Hawaii bound
 

Going to Hawaii next month for a week with our daughter and her family.. What are the MUST see places and things to do? I plan on quilt shops, of course, and snorkeling... anybody have favorite things to see and do? I would like for this to be relaxing vacation... thanks in advance...

We use the website Tripadvisor a lot when traveling. It has info on sites and lodging and reviews by visitors as well. You do have to realize these are other people's views which may differ from yours. A good example was the reviews we read about a Best Western that was a little off the beaten path I guess you could say. It had all great reviews except for one which you could tell was written by someone younger, maybe college age. It complained owner wanted to charge him extra when he brought 2 extra friends (total 4 people) when he had made reservation for 2. He arrived very late, a friend threw a drink in parking lot, they yelled and couldn't believe owner threatened to call police, etc... You probably get the idea. Anyhow, we decided it was probably a good place to stay and quiet because owner didn't put up with any nonsense. It turned out to be a very good choice.

You can also ask questions on the forum and there are some very helpful people out there willing to give their advice. Also search questions already asked and you may just find your answers posted already. When we travel, we all often have similar questions.

my favorite was visiting the pearl harbor memorial... very moving

I agree with the Pearl Harbor visit as it is touching. I've been privileged to go to Hawaii twice. Both times we visited other islands. They are all so different. IMHO if you visit only in Honolulu, you've missed much! Study and read about the places and choose according to your preferences and those of your family, of course.
Marcia

Ditto the visit to Pearl Harbor! That was undoubtably the most profound part of our trip to Hawaii last year andi will visit it again when we go back. We went out on a catamaran...that was really fun. Also went whale watching but didn't see any. We were there for just a few days (DH was there for work). When we go back we will also go to Maui. We absolutely LOVED our trip...the fact that it was snowy and cold back home probably made us love it even more!

What island(s) are you going to-??

snorkeling at Hanauma bay, Polynesian cultural center, pearl harbor memorial

When we had a 2 day stopover in Hawaii on our return from our USAF assignment in Guam we rented a car so we could drive around the island and stop wherever we saw something interesting. There was also a visitors guide that we were given which listed sites to visit along the way. Since we were traveling with small children, we did not visit the historical sites which I would have greatly enjoyed, but we did spend a very enjoyable afternoon at Paradise Park. I don't know if it is still there as this was over 30 years ago, but it was a fun tropical zoo / amusement park for both adults and children.

Still wanting to go back on an adults only visit!

There are the popular things like the Arizona Memorial, etc. If I were to go back, the first place I'd go is Anna Millers Restaraunt, in Pearl City. It is fantastic and the best strawberry pie ever. I don't know if its still there but I'd also love to go to the colisium on the weekend and they have a big flea market there. Best place to get your "tourist" souvineers.

I'd also love to go to Germains Loau, its the best on the island. Sea life park is also great. Most people go there and spend thier time in Honolulu but if you get out and drive you can go to Diamond Head, Bellows Beach is up on the mountain and its fantastic. Yes, I really miss it, I lived there for 6 yrs and would go back in a heart beat.

You are in for a real treat!! My parents-in-law sent us on our honeymoon (38 years ago) and my DH has always (sort of) joked that we're just visiting here (OK), waiting to go back home...

Definitely see the Pearl Harbor memorial... and if possible, visit at least one other island... but no matter what you do, you will enjoy the visit immensely!! ALOHA!!