HELP!!! Questions on Visiting Hawaii
Paul
My family and I will be visiting Hawaii(Oahu & Maui) in December. As
inexperience travelers to your Beautiful Islands we have the following
questions that we would really appreciate if we could get answers to.
a. Is Hawaii Chilly in December?
b. Is there any good bookstores in Hawaii, eg. Waldenbooks etc.
c. My wife is also wondering if there are any Victoria Secrets outlet
in Honolulu?
d. Are the shops and tourist attractions open on Christmas eve and day?
e. What other interesting places to visit besides Pearl Harbor,
Waikiki, Pala, Haunama, Sea Life, etc.
Would really appreciate if anyone could answer any of the questions for
us. Thank you.
Regards, Paul
in...@timelesshawaii.com
Hello, there=) I'll try to help answer some of your questions...
Paul <sur...@cyberway.com.sg> wrote:
>My family and I will be visiting Hawaii(Oahu & Maui) in December. As
>inexperience travelers to your Beautiful Islands we have the following
>questions that we would really appreciate if we could get answers to.
>a. Is Hawaii Chilly in December?
If it does get chilly, mid-60s is about it. The weather hasn't been
that consistent over the past several years. I guess 70's-80's would
be average.
>b. Is there any good bookstores in Hawaii, eg. Waldenbooks etc.
I find that Barnes and Nobles in Kahala Mall as well as Border's in
Waikele is a good bookstore.
>c. My wife is also wondering if there are any Victoria Secrets outlet
>in Honolulu?
I'm not sure about this one although I have several friends who get
the catalog.
>d. Are the shops and tourist attractions open on Christmas eve and day?
Most of the major shopping centers are open on Christmas Eve but they
tend to close early in the day like about 4 or 5pm. On Christmas Day,
almost everything is closed. There might be some special tourist
attraction events among certain businesses.
>e. What other interesting places to visit besides Pearl Harbor,
>Waikiki, Pala, Haunama, Sea Life, etc.
Let's see, there are a lot...there is the Polynesian Cultural Center
in Lai`e, beaches ranging from Sandy's to Makapu'u, to Bellow's, Ala
Moana Beach, there is the Waikiki Aquarium, Waimea Falls Park, at
night, you might want to check out the Magic of Polynesia show at the
Hilton Hawaiian Village Dome. Oh, if you like hiking, you can hike up
Diamond Head or in Manoa but do be careful.
Well, have a great trip!
----------
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albert the panther
in...@timelesshawaii.com wrote:
: I find that Barnes and Nobles in Kahala Mall as well as Border's in
:Waikele is a good bookstore.
And Borders at Ward is likely to be more convenient to a visitor.
:On Christmas Day, almost everything is closed.
Not in Waikiki. Almost everything is open for business as usual.
As for other places to visit that weren't mentioned, the Aloha Tower
Marketplace should definitely be added to the list of fun places to
hang out.
George Bendo
In article <528vvo$f...@mochi.lava.net>, Paul <sur...@cyberway.com.sg> wrote:
>
>My family and I will be visiting Hawaii(Oahu & Maui) in December. As
>inexperience travelers to your Beautiful Islands we have the following
>questions that we would really appreciate if we could get answers to.
>
>a. Is Hawaii Chilly in December?
Nope. Because of water currents in the Pacific, Hawaii stays about 80 degrees
F all year round.
>b. Is there any good bookstores in Hawaii, eg. Waldenbooks etc.
Yep. 1 Border's, 1 Barnes & Nobles, a plethora of Waldenbooks, and a few
other decent book stores are all easily accessible in Honolulu. This doesn't
include the other stores scattered around the island.
>c. My wife is also wondering if there are any Victoria Secrets outlet
>in Honolulu?
I think so, but I don't immediately remeber where. Probably one in Waikiki
somewhere. If not a Victoria's Secret, then something closely resembling it.
>d. Are the shops and tourist attractions open on Christmas eve and day?
I haven't been around long enough to know, but I would say that, if you
consider many of the unglorified beaches and natural sites around Oahu to be
tourist attractions, then you'll have plenty of tourist attractions available.
If you'd rather go to attractions run by people which may require paying
admissions (not only the tourist type things, but also museums and some federal
and state parks), then those kinds of attractions will probably be closed or
will be operating Christmas specials for Christmas visitors. In particular, I
think Hanauma Bay and the Arizona Memorial will be closed.
As for shops, I imagine that all sorts of places are open on Christmas Eve
to sell to the last minute buyers. However, on Christmas Day, only places
in the hotels may be open, if at all. Just like on the mainland.
