 |
Continental Airlines Flights from Hilo (ITO) to Honolulu (HNL)
Orbitz is pleased to offer airline tickets on Continental Airlines, which operates 3 regularly scheduled daily non-stop flights from Hilo (ITO) to Honolulu (HNL), departing between 9:05am and 6:50pm. Usually a Boeing 717 is flown for this route. The average travel time from Hilo, HI to Honolulu, HI is 47 minutes.
During your Honolulu vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Turtle Bay Resort
This North Shore resort is home to two of Hawaii's top golf courses. The 18-hole Arnold Palmer Course (formerly the Links at Kuilima) was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. Turtle Bay used to be labeled a "wind tunnel"; it still is one, though the casuarina (ironwood) trees have matured and dampened the wind somewhat. But Palmer and Seay never meant for golfers to get off too easy; this is a challenging course. The front nine, with rolling terrain, only a few trees, and lots of wind, play like a British Isles course. The back nine have narrower, tree-lined fairways and water. The course circles Punahoolapa Marsh, a protected wetland for endangered Hawaiian waterfowl.Another option is the George Fazio Course -- the only one Fazio designed in Hawaii -- a par-71, 6,200-yard course. Larry Keil, pro at Turtle Bay, says that people like the Fazio course because it's more of a forgiving resort course, without the water hazards and bunkers of the more challenging Palmer course. The sixth hole has two greens so you can play the hole as a par-3 or a par-4. The toughest hole has to be the par-3, 176-yard second hole, where you tee off across a lake with the trade winds creating a mean crosswind. The most scenic hole is the seventh, where the ocean is on your left; if you're lucky, you'll see whales cavorting in the winter months. Facilities include a pro shop, driving range, putting and chipping green, and snack bar. Weekdays are best for tee times.
U.S. Army Schofield Barracks
James Jones, author of From Here to Eternity, called Schofield Barracks "the most beautiful army post the U.S. has or ever had." The Honolulu Star Bulletin called it a country club. More than a million soldiers called Schofield Barracks home. With its broad, palm-lined boulevards and Art-Deco buildings, this old army cavalry post is still the largest operated by the U.S. Army outside the continental United States. And it's still one of the best places to be a soldier.The history of Schofield Barracks and the 25th Infantry Division is told in the small Tropic Lightning Museum,. Displays range from a 1917 bunker exhibit to a replica of Vietnam's infamous Cu Chi tunnels.
Nuuanu Valley Rain Forest
It's not the same as a peaceful nature walk, but if time is short and hiking isn't your thing, Honolulu has a rainforest you can drive through. It's only a few minutes from downtown Honolulu in verdant Nuuanu Valley, where it rains nearly 300 inches a year. And it's easy to reach: As the Pali Highway leaves residential Nuuanu and begins its climb though the forest, the last stoplight is the Nuuanu Pali Road turnoff; turn right for a jungly detour of about 2 miles under a thick canopy strung with liana vines, past giant bamboo that creaks in the wind, Norfolk pines, and wild shell ginger. The road rises and the vegetation clears as you drive, blinking in the bright light of day, past a small mountain reservoir.Soon the road rejoins the Pali Highway. Kailua is to the right and Honolulu to the left -- but it can be a hair-raising turn. Instead, turn right, go a half-mile to the Nuuanu Pali Lookout , stop for a panoramic view of Oahu's windward side, and return to the town-bound highway on the other side.
Make your reservations for discount hotel rooms in the
Honolulu area, including:
Pagoda Hotel
This is where local residents from neighbor islands stay when they come to Honolulu. Close to shopping and downtown, the Pagoda has been serving Hawaii's island community for decades. This modest hotel has very plain (motel-ish) rooms: clean and utilitarian with no extra frills. For a quieter room, ask for the mountain view, where you'll be away from the street noise. There's easy access to Waikiki via TheBus -- the nearest stop is just a half block away. Ask about the car packages: If you ask when booking, you may be able to get one free with your room. Studios and one- and two-bedroom units have kitchenettes.Facilities: Restaurant (well known among local residents for its man-made stream filled with Japanese ornamental carp, not necessarily for its food); bar; 2 outdoor pools; activity desk; salon; babysitting; coin-op washer/dryers; laundry service; dry cleaning; sundries store.
Sheraton Moana Surfrider
Step back in time at Waikiki's first hotel, which dates from 1901 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Considered an innovation in the travel industry, the Moana featured a private bathroom and a telephone in each guest room -- an unheard-of luxury at the turn of the 20th century. Yesteryear lives on at this grand hotel: Entry is through the original colonial porte-cochere, past the highly polished front porch dotted with rocking chairs, and into the perfectly restored lobby with detailed millwork and intricate plasterwork. The female employees even wear traditional Victorian-era muumuus. The aloha spirit that pervades this classy and charming place is infectious.The hotel consists of three wings: the original (and totally restored) Banyan Wing, the Diamond Wing, and the Tower Wing. It's hard to get a bad room here; most have ocean views, and all come with pampering amenities like bedside controls and plush robes. But we're especially taken with the Banyan Wing rooms: What they lack in size (they're on the smallish side and don't have lanais), they make up for in style; even the fixtures in the smallish bathrooms are modern-day replicas of 19th-century hardware. You get the feel for Old Hawaii here, with daily Hawaiian arts and crafts activities such as coconut-palm weaving and Hawaiian quilting; be sure to visit the Historical Room, where a variety of memorabilia is on display.One of the best reasons to stay here is the hotel's prime stretch of beach, with lifeguard, beach chairs, towels, and any other service you desire. The Beach Bar and a poolside snack bar are located in the oceanfront courtyard that's centered around a 100-year-old banyan tree, where there's live music in the evenings.Facilities: 5 restaurants (ranging from casual to fine dining, plus Sun brunch and high tea each afternoon); 2 bars; outdoor pool; nearby fitness room (about a 2-min. walk down the beach at the Sheraton Waikiki); watersports equipment rentals; children's program (featuring both on-site activities and excursions to the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium); nearby game room (a stroll down the beach at the Sheraton Waikiki); concierge; activity desk; car-rental desk; nearby business center (a few min. away at the Royal Hawaiian); very upscale shopping arcade; salon; room service; massage; babysitting; coin-op washer/dryers; same-day laundry service and dry cleaning.
Rainbow Inn
This private tropical garden studio, downstairs from the home of retired military officer Gene Smith and his wife, Betty, has panoramic views of Pearl Harbor, the entire south coast of Oahu, and the Waianae and Koolau mountains. A large deck and full-size pool are just outside the apartment's door; inside, the apartment features a double bed, washer/dryer, and kitchen. The Smiths are happy to lend their guests any beach and picnic equipment they might need -- ice chest, beach mats and chairs, even wine glasses. Located near Pearl Ridge Shopping Center, Rainbow Inn is close to all of Oahu's attractions, yet far enough away to provide lots of peace and quiet. And at $75 a night, this is one of Oahu's best bed-and-breakfast deals. Hot tip: Reserve early -- bargains like this book up fast, especially when there's only one room.
|
|
|
