Travel Guide of O'ahu Island: West side

LEEWARD (WEST) COAST

Places you must visit:

Kahe Beach Park (also called “Electric Beach”, 92-301 Farrington Hwy, bus # E Country Express and transfer at Farrington Hwy + Leoku St to bus # 40)

Warm water from a nearby power plant draws sea life & snorkelers to this narrow public beach. You may spot dolphins early in the morning, so be there by 6 a.m. :)

Marmaids Secret Cave (bus # E Country Express and transfer at Farrington Hwy + Leoku St to bus # 40)

If one of your childhood dreams were to be a mermaid or be lucky enough to witness such fabled creature plunge gracefully into cerulean waters, then by no means should you miss exploring the Mermaid cave in Hawaii. Whether shrouded in mystery or simply favored for its breathtaking yet somewhat dangerous cave formation, this hidden destination has earned a spot on the bucket list of explorers. A lot of locals and tourists have already visited the sea cave and reveled in its “underwater” glory, however, it is still considered to be an off-the-map treasure, keeping human contact and unnatural developments at the minimum. Good snorkeling with turtles, Manta rays, and occasional dolphins. 

Mākaha Beach Park (bus # 19 or # E Country Express to N Beretania St. + Opp Smith St., then transfer to bus # C).

Makaha Beach Park

Mākaha Beach Park is a white sand beach, famous for surfing during winter swells, and hosts the annual Buffalo’s Longboard Contest. Scuba divers also enjoy Mākaha Caverns offshore. It is great for expert surfing, sunbathing, beach walks, swimming and bodyboarding in summer and when the waves are small.

Kaena Point State Park (Ka‘Ena Point, Mokuleia, no bus service)

State park, bird sanctuary and hike at the western tip of Oahu on the western tip of Oahu is Kaena Point. This dramatic lava shoreline is said to be the place where the souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world and meet the souls of their ancestors. With scenic views of the Waianae coast to the south, Mokuleia to the north, and the vast Pacific, it's easy to see why this point was deemed so sacred. The only way to get to Kaena Point is by hiking. There are two trailheads: From the north side, or Mokuleia side, drive to the very end of Farrington Highway and park at the trailhead. This is a long and notoriously hot hike, so bring plenty of sunscreen and water. Hazardous conditions make any water activities extremely dangerous and are highly discouraged. From the south side, or Leeward Coast side, the trail starts at the end of the road past Yokohama Beach and its three “dips,” or breaks. This west side Oahu icon offers white sand beaches, diving and the possible sight of dolphins.

Paradise Cove (92-1089 Alii Nui Drive, Kapolei open every day 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.). 

A traditional Hawaiian luau experience and memorable adventures, to have been voted Hawaii's Best Luau. For booking the tickets, please visit www.paradisecove.com.

Travel Guide of O'ahu Island: South Shore

Aloha...today I would like to share with you the best tips of the O'ahu Island ...the South Shore...I hope that they will come useful for you :) Enjoy this beautiful Island that I have a privilege to call my home! 

WAIKIKI 

Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki (Known in Hawaiian as "spouting waters) was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Waikiki is most famous for its beaches Leahi (Diamond Head) and the calm waters of Waikiki are perfect for a surfing lesson. In fact, legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki. This Olympic gold medalist in swimming actually taught visitors how to surf at the turn of the century and was later known as “The father of modern surfing.” Today, the Waikiki Beach Boys perpetuate Duke’s legacy by teaching visitors how to surf and canoe and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue has become an iconic symbol of Waikiki.

                                               ACTIVITIES:

Surf classes/Beach accessories rental:

Beach Boys Waikiki Beach 6a.m.-5p.m.

Paddle boards rental/Beach accessories rental:

Koa Beach Services at Fort DeRussy Beach 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Surfboards rental at Seaside Hawaiian Hostel: $ 15.00* 8a.m.-6 p.m.

