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zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Topic Author's Original Post - Oct 29, 2014 - 09:40am PT
I believe I am gonna try to go to Hawaii in mid November.
Gonna go by myself and just play tourist.
Thinking I will got to Oahu, and stay in Waikiki, and do a wreck dive, skydive, and visit Pearl Harbor.

Planning a day trip to the big island to check out the volcanoes.

That's it so far.

Any other suggestions?

Looking for advice on lodging in Waikiki. Don't need 4 star, but don't want to dirt bag it either. Lot's of "deals" on the Internet, but would prefer to rely on someone else's advice on lodging from ST who has been there.

Thanks





CA.Timothy

climber
California
Oct 29, 2014 - 09:40am PT
go anywhere but Oahu. crappy urban feel. at least around Waikiki

other islands have a much better vibe, better scenery, better diving.

I like Kauai
zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 29, 2014 - 09:49am PT
I think I have been to all islands except Molokai before I turned 18. I went to Maui, and Kauai in the last 5 years.
Don't let go

Trad climber
Diamond Bar, CA
Oct 29, 2014 - 09:53am PT
I went about 6 years ago for a week.

For lodging, I stayed in a hostel on the north east end of Waikiki only a block or two from the beach. It was less than $30 a night at the time but involved two bunk beds in a room but did have kitchens and free ingredients to make PB&J's in the morning. If you want to party and have the lively touristy experience, Waikiki is great. However, it is a big city and if you prefer the quiet and slower pace that Hawaii is famous for, consider staying else where. I ended up driving about 2 hours outside of Waikiki on about half of the days I was there. (The North Shore area seemed like a cool place to relax.)

Get some shave ice. Basically, they are a Hawaiian version of snow cones (and are little better in my opinion).

Pearl Harbor is a special and somber place. I sprung for an additional tour of their submarine and USS Missouri (battleship) and got to go deep inside (including the turrets). That was a hoot.

I climbed at two places.

One was near the north western tip of the island. This was all sport/TR climbing that was fun. This area is just west of the YMCA and the airport where the skydiving companies work out of. I heard there were access issues since I went but they may have been figured out. People were friendly and shared their ropes. I only brought shoes and a harness which were adequate.

Bonus tip: many of the climbers are stationed at the local military bases and the group I ran into were all into skydiving. They invited me to jump with them and I had a blast! It was cheaper to jump there than in California and you jump right over the beach where you can see reefs and mountains. Make some friends have fun flying!

Waimea Bay is a fun bouldering area on the sand. Additional details on both of these locations can be found with a little internet searching.

Have fun and please post pictures of your adventures for fellow supertopoians to enjoy.
Vegasclimber

Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
Oct 29, 2014 - 10:33am PT
Hey Zip,

We recent stayed in Waikiki at a place that was decent in price and was only a couple blocks from the beach, and went skydiving as well. When I get home tonight I will get all the pertinent information for you.
Al_Smith

climber
San Francisco, CA
Oct 29, 2014 - 12:22pm PT

I moved from the Bay Area to Hawaii several months ago, live in Waikiki, and absolutely love Oahu. I make frequent trips to the other islands, but Oahu has the best all around mix of both 'town' and 'country' and has natural elements in league with the rest of the islands (diving, surfing (obviously amazing!), hiking, etc.)

For lodging, I'd recommend The Ambassador or Hotel Hokelele. Both can be had through expedia for less than $100/night, and both are in a perfect location in Waikiki. Neither is fancy but both have fridges in-room, and some units have kitchenettes.

I also relied on AirBnB when I first moved here. There are great places to stay with really cool folks all over Oahu. I'd recommend you check it out if you haven't already.

In terms of something to avoid, don't get suckered into staying at the Backpacker's Hostel on the North Shore. It's $20-$30/night but there are security issues and I wouldn't recommend the place. (I backpacked Europe and have been in all manner of hostels, so I'm not picky.)

In terms of general recommendations, absolutely rent a car and make at least one full lap around the island.

