3 full days. Get there: cheap and safe flight on Bangkok Airways from BKK.
(2) Bagan is the land of 3000 pagodas and a World Heritage site. Rent a bike and bike around. Take a tour of a lacquer ware factory (Burma is famous for lacquer ware). Head into town for a dinner puppet show. Recommended stay: 2 full days. Get there on a 15 hr bus ride from Rangoon.
(3) Inle Lake is appropriately dubbed "Venice" of S.E. Asia. Stay at one of the bungalow hotels, but make sure you don't stay at a government owned enterprise! I paid $35 for an amazing floating suite. You'll need a boat taxi to get around so I suggest renting one all day ($20). Take a tour to the floating markets and temples, and visit a silk spinner. Recommended stay: 2 full days. Get there: on a seven hour bus ride from Bagan to Inle Lake.
Cambodia--my favorite S.E. Asian country because of its people and their culture. Relatively unknown to Americans, Pol Pot (aka Saloth Sar) and his Khmer Rouge destroyed this once great nation.
(1) Siam Reap (Angkor Wat) offers delightful moss covered temples. Rent a bike and bike around the ruins--watch for landmines! You can also hire a tour guide and car for about $50/day (probably more now). Our private guide took us to the Citadel temple and secret waterfalls. Skip the floating village, it's a tourist trap. Recommended: stay for 2 full days. Get there: by plane or cross the border by land straight from Bangkok.
(2) Phnom Penh (capital) still retains its uniquely French-Khmer charms in its architecture and life style. Enjoy iced teas and people watching along the waterfront. 1 hr, $3 massage at "Seeing Hands," a non-profit empowering the blind through free skills & language training. Checkout the Royal Palace, art museum, Killing Fields, S-21 interrogation center, Documentation Center of Cambodia, and the Central Market (an converted from an elegant train station; Cambodia had the most efficient and extensive railroad system in S.E. Asia before the Khmer Rouge). Recommended stay: 2-3 full days. Get there: fly from BKK or take speed boat from Siam Reap.
(3) Getting around: take motorcycles. Waive your hand and a mob of drivers will pull over. Agree on a price before you board; a one-way ride should cost 2000-2500 Riels ($1 US = 4000 Riels). More or less for longer destinations and for rising fuel costs.
Kuala Lumpur
(1) KL is is to Malaysia, as BKK is to Thailand. Arrive early to check out the Petronas Towers. Take the sky metro for a cheap way to tour the city! Recommended stay: 2 days. Get there: by bus from Singapore or by plane. The KL Int'l Airport is a destination on its own!
Singapore
(1) Singapore has its charms. Another good place to base yourself, though more expensive than BKK. Check out the Orchid Gardens, Chinatown, India Town, museums, Raffles Hotel (get the original Singapore Sling here), malls, and the financial district. I enjoyed staying in boutique hotels such as the Peacock Inn and the Hotel 1979 in Chinatown (converted from brothels). Recommended stay: 2-3 days.
Thailand
(1) Bangkok is worth a visit and a smart destination to base your S.E. Asian travels. As a major hub for air travel, you'll find cheaper air deals into BKK and cheap, quality hotels. Checkout the temples, Royal Palace, Kaosan Road (touristy area . . . but you can check into a $3 hotel room for the first few nights & book all your local and int'l travels), Potpong night markets. Get a spa massage for $3-4, take a boat ride on the river, visit little India and Chinatown. Eat at Cabbages & Condoms, a non-profit restaurant where proceeds help fun sex education: http://www.pda.or.th/restaurant/. On the same street down from the Cabbage Condom is a cheap and wonderful spa! Take the SKYtrain (metro) all around BKK to acclimate and for cheap sightseeing. Recommended stay: 2-3 full days.
(2) Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island down south hit hard by the tsunami, but remains Thailand's national treasure. The surrounding water is awful, but hire a wooden fishing boat to island hop all day for clearer and more beautiful waters. Go rock climbing. You can easily get a hotel once you're on the island. Recommended stay: 2-3 days. Get there: on an 18 hr bus/boat ride from BKK.
Vietnam
(1) Saigon is hustling and bustling, so stay out if you're weary of sights of a big city. Check out the American War Museum, the waterfront, City Hall, and the old Saigon Capital. Recommended stay: 2 full days. Get there: cross by land from Phnom Penh, or fly from BKK.
Planning a trip to Asia? Must read tips.
AIR
- Air Passes sometimes offer a good deal.
- Cathay Pacific Air Pass: http://www.cathayusa.com/offers/AllAsiaPass/pricing.asp (Subscribe to their online news letter for an additional $200 discount)
- For a one-stop-shop for air passes visit: http://www.airtimetable.com/airpass_asia.htm. Read each offer and see if it pertains to your needs. There's a 50% discount on Air China within China if you fly on an Air China internationally.
