Paradise: Not quite, but close (Honolulu)

Member Name: rebenectomy

Product:	Honolulu
Date:	03/08/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful beaches and counrtyside

Disadvantages: Expensive and crowded. At times tacky.

Oahu: Honolulu/Waikiki/North Shore (visited 2008)

With some of the most remarkable beaches, a strong Polynesian heritage and some breathtaking countryside/rainforest it is easy to romanticize Hawaii, but like anywhere you go in the world, the reality is often far from the picture post card image you have in mind. That's not to say that Oahu (Hawaii third largest but most commercialized island) isn't without it's beauty and charm, far from it - there are aspects of the island that are simply fantastic, but there is also a number of things that should be noted for those seeking 'paradise'.

Firstly, Waikiki Beach may be world famous, but suffers someone what for it. It can get incredibly busy in the afternoon and especially at any holiday time. This makes finding a quiet spot difficult. To refer to it as a surfers beach is a misconception. It may be fine for beginners (providing you go early enough in the morning), but there are lots of annoying rocks underfoot and any real water activity is hindered by sheer volume of people. Talk to a few locals and they will point you in the right direction for more secluded beaches and for surfing there is always the historic North Shore (about an hours drive).

The North Shore is possibly one of the highlights of the island and I would urge anyone visit this part of Hawaii to take the opportunity to visit there. A bus ticket was at the time of my visit only $2. There is a market place with plenty of bars and eateries and some great surf shops and museums. The beaches are quiet and unspoiled and as Hawaii has a public beach policy, are open to all - though at the height of the winter surf season (November through March) the area will get busy. I would also recommend visiting Pearl Harbor which is an interesting and respectful memorial to the WW2 dead, and Hanauma Bay for great snorkeling. A few people recommended a traditional luau which I tried, but although the stage show was entertaining, the food was of poor standard and the whole thing felt very tacky.

Waikiki and Honolulu are very tourist orientated areas and as a result very expensive in comparison to the rest of the islands and the mainland United States. You'll also find that due to Hawaii's depleting agriculture and manufacturing industries, things like food, drink souvenirs etc are hugely overpriced (milk and dairy especially), with a growing number of 'authentic' produce and products being imported from Asia. Anyone wanting to take home any island pottery, art or crafts should heed this and check where the item was made. The Pineapple fields that were once Oahu's crowning glory are disappearing, with the Dole plantation little more than an extended Gift Shop, though worth a look if you're in the area anyway. As a result of these economic problems there is a growing social divide that is becoming more and more difficult to hide from the tourist trail. Make-shift shanty towns and homelessness are starkly apparent just outside Waikiki and Honolulu Centres, especially in areas with high levels of immigration, and are in unavoidable contrast to some of the opulent and gaudy hostels and mansions owned by the wealthy. While this should be no means put you off, it's worth noting.

One more thing of note should be that Hawaii, Oahu in particular, has very strict public smoking and drinking laws which should be observed. Also, do not be surprised at the willingness of some people to lecture you on these particular vices, whether you are in breach of the bi-laws or not. That said, the locals are on the whole a credit to the island. The people are very friendly and many are keen to talk in length about their culture, history and lifestyle. Our bus driver to Pearl Harbor, though not an official tour guide was full of information and recommendations - and he was not alone in his helpful attitude. This is an island that knows how important tourists are and makes sure that they do everything in their power to leave you with a good impression.

I would probably visit Hawaii again given the chance as the good points certainly outweigh the bad, but not Oahu. I'd like to see what the other islands have to offer.

Summary: Well worth experiencing, just don't be under any delusions, it has it's problems like anywhere else.