My second trip to Honolulu (on the company paycheck)

Up near the entrance of Hanauma Bay
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Hey everyone, it's Aaron (not lyndi)

I first got to visit Hawaii back in 2004, when my best friend, Jim, lived  in Waikiki, Oahu. I was really fortunate on that trip, because all of his new found friends there had lived on the island most of their lives. One definite advantage was that we got to see the "non-tourist" places on the island, however, this proved to be a double edged sword because for the most part, Hawaiians don't care too much for mainlanders. As a rule of thumb, but not as a generality, as long as you stick to the tourist hot spots, they love you because you provide a large amount of money that goes towards their economy, but venture off into the local bars, beaches, and stores, and you may get some very disturbing looks and threats. (I experienced first hand both times). Anyway, as long as you can throw that to the wayside, there are plenty of things to experience and enjoy in Honolulu.

Standing at the top of Diamond Head
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If you find yourself in the Waikiki area of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach is the obvious choice for an endless supply of sand, waves, people, and drinks that you chug out of hollowed out pineapples. The only problem with Waikiki Beach is that for anyone on a budget, this can prove VERY EXPENSIVE. Keep in mind that this is the major tourist destination for this island and it is lined with high cost hotels. I wish I could give some info on Hostels in this area, but thanks to my company, I got to stay at the Grand Hyatt right on the beach, so I was pampered for 5 days with my living conditions. Unfortunately, that is all that was paid for, so I was still on a budget as far as transportation and local libations.

Diamond Head as viewed from Waikiki Beach
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For transportation, there are two really inexpensive ways to get around. First, there is the bus line, which can run you all over the city for a very cheap price ($1-$3), and second, there is a trolley that runs about $2 that is a more scenic way to get around the city. For drinking in Waikiki, there are a lot of bars located in the hotels, but if you're looking for some great drink specials in a pretty cool atmosphere, there were 2 bars that really stood out: The Red Lion (located under the Hyatt Regency on Waikiki Beach- $2 mai tai's 12-7pm, and $2 beers on tap), and Kelly O' Neils (right around the corner, just ask any concierge at a hotel and they can tell you how to get there- Drink specials every day)

Lanikai Beach
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So now that I had gotten a good base burn (not tan), had a nice buzz going off of some $2 mai tai's (I'm usually a beer guy, but when in Rome...) it was time to do some snorkeling. From almost any Hostel and Hotel in Waikiki, you can get a tour company that will pick you up and take you back to and from Hanauma Bay, which has bar none some of the best snorkeling I have ever done. Each of these companies will charge anywhere from $15US-$25US for transportation both ways, snorkel, mask, and fin rental as well. Hanauma Bay was declared a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park in 1967, and to this day is one of the most visited attractions in Oahu. This is a great destination if you love snorkeling, or have never tried and would like to, as the tourist companies will prep you on the way up there, on how to use you mask, clean it out, and places to snorkel in the bay. I suggest you get there as early as you can (park opens at 6am), because depending on the day and season, it can get PACKED!!! If you can get there around 7 or 8am, you can get some prime real estate on the beautiful, crescent shaped beach that overlooks the bay with the mountains right behind you. Admission is just $5 for tourists, and it is good all day, so stay and snorkel as long as you want. Pack as if you would a day at the beach, just remember that they don't sell food and water on the beach, if you want any, you have to bring it yourself, otherwise make the 45 degree hike back up the road to the entrance, where there are vendors with extremely overpriced refreshments for the non-prepared beach-goers. Oh yeah, one other thing i forgot, mongooses are like squirrels in that area of Hawaii, they run all around, scavenge for food, but are really cool to see in the wild. With the huge influx of people on a day to day basis, they are always out and about by the parking lots and grassy areas near the entrance.

2004 Pro-Bowl in Hawaii, $80 a ticket and well worth the experience.
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Another fun thing to do in Waikiki is if you are into hiking, go visit Diamond Head. It is located south-east of Waikiki Beach and is a simple bus ride or 2 mile walk to the entrance (just ask anyone for directions, it's easy to find). Once you get there (i walked), admission is $2 and the hike itself takes around 30 minutes to get to the 760ft summit. Diamond Head is actually a Volcanic Cone that resembles a crater;  originally named Laeahi by the Hawaiian's, it was later named Diamond head by the British sailors in the 1800's when they mistakenly thought there were diamonds in the soil, which actually turned out to be calcite crystals in the  lava rock.  Once you get to the summit, any photographers will love the view as it overlooks the beach and the city of Waikiki.

Well, I feel like i've rambled on enough about very few things, but all in all, Hawaii is a fun destination that if you combine with staying in a hostel, doesn't have to be too expensive. Before I go, there are 2 other beaches that deserve merit, Lanikai (absolutely beautiful, non-touristy beach, w/ good snorkeling and  crystal clear water. Located on the east coast of Oahu), and Sharks Cove (named exactly for that, snorkeling is seasonal, due to it's location on the north shore with high waves in the winter, but many a sea turtle and white tip reef sharks frequent this area for your snorkeling enjoyment!)