Hawaiian Parasail 

1651 Ala Moana Blvd., open Mon.-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., for booking call: (808) 591-1280

Snorkelling

Queen Surf Beach (20 minutes’ walk from the Hostel), 

Beach Volleyball

Fort DeRussy Beach Park 8 a.m.-10 p.m. (20 minutes’ walk from the hostel)

                                

                         TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN WAIKIKI:

Diamond Head Hike open every day from 6 a.m. till 6 p.m. (4.30 p.m. the last entrance of the day) $ 1.00* entrance fee, bus # 2 or # 23 on Kuhio Ave. in front of American Savings Bank

Honolulu Zoo ( est.1877) open every day 9 a.m.-4.30 p.m. $ 14* entrance fee

Waikiki Aquarium (est.1907). open every day 9a.m.-5 p.m. $12.00* entrance fee

Waikiki Historical Trail can be found all along Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues and at gathering places like the Royal Hawaiian Center and the Waikiki Beach Walk. Please, download free trail map from www.waikikihistorictrail.org

                                        

                                           FREE ENTERTAINMENT:

Waikiki Beach Hula Show and Torchlighting (by the Duke Kahanamoku statue): Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 6 p.m.-7 p.m. (winter time), 6.30 p.m.-7.30 p.m. (summer time)

Hula Show at Ala Moana Center performed daily next to the Food Court 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Hawaiian Culture Performances held daily at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center 6p.m.-7p.m

Hula Dance, Lei making and Lomi Lomi massage classes at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center held daily. For the current schedule please visit: www.royalhawaiiancenter.com, or check out the TV screens located at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.

Ukulele Lessons at The Ukulele Store Waikiki Beach Walk – Second floor next to Kaiwa Restaurant 226 Lewers Street, Suite #218 held every day 10:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m.

Fireworks at Hilton Hawaiian Village every Friday at 7.45 p.m.

                                                NIGHTLIFE:

Monday through Sunday:

Arnolds (Dive Bar) 339 Saratoga Road,10 p.m.-2 a.m.

Kelly O’Neil (Irish Bar) with live music 311 Lewers St., 11a.m - 4 a.m.

Amnesia 2256 Kuhio Ave. 2nd floor (Bar games, happy hours drinks, bar food, nightclub),12 p.m.- 2 a.m.

Monday:

LULU’S (across Honolulu Zoo),10 p.m.-2 a.m.

Industrial Night, Drinks Half Off! Cover charge: $ 10.00*, NO BEACHWEAR

Tuesday:

Moose McGillycuddy’s ,310 Lewers St.

DOLLAR DRINKS, Cover charge: $ 10.00*, NO BEACHWEAR

Wednesday:

Playbar (18+ club) 2310 Kuhio Ave.,9 p.m.- 2 a.m.

DOLLAR DRINKS, Cover charge: $ 10.00*, NO BEACHWEAR

Friday and Saturday:

Rum Fire at the Sheraton Hotel ,10 p.m.-1 a.m.

Cover charge: $ 10.00* cover charge, NO BEACHWEAR

Addition Nightclub (18+ club )1775 Ala Moana Blvd.,10 p.m.-3 a.m.

Cover charge: $ 10.00*, NO BEACHWEAR

Sunday:

Duke’s Live Hawaiian Music, 2335 Kalakaua Ave., free admission 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

****Please note that every 1^st Friday of the month CHINATOWN is the place to be with many bars, nightclubs opened till late***

                                                     

                                                                          WHERE TO EAT:     

Marukame Japanese Udon (under $ 10.00, Japanese restaurant specializing in noodle soup) 2310 Kuhio Ave., open every day 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Duke’s Bar and Restaurant (beachfront location, surf ’n’turf, tiki vibe & umbrella drinks)2335 Kalakaua Ave., open every day 7 a.m.-12 a.m.

Cheesecake Factory (American style chain restaurant) 2301 Kalakaua Ave., open every day 11 a.m.-12 a.m.

Yard House 226 Lewers St., open everyday11 a.m.-1.30 a.m. (High-end sports-bar chain with a huge menu of New American fare & extensive list of draft beer, Happy hour drinks available Mon.-Friday 2 p.m.-5.30 p.m.).

