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Best Things to Do in Waikiki? |
Koitiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 03, 2007
Posts: 212
From: Austin
|  Posted: 2011-08-07 10:21 am Permalink
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On 2011-08-07 08:30, petittarte wrote:
I'm heading to Oahu on Thursday. I plan on checking out Duke's on Sunday.
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Petittarte,
A friend recommended seeing his friend Alan Akaka, steel guitar player. His dates are listed below and on his website http://web.me.com/akakaclub/Bringing_Hawaii_To_You/Home.html.
THURSDAYS
6:30-9:30 pm
“Moana Terrace” on the 3rd floor
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
FRIDAYS
7:00-9:30 pm
“Dukes Restaurant - Waikiki”
We're also going to La Mariana and hoping for a tiki walking tour among all the other usual Oahu activities. I'll PM you my phone number. Let me know if you're interested in meeting up.
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Phillip Roberts
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Sep 09, 2003
Posts: 1486
From: OAHU, Hawaii.
| Posted: 2011-08-08 10:54 pm Permalink
Aloha,
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On 2011-08-07 08:30, petittarte wrote:
I'm heading to Oahu on Thursday. I plan on checking out Duke's on Sunday.
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You'll enjoy it. I should be there around 4ish. Look for me.
best,
Phillip
_________________
Waikiki Tiki; Art, History, and Photographs.
Available now from Bess Press Hawaii.
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MadDogMike
Grand Member (3 years) 
Joined: Mar 30, 2008
Posts: 6389
From: The Anvil of the Sun
| Posted: 2011-08-09 06:28 am Permalink
First buy a bottle of rum and a live chicken, then ... oh never mind - I thought this thread was "Best Things to do to a Wahini" 
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Clay, the oldest and most divine art media;
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Pirate Ship Tree House
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Koitiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 03, 2007
Posts: 212
From: Austin
| Posted: 2011-08-09 4:05 pm Permalink
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On 2011-08-09 06:28, MadDogMike wrote:
First buy a bottle of rum and a live chicken, then ... oh never mind - I thought this thread was "Best Things to do to a Wahini"
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Actually I think Grog had that one covered earlier. 
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Koitiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 03, 2007
Posts: 212
From: Austin
| Posted: 2011-08-16 1:13 pm Permalink
Thoroughly enjoyed my time on Oahu. Spent half the trip on the North Shore in a VRBO beachfront lauhala mat lined surf shack in the Bonzai Pipeline area. (You know you are in a true surf shack when the house wifi network is named "bongpipe"). If anyone is interested I can give you the VRBO# for this place.
Snorkeled, cavorted with sea turtles at Turtle Beach, swam under a waterfall at Waimea Valley, drove to a temple ruin that technically should require a 4WD vehicle, and visited the Dole Plantation and the Polynesian Cultural Center. The North Shore has little in the way of restaurants and nightlife which thankfully preserves the rustic natural beauty of the area. A quick drive into Hale'iwa provided some excellent shave ice at Matsumoto's and Aoki's. We also enjoyed a nice meal of fresh fish wrapped in ti leaves and a good Mai Tai at Hale'iwa Joe's Seafood Grill.
Arriving in Waikiki after four days of laid back North Shore was a shock. It is a hustling, bustling international shopping mecca. After I re-adjusted to city life I fell a little in love with the parts of Honolulu and Waikiki that didn't involve shopping, except Bailey's Aloha Shirts! On another shopping note, be advised that a Lonely Planet guide book lists a vintage Hawaiiana store called Island Treasures that was in the International Marketplace but is now closed.
Also be forewarned that many places shut down early here. Bands play early and many bars close at 9pm. Even the hotel pools inexplicably close at 7pm. Gotta love the conversation I had with the pool staff. Me: "Why does the pool close at 7?" Staff: "It gets dark." (Not really until after 8, and the wonderful invention of electricity makes it possible to light thigs after dark!) Me: "What are the kids supposed to do?" (Even tho mine is a teen, there are a MILLION little kids here.) Staff: "Go shopping." Hahahaha.
