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 sights and sounds of busy street, rushing waves of the ocean and all of this backed by a rich historical background, visitors can hardly stay indoors. The excitement of discovering Waikiki is so intense that most visitors never escape its imaginary borders. This area is only approximately two square miles but it is amazing how it captures visitors attention so that most miss parts of the island that the locals find so wonderful.
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. The things that you would find in this park include two beaches, a 3-mile stretch of jogging path and tennis courts, and more. A leisurely stroll around the park would bring you closer to the essence of Hawaiian culture – where a large family with all the members spends a lively day together amidst delicious food and lots 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 and the drive up the ridge offers amazing vistas that would otherwise be missed by most Oahu visitors. The exquisite exhibits in this somewhat small museum keep changing in the 5 galleries and when you have finished viewing these, you could go outdoors for a walk in to the sculpture gardens. This is the place where you appreciate the museum most because the garden stretches for about 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. Leong’s Cafe (along North king Street) can offer this type of experience and is a fantastic place to go if you want to experience the true taste of Hawaiian food. Many local dishes are served here and it is always good to know that it is a favorite venue for many locals - it has been open for over fifty years.
Champion Malasadas – There is a local dish called Malasadas which are fancied so much by the people that Fat Tuesday has been renamed as Malasadas Day all across Hawaiian Islands. 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. Everything from dim sum to fresh produce can be found here but it also has more modern treats to like the new Hip Lounge. Unusual and interesting produce and products can be purchased here, most of which you would be hard pushed to find in a normal American grocery. 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. Stop by some or all of the spots listed above and see some of what truly makes Hawaii special.