Hi Jet-Setters!
We are all envying Diane and Kala's vacation to Hawaii and we are sure that you all will be ready to hop on a plane to this beautiful island as well!
Destination:
Waikiki, Hawaii on
the Island of Oahu
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| Rainbow over Waikiki |
We decided to travel to Hawaii during what is referred to as
the “slow season” back in March of 2012. The best rates for hotels and airfare
to and from Hawaii are during Spring (mid-Apr to mid-June) and Fall (Sept to
mid-Dec). Public transportation is available, but we decided to not limit
ourselves to the confines of the “tourist” areas and rented a car. We traveled
all over the Island of Oahu in search of food, fun, culture and adventure.
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| Waikiki at Night |
Bookings:
Orbitz.com
Enterprise.com
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| The Daytime View |
We arrived on a Wednesday and picked up our Enterprise
rental car. The roadways are easy to navigate—unlike other islands outside of
the U.S. borders, Hawaii drives on the same side of the road that we are
accustomed to. It has been said that Hawaii is amongst the top 3 happiest
places to live and if the locals driving is any indication—this statement is
true. You will not find road rage on the Island of Oahu, unless it is your own.
Everyone waves or gives “the shoka.” Be prepared to drive slower than the speed
limit as downtown Waikiki has a large local and tourist population.
Our resort was absolutely beautiful! We chose this specific
location as it was one of the only resorts that had a separate bedroom from the
main living area and kitchen (akin to the condos here in Florida). Due to the
amount of people on the island parking is sparse so be prepared to pay for on
the street parking and parking at the hotel. We visited the local grocery store
for breakfast foods and snacks to save money on dining out 3 times a day. Don’t
be surprised when you see the prices—all items have to be imported to the Island!
For example: a normal pack of tri-colored bell peppers were $7.99. You can also
expect to pay $1-$2 extra per gallon of gasoline as compared to the states.
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| Gas prices on the Island |
Hotel:
Aston Waikiki Sunset
Resort
229 Paoakalani Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815
1-800-922-0511
We made an outline of all the places we wanted to visit
during our week there, but due to unforeseen weather conditions some were
accomplished and some were not. The best part of being on vacation is relaxing
and knowing that there is nothing mandatory except for enjoying yourself. There
are no “dangerous” areas of the Island to stay away from—the islanders are
respectful, kind, courteous and bring the Aloha (love) and Ohana (family)
spirit into all they do. It’s quite refreshing!
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| Diane and Kala enjoying their getaway |
Throughout our week’s stay we visited the historic Pearl
Harbor, the Dole Pineapple Plantation, the Byodo-In Temple, Hanauma Bay State
Park, and took a scenic drive along Kamehamaeha Highway.
Pearl Harbor:
This is a great historical landmark and a top tourist destination.
We chose to walk around for free, playing amongst the old submarine equipment,
and observed the remnants of that day. Of course there is WAY more to do here,
but we decided to venture away from the tour and the historical museum to save
money.
Dole Plantation:
Hawaii is known for its pineapple prowess! The Dole
Plantation offers a garden maze, instructional classes on how to properly cut
and serve a pineapple, historical information, and the best pineapple ice
cream!
Byodo-In Temple:
This Temple pays homage to the Byodo-In Temple in Japan.
This location has peacock, a large koi pond, a gift shop and serves as a place
of solace for its worshippers. It is important to note that this replica was
made without the use of nails!
Scenic Drive Along Kamehameha
Highway:
The benefit of renting and having a car at your disposal is
a great way to explore the native areas of the Island. There are plenty of
“Scenic Spots” along the highway. They have small parking areas for drivers to
safely observe the beauty of the sand and sea.
Hanauma Bay State
Park:
Hanauma Bay State Park was amongst our scenic drive and is a
great location for photographers! This park is also a great destination for
those wishing to snorkel and observe the local wildlife. While there we managed
to see migrating whales, mongoose, and what I called “the cheetah bird.”
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| "Cheetah Bird" |
Aloha Stadium Swap
Meet:
The swap meet happens on Sunday and is a great place to buy
reasonably priced gifts, trinkets and obtain deals for touristy stuff (luaus,
catamaran sailing, swimming with the dolphins, etc.) on the Island. This swap
meet is a gathering of the locals and is a must if you’re into saving money. :)
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| The Swapmeet |
Places Visited:
Pearl Harbor: http://www.pearlharboroahu.com/
Dole Plantation: http://dole-plantation.com/
Byodo-In Temple: http://byodo-in.com/
Scenic Drive Along
Kamehameha Highway
*Haleiwa, North Shore
*Halona Blow Hole
Hanauma Bay State
Park: http://www.hanaumabaystatepark.com/
Aloha Stadium Swap
Meet in Halawa
We only went out a couple nights during our visit. Karaoke
is a big hit on the island, so we went to a local hole in the wall bar called
On Stage-- where the prices are right and the singing is fun. During the
weekend we hit up The Shack in downtown Waikiki and watched a local reggae
band, Maoli perform. The music was great and after the group was done the
bar/restaurant had a nightclub type atmosphere.
Night Life:
The Shack
On Stage Karaoke
Of all the food available on the Island— if you don’t try
ANYTHING ELSE, the Malasadas (Portuguese donuts) at Leonard’s Bakery are a
MUST. If there was a way to import this bakery to the mainland: we would’ve.
Since we didn’t have a chance to make it to a local luau we hit up the Waiahole
Poi Factory by Kenohe Bay. The local food is light, filling and delicious. The
portions are large and more than enough for two people. Other places worth
mentioning were Burgers on the Edge in Waikiki and for the chocolate lovers out
there: Keoki’s Donkey Balls Chocolate Factory Outlet. As Spam and Pineapple are
main staples of the Island, make sure to hit up a plate-lunch establishment
like L&L to try their Spam Sushi Roll! Lastly, we know it might sound crazy
but make sure to check out the 7-11 stores as they are definitely unique to the
island.
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| 7-11 |
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| Burgers on The Edge |
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| Malasadas- Portugese Donut |
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| Chicken Katsu with White Rice |
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| Kalua Pork, Lomi Salmon, Brown Rice, and Hupia for Dessert |
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| SPAM Sushi |
Food:
Leonard’s Bakery
Burgers on the Edge
Waiahole Poi Factory
Keoki’s Donkey Balls
Chocolate Factory Outlet
L&L
7-11
Tell us about the
fashion and current trends in Honolulu:
Anything that is comfortable is acceptable. Unlike a big
city, Honolulu is really laid back. You will find that breezy dresses and
shorts are appropriate to wear throughout the year.
Travel must-haves:
Since the flight from Florida to Honolulu is a minimum of 12
hours—we’d advise that you bring an ipod, flip flops to wear on the plane and a
book to keep you busy on the flight. You should also bring snacks, makeup to
refresh your face after the long flight; and GUM is a definite must not only for
yourself (ears popping) but for others who may have unappealing (stinky) travel
breath :)
We hope to travel back to the Island soon as there were many
things we were unable to do while there—make sure you spend at least 5 days
while there, but if you can manage it: the longer the better!
