Oahu - Enjoying Our Return - IgoUgo Oahu Journal

Lots To See and Do

Story/Tip

Quote:

During our week on Oahu we enjoyed many activities, most of which I have written a review in this journal for. In addition to those fun things, I wanted to be sure to point out a couple of other things that you might want to do while visiting Honolulu and/or Waikiki.Of course, you cannot come to Hawaii and not take in at least a beach or two! On this trip we spent three or four afternoons at the beach. There are many different varieties of beaches, however, so you need to know what you want to get out of the experience.To get away from it all and to just relax, I would suggest the beaches around the four lagoons at Ko'Olina. Each of the four lagoons are a bit different with...Read More

During our week on Oahu we enjoyed many activities, most of which I have written a review in this journal for. In addition to those fun things, I wanted to be sure to point out a couple of other things that you might want to do while visiting Honolulu and/or Waikiki.

Of course, you cannot come to Hawaii and not take in at least a beach or two! On this trip we spent three or four afternoons at the beach. There are many different varieties of beaches, however, so you need to know what you want to get out of the experience.

To get away from it all and to just relax, I would suggest the beaches around the four lagoons at Ko'Olina. Each of the four lagoons are a bit different with #3 being right on the resort property allowing visitors access to such creature comforts as comfy chaise lounge chairs and a full service snack bar. Lagoon #2 has nice shade and fair snorkeling. Parking is limited, however at #2 and #3 making it best to park at #4 and then walk the connecting sidewalk to the lagoon you want to hang out at.

For boogie boarding and surfing, you cannot go wrong at Sandy Beach. Well . . . yes you can if you're not a good swimmer and ready for the rough ocean. This is where David got the snot pounded out of him a couple of times, but he loved it. For me, it was way too rough so I sat and watched (and prayed) from the nice shoreline.

If you are looking for snorkeling that is better than "decent" try out Sharks Cove on the north shore. The entry down to the cove requires a bit of sure-footedness, but even with my gimpy knees I could do it. There is no beach to speak of here, but plenty of space to sit and lounge. The big black rocks are smooth enough to sit on if you get tired and want to enjoy the people watching. The snorkeling is very good; many say the best on Oahu. We saw lots of fish of all varieties here and enjoyed our second day here. (The first was a washout due to clouds and later rain.)

Turtle Beach is a nice beach for lying out but not so much for snorkeling or swimming due to the rough surf. It is called Turtle Beach because it is here that the Honu (turtles) come to feed. It is close to Sharks Cove, making it a nice stop after a day of snorkeling. We spent about 30 minutes here watching the turtles feed on the green mossy stuff on the rocks along the shore. There were people snorkeling with them, but it didn't look like there would be much visibility.

While on the north shore, or on your return back to Honolulu and the other side of the island, you owe it to yourself to stop at Dole Plantation. We were first here in 2003 and returned again in 2005, our last visit. It was surprising how much they've added on to the gift shop building, that now houses a full service snack bar. It is here that you can enjoy a fresh pineapple "whip" cone. The refreshing flavor really hits the spot after a day at the beach!

I would caution, however, this is a tourist trap pure and simple! All of the Circle Island tours stop here. While the plantation tour via a choo-choo is educational, and the pineapple maze is fun for the kiddies . . . the place is built to get you to spend more money inside the gift shop! There are several Maui Diver booths to sell you pearls and loads of "Made in Hawaii" items. You would be better served to buy your chocolate covered mac nuts at Wal-Mart or K-Mart. They are the very same brands and roughly half the price.

What would Friday be without a fish fry . . . especially if you are from Milwaukee where fish fries are a part of the community and culture? We enjoyed doing the all-you-can-eat fish fry at Moose McGillicuddy's (see separate review for more details on this nice dining place in Waikiki). The whitefish was wonderful and who can beat their happy hour drink prices?

Speaking of eating, the Seaside Cafe is a wonderful place to stop in for breakfast. Located right on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki, it was very convenient to our timeshare. The food portions were outstanding and the daily specials provided real value. Be careful, however, as the reviews for this place for dinner are very mixed with a lot of folks not very happy with the quality of their food. We had breakfast there three mornings, and only had the best of food and service!

