Insight to Oahu
All too often travelers to Hawaii will skip going to Oahu as they equate Waikiki as being all there is to the “Gathering Island.”
I always look forward to visiting Oahu. It is the one island I believe that has everything to offer all visitors: gorgeous natural attributes and unique activities, incredible nightlife and extreme shopping you won’t find on any other island, world class dining experiences, a huge variety of accommodations that will cater to any travelers needs, and nonstop flights from many cities.
This year I saw the revitalization of Waikiki completed. I viewed many properties, and my top picks are listed below. I was happy to see that a few properties now cater to dog lover’s (I will review this in depth in January’s newsletter). And a main focus for most resorts is Hawaiian culture.
It is evident that many long time visitors are enamored by the Hawaiian culture and now there are many more avenues that will provide visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in all things Hawaiian. On Oahu you can partake in voluntourism, attend a native Hawaiian wellness and healing center, visit estates that have been endowed to the arts, visit the only royal palace in America and have the opportunity to view ancient Hawaiian artifacts at the Bishop museum. Of course, there are always the popular activities such as snorkeling with pods of wild dolphins, getting a surf lesson from a real Waikiki “beach boy,” visit landscapes which Hollywood thought perfect for many, many movies and TV shows. And truly the list goes on and on.
Most tourists only get to see the top 5 things to do on Oahu - Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head Crater, the “north shore,” and maybe Hanauma Bay. But for those of us fortunate enough to come back to Oahu we get to see the sites which most tourists miss.
For instance if you are longing to help with voluntourism there is an ancient Hawaiian fishpond on the east shore where you can help (for now it is open to individuals on Saturday’s but groups can attend most any day) rebuild the fishpond which once fed the residents of this area.
If you love cooking - a few of the “top end” resorts can arrange for you to accompany a chef and go to the ”fish market” and see how the chef shops for fresh food for the guests they serve each day. Did you know that most vegetables used in Oahu restaurants come from Oahu? Nowadays cooking is about FRESH and ORGANIC - and the cooking in Hawaii has come a long way from spam, and plate lunches (still love them every once in awhile). In fact, I was honored to be served by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto who has his signature restaurant Morimoto at Waikiki Edition (reservations highly advised at least 2 weeks in advance). I was so thrilled by meeting the most amazing chef in America that I took many photos, and actually was a groupie for the time ever!!! I can’t believe I am saying that but it truly was a memorable moment for me!
Culturally speaking you have China Town (very doable in just a few hours), Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Byodo-In (a Japanese Buddhist Temple which is fashioned after a 900 year old temple in Japan), a Hawaiian wellness and healing center (open to the public), The Pali Lookout (where thousands of Hawaiians were forced to jump to their death), Shangri-La (Doris Dukes fabulous architecturally significant home/museum), famed Waikiki with a fabulous walking tour which maps all the historically significant areas attributable to Hawaiian royalty plus other important facts.
And then there are the activities: learning to surf in Waikiki or riding the waves on an outrigger canoe; touring movie landscapes (there are many); hiking; horseback riding; snorkeling in the ocean with wild pods of dolphins; kayaking out to Mokulua islands; snorkeling in the famous Hanauma Bay (which is a sunken crater limited to 3000 people a day); in the winter time watching the Vans Triple Crown of surfing on the north shore and whale watching.
I am sure you get my drift by now - let’s face it Oahu does have lots to do. Oh, but many of you might say it is not very pretty - and I will say, have you ever visited the east shore? Home to Lanikai and Kailua beaches, both retired from Dr. Beach’s long list of the best beaches in the US. These beaches are stunningly gorgeous and are very long and wide. The scenery on the east shore is reminiscent of the mountains on Kauai’s north shore - but even more spectacular.
Waikiki I agree is quite busy, and this is what most visitors imagine Oahu to be like - but I promise you if you stay on the north shore (we offer private homes, condos, villas and just one fabulous resort) or the east shore (here we offer private homes and cottages) then you will have a super time!
Here is the list of properties I viewed on this visit to Oahu. I would highly recommend these to my clients.
Waikiki Edition - Marriott’s stylish lifestyle hotel featuring international designer Ian Schrager. I thought this was the most unique concept I have seen - I loved it! But it is not for everybody - I think the cool, hip, chic South Beach crowd will love it, it is the place to be seen in Waikiki.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnleb-the-waikiki-edition/
Royal Hawaiian - still one of my favorites - just love it! This is a property for the well traveled and who appreciate the attention to detail that is found throughout the resort. Plus it is the only Waikiki property that has an activity pool (complete with water slide and kids area).
http://www.royal-hawaiian.com/
Princess Kaiulani - just renovated, I think it is located well - close to the Royal Hawaiian, in the middle of Waikiki Beach. It is perfect for those on a moderate budget.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=380
Sheraton Waikiki - Oh my word - the ocean front rooms are simply to die for...I stayed here and absolutely loved it! This is a fabulous property which will cater to all guests, families, honeymooners, girls’ getaways - deluxe property. This property also shares the activity pool at the Royal Hawaiian.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=377
Trump Waikiki Beachwalk Hotel/Condo - The interiors are very nice, more business like feel so I think they will cater to those who appreciate a more minimalist setting. Located behind the Outrigger Reef, some rooms have ocean view. But the best part of all is that the condos go up to three bedrooms!
http://www.trumpwaikikihotel.com/
Kahala Resort - simply the place to stay if you can afford it. The property offers so much I will feature it in my January newsletter as they are one of the few resorts that will allow for Fido to stay with you! Luxury to ultra luxury.
http://kahalaresort-px.trvlclick.com/
Waikiki Beach Hotel - this has always been one of my favorite moderate properties. It is located across from Kuhio Park at the end of Kalakaua avenue near Kapiolani Park. Highly recommended for moderate budgets but even deluxe travelers would enjoy it here!
http://www.astonhotels.com/aston/propertyOverview.do?propertyGroupId=45467
Outrigger Reef - This iconic property has been completely transformed. It is a deluxe property that will cater to all types of guests. The crème de la crème is the 4 bedroom oceanfront suite! Deluxe to luxury.
http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/hawaiian-islands/oahu-waikiki/outrigger-reef-on-the-beach
Embassy Suites - this property is just amazing. I think it is totally perfect for families, and the location cannot be beat - it is right on Waikiki Beach Walk and sits just behind the Halekulani. Super bargain because it includes full breakfast, snacks, drinks (mixed/blended etc. during the manager’s daily reception). Deluxe property.
http://www.embassysuiteswaikiki.com/
