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This is pretty straightforward: can you help me brainstorm experiences to surprise and delight my 43yo spouse on a visit to Oahu? She likes the outdoors, she likes culture, she doesn't care for shopping. Current plans: we're going to try to get into Hanauma Bay. Past plans that she loved but we don't want to repeat: Shangri La, Iolani Palace. A little more below.... [more inside]
posted by moonmoth around Honolulu, HI at 10:11 PM - 12 answers

I was fortunate to be sent to Honolulu for a work conference. My wife and I have a few days before the conference starts. However, Waikiki Beach and the area around our hotel is too 'big city' for our tastes. We'd like to find some beaches and other areas that are more peaceful. The problem is that we don't have access to a car, nor do we wish to rent one. [more inside]
posted by Don_K around Honolulu, HI at 10:33 AM - 6 answers

In a couple of weeks I'll have a layover on a flight to DFW via Sydney. Given the amount of time available and having to go through immigration/customs on arrival, is it feasible for me to do a little sightseeing in Honolulu? [more inside]
posted by orrnyereg around Honolulu, HI at 5:22 PM - 9 answers

Anyone know any indoor play spaces for toddlers in the Honolulu area? [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi around Honolulu, HI at 12:21 PM - 6 answers

I'm heading to Hawaii and on our first day our flight lands in Honolulu at 8am but our flight to Kauai isn't until 5pm. Are there any hotel rooms that offer day rooms you can book in advance? So far we've tried the Pacific Marina Inn, but they said they cannot advise availability until the day. We really just want somewhere we can shower and store our bags, so any other suggestions are welcome.
posted by Kris10_b around Honolulu, HI at 6:29 PM - 5 answers

Going to Oahu in June. Looking for any updated/current info anyone can provide regarding 1. a good/great hotel for three nights at a good/great value and 2. any off-the-beaten path recreational activities/site seeing/leisurely must-dos! Can you help? [more inside]
posted by foxhat10 around Honolulu, HI at 10:21 AM - 23 answers

If you had a 4.5 hour layover in the Honolulu airport, what would you do with your time? [more inside]
posted by Twicketface around Honolulu, HI at 9:31 AM - 17 answers

I'm looking for the best time to book a flight from NYC to Honolulu for Christmas -- I'm afraid I've already missed the best deals and wonder if I should snatch up the next decent fare or wait for something better. [Of course, special snowflake details inside.] [more inside]
posted by bah213 around Honolulu, HI at 10:41 AM - 5 answers

Returning from Hawaiian honeymoon on the Big Island. We're flying out of Honolulu, but we're on Oahu for about 12 hours before the flight back home. Airline only allows baggage check in 4 hours before departure. Is there anywhere we can safely store our baggage so we don't have to lug it around all day? [more inside]
posted by Nelsormensch around Honolulu, HI at 4:08 PM - 6 answers

Suggestions and tips for an 11-hour layover in Honolulu (HNL), coming from Japan, heading to Portland? [more inside]
posted by hyperfascinated around Honolulu, HI at 7:50 PM - 6 answers

We need a decent but not expensive place to stay for one night in Honolulu. There are 4 of us; 3 adults and an 11 year old. Suggestions?
posted by retrorider around Honolulu, HI at 9:46 PM - 3 answers

My SO has gotten a job offer in Honolulu. Should we go? [more inside]
posted by kyrademon around Honolulu, HI at 1:20 AM - 21 answers

Day classes in/around Honolulu/Oahu or other immersive activities for the loner? (and yes, I realize this is remarkably close to rkent's below question, tho see also the MI...) [more inside]
posted by Ogre Lawless around Honolulu, HI at 1:56 AM - 2 answers

My boyfriend and I are leaving from Ottawa to Honolulu in 10 days for 10 days. Should we book the hotels, car rentals and inter-island flights in advance or can we get away with doing it when we get there? [more inside]
posted by KathyK around Honolulu, HI at 1:13 PM - 11 answers

I'm seriously thinking about moving to Honolulu in a few months. [omnidesire] [more inside]
posted by Dr. Wu around Honolulu, HI at 11:11 PM - 9 answers

travelfilter: I'm going to a conference in Hawaii, in Honolulu, and I'll be staying in a hotel around Waikiki. I've been looking for cool things to do on my free day, but I keep coming across some really frightening touristy stuff, like short cruises that include Ukulele lessons and Lei (sp?) construction.

Everyone recommends the Polynesian Cultural Studies Center, and a visit to Pearl Harbor, but what else is there to do that is somewhat off the beaten path, fun and not too expensive? Any good bands out there?

additional variables: I can't really swim that well. I'm a doughy white guy approaching his 40s. I'd like to avoid activities that would piss off my wife, and I don't drink. Yes, Hawaii is wasted on me.
posted by mecran01 around Honolulu, HI at 1:17 PM - 16 answers