For more ideas of things to see and do, check out my previous Oahu Journal: http://www.igougo.com/journal-j63295-Oahu-Oahu_-_Hawaiis_Gathering_Place.html.
Read Less

Cheer!
Flag

Polynesian Cultural Center

Attraction | "Mixed Feelings on This Top Hawaiian Attraction"

Quote:

The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is often on the "must do" lists when you come to Hawaii, and especially for Honolulu and/or Oahu. Having been to this island a couple of times in the past and having never done it, we felt we owed it to ourselves to plan a day around exploring the PCC.Without wanting to sound like a Hawaiian tourist snob, I must say that having been to Hawaii some six or eight times over the past decade, we felt this "top attraction" fell short of our expectations given all the hype it gets. It took me a while to figure out why, but once I did, it seemed more rationale than writing them off as just another tourist trap.They will tell you that first and for...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on September 1, 2025

Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway
Laie, Hawaii 96762
(808) 293-3333

Cheer!
Flag

Ali'i Kai Catamaran Dinner Cruise

Attraction | "Decent Evening Dinner and Entertainment"

Quote:

Roberts Hawaii is the largest provider of tours and activities on the Hawaiian Islands. On Oahu they offer several including day trips to the Polynesian Cultural Center (see http://www.igougo.com/review-r1364787-Mixed_Feelings_on_This_Top_Hawaiian_Attraction.html), Circle Island (road) trips and this "booze cruise" dining cruise aboard the Ali'i Kai Catamaran. While they like to promote this as the party boat and a "booze cruise" I will forewarn you that for your admission price ($74 adults/ $44 children ages 4 to 11), you will only receive one coupon and that is only good for draught beer, house wine, rail brand cocktails, soft drinks and/or juice. If you want to upgrade to a more trad...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 4, 2025

Ali'i Kai Catamaran Dinner Cruise
Honolulu Harbor, Pier 5
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 539-9495

Cheer!
Flag

Chart House Honolulu

Restaurant | "Billed as Hawaii's Finest Steaks & Seafood"

Quote:

I don't know if they are "the finest" but they are certainly outstanding! Located right at the Ala Moana Marina, the open-air ambience is pleasant and inviting. We arrived just as the sun was setting and enjoyed our table that was in the middle of the restaurant, the second row from the large open windows. We were close enough to enjoy the tropical breeze without having our dining experience adversely affected.Their menu is a nice assortment of prime cuts of beef including prime rib and filet mignon. They also offer pork chops and chicken. But when you're in Hawaii, I think most would expect you look to the seafood that is available fresh on a daily basis. For us, coming to Hawaii is...Read More

I don't know if they are "the finest" but they are certainly outstanding! Located right at the Ala Moana Marina, the open-air ambience is pleasant and inviting. We arrived just as the sun was setting and enjoyed our table that was in the middle of the restaurant, the second row from the large open windows. We were close enough to enjoy the tropical breeze without having our dining experience adversely affected.

Their menu is a nice assortment of prime cuts of beef including prime rib and filet mignon. They also offer pork chops and chicken. But when you're in Hawaii, I think most would expect you look to the seafood that is available fresh on a daily basis. For us, coming to Hawaii is all about the outstanding fresh fish! Guests who have a difficult time chosing, can opt for the do-it-yourself surf & turf combo ordering your meat selection and adding shrimp, fish or a lobster tail to your entree.

David ordered the Ahi Mignon ($31.95) which was served with a jasmine rice and asparagus. The preparation was a pan seared, medium rare which was perfect. He said the flavor was hearty and very tasteful. The cut was large and filling.

I had the lobster and crab stuffed jumbo shrimp ($34.95) that had a hollandaise sauce over them that seemed to detract a bit from the taste of the featured seafood. It tasted fine; it was just a bit much for my personal preferences. The shrimp were in deed jumbo . . . HUGE in fact. For my starch option, I chose the steak fries. (The other starch option available was garlic mashed potatoes.)

Dinners also came with your choice of caesar’s salad or clam chowder. We both opted for the salad, which was outstanding.

Service here is outstanding, with no fewer than four people attending to your needs include a cocktail waitress who made sure that you didn't run out of your favorite tropical delight. David enjoyed his mai tai as did I my pina colada. I don't know that the $9.00 on the pina colada was justified, however, as it was served in a rather small glass (probably 7-8 oz.) and was light on the rum. David thought his mai tai was perfect and was a better value at $9.00 for a tall (12-14 oz) glass.

Our $100 dining experience was discounted $15 thanks to the Entertainment Book's "printable" coupons available at their web site.