- Frequent Flier Miles
- Book early and be flexible by choosing alternative cities.
- TIP: Get more bang out of your miles by using the free stop over option allowing you to fly to more cities for the same number of miles. For instance, I used United miles to fly from SFO-Shanghai (spent a few days there), then Shanghai-Singapore (where I spent another few days), then from Singapore-SFO. I got the extra flight from Shanghai to Singapore using the stop over option.
- You also get more bang for the buck by using miles to upgrade to business class with the purchase of a full priced economy ticket.
- Check airline websites for airline specific promotions:
- AirAsia: http://www.airasia.com/. Although I've never flew AirAsia, my friend flies it often and is very satisfied with their prices and service.
- Bangkok Airways: http://www.bangkokair.com/. Boutique discount airline based out of Thailand. As a safety nut, I usually fly Bangkok Airways in S.E. Asia because of their safe flying record and use of newer planes.
- Malaysian Airlines: http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/main_US.aspx. Terrific service, great safety record, and frequent on-line deals. Check out their Discover Asia pass.
- Silk Airlines: http://www.silkair.net/. Singapore Airline's discount carrier with an extensive network. Some good deals.
- Singapore Airlines: http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/index.jsp. With service even other airlines talk about, I've seen excellent deals on their website.
- Thai Airways: http://www.thaiair.com/. Flying Thai is an experience in itself. The flights attendants change their uniforms several times in-flight and upon arrival--quite a fashion show. I'm waiting for Skytrax to rate Thai 5 stars.
- Tiger Airways: http://www.tigerairways.com/home/index.php. Never flew Tiger but it's apparently cheap and safe.
- My only other suggestion for flights is to stay away from Garuda Indonesia and RyanAir at all costs. Both are Indonesian airlines with dismal safety records.
HOTELS
- Bid for hotel rooms on http://www.priceline.com/. Select 5 star hotels & check the "recent winning bids" page on their website to improve your chances of bidding success. I've won some ridiculously low bids at amazing hotels. For example, I won a $55/night bid at the 5 star Intercontinetal Hotel in Bangkok.
- Stay in the Boddhi Tree/Del Gusto while in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: http://www.boddhitree.com/guesthouses.html. I lived in the Del Gusto, a restored 1935 French colonial mansion in Phnom Penh, for almost 3 months. The Boddhi Tree is directly across the Toul Sleng S-21 interrogation center used by Pol Pot during the Khmer Rouge. A room cost only $5/night back in 2004, but now it's nearly $12-50/night. While I was a guest, Wynonna Judd stopped by the restaurant during her world AIDS tour--not that I'm a fan or anything . . . I'm not! Both properties are owned by a Spaniard who offers his employees additional skills and language training.
Tahiti for 30K AA Advantage Miles!
Fly rt from NYC to Bora Bora on Air Tahiti Nui for only 30K AA miles! Book soon and travel by May 31!
http://www.aa.com/apps/netSAAver/ViewPromotionsDetail.jhtml?repositoryId=16067736&repositoryName=PromotionContentRepository&itemDescriptor=PromotionContent
http://www.aa.com/apps/netSAAver/ViewPromotionsDetail.jhtml?repositoryId=16067736&repositoryName=PromotionContentRepository&itemDescriptor=PromotionContent
"Must-do Oahu" Guide
*This is a must-do, Chi certified list of favorite eateries and selected fun on Oahu
**Use this check list even if you have 1-3 days on Oahu.
Hungry & Thirsty?
**Use this check list even if you have 1-3 days on Oahu.
Hungry & Thirsty?
- Yama's Fish Market: 2332 Young Street, Honolulu, HI 96826; (808) 941-9994; http://www.yamasfishmarket.com/. The VERY VERY VERY BEST Hawaiian mixed plate including lau lau, haupia, poi, & poke (go for the spicy ahi limu ["seaweed"] poke). With HUGE portions & at $8.75, it's pretty much the best god-dang deal in Hawaii.
- Kona Brewing Company in Koko Marina (East Honolulu): 7192 Kalaniana'ole Highway Honolulu, HI 9682; (808) 394-5662; http://www.konabrewingco.com/ourpubs. My favorite place for a sunset dinner on the marina. I LOVE THIS PLACE!
- Indigo's Eurasian Cuisine: 1121 Nuuanu Avenue Suite 105, Honolulu, HI 96817 (In Chinatown); (808) 521-2900; http://www.indigo-hawaii.com/. Go between 4-7 pm (Tues-Fri) for $2.75-3 happy hour martinis and free buffet! Try their lychee martini & then stay for dinner.
