Love (and the aloha) is in the air in Waikiki. It’s the perfect place for for a romantic break with your beloved and as a destination, Waikiki covers all the holiday bases. Whatever your holiday jam, there’s something for everyone in Waikiki with a plethora of sunbaking, sightseeing, entertainment and wining and dining options. Here’s ten top tips to get you started!
1. Stay at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki
Steps away from the beach in the heart of Waikiki, this resort has everything you want, and more! With outstanding customer service, modern spacious guest rooms (each with it’s own lanai,) an award winning spa, cultural activities, a pool with Pacific ocean views, 24 hour fitness centre, a great range of dining options, more than 60 on site boutiques and a whole lot of aloha, this is the perfect place to enjoy and explore Waikiki.
photo credit: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa
It’s where we stayed on honeymoon and where we stayed to celebrate 10 years of wedded bliss. Maybe next time we’ll be back to renew our vows. A girl can dream, can’t she?
2. Bliss out with a couples massage at Na Ha Ola Spa
It’s almost impossible not to be relaxed in this tranquil oasis with it’s amazing views of the beach and the ocean. The spa features sixteen separate session rooms, a dry sauna and an outstanding selection of signature treatments. The spa prides itself on promoting wellness through the practice of Hawaiian culture, values, and arts.
I can vouch for the Nanea- Aroma Stone Tranquility Massage for Two which combines a soothing hot stone massage and essential aroma balms. This luxurious combination is beyond blissful and of course, it’s twice as nice when you share the experience with your partner.
photo credit: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa
3. Relax by the pool or catch some waves at the beach
I like looking at the beach but don’t like sitting on it, so snagging a sunbed by the pool is my preferred mode of relaxation. In my experience, hotel pools are in Waikiki are relatively small compared to the size of the property, but don’t let that put you off. Bonus points, if you get Pacific ocean views!
photo credit: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa
If being on the beach is more you’re bag, you’re going to be in your element on Waikiki Beach with the clear blue water, soft sand and gentle waves.
4. Take a private tour of the island
Of course, you can hire a car and drive yourself but where’s the fun in that? Hiring a driver has a number of advantages. First, you both get to kick, back, relax and enjoy the views. Plus you don’t have to worry about Waikiki traffic (which isn’t for the faint hearted), don’t have to worry about car rental and don’t have to worry about finding a place to park (and associated costs) of said rental car. Win, win, win!
Another advantage of having a more private tour is that you get to choose your itinerary and you don’t have to compromise with, or for the introverts amongst us, socialise with anyone else.
And if all that’s not tempting enough, your guide will tell you everything you want to know about the island (and more,) show you Oahu’s best kept secrets and be sure to make your day trip one to remember.
5. Get your happy on at happy hour
There are so many thirst quenching options in Waikiki and so many happy hours ranging from early afternoon to early evening and well into the night too. Whether you’re drinking a cocktail or a mocktail, on a rooftop or on the beach, there’s a special spot for just the two of you.
photo credit: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort and Spa
6. Watch the sunset
Sunsets are just magic in Waikiki. Watch the sunset from the beach or snag a seat at one of beachside bars like Rumfire at the Sheraton Waikiki or The Beach Bar at the Moana Surfrider. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.
photo credit @_withsomegrace
If you fancy a side of traditional entertainment with your sunset, there’s live Hawaiian music and hula dancing every night (5.30-8.30) at A House Without a Key at the Halekulani Hotel, although if you’re not dining at the restaurant, you’ll have to pay $5 cover charge for the privilege. On the plus side, there’s bottomless chips! If you’re looking for more food options, check out our 11 Fabulous Foodie Finds in Waikiki.
At 3,500 feet in diameter and a 760 foot summit, Diamond Head is one of Hawaii’s most recognised icons and one of Oahu’s most visited destinations. “That was so not worth it,” said no one who climbed Diamond Head, ever because let’s face it, it’s not every day you get to walk up the side of an extinct volcano.
The hike to the summit of Diamond Head Monument is a 1.6 mile round trip and takes about 1.5 hours. Although it’s not an especially challenging hike, there are parts of the trail that are steep, uneven and there are 327 concrete and metal stairs to contend with too. The panoramic views at the top are totally worth it though. Just be sure to wear sensible walking shoes or sneakers and bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water because hiking sure is thirsty work. If you want to beat the heat, the best time to hike is early morning or late afternoon. If avoiding the crowds is more your jam, the best time to hike is between 1 and 4 in the afternoon.
Getting to Diamond Head is easy, you can take the bus, grab an Uber or a Lyft or if you’re feeling super energetic, burn some value added calories and walk there from Waikiki.
8. Shop til you drop at Ala Moana Shopping Centre
I know I’m a wannabe minimalist and I know shopping is not everyone’s cup of tea, but truly the shopping in Waikiki is too good to resist. Even the most fervent anti-shopper would enjoy the experience at Ala Moana, it’s retail therapy at it’s finest. You’ll find over 340 shops and over 90 dining options at this, the world’s largest outdoor shopping mall, with everything from department stores to designer boutiques and almost everything in between. And as if the shopping isn’t tempting enough, there’s a live hula show and live Hawaiian music daily.
When you’re shopped out at Ala Moana, bob around the corner to TK Maxx and Nordstrom Rack for more uber bargains. It’s almost impossible to leave empty handed!
Getting to the centre is easy, take an Uber or Lyft, hop on a bus or if you’re feeling very energetic, you can walk all the way from Waikiki.
Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial are visited by over 1,500,000 visitors every year. A visit here is educational, sobering and not to be missed.
Every day 1,300 tickets are given out on a first-come, first served basis at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center ticket counter but queues can be long and you might miss out. If you want to be one step ahead, buy tickets online or join a tour. With the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum, there is so much to see at Pearl Harbor – plan to spend a whole day here to get the most from your visit.
10. See a luau
A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party or feast with a side of entertainment such as Hawaiian music and hula dancing. There are a number of luaus in and around Waikiki and each is uniquely different. Our pick is the ‘Aha’aina, Waikiki’s only oceanfront luau. It’s just magic!
photo credit: Aha’aina
The show is modern, timeless and celebrates Hawaii through the decades with songs, music, hula and culture – it’s full of aloha! If you want to enjoy the show but skip the banquet, opt for cocktail seating which includes all the entertainment, all the aloha and a couple of drinks.
photo credit: Aha’aina
So, that’s our top ten. Have you been to Waikiki? Got anything else to add to the list? Tell me for next time, because with Waikiki, there is always a next time! What’s your favourite way to spend time in paradise?
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki on media rates {discounted accommodation} during our stay. The hotel graciously gifted us our spa treatment for the purpose of writing this post. As always, all opinions are my own.
Linking up with Van, Marcella, Lauren and Isabel for Wanderful Wednesday
