I echo a lot of your thoughts and some others that have commented. I never had a bad experience. I spent about a year on Oahu from 2004 to 2006, had friends that lived there so free place to stay. Someone mentioned Leonard's. I love sweets so loved that place so much. Also would recommend for breakfast or lunch, loco moco, a dish not a restaurant, maybe considered dive food by some but I love it. Also plate lunches. Learn about the history of all of the islands, truly fascinating . Also the language, 7 consonants and five vowels in the alphabet. A lot of long words, if I remember correctly. Aloha, mahalo and Ohana are most important. Spent time in Maui and Big Island too, all wonderful! Have a blast!