- Mai Tai's in Ala Moana Shopping Center is another excellent cheap drinks bar (about $2.75-3 until 10 pm) Try their Mai Tais! It's upstairs by CPK.
- Gordon Bierch at the Aloha Tower Marketplace. My friends and I love Gordon's during sunset. You can sip drinks and eat garlic fries while listening to live music by the Pier. SOOO FUN! Try Wednesday afternoons when they play contemporary Hawaiian music.
- Make sure you hit the North Shore Shrimp Trucks between Discovery Bay and Sunset Beach
- On your way to the North Shore, stop by the Dole Plantation for pineapple ice cream! http://www.dole-plantation.com/
- Sam Choy's is best for lunch, since it's less fancy. There's one on Nimitz Highway near the airport at 580 N. Nimitz Highway, Honolulu, HI 96817; (808) 545-7979; http://www.samchoy.com/about_brewmaster.html.
- Alan Wong's Pineapple Room on the 3rd flr. at the Ala Moana Macy's store.
- Roy's: 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825; (808) 396-7697; http://www.roysrestaurant.com/roy.asp. This is Roy’s first original location. Splurge on the wine-paired sampling menu! Make reservations & go around 6:00-6:30 to catch the sunset.
Attractions, Beaches, & Drives
- Drive & Eat: On your drive to Lanikai (voted the best beach in America), stop by Keneke's Plate Lunch in Waimanalo. 41-857 Kalanianaole, Waimanalo, HI 96795; (808) 259-9800. You can't miss it if you drive east from Waikiki towards Hanauma Bay on Kalanianaole Hwy. This is the coastal drive featured in Drew Barrymore's Fifty-First Dates--shockingly beautiful!
- Pit stop: Makapu'u Lighthouse Hike, located right after the Hawaii Kai Golf Course. Go early in the morning and you might catch a glimpse of Humpback Whales (whale season runs b/w Nov-May). Hike down to the secret tide pools right after the Whale Sign on the top of the hike. You won't be able to spot a trail down on first glance--it's all rocks & huge fall down! But just go along the path and you'll be safe (white arrows direct you back up). The tide pools below are at least 15 feet deep and filled with fish (bring snorkel gear), but be weary of crashing waves and a huge blowhole to the left of the tide pools. A college friend and I saw several pods of whales and calves doing back flips and pec slaps about 100 yards away from us!
- Drive through Diamond Head on Kahala Avenue (drive straight from Waikiki) to experience one of the most expensive and beautiful neighborhoods in Hawaii! It's a fun drive with huge boulevards and amazing views! You can also stop by Cromwell's (my favorite beach in town) across from Diamond Head Triangle Park.
- Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC): http://www.polynesia.com/. Nestled in Laie, Oahu's Mormon town, this one-stop Polynesian "Disney World" features the life styles of several Polynesian cultures (e.g., Maori, Samoan, Tahitian, Tongan, Fijian, etc...). Plan to stay the afternoon and catch the luau dinner and night show! If you have only 2 hours, then you MUST see the night time fire show!!
- Hike Stairway to Heaven and Maunawili Falls (hike up the falls for more tide pools and even a mossy water slide)!
- Drive on H3 for amazing mountain views!
North Shore:
- On your way to PCC, stop by the old surfing/plantation town of Haleiwa & go for shave ice at Matsumotos (also try Koko Nuts Shave Ice in Koko Marina in East Honolulu, or Waiolas on at either their Kapahulu or Waiola Street locations!
- You should also have a burger from the original Kua Aina's in Haleiwa. SOO GOOD and it’s world famous!
- Continue driving towards Waimea and Pipeline at Sunset Beach. Winter visitors will see HUGE 40-50 foot waves. Summer visitors, however, must spend at least an afternoon snorkeling, swimming, and rock diving at Waimea beach (my favorite beach in the world...no kidding!). Skip the crowded Waimea beach parking lot and park in the church parking lot located on the Northern end of the beach (which is also the less crowded end). You can jump off Alii Rock (and swim in the underwater tunnels--I enjoyed it but it's quite dangerous), spot sea turtles, and swim with a variety of tropical fish!
- Pearl Harbor is a must see. Go early in the morning when it's cooler and less crowded.
Other Considerations
- In general, stay away from Waikiki beaches . . . don't waste your time there unless you guys want to learn how to surf from the beach boys.
- If you crave the beaches and must go somewhere, hit up Ala Moana Beach Park or Kaimana by Diamond Head. Both are less crowded and less touristy. I'd suggest tanning yourself at Lanikai in Kailua or Cromwell's at Diamond Head if possible.
Let's chai and chat!
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