Waikiki

[darktiger]

Okay, I am going to be in Waikiki for about a week. For those who have been, what did you visit, shows saw, etc that is worth while? Also I am bringing my 10-22, 24-105, and 70-200 f/2.8 IS. Is that a good combination?

[Jaggz]

I wanna go back!!! My wife and I went last year for our honeymoon - it was our first time to go for both of us. We had a blast!!! We did all the traditional tourist things...Dole Plantation, Pearl Harbor, a helicopter tour & and the infamous Luau's.

[andyz]

My family was there about 2 years ago. My top two recommendations, get a car tour, and take a helicopter tour.

The car tour gives you a car and tour guide for a day. You get to adjust how long you stay here and there and photos can be made a priority.

The helicopter tour was the best. You see the island from a different perspective. Very cool.

[rexster314]

Pearl Harbor should be first on your list, do a luau at Paradise Cove, rent a car for one day the day you go to Pearl. Get there early for one of the first boats to the Memorial, then afterwards, take a circle island drive. You can't get lost. You don't say where you're staying, but dedicate one day to sitting on the Waikiki beach and people watch. You can get some good pics of the different bodies that show up there. Byodo In temple is worth a stop on the drive. After your week there, you'll be wondering how you can work it to stay another week.
We stayed in Waikiki last year for a month at a condo, and it seemed the month flew by.

Rex

[DigitalDiva]

We didn't make it there this year, we go every year. One year we did a waterfall tour, one year did Pearl Harbor we had to wait for 2 or 3 shows but it wasn't as long a wait as I thought it was going to be. Last year we stayed for 7 days (wasn't long enough) and snorkeled more than other times. Car tour is a must, make sure you stop at the blow hole and this little place over by Kailua that sells all flavors of macadamia nuts. The zoo is pretty good and so is the aquarium. Germaine's luau had a good show but Paradise Cove has a better ambiance. The Pali lookout is breathtaking.

[Digital Daddy]

And, of course, the North Shore this time of year has pretty impressive surf. Since the surf breaks right on the beach on the north shore, your 70-200 should get some good surfer shots. Take a walk down KalaKua ave. in the evening for some people watching. Enjoy!

[seanmc]

we should chat not only am I living here, I work in the tour buisness!

[seanmc]

Originally Posted by seanmc

we should chat not only am I living here, I work in the tour buisness!

Sorry couldn't write more last night, ok. So everyeone here had wonderful suggestions. Paradise cove is a Beautiful Luau, however you should try to spend a Day at the Polynesian Culture Center. You get so much more. You get there about noon and, when you go in I do recommend getting one of the Guides, I'm thinking its only 10 to 20 dollars more. They know the schedule of everything thats happening inside the center so you can get the most of your vist. The center is set up as if you were walking around the diffenerent Islands. Hawaii, Tonga, New Zealand, Samoa, and some others. Each village has different activities that relate to that Island's culture. Very beautiful place and lots of shots to be made. The package includes not only a Luau where you can eat but after that a Night Show that can't be beat anywhere!!! I swear if anything at all go for just the Night Show.

PM me if you want any details or Questions about anything. I'm a dispatcher for one of the Tour Bus company's here and if anything i have all the contact info for the different places. I even know some off the path places to eat for not to expensive!!

[DigitalDiva]

I agree that you can make a whole day of the PCC but we felt that the some of the costumes were not very true to the islands, white shirts and bow ties just took to much away from the island feel. I understand that the PCC is run by the local morman college so that would explain the conservative dress, still lots to see and do there.

[darktiger]

Gearing up, I leave tomorrow.. Cant wait.

[Digital Daddy]

Aloha! Say hello to all my cousins!

[mmcmurr]

Originally Posted by seanmc

Paradise cove is a Beautiful Luau, however you should try to spend a Day at the Polynesian Culture Center. You get so much more.

My wife and I spent a full day at the PCC whilst on our honeymoon, and I can tell you this. It's a FANTASTIC experience.