Stepping out of the airport in Honolulu you'd think that you were in some tropical island on the Japanese archipelago.

JAPANESE TOURISTS EVERYWHERE. (and i'm

not exaggerating)

To get from the airport to your hotel there are several options for transportation, one of the cheaper options is to take a shuttle bus. Robert's Hawaii is a great shuttle service that can get you to your waikiki residence.

At first glance Waikiki beach looks exactly like your average Hawaii postcard. There are: coconut and palm trees lining the streets, a stretch of white sand, surf boards and surfers everywhere, and luxury hotels in all corners vying for the best beach front view. Not to be missed is the Rodeo Drive like street of high end shops that cater to anyone wanting to buy luxury items with only 4% tax! ( i.e. the japanese toursits). If you look oriental be ready to be spoken to in Japanese in any of the shops you step into.

One of the most toursity things you could do in Hawaii is to attend a Luau where you can eat as much as you want and more importantly drink as much as you want. As our tourgiude/ group leader/ bus driver explained... a Luau is a party and you can get as drunk as you want to off the free Maitais  since  they'd be driving you home. 

Well organized and held in a beautiful location, the Luau was a great way to start off our 2 week Hawaiian vacation. The huge buffet introduces you to Hawaiian cuisine and the live entertainment (think a lot of different... yet same, hula dances) gives you the hollywood version of the islands. You can get lei'd a couple of times, get fake tattoos done, get a crown of flowers for your hair, and dozens of pictures sold to you for around 15-20 dollars (!!!! so bring your own camera).

Again, if you're visiting Hawaii one of the most toursity things you could do is to attend a Luau.

If I EVER had the chance to live in Hawaii I'd live in the North Shore. Quaint little town with huge stretches of white sand beaches and tons of ocean front houses to choose from, it's definitely what I imagined Hawaii to be like.

North Shore is a lot more laid back than Waikiki and the beaches a lot more private. There's actually enough SPACE to lay down your beach towel and sun bathe without bumping into the next bikini clad person (or block anyone else's sun).

Rent out a car, a convertible if you can splurge, and drive to the North Shore. Go all the way to Turtle Bay and just make random stops at various beaches along the way.

This is my idea of paradise.

At one end of Waikiki beach is an old volcano crater called Diamond Head. To get to the very to of the crater rim requires a 45 minute hike up a trail and I think 200 steps (?) It's an OK hike but if you're not a very athletic person, like me, be prepared to sweat and huff your way up. But the view that you get from the very top is well worth the exercise. Incredible views of Waikiki beach and Hanauma Bay can be seen from a viewing deck at the very top. You could also purchase a little certificate stating that you made it to the top! ( Yes, they think of all the things they can sell to tourists)

As a side note: Interesting people watching can be done during the hike--> yes, that's a tiny Asian woman hiking up the trail in her heels and yes she can make it up to the top without breaking a sweat. ><

No trip is complete without eating at the best dining locations around town (at least it isn't for me and my family)

Some good places we've tried on our trip:

Ono's Hawaiian Restaurant-- Tiny little place that seats approximately 20 people (maybe even less) and is run by an elderly lady, Ono's serves hawaiian food family style! There's a no reservations policy and 2 long benches outside where people can wait to be seated. Everyone must try the pork! I think it's called Kalua Pig (?) and all Hawaiian's would make you try the Poi, which is tasteless and bland but nonetheless served in all Hawaiian restaurants as a substitute for rice.

The Pineapple Room-- This place is a little pricey and can be found inside Macy's Ala Moana. Great food from I guess a well known Hawaiian Chef. Favorite Dish=> all the appetizers! try the raw Ahi Tuna with the great wasabi sauce!

Jimbo's-- My favorite restaurant on the entire trip. Great great great Japanese food (which really isn't hard to find in Hawaii). They're known for their home made udon which is pretty much served with almost everything on the menu (side dish or as the main dish). Try the Saba (Mackarel) or their soba served hot or cold. If you're a little adventurous try the stone pot Unagi (eel) that can be eaten two or three different ways.

Surfrider Hotel's Beachside cafe-- Lovely historical hotel with great ocean front views. The Beach side cafe offers veranda seatings for great views of the ocean while enjoying your meal. Food is Asian fused with European style cooking. Try the Ahi tuna cooked tempura style.

Matsumoto's Shaved Ice-- North shore shop that sells souveniers, matsumoto merchandise and apparently the best shaved ice in hawaii. I personally can't distinguish good shaved ice from bad but it's worth going to just to say that you've tried the same shaved ice as all these hollywood, surfing and japanese stars ( pictures plastered all over the place... think Tom Hanks filming cast away).

Nobu-- Finally able to eat at this restaurant and of all places in Hawaii. Great tasting fresh fish (black cod!) and sashimi. Yellowfin Tuna sashimi with yuzu sauce and jalapeno slices== heaven and a must try for raw fish eaters. Expensive and trendy and located across the 5 star hotels on Waikiki.

Bubbie's!!!-- If you like Mochi Ice Cream come to Bubbie's. It's the same brand they serve in Nobu for dessert ( Nobu price-> 3 for $10 , Bubbie's price 12 for $10). The nearest shop is located next to the University so it opens til late and has a wide selection of flavors to choose from. My favorite= the red bean/ Azuki flavored one!

Giovanni's-- North Shore eatery that serves ridiculously good garlic shrip (ridiculously showered with butter too...). They serve you garlic shrip on a paper plate right out of their little kitchen van. Take your shrimp and sit at one of the picnic tables in the shade.