Advice and Suggestions for Our Visit

[Kelly]

Hi,

I thought it would be easier to put this request in a separate discussion rather than on the main board. I have read through some of the posts and have learned a lot but I have some questions. I would ask my son but I'm sure most of you know what that is like :-P

1) We of course want to see the USS Arizona while we are there. Is there a separate tour or line for Navy families or do we visit with the general public?

2) I see "ITT" mentioned a lot in posts. Can someone explain what the ITT does (is it part of MWR?), where it is located, and what we can expect to use it for? It seems like it offers discount tickets, but can my son pre-purchase tickets for us...do we qualify (mom, dad, sister and grandmother)? How far in advance should we purchase tickets for things?

3) How easy is it for us to go on the base? I assume he has to be with us, and he already told us that since the sub is in drydock we won't be able to see it, but I would like to look around.

Any answers to the above questions, in addition to any suggestions (best luau, tourist traps to avoid, etc.) you may have for our visit, would be greatly appreciated. We will be spending a week on Oahu and would love to experience as much as possible (yes, I'm already checking into surfing lessons).

Thanks!

Kelly

[Kelly]

I forgot to mention that we will be staying in the Ko Olina resort area on the west coast of the island. We were trying to avoid the hustle and bustle of Waikiki but we do want to visit that area too.

[gmotm2008]

ITT is the ticket office on base, usually found near the Navy EXchange (NEX). I know that Here in San Antonio, on Lackland Air Force Base, ITT is actually located in the basement of the hospital. I guess because of the many people who come to visit their family in the hospital.

[Marla]

ITT here at Pearl has a lot of different offices on the island. There is one by the NEX, which is off base here. Your son can get tickets ahead of time for you, but he has to get the tickets. As far as getting on the base, I am pretty sure that your son will have to be with you, but I can ask next time I go on base if you'd like. I understand wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, its a lot less crowded during the week than on the weekends during the day (my 2 yr old and I go on Wed. & Thurs. to the zoo down there). As for the USS Arizona, there isn't a separate line for Navy families. Also you can't get tickets ahead of time for it. They have a limited number of tickets per day, and they give them out on first come first serve basis. When you get a ticket, they tell you what time to be there for the video & ferry to the Arizona. The best bet is to be there first thing when they open (7 or 730) so that you can get on the first ferry. Also nearby there is the USS Missouri and the USS Bowfin. Both of those charge admission, where the Arizona does not. If you have any other questions that I can try to answer, just ask. If I don't know the answer I will hunt it down for you. :)

[Judy]

When I booked my flight to Oahu, they offered me a discount card, called theGo Oahu Card. If you can find it get it is a great buy. It gets you in free to things like Sea World Park, to visit the Missouri, about 30 places all together. The only bad thing is if you buy just a one day card, you have to use it in the one day. It does pay for itself as getting in to some of these places is expensive. You can buy it for one day or multiple days.
We didn't get to see the Arizona as it is a first come first serve deal there and we were late in the afternoon, so early morning is best to visit that.
Enjoy the island, it is a beautiful place. Walk the streets of Waikiki at night, it was very impressive.