Sun Sun Jewelry Design Inc
Beware what they try to sell you. The gold might not be as pure as they claim. It's best to go with someone that knows the business or at least knows how to examine what you will buy. Their jade is ok for the price they charge. What would be even better is if you can find a friend that knows someone that works there. They can help you bargain for a better price. Remember, for most stores in Chinatown, you can still bargain and this is one of them. You can also bring in jewlery for repair and when you buy something, you might as well ask them to clean some of your other jewlery.
Public School 130
I have graduated from this school and all my family members have gone to this school. Needless to say, we have all done well academically, even President Bush made a visit here once. The teachers are one of the best. Even though this school is located in Chinatown, there are a diverse array of children attending the school. The facilities are nicely kept and this is an excellent environment for children to go to every school day.
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
This hotel is one of the best in Waikiki. They have excellent services and there is a fitness center in the facility. There is also two laundry rooms and if you complain to them about something, they will get it fixed right away. My bulb went out in the bathroom and they fixed it and gave me a gift certificate to the restuarant downstairs. The rooms also have a great view. Be careful about the dryers, they are not the best and might not dry your clothes but if you tell them, they will give you a refund. Buy your detergents at home and bring it there.
Sheraton Waikiki
The staff here are wonderful, they will answer all your questions about the attractions that you want to visit. They will also give you a map of the place you want to go to. The staff writes out for you the bus that you have to take and where to get off. If they are not sure about something, they will look it up for you. Always has a smile on their face even if you are annoying them by asking them question after question. They also will not give you a hard time if you do not go to that hotel.
Connecticut College Arboretum
A small quaint college located in a small town. The campus is beautiful and the professors there are one of the best. They have a great intensive language program and within a year, you can be fluent in a certain language. At times, the museum in the college is open to the public and there are shows also. Across the street is a garden that is maintained by the college. It has its own pond and has a self guided tour to see nature. All the professors live in the area and will go out of their way to help you.
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
This is a great place for the bargain hunter. If you look in coupon books, you can get in for free though it is only 50 cents admission. Bring suntan lotion and water, it is a big area with not much shade. Most of the things found here can be found at a cheaper price than in Waikiki, great place to buy souvenirs and postcards. You can also bargain. If you buy a lot, most of the vendors will give you discounts. There are shuttles there that will bring you to Waikiki but take the regular bus to save money. This is about 1 hour away from Waikiki. They also sell food. The swap is only open on Wed, and the weekends.
Waikiki Aquarium
You would expect that an aquarium in Hawaii would be large but it's not. Get a coupon from one of the many books found on the street. You will be paying too much if you pay regular admission. The aquarium does have nice specimens but it is too small, you can go in and out within 1 hour. There is not much to see though their tanks are lighted by natural sunlight and they have a big clam on display. They also have the leafy seahorse which is beautiful to look at. Go early in the day to avoid crowds.
Dole Plantation
This place has the biggest maze in the world. Stay out of it if you do not like bugs because at times, you will feel like you're breathing them in. Try to beat the fastest time and win a t-shirt. They also have great pineapple ice cream. Go on the Pineapple Express ride and see the plantation with little pineapples and a beautiful lake. There is also a garden that has a pond with kois. You can purchase pineapples here to pick up at the airport for a good price. Try not to miss the bus, it only comes once every hour.
Polynesian Cultural Center
You can tell this area is aimed towards the tourist. The center is a beautifully constructed to give you an idea of how each of the polynesian countries are like. Each "country" is staffed by students from there. They are all very nice and have the aloha spirit. Walk around and can get painted tattoos each with their own meanings however, if you sweat it will come off. Be careful when going to the bathroom, it is labeled Wahine and Kane. Wahine is for girls and kane is for guys. The luau is great. The food is exceptional and a buffet style. Upon entering, you are given a lei and you can take a picture which can be purchased later on. They will also help you take a picture with your own camera which will save you money.
ARIZONA MEMORIAL
They offer free admission to the site though it is recommended to go early since it's a big tourist attraction. The movie that is shown is very powerful and sad. Blame is put on neither side; emphasis is on the courage and bravery shown during the attack. This is a site that is a must see because it is part of the American history. The memorial is beautifully constructed. You can still see the oil that is leaking out of the actual ship. The gift offers a newspaper of the day of the attack for a low price but, chip in with a few people because the more you buy the lower the price. The staff is also very nice. The tickets are in a series of 25 and if you ask, the staff will locate you a whole set to keep.
