Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with oahu

Hawaii Stand Up!

cashman — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:23:29 -0800

Looking for the best of Hawaiian Reggae - songs like those that get played on Q103 Maui. I'm looking for excellent Hawaiian Reggae songs to jam to - the kind that would play on Q103 Maui. They can be decades old or new as the last few years. Tempo of any sort is fine, I just want great, great sound. Classics, hard-hitting new stuff, uniquely vibrant sounds and beloved artists - give me the best.

If I could name a single song to help, I would. I just heard Q103 for a few hours last year and I want some more of that great music. I do remember one song that had something about "this island life" (something like 'what is it about this island life that makes it so great' and it wasn't teoman) MeMail me if you need more info, email's in profile if you need that.

Honolulu vacation rentals?

sanitycheck — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:25:06 -0800

My boyfriend and I just booked a flight to Honolulu for the first week of May and now we need to find accommodations. We're hoping to find a week-long rental somewhere within the city to use as a home base, spend most of our time at the beach and/or exploring nearby tourist-y sites via public transit, and maybe rent a car for just a couple days. I've had a look at the other ask.me questions about Honolulu but we have some pretty specific requirements that aren't really covered in those.

Our ideal place would be:
- around $100 US a night
- equipped with a kitchen
- walking distance to a beach that has decent waves for surfing
- a short walk or bus ride to a grocery store or farmer's market

We don't need anything super-fancy - a basic studio or one bedroom apartment would suit us just fine. We might be willing to pay more for somewhere *really* nice though.

I'm checking out the usual suspects (TripAdvisor, VRBO, craigslist) but would love to hear personal recommendations from anyone who has stayed in the area before.

Oahu help!

gatorbiddy — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:23:48 -0800

Looking for Oahu travel advice.... We'll be travelling to Oahu for 7 nights in December, already bought the airfare into Honululu, but now we need to find place(s) to stay! We've decided to stay on Oahu rather than spend money to travel to any other islands, first time in Hawaii for both of us and the choices are a bit overwhelming.

We're looking for one or two different locations on the island in which to rent a condo/vrbo, hotel, b&b, or something similar. We're interested in fantastic beaches and swimming/snorkeling, as well as some sojourns for great hikes, greenery and jungle type atmosphere. Preferably with a less touristy vibe. Looking to spend less than 200 per night at the very most. If a place had a kitchen we'd probably cook a fair bit, so that's why a rental may be interesting, but not necessary.

Does anyone have town or island area recommendations that would help me narrow down the lodging search? Specific experience with any particularly lodging would also be great, as well as things not to miss. From what I've read so far, Waimanalo and Kailua look pretty great. Anyone have first hand experience with staying there?

Any Oahu advice would be so greatly appreciated. I feel like we just need to pick a great town or two and then the lodging will take care of itself from there. Any hidden gems out there for great beaches, atmosphere, and relaxation?

Thanks for the help!!

USDA Prime Beef in Oahu?

Osmanthus — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:48:10 -0800

Where can I buy USDA Prime beef in Honolulu? I know Costco carries it sometimes, but its not a regular item. Is there a butcher that carries it on a regular basis?

How to get a book delivered in Oahu fast?

Listener — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:04:30 -0800

How to get a gift book delivered in Oahu fast? My mum's unexpectedly in hospital in Oahu for a week, and she would love if I would get her a copy of this book to read because she is out of her mind with boredom already. It's one I recommended to her before that she remembers now that she wanted to read. Apparently there are only trashy picture magazines to read there. I've ordered books for her from Amazon before and they take forever. When I look for oahu books on google, I get, of course, books about Oahu. I'd love to get this book for her. Anyone have any bright ideas how to expedite such purchase and delivery? It's unfortunate this hospital is up on a mountain somewhere as well. I don't have the exact location this moment as it seems to have multiple branches.

How to continue the fun in Oahu

omnigut — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:49:16 -0800

Oahu filter: If you could only hike once, where would you go; where would you buy tiki objects to bring back with you (some sort of cross between cheap and beautiful?); and is tonight, 08/08/08, special in Chinatown? So I'm going hiking tomorrow or Sunday, I need to buy some tiki presents for some people in New York (not really wanting to spend more than $40 on each one, less if possible), and I would like to go out tonight.

