I just returned from a trip to Waikiki and have some advice on excursions I ventured to take. and some thoughts on my trip.

1. Surfing lessons: Hawaiian Fire surfing.. ..The Best!!!! run by off duty firefighters this 4 hour excursion not only teaches the basics of surfing, but water safety. for about $100.00 persons from every walk of life, size, and physical ability (or lack of it) have a memorable time caught on film if you wish to purchase the cd. (Hawaiianfire.com). . I got up almost every time and was soon trying it without the instructors. I don't know if it was more fun falling off or staying up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. but classes fill up fast. classes limited to 16 people twice a day.

2. Paradise Cove Luau: Beautiful setting. great atmosphere, fun. Cash bar or unlimited Mai Tais depending on package. hands on arts and crafts (lei making, weaving palms, etc), Games of skill (spear throwing), fun and handcrafted gift items ( You can buy and send a hand painted coconut to the states like a postcard for about $30.00). . Great show, okay food. You are stuffed into tables cafeteria style. first served a salad plate, then quickly the main course (greasy pulled pork, fried chicken thigh, and a tasty piece of mahimahi), and finally coffee and coconut cake. On a scale of 1-5 I would give this $80.00 dinner a 3.

3. Dinner cruise/Navatek 1: The sunset was GREAT! thats all I can say. We were once again packed cafeteria stlye into a small room elbow to elbow and called up by tables to the buffet. The food (fried chicken thighs, and mahimahi) was just okay, the fresh fruit was the best thing on the menu next to the coconut cake. $ 70.00 overall I'd give this a 2

4. Polynesian Cultural Center: Packages to about $200.00. an all-day trip to the windward side of the island to the Mormon temple area which owns the center. The ambience it really nice, but the influence of Christianity, and Mormonism has reduced the center to a less than realistic idea of the hawaiian lifestyle. If you are for traditional family values. no alcohol, and costumes that are G-rated insted of traditional this place is for you. I don't know for sure, but proceeds go to the Brigham Young University near by, and to the church to play politics but supporting Utahs proposed ammendment to ban same sex marriages. For food and activities and the show, I give it a 4 1/2. For Bastardizing history to their agenda, and supporting their political cause to promote discrimination, as well as for the lack of Mai Tais.. ..It gets a 1. Too long of a day, and too much of a religious political facist agenda. I wouldn't do it again.

5. Dole: interesting tourist trap with over priced souvenirs. good pineapple. $85.00 to ship ten pineapples back home.

I was truly dissapointed in the food on the island, mainly NY steak and Maine lobster, very few hard to find polynesian restaurants. And I was surprised at the lack of real culture; Christianity has destroyed the Gods of the islands, as it destroyed the Native American beliefs. Once again we as Americans have destroyed and not created.
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