>e. What other interesting places to visit besides Pearl Harbor, Waikiki,
>Pala, Haunama, Sea Life, etc.
>
Okay, let's think of where I will be taking visitors...
Waikiki is rather glitzy and noisy. Many people call it urban (as opposed to
the humble residential areas outside of Waikiki). Waikiki is good to visit
to go look at the shops (you seem particularly interested in shopping for
books and lingerie), to go look at tourist stuff, and to go eat. However,
Waikiki's beaches are overrated. Most of the beaches are sand near the shore
and seaweed-covered rock (or coral) further out. Furthermore, the tourist
attractions may run rather high, and the sights in Waikiki are not
representative of the whole island. In other words, don't spend your entire
vacation there.
If you want to go swim or play with sand, I would recommend Ala Moana Beach
(just west of Waikiki) or Kailua Beach (on the Windward, or northeastern, side
of the island). These beaches aren't so rocky/seaweed filled.
If you surf, then quite a few beaches are available, as well as surfboard
rentals. Try off of Diamond Head for mild waves, or the North Shore for
really big waves. If you don't surf, stick to the area off the Waikiki beaches
and have someone show you how.
Sailboat rental is nearly nonexistant, but you can rent a small 1 or 2 person
kayak (not the same as used on North American rivers) from several locations
on Waikiki (be careful of big surf).
If you want to see fish, I'd recommend you go look for them in the ocean
rather than go to an aquarium, if you can snorkel or scuba or if you don't
mind learning to snorkel (you aren't going to pick up scuba in just one day).
Hanauma Bay is, of course, the best place to go, but a few other beaches offer
good snorkeling, including a few off of Diamond Head, a place called Shark's
Cove (no sharks, though), and a beach on the Leeward, or western, shore called
Electric Beach (lots of sharks here, but I've heard they don't eat people
terribly often). These sights will give you a better feel for what fish are
really like, especially since you're in with them in their natural environment.
However, you should avoid touching most of the creatures, especially the
coral, since many creatures are very sensitive (coral can die off just from
being touched) and many creatures have nasty defense mechanisms.
If swimming with the fishies makes you squeamish (it made me squeamish the
first time), try the Waikiki Aquarium or Sea Life Park.
For museums, go to the Polynesian Cultural Center (in that area where the
Windward Side becomes the North Shore), the Bishop Museum, or the Honolulu
Academy of the Arts. The first two museums should give you a good feel for
what Pacific culture is really like. The third location features a lot of
Asian works (mostly really rare Far East pottery) and a room full of works by
the great artists of the turn of the century, including one of the really
famous Gaugain paintings of Polynesian women.
For looking at the jungles, I would recommend going to several locations.
Tantalus, an area in the mountains to the north of Honolulu, features an
excellent sight of the entire city as well as lots of tropical rainforests
that can be seen from the car. A few trails also pass through the jungle
there. At the end of Manoa valley is the Manoa trail, which leads to the
Manoa Falls. The Pali and Likelike highways cut through the eastern mountain
range on Honolulu and offer beautiful sights of the mountains, although I
would recommend driving down the Old Pali highway, now a residential
sidestreet, since it passes through heavy tropical growth. The Pali Lookout,
on the Pali highway, provides an impressive view of the Windward side as well
as of the mountains and also offers trails for hiking. Be warned that the
hiking trails at any of these locations tend to be quite muddy.
The Arizona Memorial is a good place to visit, although it's very crowded.
Watch Tora-Tora-Tora before visiting the place. I think there's also a
submarine nearby that is open to the public (although they charge admission).
You will have to wait about 75 minutes before visiting the memorial itself.
What's left, what's left...
The rest of the Pearl Harbor area looks like an industrial complex and/or is
off limits. Don't dawdle there unless something special is going on.
Try simply driving around the whole island. That should provide a bit of
scenery.
All sorts of cruises and chartered boats go all sorts of places from all sorts
of places. You may want to look into those.
Go into some of the Oriental stores around town, just for the experience.
This would include the Cultural Center in the Downtown area, the Chinatown
area, and the Shikokiya department store in the Ala Moana mall.
>Would really appreciate if anyone could answer any of the questions for
>us. Thank you.
>
A couple bits of vacationing advice...
You don't need to spend money to have a good time. Chances are, you'll have a
better time at places where you don't spend much money at all. Try finding
some activities which are really cheap. (I know this is, in a way, speaking
out against the tourist industry, but it's what I've been doing since I got
here.)
