5 reasons this Hawaiian Island is the perfect holiday destination
HAVE A SUNSET COCKTAIL AT DUKE’S
With a sweeping view of Waikiki beach, there is no better place on O’ahu to sip on a mai tai than Duke’s Waikiki. Named after Duke Kahanamoku, who popularised surfing around the world and won five Olympic gold medals for swimming, this bar pays homage to the man. Original photos of Duke and memorabilia line the walls, which is within the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort (you can see the view in the above picture). You can walk up the road to see Duke’s statue, also on the same stretch.
VISIT A BEACHSIDE MANSION
Be sure to book in a tour of Doris Duke’s home, Shangri La, perched on a cliff at Diamond Head. The guided tours need to be booked in advance at Honolulu Museum. Heiress Doris Duke had a passion for Islamic art, reflected in the pieces obtained, including incredible mosaics and a mihrab from 1265.
SIT BY THE POOL AT THE MODERN
Go poolside and relax for the day at The Modern Honolulu, a glamorous oasis right by the beach. The Sunrise Pool is surrounded by autograph trees, bougainvillea and ferns. Or choose the infinity-edged Sunset Pool, which offers a beach- like experience with daybeds set in the sand as well as brightly coloured Brazilian hammocks. Heaven!
FILL YOUR SUITCASES WITH SHOPPING
You can guarantee that Hawaii is a haven for shopping – after all, it is a state of America, a country renowned for its huge malls filled with drastically reduced bargains. Get more bang for your buck at the massive Ala Moana shopping centre. Located in the centre of Honolulu, it is one of the largest open-air shopping malls in the world. Look for the sale racks in the department stores such as Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and the huge Nordstrom. For further reduced bargains head just 30 minutes from Honolulu to Waipahu, where you’ll find the Waikele Premium Outlets. Need sustenance for all that shopping? Pick up some malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts) at Leonard’s Bakery. This bakery is legendary on O’ahu.
DO THE MOON WALK
On selected dates between April and October, you can take a walk through the beautiful Waimea Valley under the glow of the full moon. Get ready to take shots of the waterfall under moonlight. Before a hike, you can enjoy a dinner buffet at the valley’s signature restaurant, The Proud Peacock, hosted by North Shore caterer Ke Nui Kitchen.
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES ALLOWS 2 X 32KG BAGS. PLENTY OF SPACE FOR SHOPPING!
For more on Hawaii, go to the official website for Australians
