Honolulu

Honolulu was only for one day and one night, so we could fly out to Japan. It was fun to see different hawaian airports, both Maui and HNL being really open to the outside, something we are not used to.

Honolulu was definitely a different vibe, with a big city, and extensive shopping (luxury and international brands) being right there on the beach in between each resort or hotel. The vibe was fun but it is not a place I would spend a vacation at.

We had some fun experience for lunch:
after being sent to hula grill for lunch by our hotel (we were hoping to avoid all the chili's and other chain restaurant present at every corner), it was actually closed for lunch. We asked for info at the Outrigger hotel counter and ended up being talked into what would end up being a timeshare "free lunch" at another resort..
Took us a good 40 minutes to get what we were getting into. I was sick needed some rest and while we gave up $100 amez gift card and a free lunch, I ended up cancelling and we had lunch.. where else.. at the cheesecake factory.
Boy do I hate this place! It was fine, though portions were RIDICULOUSLY big (we split 1 pizza and a "cup" of soup -more like a serving bowl-)
Note to everyone: I still cannot believe nobody I ever asked as NOT noticed the advertising every half page of their menu. it is so ANNOYING.. so I am paying to eat there while they make money off me reading the menu?? like it was not long enough?!?

anyway... we went back to the hotel, glad we did not have to spend 120 minutes with some sleazy sale rep. I slept the afternoon off, and we headed off for diner to ... hula grill! and I am glad we made that choice. The coconut fish chowder was awesome. Best dish i had in Hawaii... (except for the ahi tuna poke at star noodle)



FYI, for those needing to stay in Honolulu/Waikiki the westin Moana was definitely an amazing property with a real tropical/colonial vibe though had a TINY pool and beach.(perfect for a one night stop though) and the outrigger hotel next door with the hula grill was okay too. Our hotel the courtyard marriott was quite noisy. it was nicer than pictured and even had a little kitchen. But I dont know that I would stay there again given the noise level.