Planning, in a way, seems to absorb too much energy from the vacation
experience. Plan out some things, of course (like which hotel you're going
to stay at and when you'll arrive and leave), but don't plan everything.
You may want to take one or more "free" days where you just go out and do
things spontaneously (with some precautions (swimsuits for swimming, money
for admissions, etc), of course).
George be...@ifa.hawaii.edu
Susan Jaworowski
Paul <sur...@cyberway.com.sg> wrote:
:a. Is Hawaii Chilly in December?
Not unless it rains. Even then, all you'd need would be a sweater.
:b. Is there any good bookstores in Hawaii, eg. Waldenbooks etc.
Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, Borders.
:c. My wife is also wondering if there are any Victoria Secrets outlet
:in Honolulu?
No, alas. <g>
:e. What other interesting places to visit
I would give Honolulu Timewalks a call and see if any of the historic
or ghost tours are available. I believe they have a website at
aaim.com
--Susan
Laurie Toyama
: > b. Is there any good bookstores in Hawaii, eg. Waldenbooks etc.
: Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, Borders.
Why does no one mention Honolulu Book Store (shop?)? Has it gone under?
Is HBS that bad compared to the mega-chains? (Tho' I must say I was quite
impressed with the Ward Centre Border's) While I'm a Walden's book club
card carrying member and I frequent B&N here on the mainland I like to
patronize Honolulu Book Store when I'm visiting home.
I think they have a great Hawaiian/Hawaiiana section. I always check
the Kailua store for the great children's books in the Hawaiian section.
They also have a very nice display at the entrance to the store that
highlights recent books by local authors and books on local topics.
(Still working my way thru Glen Grant's obake book, much too scary).
As far as other things to see/do, I second the recommendation for a
visit to the Bishop Museum. Don't forget to check out the Discovery
Hall while you're there. I've never been disappointed with their
hands-on exhibits. The presentation on Kaho'olawe that they had earlier
this year was very moving.
Check out the great web page for the Bishop Museum at:
<http://www.bishop.hawaii.org/>
I also recommend checking out the Hawaiian Astronomical Society web
page at: <http://haleakala.aloha.net/~prh/>. Hawai`i is a great
place to be to view the night sky.
Have fun!
***
Laurie Toyama Hewlett-Packard Company
R&D Engineer Integrated Circuits Business Division
lto...@dtc.hp.com 1501 Page Mill Rd. MS 6U-K
(415) 857-6443 Palo Alto, CA 94304
It has recently been discovered that research causes cancer in rats.
George Bendo
In article <52efoh$j...@mochi.lava.net>, Laurie Toyama <l...@dtc.hp.com> wrote:
>
>: > b. Is there any good bookstores in Hawaii, eg. Waldenbooks etc.
>
>: Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, Borders.
>
>Why does no one mention Honolulu Book Store (shop?)? Has it gone under?
>Is HBS that bad compared to the mega-chains? (Tho' I must say I was quite
>impressed with the Ward Centre Border's) While I'm a Walden's book club
>card carrying member and I frequent B&N here on the mainland I like to
>patronize Honolulu Book Store when I'm visiting home.
>
Since I'm a college student, I really care about the prices on books. Barnes
and Nobles and/or Borders offer good discounts on some of their books. The
Honolulu Book Store doesn't seem to offer these discounts. But that's
just my experience. I could very well be wrong.
>I also recommend checking out the Hawaiian Astronomical Society web
>page at: <http://haleakala.aloha.net/~prh/>. Hawai`i is a great
>place to be to view the night sky.
>
I'm also available to answer any astronomical questions at
be...@ifa.hawaii.edu (the ifa is for Institute for Astronomy).
George
albert the panther
Laurie Toyama wondered:
:Why does no one mention Honolulu Book Store (shop?)? Has it gone under?
No, it's still very much alive, but the downtown one has an extremely
limited selection compared to Borders and the Ala Moana one is so
cramped that I have always found it difficult to shop there.
Borders may be part of a "megachain" but their Ward store is a
first class operation. I was there last evening and was yet again
impressed by the hospitable atmosphere, the knowledgeable and
helpful staff, and the splendid selection of books and recordings.
They have made a special effort to be a "local" store.
Susan Jaworowski
pan...@lava.net (albert the panther) wrote:
:Laurie Toyama wondered:
I agree. I also like the Waikele store. A big plus for me is that
both of them, and to a lesser extent Barnes and Noble, offer free mini
concerts, including many by top local musicians.