Previously I posted this question. Update; I almost killed the new guy in her life, but didn't. Came here, made this photo, and then had an amazing time going from Smith's, to Amy's, to O'Toole's, back to Smith's, to Bar 35, across the road to the Golden Gate Lounge (against the advice of many), then onto the bus to fall asleep outside the dreadful Señor Frog's. A good night. Repeat tonight?

How to drink in Oahu without meeting tourists

omnigut — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:31:31 -0800

HawaiiFi: I'm going to Oahu for a week after just getting dumped by the local Hawaiian girl I was meant to go with. I wouldn't really go somewhere that touristy otherwise, and have no intention of surfing or going to hotel bars. What I would like, however, is an authentic local experience, in some seedy, out-of-the-way bar. Any suggestions? Got dumped ten days before going out to meet her family. Was supposed to go to the brother's wedding, before and after which she'd have taken me out to her favorite places in town. The plane tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

So, looking for the experience she might have shown me: I'm not looking for a one-night stand, so "seedy," not "sleezy," please. Actually, any bar that is mostly locals would be best, but it'd probably be best if it was low-key.

Also, I've heard (off her) that Hawaiians like to fight, and they don't like tourists, especially not at the local watering holes. If I drink, I don't want to be constantly worried about fists; I'm already worrying about my liver. Is she correct?

Japanese Bookstore on Maui?

TauLepton — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:18:25 -0800

Is there anywhere to purchase Japanese magazines on Maui? Oahu is also on the itinerary - suggestions for good places there would be fabulous. Specifically, I'm interested in picking up the latest issue of Cotton Time. Any other Japanese language/published crafting books or magazines would be a huge bonus.

Google searches have turned up all kinds of books about Maui/Hawaii but no actual bookstores and their specialties.

I'll be in Maui a few more days and then over to Oahu for the next few days before heading home to the mainland. I'd prefer to go while in Maui and am not stretched for time and transportation (I have both kids with me).

I did find Hakubundo on Oahu. Any other suggestions would be awesome.

What to do while visiting Oahu

nerdpita — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:01:41 -0800

What's interesting and new on Oahu that's non-touristy? My friends have asked me (I grew up on Oahu) what non-touristy things they should do on their last minute trip to Oahu. But it's been years since I've been back so I have no idea beyond telling them they have to of course, eat some malasadas and to do some touristy stuff cause it's fun. Any ideas they won't find in a travel book? My friends are in their 30's, like the indie rock and dancing, biking, kayaking, and the arts. You know, people sort of like you. Thanks.

Photography in Hawaii

Razzle Bathbone — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:42:58 -0800

Suggestions for places to take interesting photos in Honolulu/Oahu over Christmas I will be in Honolulu over Christmas for a (large) family vacation. This trip is a bit last minute for me and I have not had much time to read up. I was last in Hawaii about 25yrs ago now.

I am an amateur photographer and I am looking for suggestions of places to take some interesting (not the usual tourist) pictures anywhere on Oahu. I prefer exteriors/landscapes/nature photography but neat or interesting architecture is fine as well. I will have a car for the entire time I am there and definitely want to get out of Honolulu and around the island. I will a have a lot of my gear (tripod etc). Any thoughts or suggestions? (if you can link to Google Maps, even better) Thanks.

Where should we live in Honolulu?

kyrademon — Tue, 08 May 2007 00:28:43 -0800

What can you tell me about Honolulu neighborhoods? In January, I posted a question to Ask Metafilter to help my girlfriend and I decide if we were going to move to Honolulu. We've decided to go for it! Now, we're trying to figure out where exactly in Honolulu would be the best place for us to live. The answers to our first question were so helpful that I thought I'd return to Ask Mefi for more advice.

My girlfriend will be working in Upper Manoa, right by the Manoa Marketplace. Ideally, we want to live somewhere that has public transportation that will get her there, although it isn't a make-or-break litmus test. (I will be working from home.)

We're both artsy, urban types. Being within walking distance of lots of interesting things to do would be ideal. Money is, of course, an issue, but we've both lived in Boston so we won't collapse into sobbing hysterics at rents that would be considered insane in many places. Safety is also, of course, an issue, but we're not paranoid about living near other humans.

