Every year, Honolulu International Airport welcomes millions of visitors all the way from Japan and the US who are there to have their dream vacation. From the Airport they will be transferred to their hotels which are normally in the famous Waikiki region of the island. The lure of Waikiki is nearly instant. It is so exciting to be in Waikiki that most visitors never escape its non-existent 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. What are the points of attraction in this park? It has two beaches, a jogging path stretching up to 3 miles, tennis courts and much more. A walk around the park will expose the center of Hawaiian culture - people with large extended families gather around hibachis, spending the day together with a good food and plenty of sun. This is a great place for a barbecue and considering the beaches are never overcrowded, it makes for a fantastic sun-filled day.
The Contemporary Museum Honolulu " This is situated on a ridge at Makiki Heights Drive and when you drive up to the destination along the ridge the magnificent view of Oahu could be breathtaking, which unfortunately most visitors never get to see. 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 where the true glory of the museum is revealed within this 3.
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. However, if you're interested in real local style Hawaiian food, you can't beat Leong's Cafe located at 2343 North King Street. Some renowned cuisine that you get here includes kalua pig, lu'au stew, lomi lomi and more and both the local residents as well as foreign tourists have been frequenting this place for more than 5 decades.
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. Anyone that enjoys donuts will like these (even though they do not have a hole) and they come with a variety of fillings or if you prefer, you can eat them without any type of filling.
Honolulu Chinatown " Walk through the lanes of Chinatown and you start thinking where am I, and what era am I in? Chinatown has them all " dim sum, fresh produce, handmade leis or the ultra modern lounges. The things, which you get in these shops and streets, are impossible to get in any American grocer back home. Although guided walks are popular, if you are of a mind, why not try looking around unaided, exploring the historic areas taking your time - go on, be adventurous.
If you are interested in seeing Oahu through a locals 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 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. What are the points of attraction in this park? It has two beaches, a jogging path stretching up to 3 miles, tennis courts and much more. A walk around the park will expose the center of Hawaiian culture - people with large extended families gather around hibachis, spending the day together with a good food and plenty of sun. This is a great place for a barbecue and considering the beaches are never overcrowded, it makes for a fantastic sun-filled day.
The Contemporary Museum Honolulu " This is situated on a ridge at Makiki Heights Drive and when you drive up to the destination along the ridge the magnificent view of Oahu could be breathtaking, which unfortunately most visitors never get to see. 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 where the true glory of the museum is revealed within this 3.
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. However, if you're interested in real local style Hawaiian food, you can't beat Leong's Cafe located at 2343 North King Street. Some renowned cuisine that you get here includes kalua pig, lu'au stew, lomi lomi and more and both the local residents as well as foreign tourists have been frequenting this place for more than 5 decades.
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. Anyone that enjoys donuts will like these (even though they do not have a hole) and they come with a variety of fillings or if you prefer, you can eat them without any type of filling.
Honolulu Chinatown " Walk through the lanes of Chinatown and you start thinking where am I, and what era am I in? Chinatown has them all " dim sum, fresh produce, handmade leis or the ultra modern lounges. The things, which you get in these shops and streets, are impossible to get in any American grocer back home. Although guided walks are popular, if you are of a mind, why not try looking around unaided, exploring the historic areas taking your time - go on, be adventurous.
If you are interested in seeing Oahu through a locals 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.
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