Waikiki Beach

Our first international journey as a couple was going over the rainbow. We have finally come to the Hawaiian Islands, a place of rich history, stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and so much more! A memorable trip, where we also learned about Polynesian culture, tales of the Great War, and today’s Hawaiian cultural attributes.

As first-timers in Hawaii, we sought the perfect blend of beach relaxation and the conveniences of a big city. So we chose Honolulu, located on the O’ahu island. And we were not disappointed! We enjoyed the easy access to Waikiki Beach, the city centre, and Pearl Harbour was one hour away with public commute. We were spoiled with great cosmopolitan food all around too.

Waikiki Beach

☀️ | 28°C
📍 Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

I sometimes wonder if I take the weather for granted. This time, we were blessed to experience a perfect weather, featuring clear skies, warm days, and occasional, refreshing misty rains. But no luck or privilege involved here: Hawaii just has the ideal weather forecast year round! Warm enough for swimming while keeping the city temperatures bearable.

Waikiki Beach
With the resort situated right in front of the beach, it was like stepping down our room for a swim. The beach is public and is very safe, with security guards patrolling all around and barriers to prevent swimmers from venturing too far in the ocean at some areas. Along the beach is the Kalakaua avenue, a major hub of commerce in the Waikiki district, attracting both tourists and locals alike. For the sugarcane aficionados, don't miss the Hawaiian Cane Juice shack, located right in front the Royal Hawaiian Center.

Waikiki beach's Avenue Kalakaua is a lively mosaic of restaurants, shops, and the iconic ABC stores. Đẹp trai and I were surrounded by an abundance of culinary delights, ranging from bustling cafes to hidden gems nestled in the quieter corners of the street. But Honolulu is more than just Waikiki Beach, and rest assured: delicious food is everywhere here! My favourites?

Hy’s Steakhouse
Đẹp trai had a craving for a succulent steak. On my side, I wasn’t very enthusiastic amidst the tropical scenery with coconut trees and pineapples. But boy did I mistook! We found this restaurant, part of the Waikiki Park Heights Hotel, while taking a walk in the area. It was a one-of-a-kind experience. Their steak, cooked over Hawaiian kiawe wood, were remarkably tender and flavourful. The service is a whole show where they cut the steak in front of us. A fun fact, we’ve also learned on that day that Hy’s Steak House has its roots in … Calgary! So we had to fly from Canada to Hawaii to discover this Canadian gem, which has now become a top favourite of ours.

53 By The Sea
For my birthday, đẹp trai took me to a majestic seaside restaurant. As we dined on the patio, we could enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the bay. The restaurant, reminiscent of a beautifully renovated manor, exuded elegance and was impeccably suited for the occasion. From seafood to meat, every dish we had that evening was good. Thanks to the sommelier’s recommendation, our wine paired perfectly with our food.

Morimoto
Morimoto, like in Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto? That’s right! We followed the hype to experience a celebrity chef’s take on modern Japanese food. And, of course, the opportunity to savour some of the finest sake was a delightful bonus!

Carp Dori Yakitori Japanese Restaurant
Tucked in a corner on the top floor of a convention centre, its ornament of lanterns, boards and banners covered the entrance door so much that we believed it was closed, or even abandoned. Yet, the “Open” sign was on, so we were confused. Overcome by curiosity, and a craving for authentic Japanese cuisine, we decided to venture inside. The moment we stepped through the door, it was as if we had entered another world. The menu was literally an encyclopedia of skewers, udons and ramens and the food was exceptionally delicious. It was so apparent how much we enjoyed that we were graciously offered additional skewers at the end! A delightful surprise that capped off an unforgettable elaborate lunch experience.

With so much eating, our conscious mind kept sending us signals of workout reminders. We hit the gym not only once, but twice! That’s worth a celebration. OK, we could have done better, but the past is now in the past. Besides, we embarked on a hike up the Diamond Head, a volcanic landmark at only 10 minutes drive from Waikiki, renowned for its panoramic views and historical significance.

Diamond Head (Lēʻahi)
Elevated at 762ft, it was quite the hike for me. None of the cardio workouts I did at the gym prepared me for this real exercise. As we hiked under an overcast sky, battling the humid air, there were moments I doubted my endurance. But with my đẹp trai by my side, I found the strength to reach the summit. Along the way, we encountered an elderly lady, likely in her eighties, and a man on crutches, both of whom had impressively made it to the top as well, after all! Meeting these individuals, embodiments of sheer willpower, was an absolute honour.

There’s so much to see and to learn from in Hawaii. We couldn’t ignore its cultural and historical presence. Where there is luxury for big appetites likes ours, there’s also time for cultivating the minds.

Honolulu Coffee Experience Center
Coffee is such an essential in my daily-to-day that I wanted to get educated about its history and agricultural practice. Kona coffee, known for its unique flavour profile, comes from the Kona region in Big Island. It's the volcanic soil, sunny mornings and rainy afternoons of this area that give Kona coffee its distinct taste. I wanted to know more, so we visited the Honolulu Coffee Experience Center for a full sensory experience. This elegant centre is more than a coffee shop; it roasts coffee beans, brews and sells coffee, and even offers a variety of related products. They also host a cultural tour, enriching the coffee tasting experience. To start off, we were greeted with nitro coffee. This cold brew, enhanced with nitrogen gas, has a lighter texture and a sweeter taste, almost like a chilled tea. Then we learned about the coffee family tree, the difference between Arabica and Robusta, and how Kona coffee originally came from Brazil to Hawaii. What more? They grow Kona coffee in their little garden! The centre also highlights their peaberry coffee, a pea-shaped, single seed bean that makes up only 5% of harvested coffee beans.

Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is infamously known for the surprise attack on December 7, 1941, by the Japanese military, which led the US to enter World War II. Over the years, it remained an active US navy base, though. Therefore, when visiting it, you'll notice heightened security compared to other museums or historical sites. Many tour options are offered, and we chose a tour that included the USS Missouri Battleship, the Aviation Museum, and lunch at the Pearl Harbor Cafe. The USS Missouri is very impressive by its appearance alone, but exploring its interior was another level of thrill. It was on this battleship that Japan signed the surrender documents, marking the definitive end of the war. At the Aviation Museum, we could admire a variety of aircrafts while learning about their history and design. We also enjoyed the photo station and the flight simulator!

Rock-A-Hula
The Rock-a-Hula show, taking place at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki, is a fascinating blend of a rock concert and traditional Hawaiian performance. It features talented artists portraying legends like Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, alongside local singers and Hula dancers. As we opted for the Waikiki Buffet & Show package, we were welcomed with a traditional Lei and cocktails and had a pre-show Luau buffet, a traditional Hawaiian feast with a spotlight on the much-desired Kalua pig.

Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum is Hawaii's largest museum and holds the world’s largest collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts. Founded by Charles Reed Bishop, it stands as a tribute to his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the Kamehameha Dynasty. It's primarily focused on the history of Hawaiian royalty, but it also showcases much more, from Polynesian mythology to the rich history of the region to its biodiversity. What an excitement when we discovered that the now-familiar street name Kalakaua was actually derived from a Hawaiian King!

Reflecting upon this trip to Hawaii, I realize it was a colourful blend of diverse encounters, combining stunning landscapes, profound cultural discoveries, and unforgettable memories. Whether it was the chilling on the beach or the enlightening visits to historical sites, each day was a blast. Wishing for more adventures that inspire, educate, and stay with us forever!