Was stationed there back in '79 thru '81. Lots to do on Oahu. Snorkling is best at hanauma bay, fish persevere, can see lots of morey eels and beautiful fish. Like swimming in an aquarium. Glider flights at Dillingham. Learned how to hang glide on the east shore. Body surfing was a blast but you need November thru March to really have fun doing that. International Market place in Honolulu is the best for fresh fruit, and beach supplies.
Mike
Let me say that my wife and I have visited the three island tour twice and will return a third time within the next 2 years.
Flying into Oahu, I agree to see the Arizona Memorial first thing and beat the crowds. Get it out of the way.
Second, the earlier in the morning you start the climb up to Diamond Head, the better....read that, less heat, though up top, theres a great view and steady wind flow.
A little farther around the east side you come to the collapsed crater that forms a state park: Snorkling is best at hanauma bay If you don't bring your own flippers and mask, rent them, and try to stay much of the day. WARNING: Coral will rip your knees and toes.
Nice place to pick up your clothing suveniers (Hawaiian shirt, tie, scarf, etc) is the International Street Fair. Dress for tropical conditions...shorts, tenis shoes, polo shirt, jacket, swim suit. It's all you'll need, really, for most days.
DON"T invest in a $45 surfing lession for an hour unless you are actively in shape, and it's on your bucket list. It takes hours of practice and a great sense of balance is critical.
You'll need transportation to get to anything that is not along Wikiki Beach and downtown Honolulu. So consider taking a cab out to diamond head, or hanauma bay ... But taking a circle island tour by bus or van will show you the sights and the guide will point out significant features. Later, if you want to return, that's the time for a rental car.
Our second island was the Big Island...a much slower pace. Very worth visiting the Orchad Farm, Mona Laua factory, and the Volcanos National Park, Thurston Lava tube, and such. We stayed overnight in Shereton Kona complex and rode out an earthquake there once. Walkable to turtle bay for snokeling, KLM Resturant in the shoping plaza for good views and shopping.
We rent a car on the second day on the big Island and then drive around to the north tip, along the spine of the island and marvel at the difference between the wet and dry sides of the island. Haven't biked down the mountain yet, but I would do that also. Note: Rental cars are forbidden from driving over the saddle road. It's in the contract. Respect that.
Maui is upscale, but we had some of the best snorkling at the breakwater pool near Kawaaipani Beach on the west side. We rented a car and foind Iola Park, and then did half the road to Hana circuit before turning back. The big surf along the north side of the island is inspiring, but on a group tour, you can't stay and wander for long. So maybe do both...take an all day circle tour van and then the next day get a rental car to poke about on your own. Lots of shops in Lahani and whale watching tour excursion from there in March/Spring is worth every penny. Not sure the whales are still there by mid summer or Fall though.
We haven't gotten to Kaqui yet, but will be doing that as our second of three island tour next trip. The tour group is now skipping the Big Island because of the frequency of Volcano Natl Park being socked in with Vog (Volcanic Fog) which annoys some people with breathing troubles and obscures the view of the crater on some days. Be we LOVED the slower, agricultural pace of the big island and recommend including it.)
Can't advise on Kaqui yet, but understand it has lush views, Jurassic Park reminents and some special valleys and clefts in the rocks to view and enjoy. Haven't done any helicopter rides yet either.
Hope this helps.