Highlights:

Hiking:

Don't hike Diamond Head if you can instead get over to the SE corner of the island and hike Koko Head. It's 1050 stairs straight up the side of KH up an old railroad line that serviced a radio station at the top during WWII. The cable car is no longer there, but pple use the remaining rail line to access the top. It is somewhat affectionately referred to as 'The StairMaster from Hell' by the locals. It's tiring, but the views and position are amazing. I can get up it in around 20 mins, spend 10 at the top, and down in 30 (uneven steep steps make the descent take a bit longer than the ascent.) Do it in the morning before it gets too hot!

Head up the Windward side (East) of the island and check out The Valley of the Temples. There is giant, beautiful black and red Buddhist Temple tucked up into the jagged green mountainside. It costs $4 to enter, but the place is sublimely beautiful and I'd definitely recommend checking it out.

Further up, stop into Kailua and go to Lanikai Beach (which is frequently voted 'Best Beach in Hawaii' in industry rags). It is pure white sand beach perfect. If you have the time rent a kayak in Kailua and paddle the mile or so out to the 'mokes which are tiny islands offshore that you can land on. The paddle-out is over a shallow and stunning coral reef that is often full of sea turtles in every direction.

Continue up the Windward side and pass Kualoa where they filmed Jurassic Park. The mountain scenery is stupendous.

From here you will round the Northern tip of the island and hit Turtle Bay. Turtle Bay is the only resort on the North Shore and is both loved and hated by the people here. The beach on the East Side of Turtle Bay is great for snorkeling and is public access. I've seen plenty of turtles there, and just yesterday saw of giant red and black eel that must have been 4-5 feet long at that spot.

Inside Turtle Bay is the 'Surfer Bar.' It opens at 6 pm and happy hour is 6-7 with cheap-ish eats. They frequently host 'Talk Story' there with professional surfers giving slide shows, etc. In the past few weeks, I've seen talks given by Mason Ho and Jamie O'Brien. It's definitely worth looking up the schedule on line and dropping in up there if there is a worthy show slated.

Continuing down the North Shore you will - as I'm sure you know - pass the '7 Mile Miracle'. Sunset, Velzyland, PIPELINE!, Rockpiles, etc. The North Shore if you haven't been is super 'country' with one grocery store, and virtually no other shops or services outside of the occassional pop-up shrimp or thai truck (all of which serve delicious grub.) When you get to Waimea Bay, definitely park and go jump off of the 'Jump Rock' that sits at the Western edge of the Bay. Its about 30 feet, and super fun. Looks small before you climb up to the top, but looking down its always a fun little rush.

In Haleiwa which is the town at the end of the North Shore there is a great Mexican food joint, and several other restaurants.

Quick and good snorkeling on the South Shore to fill an hour before dinner or other downtime can be found at:

Ala Moana Beach Park
Kaimana Beach
**Haunama Beach Park (this is a paid location - the only such paid spot on the island, but is pretty spectacular and less than $10.)

And Pearl Harbor is a great call. My grandfather was there on Dec. 7 '41 on the USS Dobbin. Its a pretty somber, fascinating place.

Let me know if you have any specific questions, and I'll be happy to answer.

Mahalo and Aloha!

Al






Al_Smith

climber
San Francisco, CA
Oct 29, 2014 - 12:34pm PT
As a follow-up:

1) I recommended jumping off Waimea Bay's 'Jump Rock' but then re-read and saw you are coming out in November...that might not be the best idea if WB is booming with 20-40 ft surf! As they say here, 'Don't go, if you don't know.' So, if you are certain its good-to-go and you can handle the currents, etc then enjoy, otherwise, please don't let my recommendation lead you into danger!

Which brings me to my next point...

2) If here in November, there will be AMAZING surf to watch on the North Shore. We started getting the winter swell two weeks ago. I'd been surfing the North Shore for a couple of weeks, and overnight one of my favorite spots - Chun's Reef - went from perfect 7-9 ft reef break to a 15 ft raging terror-show. Sunset hit 20-23 ft two weeks ago as well, providing the most spectacular looking waves I've ever seen in my life! I mean, just absolutely perfect looking! (Not that I'd ever in my wildest dreams attempt to surf it. But saw Bruce Irons that day, and he didn't think twice about charging it!)

