Travel Guide: Honolulu
When you have friends who live in Hawaii and invite you to visit them, you drop everything you’re doing, and you make that happen. Hawaii is an island paradise and one of the most beautiful places to be, that will leave one wanting to return again and again. We are so glad we did when we could, just fortunate and blessed to be able to travel when we can. Thankful to our friends who help us make the best of our five-day vacation. You can’t go wrong with the locals, and they know what to do and where to go.
HONOLULU: AT A GLANCE
Honolulu, on the island of Oahu’s south shore, is the capital of Hawaii and gateway to the U.S. island chain. The Waikiki neighborhood is its center for dining, nightlife, and shopping, famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels, with volcanic Diamond Head crater looming in the distance. Sites relating to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor include the USS Arizona Memorial.
THE ISLAND OF OAHU
It is the most populated island in Hawaii and is also home to one of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki. Oahu is a food paradise, there are hundreds of restaurants in Waikiki and other areas of Honolulu. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island.
WHERE TO STAY IN HONOLULU
OUTRIGGER WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT – They got all three S’s ( Sun, Surf, and Sand). It is located on the strip of a famous Waikiki beach and home to the legendary Duke’s Waikiki Bar and Restaurant. Lies in the heart of the luxury shopping & night life. Across the street is the Hawaiian International Market where you can shop for souvenirs and decorations. It is located at 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
DIRECTION FROM HONOLULU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO OUTRIGGER WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT
Fastest route, the usual traffic (21 min (9.2 miles) via I-H-1 E
~WHERE TO DINE AT HONOLULU~
Here in Honolulu, there are plenty of small eateries that sell excellent quality food.
~ Check out International Market ~
~ Check out food court ~
~ Duke’s Waikiki Bar and Restaurant~
~ Roy’s~
#1- Visit Polynesian Cultural Center – Spend the day exploring the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands. Wander through 42 acres of tropical splendor and enjoy the adventure of traditional hands-on activities. Dine like royalty at an authentic Polynesian luau and top it off with the most spectacular evening show in the islands, Ha: Breath of Life. All of Polynesia in one exciting place.
- Canoe Pagent – ” Hawai’i’s only water-borne show. Once each afternoon, native Polynesians in colorful, traditional costumes treat you to the energetic dance and music of their cultures top double-hulled canoes in the Center’s lagoon!
- Cooking Demonstration– A glimpse of a cooking demonstration the island way in the village of Tahiti.
- The Show – Hā–Breath of Life- the story of a boy born in a distant paradise. He’s nurtured by a village, learns the ways of his people, finds love by moonlight, and defends everything with heart-stopping bravery.( Via)
#2 – Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor – Visit this unique interactive museum that bears the scars of the Pearl Harbor surprise attack by the Japanese on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941.
#3 – Battleship Missouri (Mighty Mo.) – Stand in the shadows of 67-foot long guns that fired 2700 pound shells.Walk on the decks where General McArthur signed the surrender ending World War II. Find out about life on board the world’s last battleship, including stories about kamikaze attacks.
#4 – Pineapple Plantation – Wander the world’s largest maze, as recognized by the 2008 Guinness World Records, take a ride on the Pineapple Express train and learn about the history of pineapple, or stroll through the plantation garden and get up close view of agricultural crops.
#5 – Snorkel in Shark’s Cove – So beautiful and it’s not as crowded as Hanauma Bay. The parking can be tricky since it’s small just wait and be patient people will come and go. Be careful with the coral and make sure to wear the correct footwear! If you’re not an experienced swimmer or if it’s your first snorkel this is a great place to start. No Shark! just plenty of fish.
#6 – Climbing the Diamond Head Monument – A must see, it’s amazingly beautiful. Be prepared to hike/climb the 0.8 miles (1.6 miles round trip) to the summit of Diamond Head. It is steep, strenuous and uneven in some areas. Bring sturdy walking shoes, water, hats, and sunscreen.
OUTRIGGER OAHU/WHERE TO STAY/WHAT TO DO/WHERE TO EAT/BIG ISLAND/HANAUMA BAY/PEARL HARBOR/PINEAPPLE PLANTATION/BEST FOOD
#7 – Shop at the Hawaiian International Market – Lastly, for the gifts and souvenirs this is the perfect place to shop. There is plenty of vendors so you can find anything you could be looking for there. Excellent place to just walk through and see everything.
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