Aloha from Hawaii
Welcome and Aloha from Hawaii
Summer is a time to have FUN in Hawaii so let’s explore what it has to offer!
Honolulu, the cosmopolitan capital city of Hawaii is located on the island of Oáhu; also known as the “gathering place”. Oahu is the third largest island and just one of the 137 islands recognized by the state of Hawaii. However, only 6 islands are available to visit Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and the Island of Hawaii.
Having just returned from two weeks in Honolulu I can honestly say it is a warm and welcoming holiday destination and can easily recommend to you my top 10 things to do.
1. Grab that Instagram photo from the Top of Diamond Head!
Leáhi State Monument or as it is more commonly known Diamond Head crater is one of the most iconic symbols of Waikiki. My family and I made the mistake in thinking that starting the popular hike at 8:30am was early enough to beat the heat and the crowds. I would recommend you start as early as you can because the heat really takes it toll as do the 175 steps that meet you just before the summit. But take a break and push on through. It is worth it for the view and the bragging rights!
2. Learn to Surf on Waikiki Beach
You can’t come to Waikiki beach without hiring a board and trying your hand at surfing. With reliable waves almost all year-round Waikiki is a good choice for beginners. It is a bit like dodgems out there on the waves, so I suggest you get up early. It is also worth getting off the main street as board hire can be a lot cheaper. We got a board for $20USD/half day vs $20USD/hr on the beach.
3. Visit the underworld – Atlantis Adventures
If water sports aren’t your thing, then a ride on the Atlantis Submarine is a great alternative. A short boat ride delivers you to the boarding point just in time to see the Atlantis submarine pop out from under the water. Dive deep into the Pacific Ocean and see a variety of colorful marine life, artificial reefs and sunken vessels all aboard Atlantis XIV, the worlds largest hi-tech passenger submarine.
4. Remember those lost at Pearl Harbour
From the sunken USS Arizona to the decks of the Battleship Missouri, few places have more historic importance than Pearl Harbour. Go back in time and relive the dramatic events that unfolded on December 7, 1941. Currently the Arizona memorial is under repair and is closed to visitors, but you can watch an informative movie on why Pearl Harbour occurred before taking a cruise around the memorial. Be sure to go early as the Memorial tickets can not be pre-booked and sell out fast.
5. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay
Voted the Best Beach in the United States for 2016; Hanauma Bay is home to 420 species of tropical fish. This marine sanctuary can only be accessed after watching a 9-minute video where you learn about the marine life, preservation and safety rules for the park. Hawaii is the first country in the world to legislate the use of sunscreen chemicals (coming into effect Jan 1, 2021), prohibiting the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. This is to alleviate their impact on coral reefs. (Open 6am-6pm daily, except Tuesday closed)
6. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Centre
Polynesian Cultural Centre founded in 1963 celebrates the diversity of Polynesian culture and comes to life in the 6 island villages each representative of South Pacific countries. Whether it be flax weaving, coconut husking or Maori stick games there is something for everyone. Seventy percent of the centre’s employees are Polynesian students from around the Pacific, funded by various scholarship programs to attend university in Hawaii. If travelling with children, I would recommend staying at the Courtyard by Marriott North Shore for a night, located next door to the centre. We took a break from the heat with a dip in the pool before heading back to attend the Award-winning evening Luau ‘Feel the Power of Ha’.
7. Take a ride through Movie History – Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch has been the movie set for over 79 movies and TV shows, including Jurassic Park, Lost, Hawaii Five-O and Jumanji to name a few. The 4000-acre cattle ranch with its steep mountain cliffs make for a fun day out. There are many ways to enjoy this ranch, guided Hollywood movie sites tour, horse riding, UTV 4W Drive tours, electric bikes and even zip lining.
8. Visit the Food Trucks and beaches of the North Shore
North Shore is known for its beautiful beaches, amazing surf, breathtaking sunsets, but if you like eating than its food trucks are a must stop. Food trucks can be found all over Oahu but Giovannis Shrimp truck in the North Shore is one of the most famous. North Shore is a much quieter side of the island and if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki then this is the place for you. I would recommend a stop at Turtle Bay, a lovely sheltered bay known for snorkelling and if you are lucky you might even spot a turtle.
9. Hit the shops
Visit Ala Moana shopping Centre and the Waikele Premium outlet centre with a load of cash and wearing good walking shoes. How much you spend in Hawaii will depend on the current exchange rate; we didn’t find everything cheaper than home. But sports shoes are cheaper so be sure to take an empty suitcase with you!
10. Attend a Luau
A luau is a traditional Hawaiian family feast that is accompanied by entertainment. Each luau has its own distinct features and when you attend you become part of the extended Hawaiian family (Ohana). There are so many luau’s around Oahu but some of the most popular are Germaines Luau, Paradise Cove and the Te Moana Nui at the Sheraton Princess Kai’ulani.
After visiting Oahu my family and I came away with a strong feeling of how important family (Ohana) is to the Hawaiian people. This feeling was extended to us on more than one occasion and because of this I would recommend this destination to everyone.
Maholo, thank you for reading and if you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact me.