Waikiki Beach
Our first international journey as a couple was going over the rainbow. We have finally come to the Hawaiian Islands, a place of rich history, stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and so much more! A memorable trip, where we also learned about Polynesian culture, tales of the Great War, and today’s Hawaiian cultural attributes.
As first-timers in Hawai’i, we sought the perfect blend of beach relaxation and the conveniences of a big city. So we chose Honolulu, located on the O’ahu island. And we were not disappointed! We enjoyed the easy access to Waikiki Beach and the city centre, and Pearl Harbor was one hour away by public transport. We were spoiled with great cosmopolitan food all around too.
Stay
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa: Perfectly positioned right across from the ocean on Kalakaua Avenue, this resort offered the ultimate mix of convenience and tropical relaxation. Stepping out for an early morning swim or a sunset stroll along the beach couldn't have been easier, and having endless shops, ABC stores, and local eateries right outside our doorstep made exploring Honolulu completely seamless.
Activities Between swimming right outside our resort and taking in the coastal sun, we balanced relaxation with hiking, sightseeing, and immersion into local history:
Waikiki Beach: With our resort situated directly in front of the public beach, stepping out for a swim couldn't have been easier. It’s safe, guarded, and bordered by Kalakaua Avenue—a bustling hub full of commerce, shops, and iconic ABC stores.
Diamond Head (Lēʻahi): Rising 762 feet above the coast, this volcanic landmark offers incredible panoramic views. Hiking up the humid trail under overcast skies was a true test of endurance, but reaching the summit alongside inspiring fellow travellers, some with old age and others with disability, made every step worth it.
Pearl Harbor National Monument: A deeply historical visit encompassing the military history of World War II. Highlights included exploring the interior of the USS Missouri Battleship (where surrender documents were signed), touring the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, and trying out the flight simulators (a 180-degree spin that freaked out my partner).
Honolulu Coffee Experience Center: A full sensory journey into Kona coffee traditions. We learned about coffee botany, Arabica vs. Robusta, and volcanic soil harvesting, toured their mini garden, and sampled smooth nitro cold brew and rare peaberry beans.
Eats Avenue Kalakaua and the surrounding Honolulu streets are a lively mosaic of culinary delights. From bustling cafes to hidden gems, food is everywhere:
Hy’s Steak House: Tucked inside the Waikiki Park Heights Hotel, this gem cooks tender, flavour-packed steaks over Hawaiian kiawe wood with tableside carving service. Fun fact: we had to fly all the way from Canada to Hawaii to discover that Hy’s actually got its start in Calgary!
53 By The Sea: For my birthday, đẹp trai took me to this majestic seaside manor. The patio offers breathtaking sunset views over the bay, perfectly paired with incredible seafood, meat, and sommelier-selected wines.
Morimoto Asia: Driven by the hype of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, we stopped by for a modern take on Japanese cuisine—complemented by a selection of fine sake.
Carp Dori Yakitori: Hidden on the top floor of a convention center behind layers of banners and lanterns, this cozy spot felt like stepping into another world. The menu is an encyclopedia of delicious skewers, udon, and ramen. And a special shout-out to the generous waitress who offered us a couple of free skewers as she saw how over-the-top enthusiastic we were about their food!
Hawaiian Cane Juice: Located right in front of the Royal Hawaiian Center on Kalakaua Avenue, this shack is a must-visit for sugarcane aficionados looking for a refreshing tropical sip like me!
Entertainment To dive deeper into island culture and performing arts, we made sure to reserve time for local shows and rich heritage exhibits:
Bishop Museum: Hawaiʻi’s largest museum holds the world’s largest collection of Polynesian artifacts. Founded in honour of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, it offers a fascinating look into Hawaiian royal history, mythology, and regional biodiversity.
Rock-A-Hula Show: Held at the Royal Hawaiian Center, this high-energy performance blends traditional Hawaiian music and Hula with tribute performances to icons like Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. We booked the Luau buffet package, complete with fresh leis, cocktails, and traditional Kalua pig.
Reflecting on this trip, Hawai’i was a colourful blend of stunning landscapes, profound cultural discoveries, and unforgettable memories. Whether lounging by the water or exploring historical landmarks, every moment left us inspired for the next adventure.