3) The North Shore in winter (basically starting now) is pretty much a Camp 4-like scene for professional surfers. Its a super small town feel there, and pros are just hanging about. It's definitely worth taking it slow there for a few hours as its fun to compare the feels between Yosemite for climbing and North Shore for surfing...so much in common, and also some interesting differences.
Al_Smith

climber
San Francisco, CA
Oct 29, 2014 - 12:40pm PT
If you do stay at the western edge of Waikiki (where both the Ambassador and Hotel Hokelele are located), there is a bar called 'Arnold's.' It is a dive bar where locals hang out and it has a very friendly vibe and live music almost every night. Its a great place to meet people if you are traveling solo. I've met people there and the very next day gone surfing with them, including one guy who took me out to a secret open ocean break on his boat. Its very 'Aloha' at Arnold's, but again, its definitely a dive.

One other reco - if you dig live music, a guy named 'Tavana' plays every Friday at Tropics Tap House and absolutely crushes Zeppelin and Hendrix covers, as well as play his own music. He's performed at SxSW, etc but has a new baby here on Oahu, so is not touring for now. I'd pay $30 to see him, but its entirely free and not at all crowded. Its seeing actually quality musicianship without being at a concert venue. He also plays at the very swanky and beautiful Sheraton bar - 'Rum Fire' on Sundays. Killer views. Laid back feel. etc.
Al_Smith

climber
San Francisco, CA
Oct 29, 2014 - 12:59pm PT
The trestle over the gully is always fun!...Except for this past lap when it was covered in bees (a new hive in one of the planks?)

And speaking of it getting hot, I took a lady friend up on it the other morning. It had rained early in the a.m. and then the sun burning off the moisture had the air feeling like we were hiking in a steam room. She was hungover and actually hurled, and more than once. Good sport about it though...lol
FRUMY

Trad climber
Bishop,CA
Oct 29, 2014 - 01:04pm PT
The last time I went to Hawaii was 1965 --- I wonder if it has changed.
looks easy from here

climber
Ben Lomond, CA
Oct 29, 2014 - 01:26pm PT
Planning a day trip to the big island to check out the volcanoes.

What do you mean? Do you want to see the lava flowing into the ocean, or drive up to the summit?
zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 29, 2014 - 01:37pm PT
SUPERTOPO REPRESENT!

Great info so far. Thanks.

Going to my doctor's appointment now. If she releases me with no restrictions, it's back to work on Monday, climbing in JT the next weekend, and then off to Hawaii soon after.

WOOHOO! looking forward to all.
crusher

climber
Santa Monica, CA
Oct 29, 2014 - 02:17pm PT
Well Al certainly has great info!

If you're not set on staying in Waikiki or maybe not the whole time, check out rentals in Kailua.

I would NOT miss North Shore surf this time of the year - something to behold and you'd probably get to see some of the pros in action.

If you go to Big Island I recommend staying at least one night (there are rentals and B&Bs on the south shore although some might be in the current danger zone - check first before you go) - night time is an awesome time to see the lava flow - you can do it from a boat or a heli. Not sure if they're allowing it right now but when we were last there (part of our honeymoon!) we hiked out over the old flow at dusk to where the current flow was going into the ocean and hung out there for a couple of hours. You could easily torch yourself or worse - you've got to be careful - there was a Park Ranger out there sorta watching things and answering questions. Then we hiked back to car by moonlight. Pretty rad.

Also fascinating on Big Island is going to the top of Mauna Kea where the observatories are...north shore: http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/visiting-mauna-kea/visiting-the-summit.html

Aloha!
Vegasclimber

Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
Oct 29, 2014 - 08:06pm PT
Heyas Zip,

The hotel we stayed at is the Vive Hotel. Great service, good room at a good price.

I don't think anyone has suggested it, but we really enjoyed the Polynesian Cultural Center. Well worth the drive, but go early to be able to all the exhibits. With Pearl, it's best to reserve online for the following day. We didn't see the sub, but we went to Ford Island to get on the Missouri, then went to the Arizona memorial, then back over to Ford to go through the aviation museum which has some great rare airframes and helos.