Their hot chocolate isn't bad, either. <g>
--Susan
Mama Lani
: pan...@lava.net (albert the panther) wrote:
: > Borders may be part of a "megachain" but their Ward store is a
: > first class operation...
Susan Jaworowski <sus...@lava.net> wrote:
: I agree. I also like the Waikele store. A big plus for me is that
: both of them, and to a lesser extent Barnes and Noble, offer free mini
: concerts, including many by top local musicians.
They have quite a bit more than mini concerts. They have tons of readings
with authors.
*PLUG PLUG PLUG*!! The Hawaii Library Association is inviting famed
children's book author Rosemary Wells ("Max Goes Shopping," etc.) for our
upcoming conference in October. Borders (in Waikele, I *think*, but it
could be at Ward) is sponsoring a book signing with her. I'll post
details. :>
--
*Lani Teshima-Miller <la...@lava.net>: Unless otherwise stated, do not send*
*me commercial email. Your sending me unsolicited commercial email implies*
*your acceptance of the contract available for viewing in my .plan file. *
* Maintainer: Travelite FAQ; rec.arts.bodyart Tattoo (and other) FAQs *
Mama Lani
I like put in MY twopence, too. :>
In article <528vvo$f...@mochi.lava.net>,
Paul <sur...@cyberway.com.sg> wrote:
: a. Is Hawaii Chilly in December?
"Chilly" is very relative. Yes, it is chilly for an Australian.
I see from your address that you are in Singapore. Weather is probably
pretty close. I would bring a light sweater for cool evenings.
: b. Is there any good bookstores in Hawaii, eg. Waldenbooks etc.
What do you consider "good"? We have Borders as well as Barnes and Noble.
HOWEVER, I am one of those folks who is very very upset about the loss of
independent bookseller (who are now on the endangered species list).
Might I suggest you also try visiting Jelly's, Tusitala Bookstore in
Kailua, as well as all of our nice public library branches?
: c. My wife is also wondering if there are any Victoria Secrets outlet
: in Honolulu?
Not a one in the ENTIRE STATE. This, coming from a person who for some
reason keeps getting VS gift certificates from mainland relatives, and
who has to either shop mail order, or take the certificate with me to the
mainland. there is however, a Frederick's of Hollywood in Pealridge. BUT
if you're used to VS quality, it ain't even close.
: d. Are the shops and tourist attractions open on Christmas eve and day?
Yes. Sea Life Park is definitely open (skeleton crew, but). The Christmas
season is one of the BUSIEST tourist seasons for us, so you'll find
plenty to do.
: e. What other interesting places to visit besides Pearl Harbor,
: Waikiki, Pala, Haunama, Sea Life, etc.
Depends on what you like to do. I would recommend Bishop Museum, the
Aloha Stadium Flea Market, as well the Waikele Outlet Mall (esp if you
like shopping).
Mama Lani
: > : b. Is there any good bookstores in Hawaii, eg. Waldenbooks etc.
: > Waldenbooks, Barnes & Noble, Borders.
In article <52efoh$j...@mochi.lava.net>,
Laurie Toyama <l...@dtc.hp.com> wrote:
: Why does no one mention Honolulu Book Store (shop?)? Has it gone under?
: Is HBS that bad compared to the mega-chains? (Tho' I must say I was quite
: impressed with the Ward Centre Border's) While I'm a Walden's book club
: card carrying member and I frequent B&N here on the mainland I like to
: patronize Honolulu Book Store when I'm visiting home.
HBS has survived, at least in Ala Moana. HBS is the ONLY book store in
Ala Moana, so that helps. They have also seriously renovated. They don't
have claustrophobic aisles anymore. I am sure it was a direct result of
the mega stores.
Alas, Waldenbooks in Ward Warehouse has closed, about two months ago.
Couldn't make it with Borders right down the street.
With stores like Borders publically inviting students to study with their
for-sale books, places like Waldenbooks could no longer keep their "NO
READING" signs up, I guess.
albert the panther
Mama Lani wrote:
: With stores like Borders publically inviting students to study with their
: for-sale books, places like Waldenbooks could no longer keep their "NO
: READING" signs up, I guess.
And about time, too. First time I saw one of those signs in Waldenbooks,
I walked out, resolved never to set foot in one of their stores again.
I won't go to the State Library anymore either, because of the DO NOT
WALK ON THE GRASS signs they had out in front of it (where folks
used to sit on the grass and read books).
But for a real lover of books, gotta say that cellar downtown Honolulu,
just a few steps from the ugly new First Hawaiian building a-building,
was there long before Borders and always welcomed folks to sit down in a
big comfy chair and read all day if they wanted to.
