Cruisin' Around the Island, Honolulu

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Rent a jeep and enjoy the Island in style. We took several trips to the Norht Shore area just to enjoy the oceanview drive up the coast. Stop along the way at one of the many local fruit stands and pick up a cup of iced cold pineapple!

ALI'I KAI CATAMARN DINNER CRUISE

Dine, dance and enjoy a Polynesian show on Ali'i Kai, the world's largest Polynesian catamaran. As Ali'i Kai carries you into the sunset along the Waikiki coast, take in Honolulu's city lights from its main deck and the bridge above. The Ali'i Kai crew is on hand to help everyone relax, have a good time, enjoy the well-prepared meal, and be entertained. On the main deck, enjoy Makahiki Dinner Buffet as dancers, chanters and drummers tell the story of the Polynesian islands. For a more intimate setting, choose the second deck Hale O Ke Kai Salon fine-dining salon, where you can enjoy table service and soft jazz. The Moonlight & Magic Combo adds the Magic of Polynesian show to the cruise for one low price. For information and reservations, call (808)-531-4000, ext. 5.

ATLANTIS CRUISES
Travel beyond Diamond Head aboard the high-tech ship that redefines comfort at sea. Navatek I has more entertainment, a bigger buffet and coastline views like no other. Built in Honolulu, Navatek I is an engineering marvel that revolutionized ocean travel by literally smoothing wave action in rough seas. It's advanced technology assures passengers of a comfortable, stable and smooth ride. Air-conditioned dining rooms, outdoor decks and a spacious observation deck make Navatek I the perfect way to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner cruises off Oahu's scenic south shore. For details, call (808) 973-1311 or visit their web site at: www.atlantisadventures.com.

MAITA'I CATAMARAN
Imagine stepping off the sand of Waikiki beach and climbing aboard an ultra-sleek, 44-foot, twin-hulled catamaran for a speedy sail off Diamond Head. Maita'i Catamaran was specifically designed for Oahu waters and can reach speeds for 20 knots. It offers passengers comfortable seats, a CD sound system, safety nets for sunbathing, and restrooms. Four sails are offered daily, look for the Maita'i on the beach between the Sheraton Waikiki and the Halekulani or, call (808) 922-5665.

"SASHIMI" FUN FISHING
Here's the kind of sunset cruise for the sportsman who wants more than a sit-down dinner and a drink with an umbrella. Climb aboard either their 47' Delta or 57' Catamaran for a four-hour sunset bottom-fishing adventure in search of mackerel, snapper, akule, and more. Rod, tackle and bait, a Local Style BBQ, and Waikiki transportation are included. If you want to see a different side of Hawaii'd nightlife, try going on Sashimi's Midnight Shark Hunt. Call (808) 955-FISH (3474).

STAR OF HONOLULU
Set sail on a morning Deluxe Coastal Cruise aboard the Star of Honolulu. Offering the perfect cruise value for families, this scenic Hawaiian culture cruise features a continental breakfast and lunch buffet, Hawaiian entertainment and activities, narration on Hawaii's lore, and the best views of the Battleship Missouri and Arizona Memorials and the Waikiki coastline.

Sunset Dinner Cruises depart nightly from the harbor in front of Aloha Tower Marketplace. Three nightly cruises feature an array of dining and entertainment experiences, with delicious menus of filet steak and seafood, exciting new shows, and beautiful views of Waikiki's coastline and Hawaii's vibrant sunsets. Call (808) 983-STAR for details. Or visit their web site at: www.starofhonolulu.com.

To be honest, my impression is that most people who go to Waikiki miss pretty much everything there is to see on the island that you can't take a tour bus too. But that's especially true of the west shore, which has a bad reputation as a place 'rich' tourists get robbed by the local population. Basically the ass-end of the island, the west shore has few tourist facilities, and lots of locals living in poor housing and driving beaten-up old pick-ups. It also has some of the nicest-looking, quietest beaches on the island. I suspect that the locals exaggerate the danger to mainland tourists in order to keep the beaches for themselves, and who can blame them? The character of land is different to the area round Honolulu, because this is the dry leeward side of Oahu, and it shows. Definitely worth a drive out just to check out the scenary, or perhaps visit the beaches and do some snorkeling. Just to be on the safe side, don't leave anything valuable in your car, and try to avoid getting out of your car when there's anyone else around unless you're in a very public place... just kidding... sort of.

Unless you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a tourist made spot, I would recommend venturing out of Honolulu and Waikiki to see the 'real' Hawaii... north shore for the famous surf breaks and the interior land for the lush forests and hiking escapes.

*Photo of Fort De Russy and hotels in Honolulu from my accommodation*

If you have a rental car, be sure to take the time to explore the rest of the Island. The waves on the NorthShore are what the world comes here for. Take you time, stop when the mood hits you, and you'll discover some great people and places.

Drive around the Island. Well, its all beaten path and I don't think you will get many surprises, but it's good to come out of the city. Also, the other islands are supposed to be far more exotic, but I did'nt have the time.

On the windward side, the mountains are covered with lush vegetation. The trade winds bring lots of rain, and if you´re 'lucky' (like we were in 2000), you´ll have lots of it here. Then again, a few years ago we had the most brilliant weather. Sheer chance.....!