Honolulu, Hawaii Destinations
Section 1: Intro to the Destination
Honolulu, a legendary place of sand and surf, offers truly something for everyone. Relax on the beaches of Waikiki, surf the most famous waves in the world, immerse yourself in legendary Polynesian culture and explore Diamondhead crater. It’s no wonder this paradise is a top-visited destination by adventurers and paradise-seekers alike.
Which of the Following Phrases Best Describes this Destination? (You can select more than one)
Quiet & Relaxing, Energetic & Active, Historic
What’s the Destination Known For?
Pristine beaches, surfing, Polynesian culture and historic landmarks
Getting There
· Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, aka Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
o The airport is a 15-minute ride to Waikiki beach (12.8 km). Expect to pay about $30, plus tip for a taxi or shuttle.
o Rideshare services are available through a six-month trial program (through August 2018) while the airport works out permanent rideshare agreements.
o TheBus, Oahu’s transit service, can get you from the airport to the Waikiki beach and resort area (Routes 19 and 20), but luggage restrictions apply. Be sure you can store your luggage under your seat or on your lap. Expect to pay $2.75 one-way.
Local Etiquette
· It’s good manners to use the Hawaiian greetings aloha (‘hello’ and ‘good bye’) and mahalo (‘thank you’). Be sure to use them with sincerity when talking with locals.
· If you are offered a lei, accept it with gratitude and avoid removing it in front of the person who gave it to you.
· Hawaii is a U.S. state, so 15-20% standard gratuities are expected.
· If you are invited to a local’s home, always remove your shoes. Showing up empty handed is frowned upon, so bring a dessert or other food dish with you.
· Respect the island’s beauty. Always pick up and throw away your trash. Don’t remove rocks or sand from the beach or lava rocks from a volcano, as the locals believe it is bad luck.
· Avoid honking or using your horn while driving. Locals only use a horn as a friendly hello.
· Smoking indoors is prohibited in Hawaii, so if you plan to smoke, only smoke in designated areas and avoid smoking within 20 feet of doorways and windows.
Weather
· The weather in Hawaii is pretty consistent, varying only about 10 degrees from the coldest to hottest months. November through March tend to be wetter months, but rain showers during the day are short and uncommon. Humidity is about 64% on average, but Hawaii’s trade winds provide a nice breeze and can keeps things cool.
· Temperatures
o Summer (May to October):
§ Average: 85 F/ 29.4 C
o Winter (November to April):
§ Average: 78 F/ 25.6 C
You can expect ocean waters to be pretty pleasant too. Temperatures average between 74 F/ 23.3 C and 80 F/ 26.7 C.
Getting Around
To take full advantage of all that Oahu has to offer, we recommend renting a car. If you plan on taking day trips to North Shore, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor, or you’re staying outside of Waikiki, renting a car may be more economical-not to mention more flexible.
However, traffic and parking can be a headache in Honolulu. If you’re staying on Waikiki Beach, it’s possible to avoid renting a car and using guided tours or shuttle services to get around. The Waikiki Trolley offers transportation to Ala Moana Shopping Center, Chinatown and Waikiki and trolleys operate every 10 minutes. Expect to pay just $2.00 per trip. TheBus, Oahu’s public transportation system, can also help you get around if you don’t mind multiple stops and are comfortable navigating public transit.
Taxis can be a convenient way to avoid parking fees and high fuel costs from renting a car. Depending on your luck, your taxi driver may even serve as a mini-tour-guide, pointing out places of interest and landmarks during your ride.