The Book Cellar on Merchant Street.
Books are "used", like all the best books.
George Bendo
In article <52nqj1$t...@mochi.lava.net>, Mama Lani <la...@lava.net> wrote:
>Alas, Waldenbooks in Ward Warehouse has closed, about two months ago.
>Couldn't make it with Borders right down the street.
>
>With stores like Borders publically inviting students to study with their
>for-sale books, places like Waldenbooks could no longer keep their "NO
>READING" signs up, I guess.
>
Gee, I didn't know the Ward Warehouse Waldenbooks had closed. However, I
think there are still a few scattered across Oahu in locations such as
the Pearlridge Shopping Center (or is the Kahala Mall?), Hawaii Kai, and
somewhere in Waikiki.
While we're talking about bookstores, let's mention the UH Bookstore, which
has a decent selection of books, including books on Hawaiian stuff.
George be...@ifa.hawaii.edu
gi...@lava.net
In <52pdi4$6...@mochi.lava.net>, be...@kuiper.ifa.hawaii.edu (George Bendo) writes:
>
>In article <52nqj1$t...@mochi.lava.net>, Mama Lani <la...@lava.net> wrote:
>>Alas, Waldenbooks in Ward Warehouse has closed, about two months ago.
>>Couldn't make it with Borders right down the street.
I could be wrong here, but, I thought Border's parent company also owns Wal-
den Books....
//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\
gi...@lava.net
Not just one haole..... One crazy haole
There's a difference, you know..........
\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//
Helen Rapozo
be...@kuiper.ifa.hawaii.edu (George Bendo) writes:
>In article <52nqj1$t...@mochi.lava.net>, Mama Lani <la...@lava.net> wrote:
>>Alas, Waldenbooks in Ward Warehouse has closed, about two months ago.
>>Couldn't make it with Borders right down the street.
>>
>Gee, I didn't know the Ward Warehouse Waldenbooks had closed. However, I
>think there are still a few scattered across Oahu in locations such as
>the Pearlridge Shopping Center (or is the Kahala Mall?), Hawaii Kai, and
>somewhere in Waikiki.
*********
Was a shocker to me too when I to the Ward Warehouse to check
on Waldenbooks a couple of weeks ago. Waldens also has locations
at Pearlridge and Kahala, however there is a Barnes and Nobles
at Kahala too. If memory serves me right there are at least
3 Waldenbook stores that are pretty sizeable in the Waikiki area
plus another small scale store in Waikiki (magazines, bestsellers
and newspapers).
>
>While we're talking about bookstores, let's mention the UH Bookstore, which
>has a decent selection of books, including books on Hawaiian stuff.
>
Yeah and no need to pay tax too.
Honolulu Community College _^_ Safety tip #38: Never ask to
874 Dillingham Blvd. / \ be cooled off from a person
Honolulu, HI 96817 | | wielding a Super Soaker 175
Ph#: (808) 845-9202 | | at the end of a picnic, more
FAX#: (808) 845-9173 | | than likey it will be filled
cs_r...@hccadb.hcc.hawaii.edu /| |\ with water from an ice cooler!
he...@hcc.hawaii.edu |_|___|_|
aoki
In article <52efoh$j...@mochi.lava.net>,
Laurie Toyama <l...@dtc.hp.com> wrote:
: Why does no one mention Honolulu Book Store (shop?)? Has it gone
under?
And Lani Teshima-Miller replied:
>HBS has survived, at least in Ala Moana. HBS is the ONLY book store in
>Ala Moana, so that helps. They have also seriously renovated.
>Alas, Waldenbooks in Ward Warehouse has closed, about two months ago.
>Couldn't make it with Borders right down the street.
And it really didn't make sense for them. After all, Walden and Borders
are owned by the same conglomerate and share corporate headquarters in
Ann Arbor MI.
>With stores like Borders publically inviting students to study with their
>for-sale books, places like Waldenbooks could no longer keep their "NO
>READING" signs up, I guess.
Yes, Borders definitely brought a different vibe to the bookstore
market here. Browsing encouraged, curling up and reading in a corner is
okay, even if it means that a copy or two will be dog-eared; they
expect that and accomodate that in their marketing.
I do miss smaller boutique operations like Twin Moons Bookstores, but
really the main thing that I like about Borders is the attentive and
knowledgable service. imagine that: people who know what you're talking
about when you ask for a particular book; or if they don't know, they
at least try to look it up for you (not this "it just can't possibly
exist" look I get from Honolulu BookShop clerks when I make similar
requests....)