Reservations are suggested and their web site (www.charthousehonolulu.com) is currently down, so you will need to phone them for additional information to include making reservations. Regarding parking, there are some metered spaces along the marina road as well as a parking deck adjacent to the restaurant. (They will offer to validate your parking.)

A note about their location, while they have an Ala Moana Blvd. address, they are actually located on the water-side of this building. Fronting Ala Moana Blvd. are Outback Steakhouse and Red Lobster. You will need to turn down the side road along side the Red Lobster to get to Chart House on the opposite end of the building.
Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 31, 2025

Chart House Honolulu
1765 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
(808) 941-6669

Cheer!
Flag

Kobe Japanese Steak House

Restaurant | "Great Meal - Entertaining Too!"

Quote:

Located near the tourist district of Waikiki, Kobe Steak House is a good dining choice for those looking for a nice meal with a wonderful atmosphere. We have done the tappanyaki style Japanese dining before, Benihana's being perhaps the most well known in the United States. Kobe's is true to the tradition and frankly, of all of them that we've enjoyed, it is difficult to really tell one from another. (Fujiyama's back home in Milwaukee is a local fave!)Patrons are seated in groups of eight around a flat grill "stage" where the chef will perform his magic as he prepares your meal. Wielding sharp knives as he slices and dices, the quality of the experience is largely dependent on how engag...Read More

Located near the tourist district of Waikiki, Kobe Steak House is a good dining choice for those looking for a nice meal with a wonderful atmosphere. We have done the tappanyaki style Japanese dining before, Benihana's being perhaps the most well known in the United States. Kobe's is true to the tradition and frankly, of all of them that we've enjoyed, it is difficult to really tell one from another. (Fujiyama's back home in Milwaukee is a local fave!)

Patrons are seated in groups of eight around a flat grill "stage" where the chef will perform his magic as he prepares your meal. Wielding sharp knives as he slices and dices, the quality of the experience is largely dependent on how engaging your chef is. On this visit to Kobe's, while ours was friendly and nice, he was not the most flamboyant we've experienced at other tappanyaki restaurants.

Menu choices include meats (steaks and chicken) and seafood (shrimp, scallops, lobster and a fresh fish selection). All meals are accompanied by a flavorful soup, shrimp appetizer, grilled veggies, steamed rice and hot tea. You can upgrade your rice to fried rice for an additional fee. If you choose a base meal of steak or chicken, you can add ala carte additional shrimp or scallops. Special bonus: arrive before 6:30pm and enjoy a $3-$4 discount on several select dinner options.

David and I both had the steak & chicken combo which was $21.95, normally $25.95 after 6:30pm. The other diners at our table had a pretty eclectic assortment of dinners including the filet mignon steak and a vegetarian's special (consisting of an assortment of grilled veggies). The regular prices for the full meals range from $14.95 (vegetarian meal) to $46.95 for the lobster. Of course at $10.95 for either the shrimp or scallops add-ons, it is possible to get to $50+ pretty easily.

The chef's cooking skills were outstanding as all meals were prepared perfectly. Sometimes the fun of such a dining experience comes from the interaction with your tablemates. We enjoyed the company of a newlywed couple and three young army recruits.

The chicken and steak tasted good, with just the right blend of teriyaki sauce adding the flavor we enjoy. I must also admit that I thoroughly enjoy the shrimp and fried veggies that are prepared and served in advance of the meat. Outstanding!!

If you have room for dessert, they do have a limited offering. I should also comment to their beverage selection as they have soft drinks and a vast selection of adult beverages including beer, wine and exotic tropical drinks.

If you have the Hawaii Entertainment Book, they are featured in the fine dining section with a 2:1 discount but this cannot be combined with the early bird sunset special.

Regarding parking, there is no on-site parking only valet parking at $5. The service is quick especially considering that they take the cars to a parking deck across Ala Moana Blvd.

