I may live in Hawaii, and take it for granted most of the time, but I definitely appreciate the fact that it is a prime vacation destination. So I will be happy to give my reviews of the best and the worst of the islands, for those of you who are not lucky enough to call them home. I reside in Honolulu, which is on Oahu, the main island. But this is about the only island I am very familiarized with. There are so many great places to visit while you're on Oahu, but here are the 5 absolute musts.
1. Waikiki Beach- This beach sprawls for a mile or so, lined with hotels and tourists. It is one of the most crowded areas, but also one of the most famous. It is a great place for people watching, sun bathing, and a dip in the water. If you want to take a break from the beach, you can always duck into one of the hotel restaurants, or walk the strip, which is lined with restaurants and shops. Waikiki is fun, day or night, for any age.
2. Hanauma Bay- This bay is a state park, that charges admission for non-residents, but is well worth the fee. The bay is very calm, and filled with fish. It is a great place for snorkeling, and I guarantee you will see wildlife.
3. North Shore- It is always a bit of a trek to get to the North Shore, but well worth it. After about driving for 30 minutes, you find yourself driving on a two late road, with pineapple and sugar cane fields on either side. After about another 15 minutes, you reach the town of Haleiwa. It is definitely a good idea to stop here, mostly for shaved ice at Matsumoto's. Then hop back into your car and head down to the beaches. My two favorites are Waimea Bay and Shark's Cove. Waimea famous for its huge waves and host of many surf competitions during the winter (but don't go swimming if the waves are too big! It really is quite dangerous). And don't be fooled by the name, Shark's Cove is just a bunch of tide pools, and I have never heard of a shark in there. It's great for snorkeling or just exploring.
4. Ala Moana- This is the largest shopping center on Oahu, and claims the label of the biggest open-air mall in the world. It is home to a Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom, along with all of the main designer stores and many boutiques. There is also a stage in the middle, where you can sometimes take a break from shopping and listen to anything from an orchestral group from Japan to Local kids playing ukulele, or watching a teen dance team preform.
Orchids
La Mer
5. Orchids and La Mer, at the Halekulani Hotel- This is one of the nicest hotels on the island, and my personal favorite. The Halekulani boasts two restaurants, and both are excellent. Orchids is on the first floor and its menu is filled to the brim with Pacific Rim type foods. If you eat here, I would definitely try the Opakapaka or Mahi Mahi. The mood is relaxed, you will often see the locals in aloha shirts (yes, the men here really do wear those out!), and there is usually live Hawaiian music playing on the nearby stage, or they have it resonating out of the speakers. La Mer is a French restaurant, and might very well be the best on the island. The Lobster Salad for appetizer is a must, and the chocolate soufflé (but don't forget to order it during your dinner, because it takes 20 minutes to cook). It is a bit stuffier up there, and jackets are required for men. You really cannot go wrong with either restaurant, it really just has to do with your person preference.
My favorite hotel on the island is the Grande Wailea, part of the Hilton chain. It is definitely on the expensive side, but for good reason. It is a luxury hotel, with gorgeous views, and a water park attached!
The Grande Wailea is a great family hotel, with something for everyone. Dad can hang out in the shade by the Hibiscus Pool(where kids aren't allowed), Mom can have a spa day, and the kids will be entertained for hours in the activity pool, complete with water slides, hot tubs, and even a water elevator!
