Top 5 Honolulu must-dos

While I am the first person to put my hand up for fun activities in my home town (case in point here and here), I don’t often get to make a break for luxe overseas destinations like Hawaii. So when Mr LML suggests a getaway to the home of the luau, in my mind I already have my bags packed and lei around my neck.

My top five picks for making the most of Honolulu:

1. Climb Diamond Head

Located at the end of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head is an amazing climb and a must-do for tourists and locals alike.

The hike will total around three hours and is a welcome change from lazing on the beach (never thought I’d say that!). Once you reach the top, your hard work will be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the island.

Hot tip: Get in early because Diamond Head is a popular tourist attraction, and by about 11am it’s hard to squeeze past people who are walking in the other direction. Plus in the middle of the day it’s hot, hot hot!

2. Shop ’til you drop

Shopping in America means avoiding the dreaded goods and services tax (GST). As a result, everything costs around 30% less (even with US tax tacked on), making shopping an essential activity on your trip. Apart from the main street in Waikiki, there are a few malls that are worth a dedicated visit.

The best known of the shopping malls, Ala Moana Centre is situated 10 minutes from Waikiki Beach via shuttle. This is the place to go for savings on brands including Tiffanys, Gap, Kate Spade and Victoria’s Secret.

Another shopping destination, Waikele Premium Outlets is located about 30 minutes out of town and can be reached by shuttle, bus or hire car. Similar to DFO in Australia, Waikele is your chance to bag a bargain on a large range of goods that may have minor factory faults. The centre is home to stores such as Calvin Klein, Coach and Saks Fifth Avenue.

3. Tick off some obligatory sight-seeing & culture-soaking
Pearl Harbor – Well known as the site of a Japanese military strike during World War Two, Pearl Harbor is open for tourists to pay their respects and learn more about the history, offering a unique insight into the war. A number of original artefacts and ruins remain at the site so be sure to check them out. These include the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri, USS Bowfin and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Hot tip: Many of the tours also include a city tour so consider factoring this into your first day or two to get your bearings.

Luau – Arguably the epitome of Hawaiian culture, the luau occurs around sunset each day and involves a whole heap of festive dancing, eating and mingling. Take to the beach at sundown and enjoy some traditional Hawaiian culture into the night. I recommend the luau at Paradise Cove, located on 12 lush waterfront acres. Check out Allyvia’s review of the Paradise Cove luau here.

Hot tip: Don’t risk missing out, make a booking in advance!

4. Get out of Waikiki

Hire a car for the day and drive the North of the island. Haleiwa, Turtle Beach and Sunset Beach are all beautiful and very localised, and a welcome change from busy tourist central, Waikiki.

On the drive back, you’ll cruise through towering mountains that hint at the spectacular volcanic terrain that characterises much of Hawaii.

5. Hit the high seas

From Waikiki Beach, you’ll see (and hear) catamarans calling to tourists for daily trips out on the water. I recommend the last trip of the day. For AUD$30, the yacht will take you out past Diamond Head and then back into a spectacular sunset. Plus, who can go wrong with loads of sing-a-long tunes and free drinks?!

 

Have you been to Hawaii? What makes your top five for Honolulu?