[Passionaria]

Hi Peach,
I adore Honolulu, lived there several years ago. Most of the portions of Honolulu around Wakiki are very tourist oriented, and there for safe. Waikiki is a great beach even with all the people. Not to be missed IMHO. Bring a picnic and lot's of things to drink.

To really get the flavor of the Island check out some "real" Hula competitions or Hawaiian music.

The North shore and surfing compititions are another suggestion. Although the beaches with the 30 foot waves have an undertoe to match so a word of caution there. Also if you see a beach with no people swimming, there is probably a reason for it.

Rent a car and drive around the island. Some beaches have a lot of break in's with cars so don't tempt people. I would stick to the more touristy beaches unless you are with a local person. Note that there are some beaches on the west side of the island that may not be the best for tourists, locals only you will feel it, trust that.


There is a Hotel with Dolphins that has a great "private" beach called the Kahala resort. I don't know what the rooms and prices are like, but the beach is wonderful. And quiet with safe swimming. Facing the ocean the beach to the right of it is a nice place to hang out too. Kahala is an upscale neighborhood in Honolulu.

http://www.kahalaresort.com/

Chinatown in Honolulu is a must see in my book, and the only place one can afford to buy veggies, lol.

My last suggestion is the Honolulu Academy of the Arts. It's fabulous.

http://www.honoluluacademy.org/

Writing this makes me homesick *sniff, sniff* Have a wonderful time. Oh, one thing about Hawaii is (for me) one does not need a fancy hotel. Houses are places you go when you can't take being outside anymore. Any of the good tourist hotels will do, just check their ratings. You will be outside almost all the time. Check for perks like the beach at the Kahala!