A Guide to Visiting Hawaii

A Guide to Visiting Hawaii

Hawaii is a tropical paradise that offers a blend of city life, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Located on the island of Oahu in the Hawaiian archipelago, this capital city is home to sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It is a beautiful place to visit for anyone looking to relax, explore, and immerse themselves in the rich culture of Hawaii.

Where to stay:

  • The Royal Hawaiian: a luxurious beachfront hotel with a pink exterior and tropical gardens
  • The Hilton Hawaiian Village: a resort with water slides, lagoons, and a private beach
  • The Sheraton Waikiki: a hotel with ocean views and a rooftop pool
  • The Moana Surfrider: a historic hotel with a beachfront location and Victorian-style architecture
  • Airbnb: a platform for renting vacation homes, apartments, or rooms from local hosts

Best places to eat:

  • Leonard's Bakery: a famous spot for malasadas, Portuguese-style fried dough balls
  • Ono Seafood: a casual spot for poke bowls and other seafood dishes
  • Helena's Hawaiian Food: a local favorite for authentic Hawaiian cuisine
  • The Pig and the Lady: a fusion restaurant with Asian-inspired dishes and a lively atmosphere
  • Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar: a popular spot for Japanese food and sake

Brewery highlights:

  • Waikiki Brewing Company: a brewery with a taproom and beer garden
  • Lanikai Brewery: a craft brewery with a taproom and rotating selection of beers
  • Hana Koa Brewery: a small brewery with a taproom and outdoor seating

Night life:

  • The Skybar: a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city
  • The Republik: a music venue with concerts and live performances
  • The Waterfront at Aloha Tower: a bar with a waterfront location and live music
  • The Wave Waikiki: a nightclub with a beachside location and DJ events
  • The Dragon Upstairs: a small venue with live music and a cozy atmosphere

Beaches:

  • Waikiki Beach: a popular beach with white sand and turquoise water
  • Hanauma Bay: a protected beach with snorkeling and diving opportunities
  • Lanikai Beach: a secluded beach with crystal clear water and a backdrop of lush green hills
  • Kailua Beach: a wide beach with white sand and calm water
  • Sunset Beach: a beach with big waves and a beautiful sunset view

What to do:

  • Visit Pearl Harbor: a historic site with museums and memorials
  • Hike Diamond Head: a popular trail with panoramic views of the city and the ocean
  • Take a surf lesson: learn to surf on the waves of Waikiki Beach
  • Visit the Bishop Museum: a museum with exhibits about Hawaiian culture and history
  • Take a snorkeling tour: explore the underwater world of Oahu's reefs

Shopping:

  • The Ala Moana Center: a huge shopping mall with over 350 stores and a food court
  • The International Market Place: an outdoor shopping center with souvenir stalls and local boutiques
  • The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center: a shopping center with luxury stores and a food court

Experience nature and parks:

  • The Manoa Falls Trail: a popular hike with a waterfall at the end
  • The Koko Head Crater Trail: a challenging hike with breathtaking views of the coast
  • The Diamond Head State Monument: a park with a volcanic crater and a scenic trail
  • The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve: a marine preserve with a protected beach and snorkeling opportunities

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About the Author

Dr. Dickson W., is an Atlanta-based research scientist, passionate traveler and CEO of Loomis Travel, the direct to customer luggage company you can trust featured below.