We finally managed to have our 2-year delayed trip to the US a few weeks ago, the Covid LFT you have to take a day before flying was a little nerve wracking but we got the all clear and flew out to LAX from Heathrow via Virgin Atlantic the following morning. Spent 6 days in California (in Hollywood, near Universal Studios) and then flew on to Hawaii (Oahu) for a further 9 days.
Had an absolutley brilliant time.
A few highlights:
Studio Tour at Universal Studios, lasts about an hour and is probably the best attraction in the park.
Wandering around Universal Citywalk in the sunshine, brought back memories of doing the same in Florida a few years back.
Santa Monica Beach and Pier, was nice to get out and see a bit of the country/urban sprawl on the train but that subway ride to get to the overland train connection made us feel a little uneasy to say the least.
Tour of the TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard was great (tour guide was from High Wycombe funnily enough) although the Hollywood Walk of Fame itself was disappointing.
Arriving at the hotel in Waikiki, looking out the window and seeing the beautiful beach, palm trees and turquoise waters of the pacific a stones throw away.
Pearl Harbor, trip out to the USS Arizona memorial and then a couple of hours spent touring the USS Missouri was fantastic.
Hiked up to Diamond Head Crater, stunning views from the top although if you plan on going make sure you book an entry time slot in advance (you can't just turn up anymore which confused a hell of a lot of people).
The Island tour was fun, the tour guides and drivers there are great, just make sure you're not the last person back on the tour bus.
Honolulu itself is a great place to just wander around in, loads of shops and great restaurants. Best meal I had was probably in Duke's at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.
Had an absolutley brilliant time.
A few highlights:
Studio Tour at Universal Studios, lasts about an hour and is probably the best attraction in the park.
Wandering around Universal Citywalk in the sunshine, brought back memories of doing the same in Florida a few years back.
Santa Monica Beach and Pier, was nice to get out and see a bit of the country/urban sprawl on the train but that subway ride to get to the overland train connection made us feel a little uneasy to say the least.
Tour of the TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard was great (tour guide was from High Wycombe funnily enough) although the Hollywood Walk of Fame itself was disappointing.
Arriving at the hotel in Waikiki, looking out the window and seeing the beautiful beach, palm trees and turquoise waters of the pacific a stones throw away.
Pearl Harbor, trip out to the USS Arizona memorial and then a couple of hours spent touring the USS Missouri was fantastic.
Hiked up to Diamond Head Crater, stunning views from the top although if you plan on going make sure you book an entry time slot in advance (you can't just turn up anymore which confused a hell of a lot of people).
The Island tour was fun, the tour guides and drivers there are great, just make sure you're not the last person back on the tour bus.
Honolulu itself is a great place to just wander around in, loads of shops and great restaurants. Best meal I had was probably in Duke's at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.