More information including menus may be found at www.honolulukobe.com.
Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 2, 2025

Kobe Japanese Steak House
1841 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 941-4444

Cheer!
Flag

Moose McGillycuddy's Waikiki

Restaurant | "Wonderful Value - Dining (and Drinking) Specials Daily"

Quote:

While in Waikiki, you cannot do better than Moose McGillycuddy's!!! (NOTE the correct spelling of the restaurant's name. I couldn't fix/change the auto fill on the template once I realized it was wrong.)After a long day at the beach, neither of us felt much like going out to dinner. After combing the discounts we brought with us, and all of the local tourist guides, we decided a burger and cocktail would be perfect . . . if only we could find something close to our timeshare. Moose's fit the bill perfectly.We had previously seen their coupons for buy one, get one free breakfast but didn't realize just how much promoting they did for dinner and happy hour. Happy hour here i...Read More

While in Waikiki, you cannot do better than Moose McGillycuddy's!!! (NOTE the correct spelling of the restaurant's name. I couldn't fix/change the auto fill on the template once I realized it was wrong.)

After a long day at the beach, neither of us felt much like going out to dinner. After combing the discounts we brought with us, and all of the local tourist guides, we decided a burger and cocktail would be perfect . . . if only we could find something close to our timeshare. Moose's fit the bill perfectly.

We had previously seen their coupons for buy one, get one free breakfast but didn't realize just how much promoting they did for dinner and happy hour. Happy hour here is 4-7p and features $3-$4 adult beverages. David enjoyed his mai tais (three of them!) while I did the same with the pina coladas. They were decent sized (probably 12-14oz) and tasted wonderful, and not chincy on the booze.

We did an order of nachos with our first round of cocktails. They were outstanding and really hit the spot to take the edge off our hungry tummies. Served piping hot with chili, jalapeños, tomatoes, and ample gobs of melted cheese, they were perfect.

With the nachos gone, it was time to order another round of drinks and dinner. On Wednesdays, it is double burger night . . . two burgers (mostly $8.45-$9.00 regular price) for $10.95. Served fully loaded with lettuce, tomato, sweet onion and thousand island sauce, along with french fries, this was a great value. I had a hankering for a burger most of the day, so it was particularly good for me! They did not disappoint either. We both had the "university" burger which had bacon and melted cheddar cheese. They had a number of other choices, including some with mushrooms and other yummy toppings.

With two cheesecakes to go for later in the evening, our dining experience was complete. At $61 total (including tip for our fantastic server), this was a great meal and a wonderful value price.

As I mentioned, they have dining specials throughout the week . . . seven days a week. Reading their promo literature on "Taco Tuesdays" it would seem that is the party night here. In addition to cheap tacos, rail drinks are $1.00 and premiums are $2.00 until 7:00pm. They also have a pub upstairs where they have late night specials as well. I suppose if you come early and outstay the drinking specials downstairs, you can continue your party upstairs. of course, you need to be able to navigate the stairs so don't over do it too early. If the stairs concern you, you can just stay downstairs and enjoy drinking at the open air bar on the main level.

Throughout the lower level were televisions with a wide assortment of sports for those who need a sports bar in paradise. I don't think there was a bad seat in the house, one that would not have access to a TV somewhere.

As for the location, they are three blocks from the oceanfront at Waikiki Beach, and two blocks from Kuhio Avenue. For us, it was a short three block walk.

Here is the link to their web site for additional information: http://www.mooserestaurantgroup.com/Waikiki-Hawaii.html.

p.s. We stopped in at Moose's for breakfast on our last morning in Waikiki using the "buy 1 get 1 free" coupon that is available in most of the local tourist booklets. WOWZER was it good. We both had the steak & eggs, which was very good. I thoroughly enjoyed a banana muffin with mine (photo attached) while David opted for the toast. The entire meal, including OJ (both of us) and coffee (David only) was $20 including tip on the pre-discounted price of the check. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 3, 2025

Moose McGillycuddy's Waikiki
310 Lewers Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 923-0751

Cheer!
Flag

Lifetime in Hawaii

Hotel | "Wonderful Location in the Heart of the Action"

Quote:

If you are visiting Oahu and want to really emerge in the vibe of Waikiki, Lifetime in Hawaii is a great location. Admittedly not for everyone, especially if you're looking to get out of your normal city life and relax in the peaceful Hawaiian way of life. Here on Oahu, however, there is definitely a big city, urban feel.As you arrive at the Honolulu Airport, you will see the sky scrapers in the distance. You will know that this is a place of millions of people pretty quickly as you exit the airport whether by rental car, taxi or public transportation. Waikiki is probably about 10 miles from the airport but took a good 45 minutes to make the drive along on of Oahu's most fashionable s...Read More

If you are visiting Oahu and want to really emerge in the vibe of Waikiki, Lifetime in Hawaii is a great location. Admittedly not for everyone, especially if you're looking to get out of your normal city life and relax in the peaceful Hawaiian way of life. Here on Oahu, however, there is definitely a big city, urban feel.

