Hawaii Hotel & Travel Destination Guide

Cheaper Hotel Rates - Your ultimate source for Cheap, Discount Hawaii Hotel Rates & Detailed Travel Information

Country Code: US
Source: Fastcheck Arrival Guides

Population:
377,000

Currency:
US Dollar $ ($1= 100 cents)

Opening hours:
Business: 8am-5pm; Banks: Mon-Thu 8.30am-3pm, Fri 8.30am-6pm;
Shops/Malls: Mon-Sat 8am-9pm & Sun 8am-5pm

Tourist information:
Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau
2270 Kalakaua Avenue
Suite 801, Honolulu
Tel: +1 808 923 1811
www.gohawaii.com

Hawaii

Surrounded by the green verdant mountains of dormant volcanoes and with the roar of the Pacific beating down upon palm fringed white beaches, the city of Honolulu is the idyllic city holiday destination. With such an abundance of natural beauty and the attractions of a vibrant and buzzing metropolis, Honolulu is sure to allure all those who visit…from the beach bum to the culture vulture.

Hawaii City

Hula clad girls, white sun kissed beaches and killer surf, Honolulu has all this and more!

The Downtown district of Honolulu is the site of some of the city’s finest landmarks, namely the Aloha Tower and the Iolani Palace. This area is also home to some of Honolulu’s finest restaurants and cultural institutions.

Nearby, Chinatown is one of the most interesting and vibrant areas of the city. In between some beautiful temples you will find cutting edge cultural and entertainment venues, a fine array of restaurants and a host of Chinese herbal and medicinal shops selling a range of cure-alls.

To the north of the city is Pearl Harbor, the site of the Japanese surprise attack that led to the American intervention in World War II.

To the east is the famous suburb of Waikiki with its beautiful beach, pounding surf, hotels, bars and restaurants. Manoa, where the University is located, is a beautifully tranquil suburb tucked in between the mountains. Whilst towering above everything and dominating the skyline is the famous Oahu landmark of Diamond Head.

Things to See and Do in Hawaii

Iolani Palace
The only official royal residence in the United States!
Address: Corner of King St. & Richard St,
Phone: +1 (808) 522 0822
Internet: www.iolanipalace.org
More info: Bus no. 2

Bishop Museum
Excellent exhibits of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture!
Address: 1525 Bernice St
Phone: +1 (808) 847 3511
Internet: www.bishopmuseum.org
More info: Bus no.2

Pearl Harbor Memorials
Memorial to those who died in the Japanese air assault.
Address: Pearl Harbor
Phone: +1 (808) 422 2771
Internet: www.arizonamemorial.org
More info: Bus no.20

Diamond Head State Monument
Hawaii’s most famous landmark with 360 degree views of the island.
Address: Diamond Head Crate
Phone: +1 (808) 587 0300
More info: Bus no 22 or 58

Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve
Marine nature reserve set in a stunning bay and one of the best snorkelling sites in Oahu.
Phone: +1 (808) 396 4229
Internet: www.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay
More info: Bus no.22 or 58

Polynesian Cultural Centre
Sample a traditional Hawaiian luau (feast) and learn about Polynesian island culture.
Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Highway (83), Laie 96762
Phone: +1 (808) 293 3333
Internet: www.polynesia.com
More info: Transport: from the Ala Moana Hotel, Mahukona St.

Surfing
A trip to Hawaii would not be complete without a day spent catching a few waves.
Address: Waikiki Beach
Phone: +1 (808) 924 7778
Internet: www.hhsurf.com

Whale and dolphin watching
Experience the gracefulness and beauty of these aquatic mammals.
Address: Wild Side Specialty Tours, Waianae Small Boat Harbor,
Slip A-11
Phone: +1 (808) 306 7273
Internet: http://sailhawaii.com

Explore the Great Outdoors
Escape the heat of the city and explore the surrounding countryside. Check out the Manoa Falls!
Internet: http://backyardoahu.com

Dining in Hawaii

The cuisine of Honolulu and Oahu has naturally been influenced by its surroundings. Seafood therefore plays a large part in the local cuisine, complemented by chicken and pork. A traditional dish that should not be missed is kalua pork. Each dish is served with a wide range of fresh vegetables including the local root vegetable taro which is mashed to provide the staple poi.