What tiki cravings I didn't fulfill at the Polynesian Cultural Center were more than satisfied when Phillip Roberts graciously whisked me around Waikiki on a tiki walking tour. The International Marketplace alone was filled with so many hidden gems it was like a treasure hunt. I loved Phillip's stories about how it used to be and what used to be where. Things I would not have known just walking around by myself. We enjoyed hearing Alan Akaka and his Islanders at the Moana Terrace as Dobrolic suggested (basic pool bar, but decent Mai Tai, good Tropical Itch and good music), Pisco Sours at Tiki's, Longboards and Li Hing Mui (a sweet and salty powder to rim the glass) Margarita at Arnold's and chatting with one of Phillip's friends who'd been on the island many years. He had a local TV talk show. He said there used to be seven nightclubs in the International Marketplace and as a local celeb he had the run of the place. A playboy's dream come true! He also said Martin Denny played his show many times, often filling in as a solo piano act when a booking fell through. Mahalo Phillip for the great tour and mahalo for all the work that went into your book. Folks, if you haven't picked up a copy of Waikiki Tiki, do it now! Phillip has been on the island for 20 years and amassed a collection of vintage and contemporary photos that make for a mind-boggling presentation of tiki eye candy in the vein of Sven's Book of Tiki and James' Big Stone Head.
La Mariana was great. I heard that recently there was an improvement in the food and drinks and can honestly say we enjoyed both, and the atmosphere of course. One unique decor piece I esp. loved was the "chandelier" of many fish floats together in a big fishing net. They have a gift shop with lots of Gecko mugs and LM tees. Can also recommend the House Without a Key bar we voted the best Mai Tai we had on the island. Will try to post a few pics when I have time. Getting ready for the Texas Tiki Round-up!
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Phillip Roberts
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Sep 09, 2003
Posts: 1486
From: OAHU, Hawaii.
| Posted: 2011-08-17 10:08 pm Permalink
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On 2011-08-16 13:13, Koitiki wrote:
Thoroughly enjoyed my time on Oahu.
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YAY!
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On another shopping note, be advised that a Lonely Planet guide book lists a vintage Hawaiiana store called Island Treasures that was in the International Marketplace but is now closed.
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I think I pointed that out and was actually in the Waikiki Town Center. It wasn't that great to be honest. The owners were great, but the stock was stagnant 90% of the time I went in.
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What tiki cravings I didn't fulfill at the Polynesian Cultural Center were more than satisfied when Phillip Roberts graciously whisked me around Waikiki on a tiki walking tour. The International Marketplace alone was filled with so many hidden
gems it was like a treasure hunt. I loved Phillip's stories about how it used to be and what used to be where. Things I would not have known just walking around by myself.
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Oh and I forgot to show you the Fijian chief's chair. Damn. Next time for sure. Gee, Julie, I'm glad you had fun... I would also like to thank you for your excellent gift of a bottle of THE SALT LICK BBQ sauce. Quite tasty! And I was pleased to meet your family!
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Margarita at Arnold's and chatting with one of Phillip's friends who'd been on the island many years. He had a local TV talk show. He said there used to be seven nightclubs in the International Marketplace and as a local celeb he had the run of the place. A playboy's dream come true! He also said Martin Denny played his show many times, often filling in as a solo piano act when a booking fell through.
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That was Don Robbs, UH baseball announcer... I think you were VERY shocked whe he said, "Marty was not a good piano player..." But as I explained, Martin would sometimes play until 3A and when Don would call him, he'd probably had only an hour sleep... Don's not a tiki guy, but was there in the day and he really can talk about Waikiki in a whole different context. I did not know he would be there and consider him a huge bonus to your walk.
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Mahalo Phillip for the great tour and mahalo for all the work that went into your book. Folks, if you haven't picked up a copy of Waikiki Tiki, do it now! Phillip has been on the island for 20 years and amassed a collection of vintage and contemporary photos that make for a mind-boggling presentation of tiki eye candy in the vein of Sven's Book of Tiki and James' Big Stone Head.
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Great review of a fun day and I thank you! I hope to see you and your family soon. Don't hesitate to call any time! As I have often said, "It's a book of memories."
Best,
Phillip
_________________
Waikiki Tiki; Art, History, and Photographs.
Available now from Bess Press Hawaii.
[ This Message was edited by: Phillip Roberts 2011-08-17 22:10 ]
[ This Message was edited by: Phillip Roberts 2011-08-17 22:12 ]
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Beach Bum Scott
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Oct 28, 2008
Posts: 304
From: The Ranch in CO
| Posted: 2011-08-19 08:05 am Permalink
We are headed to Oahu on Sunday, Aug 21 for 2 weeks of fun in the sun! Great recommendations! Thanks for posting.