As you arrive at the Honolulu Airport, you will see the sky scrapers in the distance. You will know that this is a place of millions of people pretty quickly as you exit the airport whether by rental car, taxi or public transportation. Waikiki is probably about 10 miles from the airport but took a good 45 minutes to make the drive along on of Oahu's most fashionable shopping districts.

Lifetime in Hawaii is perfect in that you are close to the Oahu's other highly regarded shopping areas in Waikiki. Many may be disappointed to learn that they will not be right on the beachfront, but frankly, for us Waikiki is not the sort of beach we enjoy anyway. It is far to crowded and very commercialized. Given the thousands of people who are staying at the beachfront hotels, often without a rental car, everything they do is right in the Waikiki area. Note: The hotels and timeshare resorts along the beach all charge a premium for parking - a significant deterrent to those who may otherwise be inclined to rent a car. At Lifetime in Hawaii, timeshare unit owners can have one car in the parking deck for free, a savings of around $150-$200 as compared to other options in the area.

We purchased our timeshare week at Lifetime in Hawaii back in 2002 in anticipation of a conference I would be attending the following summer. Knowing my employer would not allow me to attend if the expense was too high, I figured owning a timeshare that would be "free" to my association for the time I was attending the conference would help to take the sting out of the $600-$700 airfare. It was one of the best timeshare purchases I have made, paying just $2,500 for the floating week (a week of use per year that can be any week of the year subject to availability). We have been here twice before this trip . . . August 03 and December 05. In the years we have not used it ourselves, we have rented it to friends or family for less than $700 for the week.

The units at Lifetime in Hawaii are what you would expect given that the timeshare owners' association owns roughly 20 or 25 units in the high rise Royal Kuhio condominium. There are two other timeshare owners' groups here, with the majority of condos owned by year-round residents and others who purchased specifically as investment rental vacation property.

Most of the condos in the Lifetime in Hawaii are studio units although they do have eight that are corner units that are a true one bedroom configuration. Either way, the units are set up for four and provided adequate space for that many guests.

In addition to the sleeping area, there is a full kitchen for those who want to keep dining expenses down by cooking in . . . and a nice four person dinette. All units also have a balcony with a small patio table and two chairs. Our unit faces the ocean which means we have a lot of city traffic beneath us. Even on the 16th floor, we could hear the rush of the city below us, even at 3:00am on an active Saturday night.

The Royal Kuhio building affords guests a swimming pool on the 7th floor. Unfortunately, the surrounding sky scrapers keep the pool in the shade for a majority of the day. High noon, and the hours around it, is really the only time to get some sun while out at the pool.

There are also laundry facilities and a small fitness center on the 7th floor along with an entertainment area with ping pong and pool tables.

The building is 100% secured which is nice, as you don't have to worry about the city's homeless wandering in. It also provides adequate protection to cars in the deck. This is important given that everything you read in the honest tourist literature will warn visitors of the petty crime and smash~n~grabs that happen around the islands. Oahu seems to be perhaps worse than the other Hawaiian Islands, given that most beach write-up forewarn tourists of break-ins and to use care in leaving anything in your parked car.

Back to our timeshare unit . . . the owners' association for Lifetime in Hawaii made a very significant investment in our units with a complete remodel being completed in 2007. The furniture, appliances and entertainment amenities (TV's and DVD players) were all replaced. We found the remodel to be very nice and liked the new decor.

If you do not want to rent a car during your visit, Lifetime in Hawaii is right on the trolley and city bus line. They call it the "city bus" but it does provide transportation throughout the island. I believe it is possible to get just about anywhere on the island from the front door of the Royal Kuhio. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 31, 2025

Lifetime in Hawaii
2240 Kuhio Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 923-5309

Cheer!
Flag

IgoUgo

Oahu Journals

Oahu - Enjoying Our Return

Lots To See and Do

Polynesian Cultural Center

Ali'i Kai Catamaran Dinner Cruise

Chart House Honolulu

Kobe Japanese Steak House

Moose McGillycuddy's Waikiki

Lifetime in Hawaii

About the Writer

More Journals by MilwVon

More Oahu Journals

Oahu Tips & Stories

Popular Oahu Hotels

Popular Things to Do in Oahu

Get the Word Out