How's the new Ilikai?

The Ilikai on Ala Moana Blvd was the first luxury high rise hotel to open in Waikiki in the 60's. The landmark became well know to many when it was featured in the opening credits of TV Series Hawaii Five-0. Recently, the hotel changed management after being closed for a couple of weeks. Anyone stayed there recently? If so, how was your stay?

Although the Ilikai's been open for many years, many of its rooms have recently been tastefully updated. The one we stayed in had a small kitchen and a balcony.

Chinatown, Honolulu

Take a walking tour of historic Chinatown with the Hawaii Heritage Center. The two-hour tour, which costs $10, is offered Fridays at 9:30 a.m. Meet at the center, 1040 Smith St. Reservations are not required. Please call (808) 521-2749 for more details. Also stop by to visit the Ramsay Museum at 1128 Smith Street (www.ramsaymuseum.org). If you're lucky, you'll meet the artist herself who has been active in efforts to preserve the historic neighborhood. The Chinatown tour is also given on Wednesdays for walk-ins and on other days for groups of 20 or more. The tour includes free entry to HHC's gallery of historic and cultural exhibits on the Chinese, Filipinos, Jews, Irish, Japanese, Portuguese, and Puerto Ricans of Hawaii.

Dancers at the Moana Surfrider

Each year the students from Farrington High School and the Polynesian Dance Troupe Island Harmony perform at the Moana Surfrider. I was lucky to be a the right place at the right time.

Let's Play Flag Football

The last time I was in Waikiki, I was lucky enough to snap this photo where it seemed one of them was getting ready to play some flag football. Ready...set...hike!

Beauty in Waikiki

If this inspires you to write some haiku or poetry, I'd love to have you share it here. Mahalo.

Hotels in Waikiki

We never get to stay as long as we want in Honolulu, so parking ourselves in a hotel right on a beach saves us the precious time it takes to get to the beach from our room. Tell us about your favorite hotel in Waikiki, particularly if they are not as well known but still offer a great experience, and deserve a free plug.

Deals on Meals

The common lament among tourists is that eating well in Waikiki is expensive. However, if you know where to look, you can find some real bargains and eat well too. Last time I was there, we found this outrageous breakfast deal at Galaxy Steakhouse (2301 Kuhio Ave.). For $2.99, you get a stack of pancakes, 2 eggs and choice of bacon or sausage. So while supplies last...

Let us know if you spot any other bargains in the neighborhood.