The ELE team has just returned from beautiful Honolulu, Oa’hu, and can’t stop raving about it – from the friendliness of the locals, the perfect weather, great food, shopping and beaches, it was the perfect destination for a quick break before the craziness of the festive season sets in. Hawaii’s busiest island (but still a very relaxed pace of life compared to most cities around the world!) O’ahu’s amenities are first class, the beaches are calm and laid back, the water inviting and there are plenty of beach activities available (paddle boarding, surfing, drinking cocktails!), making it an ideal holiday destination or a gorgeous gateway to the other islands of Hawaii.
Some of our highlights include sipping fresh local pineapple juice while strolling the beachfront at sunset, taking an early morning dip in the clear blue water of Waikiki beach, shopping at the Ala Moana shopping centre (hundreds of shops in a fabulous outdoor mall), eating Mexican street corn at Buho Cantina and savouring Lychee Martini’s while snacking on fried green tomatoes upstairs at Bill’s Sydney Waikiki restaurant.
We stayed in Waikiki, which is perfectly located for restaurants, shopping and the beach. There are so many food and accommodation options from high end to budget, it is hard to pick just a few, but here are some of our favourites:
ELE address book:
Stay
Trump International Hotel, Waikiki Beach Walk– 5 star luxury, fabulous location and impeccable service with spacious rooms and excellent world class amenities. 223 Saratoga Road, Honolulu trumphotelcollection.com/waikiki
The Lotus Honolulu, Diamond Head – a quick 10 minute walk by the beach to the heart of Waikiki (shuttle bus also provided), mid-range, quiet, peaceful with great views of Diamond Head, comfortable large rooms with balconies and a fabulous sheltered beach just a stone’s throw away. 2885 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu lotushonoluluhotel.com
Aqua Oasis – very reasonably priced, in the heart of everything, fun boutique style Hawaiian influenced rooms and fabulous, friendly service. 320 Lewers Street, Waikiki aquaoasishotel.com
Eat
Bill’s Sydney, Honolulu – Local produce and Bill’s classics from one of Australia’s best loved chef’s, Bill Grainger. Open 7am-10pm, 280 Beach Walk, Waikiki billshawaii.com
Pau Hana Market Waikiki – cool, kitschy food truck heaven – churros, ramen, acai bowls, rotisserie chicken- all priced at around $10-$15 Open 10am-10pm, 234 Beach Walk, Waikiki pauhanawaikiki.com
Tucker & Bevvy – A great spot for breakfast, smoothies and juice or to pick up picnic food for the beach, 449 Kapahula Avenue, Honolulu. tuckerandbevvy.com
Buho Cocina y Cantina– modern Mexican in a gorgeous setting- don’t miss the char grilled Mexican street corn. 2250 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki (upstairs) buhocantina.com
We will be posting more reviews and pics from the trip in the coming weeks so stay tuned!
ELE xx
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