We went with Pacific Skydiving for our tandem jumps over the North Shore. I worked in skydiving for 15 years, and I was very happy with the staff, the equipment and prices. Have a great time!
Baggins

Boulder climber
Oct 30, 2014 - 10:02am PT
The arch at Kaena Point looks sick

https://vimeo.com/22208977

http://www.unrealhawaii.com/2012/12/bouldering-in-hawaii/
Tvash

climber
Seattle
Oct 30, 2014 - 10:26am PT
Big Island:

We backpacked overnight at the base of Pu'u O'o (no water - take all you need for 2 days) and it was one of the most incredible places I've ever seen. Poking molten lava at night with sticks was a hoot, but there's so much more to that trip that is bizarre and unique.

The hike to the summit of Mauna Loa is similarly extraterrestrial.

The Dolphin Bay Motel in Hilo is a cool, funky hideaway.

Plenty of nice BnBs in Captain Cook/Kona for cheap. I've had very good experiences with the BnBs in HI.

pswitz

climber
honolulu
Oct 30, 2014 - 11:31am PT
Minimize your Waikiki time to avoid that icky feeling... Coming to Oahu and hanging out in Waikiki is like going to Yosemite and sitting around Curry Village. Arnold's is a good bar though, so bump for that.

TheBus goes almost everywhere but is slow so get a car- try RelayRides.com if you want to avoid the big companies.

Don't worry about roped climbing while you're here. There is good single pitch climbing in a couple well known and many lesser known spots, but what will really knock your socks off is Oahu's exposed ridge line hikes, some of the best anywhere. Koko crater is good but forget the stairway cattle trail. It's a zoo of church groups and GoPro/ cross fit dorks. Instead, park at Halona cove near sandy beach. It's the big lot right before you get to sandy's heading east. Cross the street and walk back towards Hanauma bay 100 yards then gain the lava ridge next to the road and follow it 30 minutes up to the rim of the crater. There's some exposed moves crossing a rock arch but very secure. From the rim, head left up to the top and say hello the the GoPro dudes before either returning the way you came or continuing down the other way for a circumnavigation that has some exposed 4th class and will take 3 ish hours total car to car.

Another 5 star ridge hike- start at Makapuu lookout, head across the street and follow the ridge line above Sea Life park, past some hang glider launch spots and old missile silos, then finally down the Tom Tom trail into Waimanalo and walk/run/ bus back to Makapuu.

There's plenty of hikey-type outdoor group folks you can meet up with via inter netting if you're into meeting people etc.
zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 30, 2014 - 11:57am PT
Great info so far.
Just picked some light reading at the library.
[photo[photoid=384363]id=384363]
zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Topic Author's Reply - Nov 4, 2014 - 04:17am PT
Went back to work yesterday, and got vacation approved.
Booked my airfare. $397 RT. Seems reasonable.
Hope to make my hotel reservation today.
Kelly7873

Social climber
Honolulu
Nov 4, 2014 - 07:05am PT
I've been living on Oahu since'86, here's my two cents.

There is no place that's a 2 hour drive outside of Waikiki unless you get caught in serious traffic. There is often serious traffic.

I'm out of the loop but I think climbing at Mokuleia and Makapuu is still banned. there is bouldering at Waimea.

Way back in my single days I use to put my friends up in the Ambassador, I'm not sure why other then it being cheap.
I've heard nothing but bad things about the Backpacker's on the North Shore but there isn't much else to choose from up there.
I'm not sure what's wrong with the Diamond head hike other then too many tourists.
The Koko Head hike is fine but there's no shade. The bees, like most of the bees in Hawaii are not aggressive.
Try hiking Makapuu lighthouse but when you get to the whale watching sign turn right and hike down to the tide pools and a blow hole.
Maunawili Falls is another of my favorites. It would be more of a jungle hike but it's always packed after Jason Mraz put it in a video.
I don't get what's special about Lanikai beach, I live about 2 miles away and haven't been there in 15 years. The parking sucks and the beach is about 10 feet wide. I like beaches that are big and wide and mostly empty of people.
The diving is great around Turtle Bay. I don't think there's any problem going to the bays to the west either. Only some military beaches are closed to the public, sometimes getting access to the beach is the hard part.
Call 596-7873 to check on the surf. November is getting near the peak of the Winter season.
Snorkeling at Ala Moana Beach Park? Only if you go outside, the inside is dredged, nothing to see.
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