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Koitiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 03, 2007
Posts: 212
From: Austin
| Posted: 2011-08-19 1:09 pm Permalink
[quote]
On 2011-08-17 22:08, Phillip Roberts wrote:
[quote]
That was Don Robbs, UH baseball announcer... I think you were VERY shocked whe he said, "Marty was not a good piano player..." But as I explained, Martin would sometimes play until 3A and when Don would call him, he'd probably had only an hour sleep... Don's not a tiki guy, but was there in the day and he really can talk about Waikiki in a whole different context. I did not know he would be there and consider him a huge bonus to your walk.
Yeah, I was wondering if you had planted Don there for the tour. Haha. He was great and I didn't let his quote sully my opinion of Martin.  Thanks again Phillip.
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Koitiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 03, 2007
Posts: 212
From: Austin
| Posted: 2011-08-19 1:21 pm Permalink
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On 2011-08-19 08:05, Beach Bum Scott wrote:
We are headed to Oahu on Sunday, Aug 21 for 2 weeks of fun in the sun! Great recommendations! Thanks for posting.
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If you're in Waikiki, check out the Royal Hawaiian. Beautiful building and grounds. The Mai Tai Bar is on the beach and seems to have gotten lots of good reviews. We found it acceptable. There are a few interesting displays with old photos, clothing, etc. from the hotel's early days. They are off the lobby, closer to the back, the beach side.
There's also a park a little down the road to the East, right on the beach that seemed to have live music and hula every night at sundown. Even live outdoor music around a pond in front of the Royal Hawaiian on the main street.
If you snorkel, don't miss out on Hanauma Bay.
Have fun!
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petittarte
Member
Joined: Feb 21, 2011
Posts: 2 | Posted: 2011-08-26 05:42 am Permalink
Now I found the Mai Tai at the House Without a Key to be my least favorite. It was way too sweet for me.
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tikipc
Member
Joined: Aug 30, 2011
Posts: 1 | Posted: 2011-08-30 11:39 am Permalink
IMHO, the best Luau on Waikiki is at Paradise Cove. This was where they filmed some scenes for the new Hawaii 5-0 show...where the body is found in the pigroast pit.
http://www.paradisecovehawaii.com/
We booked the Deluxe package which came with a Mai Tai greeting, 2 premium drinks and 2 standard drinks. I was worried that they would be watered down, but I hate to admit...I couldn't use all of my drink coupons...drinks were amazing and I still ahd one standard drink coupon left at the end.
Food, entertainment & activities greatly exceeded the PCC. Beautiful location, right on the sea as the sun sets and the firedancers perform. You can get free hand drawn temporary tattoos, hand made flower leis, the list goes on...definitely great value for the money.
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bongofury
Grand Member (6 years) 
Joined: Oct 15, 2002
Posts: 1473
From: Ventura County
| Posted: 2011-09-02 7:00 pm Permalink
Try this little restaurant on the North Shore next time.....
http://www.grassskirtgrill.com/
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isotiki
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Apr 07, 2002
Posts: 48
From: Simi Valley,CA
| Posted: 2011-09-05 12:36 pm Permalink
Happy Hour at the Rumfire. Amazing sunset view of Diamond Head. You might even see a rainbow. Bottoms up
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Bill5925
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Aug 31, 2008
Posts: 74
From: Sherman Oaks
| Posted: 2011-09-07 10:12 am Permalink
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On 2011-08-16 13:13, Koitiki wrote:
Even the hotel pools inexplicably close at 7pm. Gotta love the conversation I had with the pool staff. Me: "Why does the pool close at 7?" Staff: "It gets dark." (Not really until after 8, and the wonderful invention of electricity makes it possible to light thigs after dark!) Me: "What are the kids supposed to do?" (Even tho mine is a teen, there are a MILLION little kids here.) Staff: "Go shopping." Hahahaha. |
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I took my 75-year-old mother to Waikiki a couple of years ago. She was on chemotherapy drugs that made her very sensitive to cold, so she insisted that her hotel have a warm heated pool. She also likes a pool deep enough to swim in and that is open late enough to enjoy after dinner. And she doesn't tolerate children well. And it had to be affordable. I called nearly every hotel in Waikiki before finding the Ilima Hotel. It was a small pool, but warm, 6' deep and open to 9 or so. She was pleased.
Yeah, I told her the ocean was very comfortable in Hawaii, but she also has bad knees and can't walk well across sand or stand for very long in the surf.
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Koitiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 03, 2007
Posts: 212
From: Austin
| Posted: 2011-09-07 8:49 pm Permalink
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On 2011-08-26 05:42, petittarte wrote:
Now I found the Mai Tai at the House Without a Key to be my least favorite. It was way too sweet for me.
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You didn't say which one you DID like...
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