Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hagwonnewbie]

I have a couple days in Oahu Hawaii coming up. Has anyone been there before? I trying to get some suggestions for cheap things to do, places to stay, etc

[Moldy Rutabaga]

I lived on the big island for a while but I am not a great fan of Oahu. It is expensive because of all the Japanese tourists, and Honolulu itself can be seedy in places. The last time I was there I stayed in a hotel a few miles west of Waikiki, and I think it was about $100 a night. That's not too bad for the area. You might try an area like that, which would let you walk or bus it to Waikiki to look around the beach or sign up for a luau. If others on this forum have stayed elsewhere on the island perhaps they can chime in.

Ken:>

[hagwonnewbie]

I'll probably stay with a friend, but I was wondering what the best things to do are. I'm planning on doing some hiking and spending time on the beach. Any recommendaions on local foods, markets, or restaurants?

[YLWRocketMan]

I lived in Honolulu for 2 years, here's a few places i like:
Rainbow Drive In - right near Waikiki on Kapahulu Ave. Great Hawaiian plate lunches.
Makapu'u Beach - my favorite beach, about an hour bus ride from Waikiki, out past Hawaii Kai. Very scenic, less crowded
Diamond Head Crator - Hike up to the top, it's pretty touristy, but the view is amazing.
Just hanging out in Waikiki is exciting because of all the action going on, but it's super touristy. If you dont like the touristy stuff just get out to one of the other beaches around the island.

[davai!]

If you're really looking to go cheap, or fly in late or out early, try the Shower Tree Motel on Nimitz Hwy. It is a short walk from the airport (turn right on Nimitz -the double decker roadway in front of the airport, go about 100 yards.)

It is about 35 bucks for a single. They have no website, so you'll have to call them. 808 833 1411. The rooms aren't really rooms, they are open on top and you can hear everything.

Good luck in your search.

[warmachinenkorea]

I have been looking into teaching in HI. Just curious of what it's like living? Expenses and things.

[AllisonL]

you are flying to oahu from korea just for a couple days?

[hagwonnewbie]

I'm flying roundtrip to the US, so I thought I'd stop on the island on the way back to see some friends. It was the same price as a regular roundtrip.

[Seoul Dancer]

If you want a calm, beautiful beach I suggest Lanikai beach. From waikiki/honolulu just take the bus over the mountain (about 20 min) and it will take you to Kailua Beach Park (Kailua Beach is also lovely, and a few more people tend to be there if that appeals to you). If you keep walking up the water (or the road) a little ways you will get to Lanikai.

The North Shore is of course a must see. Because of the time of year the waves aren't going to be 50ft or anything, but it's still wonderful and a different feel from the rest of the island. It will take a little more than an hour to get there, but it's totally worth it.

For nightlife events you can keep your eye on www.hnlnow.com because they do a pretty good job of keeping up with what's going on.

If you want one night at a nice restaurant with Great food and ambiance, you have to go to Ninniku-ya in Kaimuki (it's about 2 miles from Waikiki). It's open every night except Monday, just call 808-735-0784 earlier in the day to make a reservation.

Keo's is the best Thai restaurant there, located on the edge of Waikiki 808-951-9355.

If you're looking for cheap you will also see small fast food sushi places like Zen Sushi where you can get some maki for just a dollar or two. It's not deluxe, but if your in the mood and on a budget it hits the spot.

There's some nice waterfall hikes there, but I'm just going to give you a website that has directions instead of describing the different paths myself^^ http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/366375/hawaii_waterfall_hikes_on_the_island.html?cat=16

There are some hostels in Waikiki, and there's always the YMCA if you are looking to stay somewhere cheaper... but you mentioned you can stay with a friend so that is probably better.

I would also recommend going to a Kava bar some time and trying some Kava. Since you have a friend living there they should be able to point you to a close one.

Also it's handy to know that you can call the bus at 808-848-5555 from anywhere on the island. Just tell the operator where you are and where you want to go, and they will tell you what buses you need to take. It makes getting around really easy, although remember that some buses stop running around 10pm, some later...

Good luck, and I hope you have a great trip!

[hagwonnewbie]

Thanks for the tips. My friend lives in Kailua, so I imagine I'll spend most of my time at the beaches there.

I'm debating whether I should rent a car while I'm there because I'd like go hiking on the north part of the island.

I found some trail info here:
http://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/island.php?island=Oahu

[Kikomom]