Although an International destination, Honolulu is frequented by mainly Americans and Japanese and each year millions visit here. Soon after landing, most visitors hop in a cab or bus sent from the hotel and begin the journey past downtown Honolulu and on to their reservation at a Waikiki hotel. Waikiki is a busy, cosmopolitan are with a rich history and plenty to see and do, with some visitors quite happy just to stay there. Venturing out in Waikiki can be quite exciting - Waikiki can be so exciting that many visitors never escape its imaginary borders. About 6 million visitors never get to see the sights, which the locals find unforgettable all lying with in 2 square miles of Waikiki.
For those travelers interested in seeing Oahu through its residents’ eyes, please read on.
Magic Island Beach Park – Located just opposite to the Ala Moana Shopping Center, this is a very popular attraction lying west of Waikiki. Although it is called a park, it does in fact, contain three beeches, a substantial (3 miles) jogging path, plus tennis courts and many other attractions. A leisurely stroll around the park would bring you closer to the essence of Hawaiian culture – where a large family with all the members spends a lively day together amidst delicious food and lots of sun. Since the beaches are comparatively empty, to get the maximum of your holiday, simply organize a barbecue and move on to the beaches of Magic Island.
At the top of Makiki Heights Drive there is a tiny museum called the Contemporary Museum of Honolulu where visitors benefit from the fantastic views this place can offer. It may not be large but there is enough space to house 5 galleries and after a tour they can relax in the extensive gardens. 5 acres of meditative gardens which are open to the public and offer some of the most amazing views of Honolulu.
Leong’s Cafe - A lu’au is a must-do on any trip here and along with the fantastic entertainment they can also offer great native Hawaiian food. Food lovers will appreciate Leong’s cafe which can be found easily as it is situated at 2343 North King Street. Many local dishes are served here and it is always good to know that it is a favorite venue for many locals - it has been open for over fifty years.
Champion Malasadas – There is a local dish called Malasadas which are fancied so much by the people that Fat Tuesday has been renamed as Malasadas Day all across Hawaiian Islands. The location details, where this venerated and most popular bakery is Champion Malasadas, 1926 South Beretania Street. Worth every penny that you spend on it, these Portuguese donuts do not have a hole and you can have it with or without fillings and they are extremely lightweight.
Honolulu Chinatown - This is a strange and fascinating place where you can believe you are not only in another country but a different time period. Whether you are looking for dim sum, fresh produce, handmade leis, or the new hip lounge, you are sure to find it in Chinatown. The shops and streets are unforgettable, offering goods, which you would never find in an average American store. While you could always take a guided walking tour of the place the wisest thing to do is to go for a walk by yourself, walking leisurely and only stopping to see something, which tickles your areas of interest.
You will only truly enjoy Oahu as the locals do if you leave the Waikiki area and explore this beautiful island for yourself. Explore all or some of the points of interest as mentioned above and you would know why Hawaii is called a paradise on earth.
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