Turkey Legs to Go: Hawaii Bowl Travel Guide, Hawaii v. Notre Dame

Turkey Legs to Go is FanHouse's complete travel guide for all of the 2008-2009 college bowl games. Here, we cover the Hawaii Bowl (Honolulu, Hawaii), which pits Hawaii against BYU.

Overview / Matchup: One would be hard pressed to find a football team more deserving of a trip to beautiful Hawaii than the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Or, maybe you disagree. You filthy cynic. Either way, we all win, because Charlie Weis will be rocking shorts and a Hawaiian shirt come late December.

Okay, yes, that's a losing scenario, but it's one we face with Notre Dame heading to the islands for a post season bowl, and one that will have them face off against the "native" Rainbow Warriors, who are fortunate enough to avoid travel expenses and get to give the Irish a chance to really regret firing Chuckles.

Hotels: There are a few budget hotels closer to Aloha Stadium, but the main tourist area is 20 or 25 minutes away. However, if you're seeking quality accommodation the drive will be worth it. Stay at the Halekulani and swim in their world famous Orchid-mosaic pool. If the Halekulani is out of your price-range, stay at its sister property, the much more affordable Waikiki Parc Hotel. Guests are offered plenty of shared privileges with the Halekulani (except for use of the pool). If economy is your concern, stay at the Pacific Marina Inn. The hotel has limited services and accommodation, but it's one of the only places in Honolulu where you can find a room for under 100 a night. It's also closer to the airport and the stadium than the other hotels.

Restaurants: 3660 On The Rise is one of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in Honolulu... try the roast rack of macadamia-nut crusted lamb. Keo's is one of the most popular Thai restaurants in Honolulu, and it's walking distance from most Waikiki hotels. Ono Hawaiian Foods serves cheap, delicious, traditional Hawaiian food like smoked pork... be aware, they do not take credit cards.

Nightlife: If proximity to the stadium is important, check out Row Bar after the game. It's a popular spot with Honolulu singles. If you're staying in Waikiki consider stopping at Mai Tai Bar on the way back from the stadium... most of the hours the bar is open is a happy hour for some kind of drink.

All travel related information provided by Professional Travel Guide.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-12-2008 @ 8:14AM

Steve said...

Great Bowl for the team ,Notre Dame administrators, and power brokers but for the Notre Dame Band and average fan it is a smack in the face. The Band for the first time,is not going Bowling and the average fan cannot afford it or choses to stay home for Christmas . Another example of poor judgement by the Notre Dame administration. Reward the royalty but screw the masses. In protest, I won't even watch the game on TV . Plus, who wants to see CW in a 3X Hawaiian shirt.

12-20-2008 @ 4:06PM

Matthew Wait said...

Don't forget the internationally famous restaurants Roy's (in Waikik) or Alan Wong's (right outside of Waikiki, but not very pretty location). Both places have been written up repeatedly in Gourmet, BonApetit, as well as the Food Network.

12-23-2008 @ 4:53AM

Bill said...

Strip Clubs: The state of Hawai'i only has strip clubs on the island of Oahu, and it's no surprise that the vast majority of the 20 or so clubs on the island lie in Honolulu. However, the heavenly weather and 12-month beach scene pretty much ruins the scene, for the girls in these clubs are mainly plain-looking local Hawaiians who can't make a buck off of tourism or plain-looking Asians catering to the influx of vacationers from the far east.

Centerfolds, which is housed in a two-story strip mall, may be the best of an underwhelming lot; they have a healthy roster of mainlanders (read: white girls) but the lapdances are light and one-way only. If you are looking for a grind and not looks, try Misty, also located in a strip mall. Parking is tight and the girls are "beautiful on the inside," but if you are willing to plunk down $20 for the dancer's drink and $20 per song thereafter, you can get pretty much whatever you want.