Tiki’s Grill and Bar 2570 Kalakaua Ave., open every day 7 a.m.-12 a.m. (Oceanside spot, Hawaiian fare, cocktails and live music, Happy Hour 3 p.m.-6 p.m.).

Heavenly 342 Seaside Ave., open every day 6.30 a.m.-11 p.m. (Hawaiian fare made with local, organic ingredients in health-centric cafe with airy island decor).

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers 134 Kapahulu Ave. (across the Honolulu Zoo), open every day 9 a.m.-12 a.m. (Colorful Hawaiian-based burger place plus fries & shakes).

Ono Hawaiian FOODS 726 Kapahulu Ave., open Mon.-Saturday 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. (family-owned eatery draws locals with a menu of traditional Hawaiian plates). Bus # 13 towards UH Manoa

Rainbow Drive Inn 3308 Kanaina Ave., open every day 7 a.m.-9 p.m. (Hawaiian plate lunches) Bus # 13 towards UH Manoa  

Leonard’s Bakery 933 Kaapahulu Ave. open every day 5.30 a.m.- 11 p.m., bus # 13 towards UH Manoa ( Local fixture since 1952 for Masaladas ).Bus # 13 towards UH Manoa

                                                       SHOPPING:

ABC stores around Waikiki open every day 7: 30 a.m-12 a.m.

Food Pantry on Kuhio Ave. open every day 7 a.m.-12 a.m.

Walmart opened 24/7 bus # 13 towards Liliha

Safeway opened 24/7 bus # 13 towards UH Manoa

Kalakaua Ave. shops open every day 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Ala Moana Shopping Center open every day 9 a.m.-9p.m. any bus apart from bus # 2

International Market Place open every day 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Duty Free Galleria on Royal Hawaiian Ave. (Money exchange on the first floor) open every day 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Waikele Premium Outlets (bus # E from the Kuhio Ave./Seaside Ave. bus stop, aprox. 1-hour ride, open Mon.- Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)

* all prices are the subject to change

       

                   HONOLULU DOWNTOWN

Bus # 2,13,19,20,42 from the Kuhio Ave./Seaside Ave. bus stop

                     

 Must See Landmarks

Experience these 10 must see Honolulu landmarks yourself on our suggested 2.3-mile Honolulu walking route. 

1) Aloha Tower (155 Ala Moana Blvd, open every day 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

A tour of downtown might begin at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, a harbor side complex of shops and restaurants surrounding historic Aloha Tower. When it was erected in 1926 to welcome passenger ships arriving at Honolulu Harbor, this 10-story tower was the tallest building in the state.

2) Hawaii Maritime Center (707 Alakea St.)

Next door is the Hawaii Maritime Center, which traces Hawaii’s colorful ocean history from the ancient Polynesian voyagers and rowdy whalers to the luxury liners of the 1920s and ’30s.

3) Chinatown 

Walk mauka (towards the mountain) and west, and you’ll come to Chinatown bustling area filled with ethnic eateries, lei stands, fresh produce vendors, herbal shops and more. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii offers weekly guided walking tours of Chinatown.

Tip: Make a quick stop at the Aloha Market for fresh local produce.

4) Iolani Palace: (on the corner Of King St. & Richard St.  Open hours: Monday – Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm). Entrance fee: Self tour – $14.75*, Guided tour – $21.75*

Heading east on King Street, walk through the main business district until you reach Iolani Palace, the only royal palace standing on American soil. The palace served as the royal residence for Hawaii’s last two monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Guided tours are available here five days a week.

5) State Capitol Building (415 S. Beretania St.)

Behind the palace is the State Capitol Building, where the governor and state legislature fight their political battles. The building opened in 1969 and remains a unique work of architecture. The cone-shaped chambers symbolize Hawaii’s volcanoes, and the building columns are reminiscent of palm trees. The large pool of water surrounding the building symbolizes the fact that Hawaii is the only island state in the U.S.

6) King Kamehameha Statue (447 S King St.)

