Welcome to Scooby’s World…

Part 4: Once You Get There

ok here’s the final installment of Scooby’s Guide To Oahu :shiny: …

as soon as you get off the airplane and out of the arrivals terminal, stop, have a look around you, and take in a deep breath. Honolulu Airport is mostly an open-air structure, and theres a couple little flower gardens along the main pathways from the gates down to the baggage claim. hopefully you fly in on a clear sunny day, so right away you’ll get a nice fresh ocean breeze and a floral scent in the air.

now when you get down to the baggage claim, when youre waiting for your bags to come out, look around for one of those stand thingies with all the tour guide maps and flyers. grab whatever looks interesting to you. a lot of them have coupons in them. but whatever you do, make sure you get This Week Oahu, Oahu Gold and 101 Things To Do. they have maps, coupons, and listings for special events going on around the island that week.

ok then grab your bags and turn around to head out the big sliding doors. whoever is picking you up will probably meet you out on the sidewalk over there. (make sure to turn your cell phone back on .)

about your mp3 player… yeah its nice for the plane ride and sitting on the beach. but when you’re out driving around, then you absolutely must listen to the radio. you know what, you should just start listening right now. i always listen to KCCN fm100. go on, it’ll put you in the mood. i also like Island 98.5, but KCCN is my favorite. and once you’re actually there, it will be the soundtrack to your adventures.

for me the first day i get there i usually dont feel like doing anything after the plane ride other than to get something to eat, catch some sun at the beach, then go to the house to unpack. if thats you too, then i’d say go to Makai Market at Ala Moana Shopping Center for a quick bite, then head across the street to Ala Moana Beach to dig your toes in the sand. aim for my marker on the map, the sand is softer on that side. make sure to put on your sunblock! and dont forget the radio!

and theres your first day
so i guess the rest of your trip is pretty much up to you.

some things to remember though…

• set your camera to a high megapixel and have lots of memory cards handy. unlimited photo ops! :photo:
• definitely go to the Swap Meet on wednesday morning. do not miss it. if you go on the weekend, you might spend all your monies before then. plus you might also want to go again for a second time on sat/sun.
• when you drive around the island, dont be afraid to stop and take a look around. if you see a beach off to the side of the road that catches your eye, then stop the car and get out for swim! :dive:
• dont worry about getting lost. look at my map. the markers show the main route around the island. just get back in the car and drive, you’ll make it back home eventually.
• this might sound dumb, but go to WalMart. they have lots of hawaiian things you wont find back home. :yes:
• try all kinds of new food! :lick:
• if you see sea turtles on the beach, dont touch them, they’re a protected species.
• if you see big giant monk seals, dont get too close. if they’re not sleeping they will probably bark and chase you.
• if you go fishing, try not to hook any humuhumunukunukuapua’a. its the state fish and i’m sure theres a big fine for taking them out of the water.

oh, here’s basic vocabulary lesson…

• aloha = hello/goodbye. but its more than that. aloha is aloha. you’ll understand when you get there :).
• mahalo = thank you.
• mahalo nui loa = thank you very much.
• a hui hou = until next time/see you later.
• kama’aina = a local, someone who has lived in hawaii most of their life.
• auntie/uncle = everybody calls the older folks either auntie or uncle. even if theyre not related or even know each other. its just a bit of respect, like saying sir or ma’am, but with more aloha.
• ono = delecious, exceptionally tasty.
• grind(z) = slang for eat. “You like grind?” means “(Do) You want (to get semething) to eat?” just picture a cow chewing some grass. thats grinding.

yep, i think thats all you need to know (until i think of something else )
its gonna be fun :dance:

This entry was posted on Friday, February 20th, 2009 at 8:01 am and is filed under hawaii. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.