Section 2: What to See, Do, and Eat
Breakfast
· $-tier
o Local Joe
o Coffee shop
o 110 Marin Ln, Honolulu, HI 96817
o https://www.localjoehi.com
o Casual
o Paleo chocolate chip cookies, Vietnamese cold brew, Thai latte
· $$-tier
o Hula Grill Waikiki
o Hawaiian, seafood
o 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Ste 203, Honolulu, HI 96815
o https://www.hulagrillwaikiki.com
o Casual attire
o Poke tacos, loco moco, croissant French toast, macadamia nut pancakes
· $$$-tier
o Plumeria Beach House, The Kahala Hotel Resort
o Breakfast buffet, seafood
o 5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
o https://www.kahalaresort.com/Dining/Plumeria-Beach-House
o Classy casual
o Prime rib, crab legs, bacon and eggs, Maui onion soup, fresh fruit
Brunch
· $-tier
o Heavenly Island Lifestyle, The Shoreline Hotel Waikiki
o Juice bar, Hawaiian
o 342 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
o http://www.heavenly-waikiki.com
o Casual
o Pork belly eggs benedict, farm egg omelet, pitaya bowl, purple sweet potatoes
· $$-tier
o Sweet E’s Cafe
o Café
o 1006 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
o https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Es-Cafe-237485202971095/
o Casual attire
o Corned beef hash eggs benedict, stuffed French toast, Kalua pork
· $$$-tier
o Orchids, Halekulani
o Breakfast buffet, seafood
o 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
o https://www.halekulani.com/dining/orchids-restaurant
o Classy casual, resort attire
o Coconut cake, prime rib, roast pig carving station, smoked salmon, fresh fruit
Lunch
· $-tier
o Rainbow Drive-In
o Plate lunches
o 3308 Kanaina Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815
o https://www.rainbowdrivein.com
o Very casual, outdoor seating
o BBQ beef and pork plates, Loco Moco plate
· $$-tier
o Nico’s at Pier 38
o Seafood, French
o 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817
o http://nicospier38.com
o Casual
o Swordfish, crab cake, fish and chips
· $$$-tier
o MW Restaurant
o Asian fusion, Hawaiian
o 1538 Kapiolani Blvd, Ste 107, Honolulu, HI 96814
o http://mwrestaurant.com
o Casual
o Somen noodles and ginger dressing, foie gras, ahi nachos
Dinner
· $-tier
o Marukame Udon
o Japanese, noodles
o 2310 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
o http://www.toridollusa.com
o Casual
o Curry udon, fried chicken, shrimp tempura
· $$-tier
o Moku Kitchen
o Pizza, cocktail bars
o 660 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813
o https://www.mokukitchen.com
o Trendy, casual
o Garlic truffle oil fries, roasted squash ravioli, pork pot stickers
· $$$-tier
o House Without a Key
o Seafood, live music
o 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
o https://www.halekulani.com/dining/house-without-a-key
o Classy casual, resort attire
o Mai tai, coconut shrimp, yellow fin tuna poke
Other (Food Trucks, Late Night Bites, Ice Cream Shops, etc.)
· Leonard’s Bakery: Don’t miss your chance to experience a Hawaiian sweet treat, malasadas. And no one does it better than Leonard’s Bakery. These Portuguese doughnuts (without a hole) are fried and dusted in sugar or filled with custard, chocolate or haupia (coconut) filling.
· Waiola Shave Ice: No trip to Hawaii is complete without enjoying a famous Hawaiian shave ice and for only $3.00 (plus $0.25-0.5 for any additional flavors) you can enjoy this famous icy treat from the longest running shave ice establishment on Oahu.
Top things to See and Do
· Want a unique way to experience Waikiki Beach? Book a parasailing adventure and get a bird’s eye view of one of the most famous beaches. Afraid of heights, not to worry! Parasailing truly feels like you’re floating. ($50-80, http://hawaiianparasail.com)
· Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay lets you get up close and personal with tropical fish and marine life. Snorkel gear is available to rent for $20 or to “plus-up” your experience, there are guided tours available. ($7.50 park entry fee, $1.00 parking fee. Park is closed every Tuesday. https://hanaumabaystatepark.com)
· There’s no better way to work off all those mai tais than a scenic hike around Hawaii’s most recognized landmark. The Diamond Head State Monument offers a steep 0.8 mile hiking trail up to Hawaii’s military summit of Lē‘ahi. The spectacular coastal views and Instagram-worthy photo ops are worth the climb. (Admission is $5.00 per car or $1 per person. $10.00 parking. Cash only. http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument)
· One of the top attractions in Honolulu is the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, aka the Pearl Harbor Memorial. The memorial is home to the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, the USS Utah Memorial, and Battleship Row. Note, the USS Arizona Memorial is temporarily suspended while the dock and access ramp are repaired. So instead of taking a boat to the memorial and disembarking, you’ll get a 15-minute narrated harbor tour of Battleship Row and the area around the USS Arizona Memorial. Plus, you can still visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, and the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor. (Admission is free, but tickets are required and book up quickly. https://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm)
· A luau is probably one of the first things you think of when Hawaii is mentioned. This traditional Hawaiian party is a great way to experience the history and stories of Polynesian culture. And you’ll get to dine on some tasty Kalua Pig and poi! (Prices vary, https://www.gohawaii.com/hawaiian-culture/luau)
· Tour the only royal residence in the United States. Iolani Palace served as the official royal residence until 1893 when the monarchy was overthrown. Guided tours can be booked for $21.75 or choose a self-guided tour for $14.75.
