Just returned from 9 days/8 nights in Kailua, Oahu. We rented a lovely studio on Mokulua Drive in Lanikai Beach. Two big thumbs up to the Allerstorfer family and hawaiibestrentals for providing great accommodations and friendly service. We literally were steps from - maybe 50 feet - the most beautiful beach I've ever seen.

To really appreciate Hawaii, you HAVE to get away from Waikiki. We are former Los Angelenos, and Honolulu reminded us why we left the rat race behind. We rented a car and drove across the entire island. Most times we were the only tourists around. We did enjoy some great restaurants and lounges in Honolulu, but navigating the traffic, pedestrians and parking was a nightmare. Here are some tips and highlights:

Buy OAHU REVEALED and memorize it. This book was invaluable.
Grab all the tourist booklets at the airport kiosks - they are full of coupons.
See the Royal Thai Dancers at Singha Thai in Waikiki.
Drive up to the North Shore and have a shave ice at Morimoto's or Aoki's.
Visit Turtle Beach - it really is chock full of turtles!
Snorkel Hanauma Bay - full of tourists but the best snorkeling on the island.
Eat at Haleiwa Joe's Haiku Gardens in Kane'ohe. Breathtaking views and don't miss the macadamia crusted ono - YUM.
Visit the Bishop Museum to learn the fascinating history of Hawaii.
Have an Ahi Tower at Lucy's in Kailua.
Pay your respects at Pearl Harbor.
Spend the day at the uncrowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua.
Enjoy Asian fusion (and the Tuesday wine tasting) at Indigo Restaurant in Chinatown.
Be a real Iron Chef when you master your own grill at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ.
Go to Chinatown to watch ladies stringing fragrant leis - and buy them for a fraction of the cost anywhere else.
Talk to the locals - hands down the friendliest (and most patient) people in the world. I can't imagine how crazy the haole tourists must drive them, but they keep smiling.

We are still high off of this fantastic trip. Thank you to all the Oahu locals for making a couple of haole mainlanders always feel at home. We can't wait to return!