I liked Chinatown when we briefly visited, and was wondering about it (and the neighborhoods maybe north of it if it turned out to be too expensive right there.) My girlfriend has said she's heard potentially good things about Kaimuki. Can you tell us anything about those, or any other neighborhoods you think we might be interested in? Public transportation, rents, safety, interesting area to be in, anything else?

Single activities in paradise?

TheNewWazoo — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 11:38:09 -0800

A week in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawai'i. All expenses paid. Solo. What the hell do I do until Saturday? Obviously, there's I travel for a living, and my job currently has me in Honolulu until Saturday. I'm staying on Waikiki. Sounds great, yeah? It would be, except that my girlfriend isn't here, and I have no friends in HI. Normally, I seek out all the hippest vegetarian restaurants, catch a play or other indie production, and haunt cool local coffeeshops in whatever city I'm in, which is all great to do solo in a city like Chicago or Nashville. The vibe here, it seems, is markedly different.

I'm reticent to do the "typical" touristy things like catch a lounge act or go on a tour, both because I want to "save" that sort of stuff for when I come back with my girl, and also because I don't think I'd enjoy it very much while alone. I could go bar-hopping, but I'm not interested in picking up girls for a deep, meaningful one-night relationship. I could lay out on the beach (and I plan to!), but I would like my memories to be more substantial than the same stuff I can do in Florida.

So, hive mind, I deplore you, what's a young, not-single guy to do with his free week in Hawai'i? I can only take so much of my coworkers/supervisors/clients.

Where's the best place to skinnydip in Oahu?

unknowncommand — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 17:22:25 -0800

Where's the best place to skinnydip in Oahu? I want to be naked in the ocean when I turn 30 (in two weeks!). I will be in Honolulu, and I will have access to my friend's car. Where do I go? I've never been to Hawaii, and the travel guides seem to omit this information.

Honolulu to Haleiwa?

judith — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 20:37:01 -0800

Honolulu to Haleiwa tomorrow morning. Any ground transportation options (for one person) other than the $75 cab ride? thebus.org shows one route (52) to Haleiwa, but no clear way to get to that line from the airport. That site also suggests I can't ride with my two bags (one small suitcase + one large tote bag) - any options not immediately apparent? The $75 rate is from Star Taxi, which the internet suggests is the cheapest.

Travel to Hawaii...which hotels? What to do?

UMDirector — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 10:20:43 -0800

Going to Hawaii in the start of November for my Honeymoon...9 days I think. I love to Hike and all that fun stuff, my fiance will hike but likes to do lighter things due partially to a heart murmur (she also likes to shop). I get bored just laying on the beach, she has a high stress job so I think she needs some relaxation time. So any suggestions? We are flying free to LAX from PHL and then getting a flight from LAX to Oahu. Probably also staying in Maui and the Big Island.

I am including a quote from one of the travel places...do you guys think this is a good price? I am a bit concerned about the hotels as I checked Trip Advisor and some people hated them which makes me nervous (but I also now some people who have one bad experience tend to over blow the thing). So any personal experiences would be helpful. Thank you SOOOO much...I trust MeFi far more than a travel agent motivated to sell...

FYI going from these hotels to the next step up (Hyatt, Marriott etc) brings to total up about $1200...worth it?

This is through Hawaiian Travel Bureu (Any experience with them)?

PACKAGE FOR OCT 31 - NOV 9:

1) AIRFARE from LA for 2: $496.50 per person, including 2 inter-island flights

2) HOTEL for 3 nights on Oahu:
- Partial ocean view room at Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber: $468.00 total, including all room taxes

3) TRANSFERS round trip from Honolulu Airport to the hotel, with flower lei greeting: $56.00 total

4) HOTEL for 3 nights on the Big Island:
- Mountain/garden view room at Royal Kona Resort: $255.00 total, including all room taxes
- You get these specials: Value Rate

5) HOTEL for 3 nights on Maui:
- Garden view room at Royal Lahaina Resort: $534.00 total, including all room taxes
- You get these specials: Sunsaver Rate

6) CAR RENTAL on Big Island and Maui: Economy $204.00 total, including all taxes and fees

TOTAL PACKAGE PRICE: $2,510.00 for 2 (or $1,255.00 per person).
ALL TAXES AND FEES are included.