OAHU

“Hi! will be in hawaii next week. I need tips on how to get around the island, etc. We're staying at this place called hilton hawaiian village. It's supposed to have everything (shopping, food, etc.) but I'm sure it'll all be overpriced so I'd rather just explore hawaii and see the sights without having to depend too much on "tours".
Anyone know of any bars, clubs, and restaurants worth going to? Thanks!”

“First off, Oahu has an excellent public transportations system. Check out the Frommers.com site for lots of good info including three walking tours. Be sure to take a few hikes... if I have time, I'll post somethin on good hikes on Oahu - but I think Frommers lists a few.”

“Was stationed there for a little under three years. Didn't do much "hiking" civilian type but did snorkel Haunama Bay and walked down into Diamond Head. It only takes three hours to drive around the island, and that is with tourist stopping to drink a coconut, and lay at the beach. Wiamaha Falls is a nice place. You can't drive through Kolekole Pass unless you have military ID. Hawaii is mostly Japanese and Samoan. If you happen upon a Samoan, just do what you are told...you won't get hurt! LOL!! Watch out for the Mahu's(transvestites)...they look alot like women and you cannot tell the difference. Honolulu never sleeps and the sunsets are the most beautiful I have ever seen. Be careful if you do go hiking as the "pot growers" are watching their "gardens" and will strike if they feel the need.

Hawaii is a very beautiful and spiritual place. Enjoy yourself! There is no humidity and yes, there ARE sharks.”

“Ture the dole pinnapple plant also go around the island to the far less crowded side. The snorking is a lot better without the crowds :) Hike Diamond head...there is an awesome veiw at the top!”

“Swim Naked!”

“Sky, the last time I went to Oahu many, many years ago, everything was located right where you will be. There is a main street that has all the hotels and restaurants.

I would rent out a car one day to drive around the Island. I hate to say this instead of giving advice, but it's been so long since I was there, go to the bookstore and take a paper and pen and find a book on Oahu and take notes. That's what I do if I don't feel like buying the book and I'm just looking for snorkeling beaches. Bookstores as opposed to libraries have the better and more current books.

I have been to Hawaii many times recently, but I go to Maui and Kauai, which are less populated and less built up. I would even suggest cancelling 3 or 4 days of your Oahu trip and taking a flight to Maui or Kauai, then back to Oahu to fly out. You can take direct flights out of Maui, but then it would cost you $ to change your flight, unless it would be cheaper to cancel and reschedule to fly home from Maui. It all depends on how much it would cost to get back to Oahu for your flight home.

I go to hot spots strictly for snorkeling. Maui and Kauai are good for that, plus Hanahuma Bay as mentioned before on Oahu.

Oahu has malls and big bldgs. where the other islands have all the conveniences, but are more quiet.”