Across the street from Iolani Palace is the Kamehameha statue, which fronts Honolulu’s old judicial building. The bronze statue stands eight feet and six inches high (not including the 10-foot-high base). Every June 11 on King Kamehameha Day, the statue is adorned with beautiful floral leis, some as long as 18 feet in length.

7) Mission Houses Museum (553 S King St., open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Cross Punchbowl Street to find the Mission Houses Museum, where the first American Protestant missionaries established their headquarters in 1820. The structures you see here include the oldest surviving Western-style buildings in the state. They house a treasure trove of original artifacts, including furniture, books, quilts and other household items that once belonged to missionary families.

8) Hawaii State Art Museum (250 South Hotel St, Second Floor, open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) Free admission

The No. 1 Capitol District Building, on the site of the former Armed Services YMCA Building, now houses the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum and the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

9) Bishops Museum (1525 Bernice St., open every day 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) Entrance fee: $ 22.95*

The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, designated the Hawaiʻi State Museum of Natural and Cultural History, is a museum of history and science located in the historic Kalihi district of Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu.

10) Liliuokalani Botanical Garden (123 N Kuakini St., open every day 7 a.m.- 5 p.m.)

The Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden is a city park and young botanical garden located on North Kuakini Street, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. It is one of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, and open daily without charge.

***It is recommended to try the best Hawaiian restaurant on the way to Downtown***

Highway Inn

680 Ala Moana Blvd. bus # 19 or # 20 towards Honolulu Airport , open Mon.-Saturday  8.30 a.m.-8.30 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-2.30 p.m.( All-day menu of traditional Hawaiian fare).

*All prices are the subject to change

PEARL HARBOR

Direct bus # 20 or # 42 from the Kuhio Ave./Seaside Ave., approx. 1 hour 15 minutes bus ride. Open every day apart from National Holidays from 7 a.m. till 5 p.m.

TICKETS:

1. There are over 2,000 walk-in tickests daily and they are given on a first come, first served basis (* it is recommended to arrive by 7: 30 a.m. at Pearl Harbor  Visitor’s Center to get walk-ins tickets).
2. Book tickets 24 hours in advance at www.recreation.gov and search for „Pearl Harbor Historic Sites USS Arizona ( *you must arrive at the Visitor Center one hour prior to your ticketed time).

* Please note that if it is too windy ferries to the memorial are cancelled.

OTHER SITES AT PEARL HARBOR ( each of these sites has a separate admission price, but there is a bundle deal. Please visit www.peralharborhistoricsites.org for more information.

*USS Missouri: site of the Japanese surrender in 1945

*USS Bowfin: Submarine museum with 4,000 submarine-related artifacts

*Pacific Aviation Museum : Museum dedicated to the history of aviation

Kulia i ka Nu'u...Kapi'olani Community College

Campus map

"Kulia i ka Nu'u" in Hawaiian language means "Strive for the Highest", and it is the strong message of the Queen Kapi'olani Community College, especially for me, personally,  as it reminds me to be a better person everyday, to learn new things everyday and to go for a personal success.
Today, I would like to introduce you to the beautiful campus of Kapi'olani Community College, which is situated across the Diamond Head Volcano Crater. I ended up to start my education here for the purpose of learning the Polynesian Hospitality…the best one in the world, in my opinion. Through my two and a half years of studying here, I learned many good lessons in the class and outside the class. What it makes a special place here in Hawai'i  are beautiful gardens and  amazing views of the ocean and Diamond Head .

If you decide to visit this scenic campus, please come and dine in one of the two restaurants that are run by culinary and hospitality students, such as Ka'Ikena restaurant.  They prepare delicious sustainable food, bake amazing desserts and provide the highest service that you can encounter in the restaurant. I know that is true, as I was working in these restaurants during my class last semester. This is truly the place to be….

