Visiting Oahu, Don't want to be a "tourist"

OK, Gonna be on Oahu for a week at the end of this month for work. Don't want to be a typical tourist and hit all the typical tourist spots. Would rather get some local advice for good places to eat and what I "must see and do" while there. Any advice?

 

Rent a convertible, buy some lunch at grocery store for Punic, cheap styrofoam cooler for beer, drive around the island.
My wife and I watched the surfers on the N side, perfect time in Oct.
The Dole plantation, might be gone, we went horseback riding. We did this on our last day before 10:00 flight back to Chicago.
Pearl Harbor Memorial is also a must...

 

You just described what he doesn’t want. That’s a perfect description of a tourist.

 

You forgot to mention the hula shows and haiwaii shirt I think...

 

You might find something for your taste buds here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oahu-grindz-test-your-taste-buds.277984/

As far as "must see or do"? Not sure what you are into but here are view things off the the top of my head:

Hikes:
Koko Head - Short but steep
Lanikai Pill Boxes - nice little hike with great views of the eastside
Makapuu Light House Trail - paved and easy (can get crowded/touristy)

Lots of other hikes that can be challenging to say the least. Diamond Head and Manoa Falls are probably what one would refer to as "typical tourist spots".

(Edit: Not saying they are not fun. But since they are easy and close to Waikiki, they are usually on everyone's list.)

Lookouts/views (all super to fairly easy to get to):
Spitting Caves
Makapuu Lookout
Tantalus

Other things:
I think taking a drive along Ka Iwi Coast and up the eastside to North Shore is definitely worth it. Bunch of food trucks along the way. Check out Haleiwa if you are up there. Lots of little shops and food spots.

If you are a good swimmer you can swim with dolphins in the wild for free off the westside (Electric Beach)... or you can pay $150+ to be shuttled and escorted.

Lots of stuff to do... really depends what yo are into. Either way... be safe and have fun.

 

hahaha !

 

Stay away from Waikiki restaurants. All over rated and over priced. Skip the $30+ hotel breakfast unless you got the rooom+ bkfst deal.
Look into Yelp. It gives you tons of recommendations. If you're bring your gf or wife, NO MATCHING ALOHA attire. Seriously.
Go to Ala Moana Shopping Center for shopping. There's food courts there. Stay away from Waikiki stores.
For history of Hawaii and Polynesian islands, go to the Bishop Museum and Polynesian Cultural Center . PCC is an ALL DAY affair from morning to dinner buffet then show. Most tourist places like PCC, Hanauma Bay , North Shore has shuttle service which would make it easy. Some days are pscked with cars and hard to find parking. If you plan on going Hanauma Bay, highly recommended you take a shuttle. Most days the lot is full and parking is closed. There are no other parking near by.
When driving and someone slows down to let you merge, give the "shaka" . We all appreciate it.
Again , Yelp gives you lots of ideas AND to avoid.

You're probably staying in Waikiki so the beach is right there.
Know your limit in the water. We all want you home safe.

Also, like any place, there are criminals. Don't leave anything valuable in the car.

 

Come out to the east side. Kaneohe. The ahuimanu loop trail is beautiful over looking Kaneohe bay. Kualoa ranch is pretty cool place to visit a lot movies have been filmed there. There’s a lot of good niche food places to eat in Kailua but if your looking for more local style places to eat check the thread that was posted.

 

All depends on what you like to do and what type of food you’re looking for.

 

My work is at MCB Kaneohe Bay so I'll definitely be over that way.

 

As far a food goes I always like to try the local flavor. No reason to eat the same old thing when traveling. I avoid chains like the plague.

As far as sightseeing and activities I pretty much need to stick with stuff I can do after working hours. Way between 4 and 10 PM.

 

Go over to Kailua. Try boots and kimos for breakfast, if you feeling adventurous and want to eat some poke (raw fish) try hibachi or fresh catch in Kaneohe.

If you golf, you gotta try and get out at klipper. It’s the course on Kbay, some of the nicest views you’ll find on a golf course.

 

Oahu is tourist island!!! Get on a plane and check out Big Island, Maui, Kauai...the TRUE HAWAII

 

Would love to do that but my work is on Oahu and time won't permit doing anything other than getting a bit of the local flavor after working hours.

 

Your options are going to be limited then. Sunset is around 6:15PM right now but since you are behind the Koolau mountain range, it gets darker even earlier over there.

Since you’ll be on base, I was thinking you might be able to catch a ride with someone going to the sandbar. They have pontoon boats that they rent. But again... 4pm might be too late.

 

Update: My wife is now coming with me so I'm told that we will be doing some tourist stuff...

What the best deal on a Luau?

 

Here’s the best prices you’re going to get. https://jbphh.greatlifehawaii.com/modules/media/?do=download&id=2fb1bce7-5873-4c53-95cc-a638ee476ac1

 

Thanks Brother! Of the choices, which would you send someone to?

 

Kinda depends on how far you mind driving or being driven.
I think most people would probably rank Paradise Cove and Germaines at the top of the list. Both are at the southwest corner of the island (Koolina).

 

We're staying at Waikiki so I wouldn't mind something close to that but if the "better" luaus are a ride then I'm not opposed to it. I see that Germaines offers a shuttle, may be the way to go since we'll likely have a few drinks. That is of course unless one of Y'all wanna come give us a ride...