Frommer's Honolulu, Waikiki & Oahu

290 Pages·2007·5.12 MB·English

by  Jeanette Foster

01_134825 ffirs.qxp 10/11/07 11:12 AM Page i
Honolulu,
Waikiki & Oahu
10th Edition
by Jeanette Foster
Here’s what the critics say about Frommer’s:
“Amazingly easy to use.Very portable,very complete.”
—Booklist
“Detailed,accurate,and easy-to-read information for all price ranges.”
—Glamour Magazine
“Hotel information is close to encyclopedic.”
—Des Moines Sunday Register
“Frommer’s Guides have a way of giving you a real feel for a place.”
—Knight Ridder Newspapers
01_134825 ffirs.qxp 10/11/07 11:12 AM Page ii
Author’s Acknowledgment
Much love and many heartfelt thanks to Priscilla Life for her excellent research on this
book.
Published by:
Wiley Publishing,Inc.
111 River St.
Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
Copyright © 2008 Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. All rights reserved. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or
otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States
Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authoriza-
tion through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center,
222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978/750-8400, fax [phone]. Requests
to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Legal Department, Wiley
Publishing, Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46256, 317/572-3447, fax
317/572-4355, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
Wiley and the Wiley Publishing logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., and/or its affiliates. Frommer’s is a trademark or registered trademark
of Arthur Frommer, used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners. Wiley Publishing, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor
mentioned in this book.
ISBN: 978-0-470-13482-5
Editor: Alexia Travaglini
Production Editor: Michael Brumitt
Cartographer: Tim Lohnes
Photo Editor: Richard Fox
Anniversary Logo Design: Richard Pacifico
Production by Wiley Indianapolis Composition Services
Front cover photo: Surfer girl catching a wave at Ehukai Beach
Back cover photo: Couple hiking near Haleiwa on Kealia Trail Mokuleia
For information on our other products and services or to obtain technical support, please
contact our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at 800-762-2974, outside the
U.S. at 317-572-3993 or fax [phone].
Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that
appears in print may not be available in electronic formats.
Manufactured in the United States of America
5 4 3 2 1
01_134825 ffirs.qxp 10/11/07 11:12 AM Page i
Honolulu,
Waikiki & Oahu
10th Edition
by Jeanette Foster
Here’s what the critics say about Frommer’s:
“Amazingly easy to use.Very portable,very complete.”
—Booklist
“Detailed,accurate,and easy-to-read information for all price ranges.”
—Glamour Magazine
“Hotel information is close to encyclopedic.”
—Des Moines Sunday Register
“Frommer’s Guides have a way of giving you a real feel for a place.”
—Knight Ridder Newspapers
01_134825 ffirs.qxp 10/11/07 11:12 AM Page ii
Author’s Acknowledgment
Much love and many heartfelt thanks to Priscilla Life for her excellent research on this
book.
Published by:
Wiley Publishing,Inc.
111 River St.
Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
Copyright © 2008 Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. All rights reserved. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or
otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States
Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authoriza-
tion through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center,
222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978/750-8400, fax [phone]. Requests
to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Legal Department, Wiley
Publishing, Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46256, 317/572-3447, fax
317/572-4355, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
Wiley and the Wiley Publishing logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., and/or its affiliates. Frommer’s is a trademark or registered trademark
of Arthur Frommer, used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners. Wiley Publishing, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor
mentioned in this book.
ISBN: 978-0-470-13482-5
Editor: Alexia Travaglini
Production Editor: Michael Brumitt
Cartographer: Tim Lohnes
Photo Editor: Richard Fox
Anniversary Logo Design: Richard Pacifico
Production by Wiley Indianapolis Composition Services
Front cover photo: Surfer girl catching a wave at Ehukai Beach
Back cover photo: Couple hiking near Haleiwa on Kealia Trail Mokuleia
For information on our other products and services or to obtain technical support, please
contact our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at 800-762-2974, outside the
U.S. at 317-572-3993 or fax [phone].
Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that
appears in print may not be available in electronic formats.
