Hawaii is still requiring a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours before departure to the islands. However, travelers are not required to receive an additional test to return to the continental United States.
This makes Oahu and the rest of the Hawai’ian Islands your vacation choice today!
Staying with the theme of the “least amount of disruption”, Island hopping requires a little more effort these days ( save that for the plane ride) so here is your one stop shop city guide to Honolulu…
Oahu is home to one of the biggest cities ( Honolulu) and best beach ( Waikiki). Sometimes called “The Gathering Place,” Oahu certainly lives up to its name. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population, a fusion of East and West cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people
Downtown Honolulu is only a 20-minute drive west of Waikiki Beach, but it’s a totally distinct side of the city. Here, centered mainly in the diverse, easily walkable Chinatown neighborhood, former sailors’ haunts and once-abandoned buildings now house a lively crop of restaurants, bars, art galleries, and boutiques that stand beside dim-sum counters, lei shops, and produce markets.
Honestly, what in the world are you waiting for?
STAY
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
The 552-room Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach was already a culinary destination for chef Keiji Nakazawa’s highly praised Sushi Sho, its La Vie has also become a city favorite for open-air dining and beach views. The restaurant’s multi-course menus feature modern French cuisine, such as Niihau antelope tartare, and quail with truffles and foie gras, with the option of pairing courses with French wines. Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily, a $100 resort credit, and complimentary admission to the Honolulu Museum of Art.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Guests at the 338-room Kahala Hotel & Resort arrive to views of Diamond Head and Koko Head crater and a seawater lagoon that’s home to bottlenose dolphins. Reserve a table at Plumeria Beach House’s oceanfront terrace for bento boxes, wok-fried whole fish, and crab- and macadamia-nut-crusted salmon. Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and a $100 dining credit.
Eat
Chef Peter Merriman, one of Hawaii’s early farm-to-table champions, brings his fresh focus to Kakaako in Merriman’s Honolulu. The restaurant is currently operating a pop-up outdoor burger and beer garden with restaurant favorites such as smoked taro hummus, keahole lobster with drawn butter, and grass-fed steaks from Maui.
Honolulu’s Japanese cult favorite Rinka moved to larger digs in Kakaako last year, making it somewhat easier to get a table for enjoying its sashimi combinations and signature black-sesame tofu with sea urchin.
DRINK
Ordering a Mai-Tai, a Blue Hawaii, or a “world-famous rum punch” is a vacation rite of passage. While travelers descend on the capital city for palm-lined Waikiki Beach, postcard sunsets at resort bars such as Halekulani’s House Without a Key, and plentiful shopping options, here is a growing “sophisticated cocktail scene” away from Waikiki’s high-rises and busy boulevards, a group of local entrepreneurs are building a craft-cocktail kingdom and amazing bold watering holes are everywhere.
Kakaako’s WorkPlay quenches thirsts with coffee by day and, by night, with craft cocktails and a robust spirits list that includes small-batch rums from Oahu’s boutique KoHana Distillers. Hop a couple of blocks south to sample a Peach Bum pale ale or a Sandbar saison at Hana Koa Brewing Co., which offers a broad selection of beers on tap as well as brewery tours on weekends. Finally, hit Waikiki’s rooftop Hideout for live sets from local musicians and mai tais on the lanai, with some couches and tables set in sand.
HIKE
Oahu’s diverse tropical terrain, unmatched ocean views and wide range of activities will bring out your adventurous side. Hike to the top of the iconic volcanic crater Leahi (Diamond Head) for a panoramic view of Waikiki. Crisscross the picturesque countryside on horseback or on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) at Kualoa Ranch. Play golf well into the evening on a long Hawaiian summer day. Stroll or run the popular paths of Ala Moana Beach Park, Kapiolani Park in Waikiki or the Diamond Head Loop from the Waikiki Bandstand to Leahi via Monsarrat Avenue.
SURF
Waikiki Beach
Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Known in Hawaiian as “spouting waters,” it is a surfing mecca. Satisfy your adrenaline seeking soul or sporty side with other water activities in Oahu, including jet-skiing, parasailing, wind surfing, kite surfing, wakeboarding and bodyboarding (boogie boarding). Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) Best of all, Waikiki is within a half hour of a variety of Oahu attractions, including Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, the Nuuanu Pali Lookout and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, a marine life conservation district
LIVE
Book your Trip to Oahu today.
I love traveling and I love helping others do the same. If your interest is piqued, I would love to help you plan your next ( or FIRST) trip to Hawaii where you too can experience the Spirit of Aloha.
How Far Adventures is an independent affiliate of Gifted Travel Network, a Virtuoso Member.
