Oahu
In June 2023, I headed back to the USA for the first time since Covid. Thanks to Visit USA and Hawaiian Airlines, 50 lucky travel agents were sent off to various locations around the USA. I was lucky enough to be in the group that visited New York City, Rhode Island, and Boston, before heading back to Hawaii to reunite with all the other agents. In this post, I am sharing my experiences visiting Hawaii.
On arrival back into Hawaii from Boston, we have a lei meet and greet by Royal Star Hawaii who transfer us to our hotel at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. Despite not being beachfront, the hotel is in an amazing location right in the heart of Waikiki, and a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Our accommodation: Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel
After recently undergoing a $35 million dollar renovation the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel is a modern property, and very popular with Australian visitors. Local art and photographs stylishly decorate the walls, creating a relaxed island vibe as a part of the renovation. 70% of the hotel’s rooms and suites have ocean views and they offer a two-bedroom suite that sleeps up to four people.
The pool, restaurant, café, activities lounge, and market are all conveniently located on the reception level and live entertainment from local artists is offered daily. Along with Saturday night “Dive In” movies by the pool, sunrise yoga and a quarterly art program featuring local artists – there is something for everyone!
Hotel Tour: Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
On our first day visited the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort to tour it’s rooms, suites and facilities. Located beachfront and recently renovated, the 650+ rooms and premium suites offer a modern, Hawaii residential feel.
Ideal for families and groups, the one-bedroom suites sleep up to six guests featuring one separate bedroom and two bathrooms. They can also be interconnected with a double hotel room. A double room with two queen beds sleep up to four guests. The largest suite – the Coral Reef Penthouse Suite – is huge in size at approximately 365sqm and features stunning ocean views, two king bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen area and huge balcony with dining table and sun loungers and beds.
The resort offers various Hawaiian cultural and traditional Polynesian activities, a private club lounge, two restaurants, fitness centre and kid’s club.
Hotel Tour: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Located across the road, we enjoyed breakfast at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach before taking a tour of the resort. Home of the famous Duke’s barefoot bar and restaurant, the resort also features three other dining venues and a live music venue – Blue Note. The former an upscale jazz club with nightly entertainment over dinner in an intimate environment.
The accommodations feature traditional dark timber and green furnishings and decorations. All suites are located oceanfront and suites plus club rooms include access to Voyage 47 Private Lounge. Voyager 47 guests receive daily breakfast and evening drinks and appetisers in the private lounge, complimentary WiFi and turndown service.
Hotel Tour: Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa
Located on the South-Eastern side of Oahu, the Aulani Resort is positioned on the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina. It is sitting on over 21 oceanfront acres and surrounded by mountains and ocean. At a 40-minute drive away from Waikiki, it’s removed from the crowds, but still close enough to enjoy everything the island has to offer.
At only twelve years old the resort has a traditional Hawaiian feel – with a touch of Disney. Located in the grounds are 350 rooms and suites and 480 Villas, two restaurants, three lounges, various fast service dining venues, spa, fitness centre, pools, waterslides, and a kid’s club. Hawaiians believe rocks have spirits and we spotted many carvings in and around the property.
We ended our visit with a Lu’au – Hawaiian feast – that included VIP seating and drinks with our buffet style meal.
In and around Waikiki
A walk around Waikiki on my first day uncovers more high-end stores than I remember from previous visits, along with favourites Ross, Nordstrom Rack and ABC (convenience) stores.
During my stay I visited Iolani Palace with other members of the group, which is located a short drive from Downtown Honolulu. The Palace was built in 1882 and was the official residence of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs. We took a one-tour of the Palace with Zita, our knowledgeable tour guide. Photos were allowed in the venue, but no flash can be used. We also had to wear covers on our shoes to help preserve the original floors. After our tour we enjoyed lunch across the road at “Julia’s”. The menu was varied and consisted of salads, tacos, seafood and traditional Loca Moco.
Hawaii is one of those places I could go back to over and over, there is so much to discover and explore. From the shops, beaches and resorts of Waikiki, to the laid-back surf culture of the north shore on the main island of O’ahu, to the heavenly beaches of Maui and natural beauty of Kauai – there truly is something for everyone! If you’re dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway, get in touch with me today.