Great Lawn

KCC's Garden

KCC's Garden

KCC's Garden

KCC's Garden

KCC's Garden

Ocen view

Diamond Head Volcano Crater

On the top of the Diamond Head Volcano Crater

One of the most popular and famous hike on the O'ahu Island is the one called Diamond Head.It is the name of a volcanic tuff cone known to Hawaiian as Le'ahi, most likely from lae 'browridge', promontory plus 'ahi' 'tuna', because the shape of the ridge line resembles the shape of a tuna's dorsal fin. Its English name was given by British sailors in the 19th century, who mistook calcite crystals on the adjacent beach for diamonds.
Diamond Head is a pretty simple hike situated 15 minutes away from the center of Waikiki. I would definitely recommend to hike even for the sunrise in the early morning,or for the sunset in the evening. It is opened daily between 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. There is the entrance fee of $ 1.00. It will take you probably 20-30 minutes to climb to the top of the Volcano Crater. There is a small track of the tunnel, not a narrow one, but, if you may be claustrophobic, it can make you freak out, if there are too many tourists inside at the same time. When you at the top, you can admire the beautiful view of the ocean and Waikiki…I would recommend everyone to hike this one!

While getting to the top...

Almost there....

The view of Waikiki

And the Rainbowww ;)

Coffee time...

Island Vintage Coffee

What I really miss about being in Hawai'i is to be able to drink the coffee that is served in Europe, especially in France, Spain, Portugal or Italy. I am really fussy when it comes to drinking a coffee…it needs to be the best quality that can satisfy my caffeine taste. Fortunately, Hawai'i has its own, delicious  coffee called Kona coffee. The best place that serves this coffee, in my opinion, is the Island Vintage Coffee place, based in Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki. They offer a long  list  of different type of coffee, hot or ice ones, from black espresso through milky lattes and macchiatos. They use 100 % Kona coffee and you can get your customized coffee too….also if you feel hungry, I would recommend to try their super delicious acai or pitaya bowls, full of healthy and nutritious products, perfect as a midday snack.

For more information, please visit www.islandvintagecoffee.com…and enjoy the delicious taste of it :)

The view from the coffee shop

Delicious Latte

Acai Bowl

Aloha is in the air...

Aloha here, Aloha there...you can find Aloha everywhere...literally, everywhere in  Hawai'i. Aloha is the Hawaiian value that has several meanings...It is the expression for a greeting and for saying goodbye, but not only. The word ALOHA means love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy. When you come to Hawaiian Islands, you quickly learn that this word has been used in any possible way, I would say that it has been even overused. You can find Aloha water, security alarm, beer,basically everything that you can sell has an Aloha name in it. That really discourage travelers for trying to learn the real meaning of the Aloha , as it became really commercialized.
Tourists quickly forgets what the real Aloha spirit in Hawai'i is....and it is this amazing feeling of welcoming that you can't experience anywhere else...well, at least I haven't experienced it in any other forty countries that I have visited so far. Hawaiian habitats carry the spirit of Aloha in their hearts, and if I have to describe this "spirit", that would be somehow a feeling of love, calmness, relaxation, great hospitality. It is one lifetime must experience to feel that amazing Aloha from others.
The reason why I moved so far away was to learn this unique hospitality that only people from Hawai'i can offer...I advise anyone to come and experience it!

A little bit of Heaven in the Paradise...yummy :)

Egg Benedicts with salamon and spinach ;P

Today, I would like to write about my favorite place on Earth....called Heavenly. This place is situated in the heart of Waikiki, O'ahu on the Seaside Ave., right next to the Shoreline Hotel. What can I say about their food...it is simply a heaven in your mouth. Heavenly is proud of serving organic food from "farm to table". They have delicious variety  " all day breakfast" egg benedicts with salmon, avocado, or Hawaiian style with Kailua pork. If you like have  a sweet-type breakfast, you can enjoy either Acai or Pitaya bowl mixed with Hawaiian fruits, or Big Island honey french toasts. You can also have  a Hawaiian Loco Moco plate or Kahuku Shrimps. For desert Heavenly offers Hawaiian Ginger Creme Brulee or House Made Kona Coffee tiramisu.
What I love about this place is a "surf shack" decor, a fabulous staff.  It is a definitely the place to visit while you are coming to O'ahu.

Bon Apetit everyone :)

Heavenly Decor

The painting of Californian artist from San Diego