Visitors Guide to Oahu Tips & Information
July 2, 2009 - Posted in Travel
Honolulu remains one of the most visited islands in the world and when most people arrive it will be Honolulu International Airport that they land at. 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 allure of Waikiki is immediate - the packed streets, sounds of the beach, and exotic histories call to the traveler who soon hits the streets. Waikiki is known for its excitement, so much so in fact that many people never leave this area to explore other beautiful parts of the island. With six million visitors annually, you would expect them to want to see the island but most remain within Waikiki’s two square miles.
Visitors who would like to experience Oahu through the eyes of its residents, kindly 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. If you want to have a taste of the typical Hawaiian culture, take a walk round the park and y would find large families along with their extended families, enjoying a day of togetherness with lots of good food and plenty of sunshine. 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 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. This small museum is still large enough to contain five galleries and beautifully sculpted gardens to enjoy. 5 acres, includes sculptures as well as places for meditation, and can offer an unforgettable view of Honolulu.
Leong’s Café – Visitors who are hunting for some unforgettable Hawaiian cuisine, treat a lu’au as something more than just entertainment. Food lovers will appreciate Leong’s cafe which can be found easily as it is situated 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 - Hawaii has a local dish called Malasadas which have become so entrenched in the everyday lives of Hawaiins that they renamed Fat Tuesday and called it Malasadas Day. The address of this revered and the best bakery is Champion Malasadas, 1926 South Beretania Street. These are essentially very light donuts without any hole in the middle, with or without fillings, Portuguese in origin, and are worth every mile that you walk to get it.
Honolulu Chinatown – Walk through the lanes of Chinatown and you start thinking where am I, and what era am I in? Everything from dim sum to fresh produce can be found here but it also has more modern treats to like the new Hip Lounge. The things, which you get in these shops and streets, are impossible to get in any American grocer back home. 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 want to discover more of the island and see it in the same way that local people do then you need to travel outside of Waikiki. There are many places to visit but those mentioned above are well worth the effort even though there is so much that makes Hawaii a special destination.
