Aloha Hawai’i: An Insider Guide to Hawai’i

Looking for the ultimate guide to your next Hawaiian holiday? My Hawaii Specialists, Rach and Jacky, have you covered.

During their recent trip to the islands of Oahu and Hawai’i, Rach and Jacky uncovered the very best that Hawai’i has to offer. Whether you’re looking for unforgettable experiences, luxe resorts, shopping spots, tasty eats and Happy Hour, fascinating history and culture or extraordinary natural landscapes, here is our insider guide to Hawai’i.

Unforgettable Experiences

Hawai’i is undoubtedly a paradise for adventure seekers. From snorkelling to surfing and everything in between, the Aloha State has no shortage of unforgettable experiences on offer. Waikiki Beach is, of course, an Oahu must-do. This world-famous beach is one of the best places to try your hand at surfing, as the sandy ocean bottom and gently rolling waves give even beginners a great shot of catching wave! A catamaran cruise is another great way to experience Waikiki Beach from the water, affording sublime views of Diamond Head and the Honolulu skyline.

Another popular Oahu attraction is Kualoa Ranch. Famously the filming location of Jurassic Park, this private nature reserve offers a range of experiences, including ziplining, horseback tours and UTV riding. A must at Kualoa Ranch is the Secret Beach Island Adventure, a quiet cove where you can enjoy activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and beach games.

Over on the Big Island, you can’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime chance to snorkel with manta rays. Padding out in an authentic Hawaiian canoe at sunset, expect the friendly resident manta rays – which can grow up to five metres! – to swim right up to you, offering an experience you won’t get anywhere else. Big Island is perhaps most famous for its volcanoes, and the best way to experience the island’s extraordinary landscapes is during a helicopter tour.

Luxe Resorts

Holidaymakers are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in Hawai’i. There are countless luxury resorts and hotels offering astounding views, sprawling pools, quality restaurants and bars and immersive cultural activity programs – all within a short stroll of the beach.

Every My Hawaii resort offers something unique. For instance, Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort has the longest infinity-edge pool in North America, Ka La’i Waikiki Beach offers the ‘World’s Best Mai Tai’, The Royal Hawaiian boasts a private stretch of sand on Waikiki Beach and Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa has a superb Club Lounge, giving early arrivals a chance to refresh before check-in.

Plus, My Hawaii cover your daily resort fee, an additional charge that encompasses various services and amenities offered to enhance your stay at your chosen resort. This may include things like cultural activities, water sports, beach essentials and more. Valued at up to USD$578 for a 10-night stay, this exclusive inclusion saves you from hidden holiday costs!

Shopping Spots

What’s a Hawaiian holiday without a little retail therapy? From local boutiques selling homemade handicrafts to sprawling malls with all of your favourite brands, there’s no shortage of places to shop ‘til you drop in Hawai’i.

Big spenders will love Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest open-air shopping centre. This mega mall has more than 350 stores, including 160 dining options, four major department stores and countless only-in-Hawai’i retailers offering locally-made products. Select My Holiday packages include a Premier Passport Voucher at Ala Moana Center, giving you exclusive discounts at various retailers.

For a more local retail experience, head to the Hale’iwa Store Lots on Oahu’s North Shore. This plantation-inspired shopping destination is home to 20 locally-operated businesses, many of which have roots in the North Shore community. While you’re here, make sure to grab a cone from Matsumoto Shave Ice!

Tasty Eats and Happy Hour

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a destination is through its food, and Hawai’i is no exception. With an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, bountiful cattle farms, and Pacific Ocean waters teeming with seafood, Hawaiian cuisine is a tapestry of fresh island flavours.

Some must-try dishes in Hawai’i include poke, poi, lomi lomi salmon and Kalua pork, along with sweet treats like shave ice and dole whip. As for where to find the best spots to eat – ask the locals! They know all the hidden gems, which is how My Hawaii Specialists, Rach and Jacky, found spots like Wild Orange speakeasy and Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck.

Happy Hour is another hallmark of a Hawaiian holiday. This time-honoured tradition is celebrated at restaurants and bars across the islands, and the discounted drinks and appetisers are not to be missed. Better yet, My Hawaii guests get extended Happy Hour pricing at some of Hawai’i’s hottest venues, including Splash Bar, SWIM Restaurant & Bar, Wai’olu Ocean Cuisine and Aka’ula Lanai Bar & Lounge.

Fascinating History and Culture

Hawai’i boasts a storied history, shaping the rich culture that exists on the islands today. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to immerse in the Aloha spirit during your holiday, whether that’s by joining cultural activities or visiting historical sites.

One of the best places to engage in Hawaiian heritage is the Bishop Museum, where you’ll find interactive exhibits on everything from Polynesian wayfinding to volcanic eruptions. To learn about Hawaii’s critical role in World War II, be sure to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which includes the USS Arizona Memorial.

Of course, you don’t have to venture far to enjoy a taste of Hawaiian culture. Your resort will likely offer a daily program of cultural activities, such as ukelele lessons, hula dancing and lei making. For an even more festive experience, a luau – a traditional Hawaiian feast with live music and authentic dance performances – is a must-do.

Extraordinary Natural Landscapes

Volcanoes, waterfalls, blowholes, clifftops and more – the Aloha State has no shortage of jaw dropping natural wonders. Hawai’i is famous for its natural diversity, yet the most visited island of Oahu is better known for its bustling city life. However, if you venture beyond the beaten path you’ll find that Oahu boasts landscapes to rival Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a must-visit, with snorkelling opportunities so good it’s almost like swimming inside an aquarium. Nearby is the Halona Blowhole – a remnant from Oahu’s volcanic past – and Halona Beach Cove, which has featured in blockbuster films including Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

Avid hikers will also find their paradise in Oahu. Perhaps the most famous hike in Hawai’i is Lēʻahi, or Diamond Head, a moderately challenging trail that opens out to gorgeous vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu. For something a little less strenuous, Manoa Falls Trail is a two and a half kilometre lush rainforest track leading to a gushing 150 foot waterfall.

Find Your Very Own Aloha Adventure

Feeling inspired to book your very own Aloha adventure? Find your dream escape today, perfectly packaged with return full-service flights, resort credits, happy hour specials and so much more.

Explore My Hawaii’s latest Hot Deals now.

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