Hawaii with the family…again!
My first visit to Hawaii was in 1988, it felt like a different world to this boy from Salford, I loved the place but it took me 30 years to get back there, and now I have been back 4 times in the last 8 years, so what is it that keeps taking me back?
There is something special about City centre beaches, think Rio or Barcelona, that combination of the sea and shops is a heady mix, add that to the natural beauty and you just can’t go wrong.
Just 8 hours flight gets you to this former outpost of the British empire, even the flag of Hawaii still has a Union Jack in the corner but that is where the similarity ends. Oahu is where most people spend their time and Waikiki is the heart of things.
Surfing wasn’t something I had considered growing up in Salford, but after one lesson I was away and so were the kids, as an ex-skateboarder it felt somehow right to be stood sidewards whilst moving forward!
Obviously you cant surf all day, although the kids did try, so what else is there to do, well there is so much you can do just in walking distance.
If you want a bit of a hike then visit Diamond Head, his famous volcanic crater offers panoramic views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean. Not far from Diamond Head is the Zoo which was surprisingly good, with over 900 animals, including native Hawaiian species. If all things Nature are your thing then try visiting the Aquarium as well, it is one of the oldest aquariums in the U.S., showcasing the marine life of the Pacific Ocean, including coral reefs, Hawaiian monk seals, and lots of colourful tropical fish.
Getting out onto the water is another good experience, try a scenic cruise along the coast to see Waikiki and Diamond Head from the ocean while enjoying the sunset. Cruises include drinks, snacks, and live music as you sail along the beautiful Hawaiian coastline, a great way to end a beach day.
If like my two girls, you are into shopping, Waikiki is the place that goes on giving. Just a short walk from Waikiki is Ala Moana is the largest open-air shopping mall in the world. There is a great mix of luxury shopping, local boutiques, and dining options, along with what used to be the famous Kodak Hula show which now takes place on the stage in the Mall every day.
If you want a complete change of scenery, hire a car and do a lap of the island taking in the famous Halona Blow hole, the Sunset surf beach, Dole Pineapple Plantation and take in the Waikele Premium Outlets on the way back into town.
Waikiki really has something to offer for everyone.
Curated journeys to suit every style and every one.
We have the world at our fingertips, let’s go and explore it.