We are normally an "off the beaten path" couple. Every now and again we like to be in the middle of it all, especially on our regular trips to O'ahu. It is the most visited Hawaiian island, with nearly 4.7 visitors each year. Many of those visitors make Waikīkī part of their vacation, while others avoid it. We like to spend our first night in Waikīkī simply because it’s a taste of being home, but also because our flight usually arrives after 9 pm (WestJet or Air Canada) and we have established a tradition of cocktails and pupus (appetizers) at Duke’s Canoe Club. Once the playground to Hawaiian royalty and the renowned Waikīkī Beach Boys, it has grown over the years into a bustling tourist spot with more ABC stores and Starbucks than needed. But there are some gems to be found in the city too. Take a look at some of our favorite things in Waikīkī.
DUKE'S CANOE CLUB Duke’s has been a staple of Waikīkī since 1992 and plays homage to the one and only, father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku. Located in the Outrigger Waikīkī
Beach Resort, it’s hands down the best barefoot bar in Waikīkī (but we might be a little nostalgia biased. :-) ). Of course, you have to take the short walk to the Duke Kahanamoku statue. Duke was instrumental in making modern surfing popular and spreading Aloha around the world. Did you know that he was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and also appeared in 28 Hollywood movies?
WAIKĪKĪ BEACH BY NIGHT The beach can be quite busy during the day, but once everyone heads to dinner and settles in for the evening, Waikīkī beach becomes a calm, welcoming place with a certain level of serenity. The tiki torches of the hotels burning bright along the beach create a magical atmosphere and takes on a whole different quality than the daytime. Find a dry spot on the sand, sit down and enjoy the sound of the waves, Diamond Head silhouetted by the moon and the stars shining above.
HAWAIIAN AROMA CAFE at the Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel. The cafe is located on the
second level of the hotel and has a full menu offering coffee and tea, smoothies, breakfast and
lunch items, acai bowls, baked goods and a full bar. It’s a nice place to grab a coffee or drink and a bite to get your day started. There are other locations in Waikīkī as well - The Ohana East and Ilikai hotels, plus The Gallery Cafe & Bar.
SOHA LIVING This is one of my favorite shops for local style fare. From island inspired printed pillows and coasters to everything beachy to add a bit of Hawai’i to your home. You can even order online once you’ve returned home. Depending on where you live, shipping can be pricey, so I always stock up while on island. The store in Waikīkī is one of ten locations on O'ahu and they also have stores on the other islands.
SUP SUNSET YOGA If you like stand up paddle boarding and yoga, check out this sunset combo by Yoga Floats. If you can’t make a sunset float, other times and classes are available. Fees start at $40 and they even offer private SUP lessons if you’re new to the sport. Check ‘em out!
SAN SOUCI KAIMANA BEACH PARK A great family beach that has calmer waters (no strong currents), is shallow and sandy. It’s a quieter part of Waikīkī and a short walk from the busy sidewalks, located on the Diamond Head (East) side of Waikīkī. The Honolulu Zoo and Waikīkī Aquarium are also nearby.
THE BLUE NOTE HAWAI'I Located in the Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Hotel (the same hotel you’ll find
Duke’s in) is this gem of a music venue. You’ll find top Hawaiian names like Keali’i Reichel and Jake Shimabukuro to international names like The Four Tops and Marlon Wayons performing. It’s a truly intimate venue and worthy of a Waikīkī evening. Be sure to check out their show calendar to see what’s playing when you visit.
LILIHA BAKERY This is one of our favorite places to eat on O'ahu. Started in 1950 as a bakery
and cafe, it has grown today to five locations throughout O'ahu, including their Waikīkī International Marketplace location on the 3rd floor on the Grand Lana’i. Stepping up to the bakery counter will have your mouth watering as you attempt to choose from the many delectable treats - mochi donuts, Chantilly cake, haupia malasadas and so much more. And that’s just the bakery! Our favorite breakfast entree - Smoked Pork Belly & Eggs!
THE WAIKĪKĪ HISTORICAL TRAIL Learn about Waikīkī's history by reading the surfboard markers along the way. There’s so much more to Waikīkī than what you see today.
Next time you visit O’ahu, stop to look at the historical parts of the island - you’ll be surprised what you learn. Waikīkī might be a busy tourist spot now, but if you look, you’ll still find some remnants of days past. Happy Hunting and Aloha Nui Loa!
Comments