Informational Blog

The Honolulu International Airport every year receives millions of eager visitors who are keen to start their much-awaited vacation. Immediately after landing, visitors hop in to buses or taxis sent by the hotel and zoom past downtown Honolulu to reach their pre-reserved accommodation at a Waikiki hotel. The attraction of Waikiki is nearly magnetic - the bustle of the busy streets, the long and extended beaches and the rich history of the land soon make the visitors hit the streets. It is so exciting to be in Waikiki that most visitors never escape its non-existent borders. Every year over 6 million visitors miss out of sights, which local residents find most winsome and all of them lie within a radius of 2 square miles of Waikiki.

If you would prefer to see Oahu through the eyes of it’s local population then you need to continue reading this article.

Firstly there is the Magic Island Beach Park, which can be found a short distance from the Ala Moana Shopping Center, and is a very popular Waikiki destination. The things that you would find in this park include two beaches, a 3-mile stretch of jogging path and tennis courts, and more. This is a favorite spot for locals too and it is quite usual to see large families gather to eat with each other, enjoying the beautiful weather and their own company. Magic Island beaches are unlike many, un-crowded so it can be a relaxing experience and many people decide to have a barbecue while they are there.

The Contemporary Museum Honolulu - This small museum is located high on a ridge at Makiki Heights Drive and the drive up the ridge offers amazing vistas that would otherwise be missed by most Oahu visitors. The changing exhibits in this small museum spread across its 5 galleries could be an enthralling experience, and after this you could walk into gardens full of sculptures. This is the place where you appreciate the museum most because the garden stretches for about 3.

Leong’s Café – Visitors who are hunting for some unforgettable Hawaiian cuisine, treat a lu’au as something more than just entertainment. However, if you are looking out to taste some delectable foods cooked in typical Hawaiian style, then you can never miss out on Leong’s Cafe located at 2343 North King Street. Here they have been serving the Hawaiian population for in excess of five decades with traditional dishes enjoyed by many.

Champion Malasadas - there is a local treat that originated in portugal called Malasadas which has become so popular that they even renamed Fat Tuesday to Malasadas day. The location details, where this venerated and most popular bakery is Champion Malasadas, 1926 South Beretania Street. These light Portuguese hole-less donuts come with and without filling and are absolutely worth the effort in getting them!

Honolulu Chinatown - Step back in time and visit a small piece of China, it’s quite magical. Irrespective of what you are looking for, Chinatown can offer dim sum, fresh produce, handmade leis or the ultra modern lounges. Most American stores do not carry the produce that is sold here so that is a treat in itself but this a great place to visit for few hours or even a whole day. While many visitors take guided tours, it is just as easy (if not more so) to wander through the streets, taking in the atmosphere and stopping whenever you feel the need.

If you are interested in seeing Oahu through a locals eyes, be sure to spend some time outside of Waikiki. The places mentioned here are only a few but they are a good place to start but just embrace the island and you will not want to leave.