· The Waikiki Aquarium is the second oldest aquarium in the country and features more than 500 marine species and 3,500 marine specimens, including the world’s only public display of the rare Peppermint Angelfish. (General admission is $12. https://www.waikikiaquarium.org)
· For a unique cultural experience, check out the marketplaces of the Chinatown Historic District. Here you can stock up on fresh, local tropical fruits, authentic handmade Hawaiian leis and homemade noodles of all sizes from Yat Tung Chow Noodle Factory. (100 N Beretania St, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96817-4712)
· The Ala Moana Center is an open-air upscale, four-level shopping mall. With over 340 merchants including luxury brands, local specialty stores, fine-dining restaurants and an international food court, you’re sure to find that perfect vacation souvenir for yourself here. We won’t tell! (https://www.alamoanacenter.com)
Festivals/Parades
· Waikiki SPAM® Jam (April 28, 2018): Celebrate that cubed-packaged meat Hawaiians love so much with a fun-for-all-ages street-festival, including two stages of free entertainment, booths from top local restaurants and more. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged as the event benefits the Hawaii Foodbank.
· Honolulu Marathon (December 9, 2018): Did you know the Honolulu Marathon is the fourth largest marathon in the United States? This scenic course takes you through all the note-worthy spots including downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace, Waikiki and up and around Diamond Head. Registration fees vary from $85-270, depending on when you register and other factors.
· Lantern Floating Hawaii (May 28, 2018): Every Memorial Day, over 7,000 lanterns are placed on the water at Ala Moana Beach in a ceremony of remembrance and reflection.
· Honolulu Festival (typically in March): Admission is free for this annual three-day festival celebrating Asia, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures. Expect arts, music, dance and crafts, leading up to a parade through Waikiki.
· Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (October 6-28, 2018): Explore the best of Hawaii’s diverse culinary scene. Featuring 150 chefs, mixologists and winemakers, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival offers three weekends of events, like Feng Shui & Cocktails and Naughty or Nice, that celebrate Hawaii’s local talent and locally-grown products. Event prices vary from $75-500.
Nightlife
Of all the islands, Oahu features the most bars and nightclubs, so there’s a wide variety to choose from.
Bars
· For an upscale bar experience, check out Lewers Lounge (https://www.halekulani.com/dining/lewers-lounge-bar).
· Looking for wine offerings or want to try a "Signature Sassy Spiked Sangria?” Visit Vintage 1901 (http://www.moana-surfrider.com/vintage-1901)
· Rum Fire (http://www.rumfirewaikiki.com) offers beachside cocktails and fire pits for the ultimate tropical late-night escape.
Nightclubs
· Looking for some salsa? Get your groove on with Salsamor Latin Dancing at The District (http://www.thedistrictnightclub.com) Their salsa and Latin dance party is every Thursday night. Your $10 cover includes a free soft drink and free dance lesson from 8-9pm.
· Burn the midnight oil at Ginza Night Club (http://www.ginzanightclub.com). This club has three bars, bottle service and stays open until 4 am! Be sure to dress the part though. This club features a strict dress code. Long pants, shoes and collared shirt required.
Hidden Gems
· Shangri La: Does the phrase “this NPR episode was made possible by a generous contribution from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation” sound familiar? Well take a tour of American heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke’s Honolulu home. Built in 1937, the home houses Duke’s impressive collection of Islamic art and architectural traditions collected over 60-years from her travels in India, Iran, Morocco and Syria. A $25 admission gets you access to these Middle East treasures.
· If you’re willing to travel to central Oahu, check out Manulele Distillers, a farm-to-bottle rum distillery producing Ko Hana Hawaiian Agricole run, made with sugar cane (rather than the traditional molasses). Tours and tastings are offered ($25/person) and reservations are recommended.
· Iolani Palace: Want to see a queen’s prison? After the overthrow of the government of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, she was kept under house arrest in a room on the second floor of the Iolani Palace for nine months. The Imprisonment Room features the Queen’s Quilt which she made during her incarceration. A guided tour to see it and the rest of the Palace’s history will cost you $21.75.
· Sky Gate: Mark your calendars and make plans to view this bendy sculpture on May 26th at 12:28pm and July 15th at 12:37pm. During the solar phenomenon "Lahaina Noon" you can see a perfectly circular shadow that fits neatly within the concrete base below it. Look for the piece between the Honolulu Municipal Building and the Mission Memorial Auditorium near Honolulu Hale.