Manufactured in the United States of America
5 4 3 2 1
02_134825 ftoc.qxp 10/11/07 11:12 AM Page iii
Contents
List of Maps vi
What’s New in Honolulu,Waikiki & Oahu 1
1 The Best of Oahu 4
1 The Best Oahu Experiences . . . . . . . . .4 9 The Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts . . .13
2 The Best Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 10 The Best Bargain Accommodations . .15
3 The Best Snorkeling & Diving Sites . . .9 11 The Best Resort Spas . . . . . . . . . . . .16
4 The Best Golf Courses . . . . . . . . . . .10 Pampering in Paradise . . . . . . . . . . .17
5 The Best Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 12 The Best Restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . .18
6 The Best Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 13 The Best Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
7 The Best Adventures for 14 The Best Spots for Sunset
Thrill-Seekers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Cocktails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
8 The Best Places to Discover 15 The Best Oahu Websites . . . . . . . . . .21
the Real Oahu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
2 Planning Your Trip to Oahu 22
1 The Island in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 9 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
2 Visitor Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 10 Specialized Travel Resources . . . . . . .53
3 Entry Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Frommers.com: The Complete
4 When to Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Travel Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Oahu Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . .35 11 Staying Connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
The Welcoming Lei . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Online Traveler’s Toolbox . . . . . . . . .56
5 Getting There . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 12 Getting Around Oahu . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Getting through the Airport . . . . . . .42 13 Tips on Accommodations . . . . . . . . .62
6 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 What If Your Dream Hotel
Becomes a Nightmare? . . . . . . . . . .63
7 Travel Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
14 Getting Married in the Islands . . . . .65
8 Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Fast Facts: Honolulu,
Don’t Get Burned: Smart
Waikiki & Oahu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
TanningTips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
3 Suggested Honolulu,Waikiki & Oahu Itineraries 72
1 Oahu in 1 Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 4 Oahu for Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
2 Oahu in 2 Weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 5 One Week of Adventures on Oahu. . .80
3 A Cultural & Historic Week
on Oahu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
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iv CONTENTS
4 Where to Stay 83
1 Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 4 The North Shore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Family-Friendly Hotels . . . . . . . . . . . .92 5 Leeward Oahu:The Waianae
Big Changes in Waikiki: Waikiki Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Beach Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 6 Oahu’s Campgrounds &
2 Honolulu Beyond Waikiki . . . . . . . .109 Wilderness Cabins . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
3 The Windward Coast . . . . . . . . . . .112
5 Where to Dine 122
1 Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122 Family-Friendly Restaurants . . . . . .140
Dining in Waikiki 24-7 . . . . . . . . . .128 Local Chains & Familiar Names . . .145
Tasty Tours for the Hungry 3 East of Waikiki:Kahala . . . . . . . . . .152
Traveler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130 4 East Oahu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152
2 Honolulu beyond Waikiki . . . . . . . .131 5 The Windward Coast . . . . . . . . . . .153
Attention Condo Dwellers: Fix, 6 The North Shore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Freeze & Feed Dinners . . . . . . . . . .134
LUAU! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
Where’s All the Bottom Fish
7 Leeward Oahu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157
on the Menu? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
6 Fun in the Surf & Sun 158
1 Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158 3 Nature Hikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
Favorite Oahu Experiences . . . . . . .164 4 Great Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
2 Watersports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169 5 Other Outdoor Activities . . . . . . . . .187
Experiencing Jaws: Up Close & 6 From the Sidelines:Spectator
Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
7 Exploring Oahu 190
1 Guided Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190 5 More Museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
Rolling through Waikiki on a Walking Tour 1: Historic
Segway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192 Chinatown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208
2 Historic Honolulu . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193 Walking Tour 2: Honolulu
Rainy Days or Too Much Time Waterfront . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212
in the Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201 Walking Tour 3: Historic
3 Fish,Flora & Fauna . . . . . . . . . . . . .201 Honolulu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215
Especially for Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202 Walking Tour 4: Kapiolani Park . . .220
4 Spectacular Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205 6 Beyond Honolulu:Exploring
the Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223
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CONTENTS v
8 Shopping 234
1 In & Around Honolulu & Waikiki . . .234 The New Royal Hawaiian
Oahu’s Vibrant Gallery Scene . . . . .237 Shopping Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
Pampered Pedicure: A Must-Have 2 Windward Oahu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
in Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240 3 The North Shore:Haleiwa . . . . . . . .250
9 Oahu After Dark 253
1 The Bar Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253 4 The Blues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .257
2 Hawaiian Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255 5 Jazz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258
Get Down with ARTafterDark . . . . .255 6 The Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . .258
3 The Club Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256 7 More Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . .261
Appendix:Useful Toll-Free Numbers & Websites 262
Index 265
General Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265 Restaurant Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271
Accommodations Index . . . . . . . . . . . . .271
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List of Maps
The Hawaiian Islands 5 Honolulu Attractions 194
Oahu 6 Walking Tour 1: Historic
Honolulu Neighborhoods in Brief 24 Chinatown 209
Waikiki Orientation 26 Walking Tour 2: Honolulu
Waterfront 213
Downtown Honolulu 28
Walking Tour 3: Historic
TheBus 60
Honolulu 217
Suggested Oahu Itineraries 74
Walking Tour 4: Kapiolani Park 221
1 Week of Adventures on Oahu 81
Eastern Oahu & the Windward
Waikiki Accommodations 84 Coast 225
Waikiki Dining 124 Central & Leeward Oahu 230
Honolulu Dining beyond Waikiki 132 Oahu’s North Shore 232
Beaches & Outdoor Pursuits
on Oahu 160
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About the Author
A resident of the Big Island, Jeanette Fosterhas skied the slopes of Mauna Kea––during a
Fourth of July ski meet, no less––and has gone scuba diving with manta rays off the Kona
Coast. A prolific writer widely published in travel, sports, and adventure magazines, she’s
author of Frommer’s Hawaii 2008, Frommer’s Maui 2008, Frommer’s Kauai, Frommer’s
Hawaii with Kids, Portable Big Island of Hawaii, Frommer’s Maui Day by Day andFrommer’s
Honolulu & Oahu Day by Day.She’s also the editor of Zagat’s Survey to Hawaii’s Top Restau-
rantsand the Hawaii chapter editor of 1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. and Canada Before
You Die.
An Invitation to the Reader
In researching this book, we discovered many wonderful places—hotels, restaurants, shops, and
more. We’re sure you’ll find others. Please tell us about them, so we can share the information
with your fellow travelers in upcoming editions. If you were disappointed with a recommenda-
tion, we’d love to know that, too. Please write to:
Frommer’s Honolulu, Waikiki & Oahu, 10th Edition
Wiley Publishing, Inc. • 111 River St. • Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
An Additional Note
Please be advised that travel information is subject to change at any time—and this is especially
true of prices. We therefore suggest that you write or call ahead for confirmation when making
your travel plans. The authors, editors, and publisher cannot be held responsible for the experi-
ences of readers while traveling. Your safety is important to us, however, so we encourage you to
stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Keep a close eye on cameras, purses, and wallets,
all favorite targets of thieves and pickpockets.
Other Great Guides for Your Trip:
Frommer’s Hawaii 2008
Frommer’s Honolulu & Oahu Day by Day
Frommer’s Maui Day by Day
Frommer’s Maui 2008
Frommer’s Kauai
Frommer’s Hawaii with Kids
Frommer’s Portable Maui
Frommer’s Portable Big Island of Hawaii
02_134825 ftoc.qxp 10/11/07 11:12 AM Page viii
Frommer’s Star Ratings,Icons & Abbreviations
Every hotel, restaurant, and attraction listing in this guide has been ranked for quality, value,
service, amenities, and special features using a star-rating system.In country, state, and regional
guides, we also rate towns and regions to help you narrow down your choices and budget your
time accordingly. Hotels and restaurants are rated on a scale of zero (recommended) to three
stars (exceptional). Attractions, shopping, nightlife, towns, and regions are rated according to
the following scale: zero stars (recommended), one star (highly recommended), two stars (very
highly recommended), and three stars (must-see).
In addition to the star-rating system, we also use seven feature iconsthat point you to the
great deals, in-the-know advice, and unique experiences that separate travelers from tourists.
Throughout the book, look for:
Finds Special finds—those places only insiders know about
Fun Fact Fun facts—details that make travelers more informed and their trips more fun
Kids Best bets for kids, and advice for the whole family
Moments Special moments—those experiences that memories are made of
Overrated Places or experiences not worth your time or money
Tips Insider tips—great ways to save time and money
Value Great values—where to get the best deals
The following abbreviationsare used forcredit cards:
AE American Express DISC Discover V Visa
DC Diners Club MC MasterCard
Frommers.com
Now that you have this guidebook to help you plan a great trip, visit our website at www.
frommers.comfor additional travel information on more than 3,600 destinations. We update
features regularly to give you instant access to the most current trip-planning information avail-
able. At Frommers.com, you’ll find scoops on the best airfares, lodging rates, and car rental bar-
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