Honolulu Waikiki questions ?

[billymach4 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close billymach4]

I have a week stay at Waikiki Marina Resort at the Ilikai in December.

1) I understand there is a valet charge of $28/ day at this resort for parking. There is a nearby parking facility that charges $20 / day. There may be other cheaper walking distance options? Does anyone have any recommendations for alternate nearby parking options at this resort?

2) Do I really need a car if I am staying in Waikiki? Can I get away with a daily rental for a few days for some day trips?

3) Want to do a Pearl Harbor Tour. Should I get tickets via the National Park Service website? Or should I rely on a tour operator?

Thanks in advance!

Bill

[Presley Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Presley]

I can only answer # 2.

You do not need a car every day. You will have a lot within walking distance and there is also public transportation.
I would suggest just renting a car on the days that you need it. There is a Hertz next door at Hilton.

[philsfan Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close philsfan]

Roberts Airport Shuttle will drop you right in front of the Ilikai on the way in and pick you up there on the way out. We have never rented a car in Waikiki. For groceries we walk to the Foodland in the Ala Moana Mall pulling our empty suitcases behind us and wheeling them back full. It's about a mile each way. The tour operators usually get you in and out quicker than if you do it on your own. If you are not in a hurry, then just handle it by yourself. I am pretty sure you can take a bus to Pearl Harbor. The Public Trans system is pretty good on Oahu and it's not that expensive. We bought 4 day passes when we were there last time.

[buzglyd Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close buzglyd]

You won't need a car every day. Just get one when you need one.

Get to Pearl Harbor early. If you get behind the mobs it kind of detracts from the experience.

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

I concur with the others that if you are staying in Waikiki then a car the whole time isn't necessary. Get a shuttle or a driver from the airport to the hotel. Then public trans, walk, etc. BUT, yes, do rent a car for a couple of days. PLEASE see the Northshore. That will requite a car.
Pearl Harbor can be "done" several ways:

1. Do it on a day that you rent a car. Drive yourself. Get the Nat Park Service tickets because they are time stamped. You can choose when you would like to enter. No more rushing to get there ahead of the tour buses. See it on YOUR schedule and then do whatever else suits you on that day. Maybe the Aloha Flea Market or continue on to the Northshore.

2. Take a tour bus.

3. Take a real history tour. If you are at all a military history buff then I highly recommend this tour: http://www.pearlharborhq.com/pearl_harbor_tour.html This is good chunk of a day, but well worth it. They will have a pickup location near your hotel. Edited to add: my DH and son REALLY liked this tour. Often you are accompanied by actual Pearl Harbor/WWII veterans. They met "Al". A couple of years later, we visited the USS Midway in San Diego and lo and behold. Guess who was there? Al! We explained that they had met him on Oahu on the Home of the Brave tour. He told us he has a "benefactor" that provides for his special trips to Oahu for that program along with the commemorative functions on Dec 7th each year. Nice man. 91 years old last time we saw him.

I think this is still your first trip? Will you visit any other islands?

[billymach4 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close billymach4]

OMG yes you remember this is my first trip! I started to plan for this trip I think in late 2011, or early 2012. The plan was to go December of 2012. I had to change my plans since I started a new job in November of 2012. The job change was not originally on my radar, but it was necessary and now I am better off as a result!

So here I am now in September and who would have thought that my Newlywed son and his bride are actually going to be there the same week. My Daughter in law was asked to be a Maid of Honor at a wedding a the end of November! I am actually not spending an entire week in Waikiki but I have the unit booked for the first week in December. So I want them to use my vacant days, and they of course are more than happy to oblige!

I will definitely get my tickets from the National Park Service. Will rent a car for a day or two in order to tour the Island. At the end of the week DW and I are going to Kauai and staying at Marriott Waiohai Beach Club.

I will have more questions about Kauai.

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

OMG yes you remember this is my first trip! I started to plan for this trip I think in late 2011, or early 2012. The plan was to go December of 2012. I had to change my plans since I started a new job in November of 2012. The job change was not originally on my radar, but it was necessary and now I am better off as a result!

So here I am now in September and who would have thought that my Newlywed son and his bride are actually going to be there the same week. My Daughter in law was asked to be a Maid of Honor at a wedding a the end of November! I am actually not spending an entire week in Waikiki but I have the unit booked for the first week in December. So I want them to use my vacant days, and they of course are more than happy to oblige!

I will definitely get my tickets from the National Park Service. Will rent a car for a day or two in order to tour the Island. At the end of the week DW and I are going to Kauai and staying at Marriott Waiohai Beach Club.

I will have more questions about Kauai.

I do remember, because I was so excited for you! Then, there were no stories...no pictures....so I finally asked someone on the board that has met you in person, what happened? Why no trip?

That said, I am once again very excited for you. Oahu and Kauai is a GREAT combination. We just did that same trip this past June. Would love to give Kauai advice as would others here, I'm sure.

Now, I've got a groupon for a catamaran sail on Oahu...beach entry-you could probably walk there....that I didn't use when we visited. I'm going to research how to transfer it to you. My gift...for your B-day and your trip. PM me your dates and I'll see what I can do to set it up.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

I am thrilled you are getting to go Billy.

Oahu and Kauai were also my first two Hawaiian Islands. I can't offer any better advice than you have already received but I can say that I have heard nothing but raves about Waikiki Marina Resort.

Have a great time!

[slip Contributor - Bronze Find all posts View Profile Close slip]

We really loved the Home of the Brave tour also.

This was a highlight of our trip. The guide was great and told some forgotten stories
About the attack. We'll worth it. The lunch was great and they took care of all the details.