I received a message asking for my advice on planning a vacation to Waikiki. It’s for seven days and six nights for about nine people. As a local, I don’t often think about what I’d do on a vacation to Hawaii since I’m already living here, but it’s an interesting question. I’d also recommend checking out @The Hawaii Vacation Guide for more ideas and tips on a Hawaii vacation.
Intro – 0:00
Where to buy an authentic Hawaiian aloha shirt in Waikiki – 1:06
Souvenir stores and shopping centers in Waikiki – 3:03
Best way to get souvenirs back home from Hawaii – 5:09
How much spending money to bring to Hawaii – 6:45
Things to Do to Relax and Experience Hawaiian Culture – 9:41
Closing – 13:52
Filmed using the Panasonic VX1.
#hellofromhawaii
#hawaii
#waikikivacation
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21 Comments
Mahalo for the great suggestions in the comments. Hope this video, as well as the suggestions in the comments, are helpful π€
Off topic but newest video so small kine favor.
Embarrassing question but please reply. Anyone really. My family and I were forced to move from Hawaii living there my entire life due to financial reasons (just cannot afford anymore) to mainland, Texas specifically. but eventually I plan to return alone fully expecting to become homeless.
Where would I be safest in such an endeavor without a vehicle? Any advice is welcome. I cannot be homeless in the mainland due to the extreme weather we have encountered. As a Hawaii born and raised boy I'm not built for this terrain.
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…another awesome video, Chris!
We normally make a stop at Walmart to buy macadamia nuts, chocolates, etcβ¦.itβs almost half as expensive as the ABC stores
Aloha Stadium swap meet is a fun place to find souvenirs as well
You definitely need to budget for your spending, but I wouldn't bring too much cash. Sadly, crime here (just like anywhere) is a fact of life. Many places do take credit/debit cards. Quite a few will take Apple or Google Pay. And I think most ATM networks have machines here. Bottom line, while it's Hawaii and it's remote, it's still very much a part of the United States. You can manage here the same way you'd manage a "staycation" in your own town.
Just a note: While Pearl Harbor is a good place to visit, it's a place of United States history. It's "Hawaiian" only in the sense that things happened there.
What happened to the green grass that we used to slide down on?? π€πΎπ€πΎ
Not overscheduling is a great tip!
Also check out eco-town in Ala moana! They have a lot of preloved nicer branded aloha shirts
Maybe mo den $20 per meal fo eating out cuz plate lunches including tip are costing dat now on Big Island. π§
Does your hat/cap say aloha upside down
As always, great and timeless advice to share with a wonderful perspective. I am loving all the comments with more travel advice!
Aloha Shirts: "Eco Town" in Ala Moana mall (easy to get to from Waikiki) has excellent used aloha shirts by Reyn Spooner, Kahala, Tori Richard, etc around $20-50- great spot to find like-new high quality shirts at less than half price of new. Some even have tags still on!
Biggest tip on Hawaii, especially with a larger group – rent a house or couple of condos (timeshares, private condos) and also plan on cooking things at 'home'
Pearl Harbor is free! Do the North Shore, hike Diamond Head, try malasadas at Leonard's, try the west shore, try the east shore. Lots to do
do u ever get sick of living in hawaii?
I just came back from 7 days vacation in Oahu and this is my little summary. Ohau is pretty much perfect in every way but the beauties are only superficial. The beaches, especially Kailua beach, are the most beautiful beaches in the world. The mountains are some of the most majestic and ancient mountains you ever see. Waterfalls, Botanical gardens are all amazing. The stores at the North shores and the East side look like they are stuck in the 1960s. But once you step inside, they are selling the same made in China touristy things every where. If you don't like going to the beach, other activities would cost you almost $1k for a family of 4 for each one activity. Most things from the Dole plantation are not even made in Oahu. The dry pineapple snacks are from Thailand and the Philippines. The homeless people are a major problem in Oahu. I went to Waikiki beach early in the morning and there are homeless people everywhere. Oahu makes so much money from tourism, how come they can't help the homeless people. I feel like the only economy in the island is just tourism. The people that live in Oahu are the nicest people I have ever meet anywhere in the world. I haven't meet a single mean person during the 7 days. I only realized I came back to the mainland when I tried to ask an airport worker a question after I have landed in the mainland and she literally said "Don't ask me anything, go find another person." She is on the phone texting.
My husband and I just got back from 6 day vacation from Oahu.
1. We spent around $500 on activities to do for the 6 days. This includes, Pearl Harbor passport pass, star of honolulu cruise, diamond head hike, cat cafe in waikiki, rental car for 2 days, and hula show.
2. We brought $300 in cash for spending money while there and didnt even spend it all.
3. Food cost us around $400. This includes drinks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are some places cost less than $20 for a meal but there wasn't a lot if you include tip. I would do $30 per person for food. Always cheaper to get outside of waikiki.
Good tips for the tourist, brah. Hope you don't mind we shared this video on our FB page. Mahalo!
Credit card or debit card for purchases is best.