City Guide: Oahu, Hawaii
Currency:
US Dollar
Time Zone:
Hawaii Aleutian Standard Time (UTC: -10.00)
Best Time to Visit:
April to mid-June and September to mid-December are the least crowded times.
Aloha! Hawaii is one of my favourite holiday spots with it's beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife and delicious food scene.
Perfect for couples, families, relaxing escapes and adventurous expeditions, Hawaii has something for everyone. Here are just a few of my favourite things to see, do and eat in beautiful Oahu!
My favourite treats:
The Oreo Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory
There are SO many treats that are on my must-eat list whilst in Hawaii - but this is another one of my favourites not on that list!
The Cheesecake Factory's Oreo Cheesecake is a family favourite - and it should come as no surprise as we all LOVE Oreos! (And you'll often find out suitcases packed with different flavours on the way home!)
The Cheesecake Factory
www.thecheesecakefactory.com
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Centre
2301 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu HI, 96815
Open: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am, Sun 10am-11pm
My favourite place to stay:
The Halekulani Hotel
The Halekulani almost feels like our home away from home. With generously sized suites and incredible views, it's perfect for families and close to all that Honolulu has to offer!
The Halekulani Hotel
www.halekulani.com
2199 Kalia Road
Honolulu HI, 96815
My Favourite Thing to Do with Kids:
Snorkeling at Haunama Bay
Snorkeling at Haunama Bay is an incredible experience and fun for the whole family. The water is crystal clear and there is so much to see and experience!
If there was any time to buy a waterproof camera it's before a trip to Hawaii!
My Favourite Nightlife:
Sunset Cocktails
One of my favourite things to do in the evening is grab a cocktail at sunset at the Halekulani whilst listening to live music and watching the hula dancer perform. The hula dancers are usually a former Miss Hawaii and the atmosphere is amazing.
Another favourite place for a cocktail is Duke's Waikiki - and either option is the perfect start to a fun evening of teppanyaki at Tanaka of Tokyo or dinner at HY Steakhouse.
My Favourite Place to Shop:
The Ala Moana Centre
The shopping in Hawaii is incredible (you're in the US, afterall!) but The Ala Moana Centre is one of my favourite places to shop.
Also, be sure to check out the outlet centres. You know I love a bargain and the outlet centres are one of my must visit places whilst in Hawaii as you're guaranteed to pick up a great deal!
My Favourite Lunch Spot:
Mariposa at Neiman Marcus
One of my favourite lunch spots in Hawaii, the Mariposa has an incredible menu - but I always have a few must-order items.
Their crab salad is amazing and perfectly paired with a long island iced tea. For dessert, be sure to try one of their signature chocolate chip cookies or try their popovers with strawberry butter. Yum!
Mariposa Neiman Marcus
www.neimanmarcus.com
Level 3, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu HI, 96814
Open: 8am to 2am Daily
A Little Bit of Fun:
Rent a Car and Shop Up a Storm!
Remember you're in the US - shop up a storm at Target or Walmart and drive around the island to take in the sights.
Walmart is always a must visit for us as it means we can stock up on all of our favourite American treats to bring home!
Don’t Miss:
Pearl Harbour
A visit to Hawaii just isn't complete without a visit to Pearl Harbour. Their tours offer an incredible historical insight and are a must do whilst on the island.
Pearl Harbour
1 Arizona Memorial Place
Honolulu HI, 96818