Post #105036 by christiki295 on Thu, Jul 29, 2004 8:42 PM

Oahu Recommendations:

BISHOP MUSEUM

Currently featuring the "Ku" exhibition. It is the point of connection with the historical Hawaiian tiki gods. Possibly the only place on earth where original wooden tikis persevere.

ASTON WAIKIKI BEACH HOTEL

Located at the end of the strip, it features colorful, but small rooms. It also features free breakfast, which can be had on the balcony overlooking the beach or bags are provided for the quick walk across the street to the ocean.

There is also Hula poolside, at breakfast time.

TIKI'S BAR & GRILL

Tiki's @ the Aston Waiki Beach Hotel is a must see & do. The bar scene is happening and the cuisine is delicious. Tikis abound as do Shag prints and even Gecko has an Easter Island inspired carving on the outside wall.

A photo of Tikis is here: Link to Photo

Tiki's has two 8-1/2 foot tiki at the entrance, eight tiki on the back walls of the dining room, a 3-1/2 foot tiki head named “Hibiscus Tiki” in the bar area, and a 6-1/2 foot, one-of-a-kind hula tiki in the central dining area.

Tiki’s also has palm wood flooring, fish nets hanging from the ceiling with starfish and shells, glass balls, plus 50 hand-carved masks, statues and war clubs from different regions around the Pacific.

POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER

I was disappointed in the tours, with the exception of Samoa, but not in the shows and not in the abundance of tikis. The early afternoon boat parade is very fun and features hula & other dancing on barges which cruise the river.

The evening show Horizons is spectacular. It features chanting, taditional Hawaiian hula, Tahitian hula and fire dancing.

The luau is definitely worth the price, although cocktails are not served and I forgot to BYOB at Foodland.

The village tours feature more comedy and crowd participation and only incidentally provide a few facts about the particular South Pacific nation.

Tikis abound. Worth it for the tikis alone!

TURTLE BAY RESORT

Now famous as the location for the TV show the Northshore, Turtle Bay is diametrically opposite of Waikiki because it is not crowded, it features grassy lanais, not concrete sidewalks and the sun sets directly over the water.

However, the Northshore is countrylike, there is not much to do at night, except have cocktails on the sand while looking at the stars and enjoying the tradewinds, which is not bad. Treat yourself to one of the cottages.

DOLE PLANTATION

The gardens are spectacular. So much color everywhere. The display of pineapples is eye-opening - I never knew there were red pineapples!

The train ride is informative, although very, very sanitized. For example, in a glaring ommission, the tour failed to acknowledge that Dole stole Hawaii from the monarchy and then imprisoned the queen.

BRUNCH - ORCHIDS @ HALEKULANI

Very gracious, very beautiful presentation of cuisine, not hurried and a wide selection of appetizing selections.

GIOVANNI'S SHRIMP TRUCK

A North Shore institution. When you see the bumbersticker that says "Tikientertainment.com," you know you are at the right place.

So much garlic, it one can smell it when drinving by. A dozen shrimp & rice for $9.00!

[ Edited by Humuhumu to fix overly long link ]

[ Edited by: Humuhumu on 2004-07-30 01:59 ]

[ Edited by: christiki295 on 2004-07-30 10:14 ]

[ Edited by: christiki295 on 2004-08-17 19:12 ]