Quote:
Originally Posted by NokiaFanatic  ...Do we need a hotel on the beach to get access to waikki beach for free? or can we stay at a hotel that is off of the beach? |
Hawaii State law prevents hotels, homeowners and businesses from blocking beach access to the public. So no, you do not need to stay at a Waikiki hotel to enjoy the beach :-) In fact you can also enjoy walking around the resorts like the Hilton Village where you can check out the penguins, art gallery and on certain nights (or maybe it's very night now) a free Polynesian show and fireworks.
Anyway, there's a vintage Hawaiian hotel where they say most of their guest return year after year
(from Canada, U.S. mainland and neighbor island mostly). Hawaiiana Hotel. Not sure about construction. I checked em out when I did my research vacation on Oahu for my book. I was very impressed. And there are of course good hotel package deals. Lots to do on Oahu.
I'll post more when I can put up links for you (Have to have 10 posts here first).
To answer your other question, I wouldn't go with a tour. I'd rather go at my own pace. Hanauma Bay, for example. You can drive there and park for I think $2 or $5. Visit the marine center there and snorkel or swim. No need for a tour. Same with Polynesian Cultural Center. Now if it were something I hadn't done before...say kayaking, then I would go with a tour, like the TwoGood Kayaking Eco Tour in Kailua that takes you out to the little island. More later.
Aloha from the Big Island!
Cindy