|
Every year millions of visitors from Japan, mainland USA and beyond
land at Honolulu International Airport ready to begin their vacation in
paradise. 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.
The allure of Waikiki is
immediate. The packed streets, sounds of the beach, and exotic
histories call to the traveler who soon hits the streets. Venturing out
in Waikiki can be quite exciting. The streets are filled with foreign
languages, throngs of tourists are dressed in their beach best, and the
beginning of surf history can be seen at the end of the street. Waikiki
can be so exciting that many visitors never escape its imaginary
borders. Approximately 6 million of these visitors miss the very sites
that locals find so endearing, remaining within the two square miles of
Waikiki.
For those travelers interested in seeing Oahu through its residents’ eyes, please read on.
Magic Island Beach Park
- This popular park is located just west of Waikiki, across the street
from the Ala Moana Shopping Center. The park includes two beaches, a
three mile jogging path, tennis courts, and more. A walk around the
park will expose the center of Hawaiian culture - the family. Large
extended families gather around hibachis, spending the day together
with a good food and plenty of sun. The beaches are significantly less
crowded, so for a great day, grab a barbecue and head down to the beach
at Magic Island!
The Contemporary Museum Honolulu -
This small museum is located high on a ridge at Makiki Heights Drive.
The drive up the ridge offers amazing vistas that would otherwise be
missed by most Oahu visitors. The relatively small museum offers
changing exhibits in its five galleries. After traversing the
galleries, visitors can wander out onto the sculpture gardens. This is
where the true glory of the museum is revealed. The 3.5 acres of
sculpture and meditative gardens are open to the public and offer some
of the most amazing views of Honolulu.
Leong’s Cafe -
Many visitors look to a lu’au for more than entertainment; they are
after some great Hawaiian food. However, if you’re interested in real
local style Hawaiian food, you can’t beat Leong’s Cafe located at 2343
North King Street. As a favorite for plate lunches, kalua pig, lu’au
stew, lomi lomi, and more, locals have been visiting this cafe for over
50 years!
Champion Malasadas - The local treat called
Malasadas are so popular that Fat Tuesday has been re-christened
Malasada Day throughout the Hawaiian Islands. One of the best and most
famous bakeries is Champion Malasadas located at 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
- A walk through the streets of Chinatown in like a walk into another
time and place. 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 streets and shops are exotic, offering items not found
in a typical american grocery. Guided walking tours are available for
this historic district, but often the best way is to simply meander
through the streets, stopping whenever your interest has been piqued.
If
you are interested in seeing Oahu through a local’s eyes, be sure to
spend some time outside of Waikiki. Stop by some or all of the spots
listed above and see some of what truly makes Hawaii special.
For more information and photos of Oahu, check out our Lanikai Beach site and our Honolulu Chinatown site and our Travel Photo Gallery.
For more exciting destinations check out our Trip of the Week Site
About the Author
Michelle is a travel, art, and architecture buff who has recently
moved to Seattle after living in Honolulu, Chicago, Gloucester
Massachusetts, and Delft Netherlands. In between studying and working
in design, she dreams travel and works to help others compare and
select vacation options via the Your Life Passion Website! |
