TAKE OFF FOR O‘AHU

 

If your idea of a great getaway means picture-perfect weather, outdoor fun, gorgeous surroundings, and exceptional food, then come to O’ahu where chefs and farmers work in partnership to showcase the natural bounty of the land and the sea. From the sophistication of Waikīkī and Honolulu to the picturesque Windward Coast and North Shore, O’ahu is an irresistible and delicious playground.

Romantic Escape: Waikīkī, Honolulu, and the Windward Coast

Dine at The Royal Hawaiian’s exquisite oceanfront Azure Restaurant (www.royal-hawaiian.com), renowned for innovative specialties combining fresh island seafood and produce.  Opt for the ultimate exclusive dining experience and book the Royal Papa’aina (The Royal Table) at the private beachfront Chef’s Cabana and enjoy an eight-course tasting menu boasting local ingredients and wine pairings.

Experience O‘ahu’s lively arts scene at First Fridays (www.artsatmarks.com), a monthly arts and cultural celebration in Downtown Honolulu’s Chinatown. Visit galleries and artists’ studios from 5 pm to 9 pm to meet artists, view their work, and watch art demonstrations. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to shop neighborhood boutiques and stay late to enjoy the local bars and clubs, hear live music, and dine at local restaurants. 

Head to O‘ahu’s idyllic Windward Coast where the calm turquoise waters are ideal for kayaking. Rent a tandem kayak from TwoGood Kayaks Hawai‘i Inc. (www.twogoodkayaks.com) and drive up to Kīne’ohe Bay where you can paddle to a deserted island and swim and sun in privacy. You can also splurge on a customized private guided kayak excursion or book a more budget-minded tour to the Mokulua Islands.

 

Bliss out with a couple’s spa treatment. At Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Mandara Spa (www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com), Exploration in Chocolate consists of side by side massages and a custom aromatic bath. For the ultimate renewal, Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa (www.moana-surfrider.com), has two beautiful oceanfront suites, where couples can indulge in spa treatments for two in private.

Family Adventures: On the North Shore

Spend Sunday morning at the weekly Hale‘iwa Farmers Market (www.haleiwafarmersmarket.com). Shop for locally grown fruits and vegetables and Hawai‘i-made jam, honey, chocolate, coffee, and salt. Enjoy delicious natural shave ice and pizza made from locally grown tomatoes and island-made mozzarella and pesto. Take home jewelry, sarongs, glassware, sandals, soy candles, pottery, photography, soap, and skincare products all created by island artisans. There are even special activities and games for kids.

Enjoy beachside dining as you watch whales frolicking in the sea and Hawaiian monk seals relaxing on the sands at Ola at Turtle Bay Resort (www.olaislife.com) where Chef Fred DeAngelo’s serves his Island Style Seafood. Seasonal favorites include Lawai’a Stew (fishermen stew) with local fish, clams, shrimp, and scallops and Togarashi Glazed New Zealand King Salmon served with Okinawan sweet potatoes from the Big Island and local corn, edamame, and sea asparagus.

Don’t miss the Polynesian Cultural Center’s (www.polynesia.com) Hā: Breath of Life, a 90-minute, family-oriented spectacle depicting the life of a young Polynesian man from birth through adulthood. Children and adults will be immersed in this interactive production featuring over 100 performers that showcases locations in Hawai‘i, Tonga, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, and Fiji while promoting universal themes of young love, family, hope, pride, and heritage.

Hang ten with family-friendly surf lessons at Hans Hedemann Surf School (www.hhsurf.com) locations on the North Shore at Turtle Bay Resort and in Waikīkī at the Parc Shore Hotel. The instructors will provide everyone ages five and up with a great day and even a photo that captures Mom, Dad, and the kids riding a wave together. 

Girlfriend Getaway: From Chinatown to Diamond Head and the Farmers’ Market

Get active with an early morning hike up Diamond Head and be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Honolulu, Waikīkī, the deep blue Pacific, and the island interior. Remember to wear sneakers and bring bottled water.  Later on, cool off while outrigger canoe surfing with Waikīkī Beach Services (www.waikikibeachservices.com). Outrigger canoe surfing was once the sport of Hawaiian royalty.  After you paddle out from the shore, you’ll enjoy the adrenaline rush as the outrigger canoe rides the surf back to the beach.

Discover island fresh produce and Hawai’i-made specialty foods at the weekly Saturday morning Kapi’olani Community College Farmers’ Market (http://kapiolani.hawaii.edu/object/farmersmarket.html). Grab a fresh baked scone and a cup of Hawai‘i-grown coffee and shop for outstanding local fruits, vegetables, beef, and seafood. You’ll also find island-produced jams, jellies, snack foods, and specialty seasonings which make ideal gifts or items for your own pantry.

 

Head to historic Chinatown for a memorable outing. Split up as you shop for colorful, fragrant fresh flower lei at the many vendors along Mauna Kea Street. Next, stop for delectable vegetarian dim sum at Legend Vegetarian Restaurant and surprise each other with different lei.

Make reservations at Chef Mavro (www.chefmavro.com), a AAA Five Diamond restaurant noted for sensational food and wine pairings and a stunning Hawaiian setting featuring paintings, colored glass art, and vases crafted by island artists and artisans. Just minutes from Waikīkī, this Honolulu eatery offers a semi private dining area perfect for small groups.

Plan Your Getaway Today!

O’ahu Visitors Bureau
877-525-OAHU
www.visit-oahu.com

Aston Hotels & Resorts
2155 Kalakaua Avenue
5th Floor
Honolulu, HI 96815
866-774-2924
www.astonhotels.com

The Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Avenue
Honolulu, HI  96816
800-367-2525
www.kahalaresort.com

Photos courtesy of O‘ahu Visitors Bureau