Heading to MVC Ko olina next week

[KevSki]

First time we've been there. Going to see Pearl Harbor on a tour. Anybody got any recommendations, cruises, golf, etc?

 

[mjm1]

The Arizona Memorial is being repaired so you can’t go out onto it. However, the rest of the memorial which includes exhibits and a good short movie of the attack are still open. You can also tour the Missouri, on which the treaty was signed, and the Pacific Air Museum.

We enjoyed the sunset cruise with Hawaii Nautical. You can sign up at the resort. Golf at Ko Olina is also good, but expensive. We enjoy driving to the north shore and having lunch at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. For a hike, drive to Diamond Head and hike up to the old WWII gun turret at the top. Great view of Waikiki and the coast.

These are just a sample of things to do. Have a great time.

Best regards.

Mike

 

[ljmiii]

You didn't mention if this is your first time to Oahu or to Ko Olina or what time of year you will be going. That said...

Million things to do on Oahu...just most of them are on the other side of the island. As mjm1 mentioned the Diamond Head hike is completely worth it. Go the first day (while you are still on mainland time) and get there as early as possible. It is a gradual uphill hike with seating every now and then - my parents and mother-in-law were in their 70s when they made the hike the last time they came with us to Oahu. Grab a 'to go' breakfast at the Diamond Head Market (the scones in particular are delicious) and then visit Honolulu for a dose of Hawaiiana - Iolani Palace, Queen Emma, Bishop Museum, Spalding House, etc. Get a great lunch in there somewhere.

Another day visit the North Shore and in summer enjoy the beaches...or in winter watch the surfers. You can take the quick trip to Haleiwa and enjoy the beaches, shops, and eats or take the 'circle tour' - Haleiwa, Waimea Valley, Surfing Beaches (in season), Turtle Bay (beaches and golf), Kahuku (Shrimp, shrimp, more shrimp...and golf), Laie (and the Polynesian Cultural Center), Kualoa Park (and Chinaman's Hat), and then back on H3 or Hwy 61 via the Pali Lookout.

Lastly, the restaurants in Ko Olina aren't that great - particularly from a value standpoint. We did have a wonderful light dinner accompanied by music and torchlight at The Olelo Room at Aulani. That said, Monkeypod is probably the best of the 'nice' restaurants and Longhi's (onsite) was not bad either. Avoid Longboards...unless you stick to burgers and beer. But your best choice is to go into Kapolei which has many great restaurants...we're particularly fond of the Plantation Tavern.

 

[brianfox]

For a snorkel criose, I recommend Captain Bob's Sandbar Snorkel in Kaneohe. They won't pick up from Ko Olina because it's on the opposite side of the island, so you need to drive (or Uber?). The drive there via the H3 is breathtaking. We've done this snorkel cruise at at least 8 times in our travels and love it every time. Playing volleyball on the sandbar during the picnic portion is a lot of fun. If you do drive out there, make sure to give yourself enough time, because H1 traffic can be awful in the morning.

 

[mjm1]

Another spot I forgot to mention, especially since you want to see Pearl Harbor, is the Punch Bowl Military Cemetary. It is just inland from Honolulu and has a nice view over Honolulu, Waikiki and Diamond Head. There are some very nice murals of the operations in the Pacific on the walls of the buildings there. Definitely worth a visit.

For dinner, MonkeyPod in the small strip mall in Ko Olina has a good Happy Hour with 50% off some appetizers and $10 pizzas.

Best regards.

Mike

 

[PaulaC]

A favorite dining spot for us is Roy's outside, especially at sunset.