Hawaii

[Shaky]

Pretty sure we will go on vacations to Hawaii. It will be a surprise to DH so to the ones that know him keep that in mind
I've been looking around and for the price I think it's the place to go. So now I need help! I've been to Hawaii once but I didn't have to book a hotel or car or anything. I was there visiting my bestfriend who's husband was stationed there. Dh's never been there. We are planing on going for about a week. I have looked online and I have some hotels in mind. Some of the hotel's names are:
-Waikiki Sand Villa
-Ala Moana Hotel
-Outrigger Luana Waikiki

I'm open to other options but looking online those seem very good for the price and location.
Can someone help me with the most see/visit places and should we rent a car up there? I know there are buses and taxis and all that and we can walk the whole waikiki but should we still rent a car?
Any other help ladies?
TIA!!

[mara_jade81]

I would stay at the Ala Moana since it's a military hotel and everyone I know says it's very nice!

[Shaky]

Oh I didn't know Ala Moana Hotel was military. I just found online the Hale Koa Hotel and it's a military hotel, pretty good rates there but I don't know where it's located still have to look at the map.

[Carrie]

I stayed at the marriot a few times it had beautiful rooms and great views and it was a fair price.

[Britt]

http://halekoa.com/index_secure.htm

That's the one they always show on AFN here.

The Hale Koa is the military hotel. I would recommend that, it has gorgeous pools, as well as is on the beach, and in a good location for walking.

Yes you need to rent a car IMO. Someone else asked recently on here about Hawaii. IMO the North Shore and Windwaard side have the best things to see and do. Waikiki/Honolulu is good for shopping and eating, but not sightseeing.

Musts IMO are-
Polynesian Cultural Center
Macadamia Nut Farm
Byodo In Temple
North Shore
drive along the Kalanianaole highway - lighthouse, see whales, blowhole, Rabbit Island, etc...
Drive along the Kamehameha Highway, Chinaman's Hat, Coconut Island.

Don't forget to hit the swap meet and do a luau.

We've never had a problem renting cars/vans from Enterprise.

[Alex]

Shaky, the Hale Koa is located very close to the Luana Hotel but the Luana is not a beach front hotel while the Hale Koa is, how funny, I used to work for Outrigger and be the accountant for the Luana, if you chose that hotel I know the manager personally and can try to get you a discount, also if you choose one of the Outrigger Hotels, I have lots of friends that could get you a discount... I know from the accounting people to the front desk personnel, let me know. Try this link and see all the hotels they have:

http://www.outrigger.com

[Carrie]

yikes! stay away from Thrifty rental services. they tried to screw us over big time. I DONT reccomend them!

[Shaky]

Thanks for the info When I went there I did go around the island and I think that's a must also.
I put the links to the hotels so you could take a look

[Shaky]

Alex thanks for the info! I sure will keep it in mind
Carrie that sucks! I will keep that in mind also.