Chef Mavro
This restaurant serves contemporary Hawaiian Regional Cuisine to die for! Exquisite food served in elegant surroundings.
Address: 1969 South King St, Honolulu
Phone: +1 808 944 4714
Internet: www.chefmavro.com

Chais Island Bistro
Serving exquisite Pacific Rim cuisine and accompanied by some of the best live Hawaiian performers.
Address: Aloha Tower Marketplace, Honolulu
Phone: +1 808 585 0011
Internet: www.chaisislandbistro.com

Indigo
This award winning restaurant creates dishes incorporating the influences of both Eastern and Western gastronomic traditions.
Address: 1121 Nu’uanu Avenue, Honolulu
Phone: +1 808 521 2900
Internet: www.indigo-hawaii.com

Tanaka of Tokyo West
This Japanese restaurant serves a wonderful array of seafood and steaks.
Address: The Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel, 1777 Ala Moana Blvd.
Phone: +1 (808) 945 3443
Internet: www.tanakaoftokyohawaii.com

The Little Village Noodle Shop
Trendy restaurant serving exquisite home cooked Chinese dishes.
Address: 1113 Smith Street, Chinatown
Phone: +1 (808) 545 3008
Internet: www.littlevillagehawaii.com

Arancino
Serving great Italian classics at prices that won’t dent your wallet.
Address: 255 Beachwalk, Waikiki
Phone: +1 (808) 923 5557
Internet: www.arancino.net/en

Pho 97
Serving deliciously authentic Vietnamese cuisine at mouth-watering prices!
Address: 1120 Maunakea Street,
Phone: +1 808 538 0708

Ono Hawaiian Foods
Excellent local cuisine! Great place to try such delicacies such as poi, laulau, kalua pork and haupia.
Address: 726 Kapahulu Avenue
Phone: + 1(808) 737 2275

Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Renowned Honolulu diner serving home cooked specialties such as smoked short ribs pipikaula-style and squid luau.
Address: 1240 North School St.
Phone: +1 808 845 8044

Hawaii Cafes

Tea@1024
Choose a hat and feather boa as you enter and delight in the array of cakes that await you.
Address: 1024 Nuuanu Ave.
Phone: +1 808 5219596

Waioli Tea Room
Escape the hustle of the city to the tranquil gardens of this delightful tearoom.
Address: 2950 Manoa Road
Internet: www.thewaiolitearoom.net

Banyan Veranda
Sit back and enjoy afternoon tea and cakes under the shade of the imposing Banyan tree.
Address: 2365 Kalakaua Avenue
Internet: www.moanasurfrider.com/de_veranda.htm

Japanese Teahouse
Traditional tea ceremonies are periodically held at this beautiful teahouse.
Address: 1601 East West Road
Internet: www.eastwestcenter.org

Café Laufer
Great coffee and desirous desserts make this a popular place.
Address: 3565 Wai‘alae Ave
Internet: www.cafelaufer.com

Hawaii Bars and Nightlife

After a hard day soaking up the sun or pounding the surf, then its time to hit the town and sample the famous Mai Tai cocktail. Dive in, kick back and enjoy the ‘aloha’ vibe. If the Mai Tai’s have hit the mark and your feet are beginning to dance then head on out to one of Honolulu’s clubs! Whatever your bag, be it cool Jazz or hard rock, you’ll be sure to find something that fits.

Smith’s Union Bar
Honolulu’s oldest bar is testament to a different era.
Address: 19 N. Hotel St, Honolulu
Phone: + 1 808 538 9145

Hank’s Cafe Honolulu
This chilled out bar serves great drinks and live contemporary Hawaiian music.
Address: 1038 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu
Internet: www.taufaasau.com/index.html

The Mai Tai Bar
Local legend suggests that this is where the first Mai Tai cocktail was sipped.
Address: 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki
Internet: www.royal-hawaiian.com

Dukes Waikiki - Barefoot Bar
Lively beachfront bar named in memory of Duke Kahanamoku who was the legendary Waikiki surfing dude!
Address: 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki
Internet: www.dukeswaikiki.com

O’Toole’s Irish Pub
Great atmosphere, good drinks and lots of live music!
Address: 902 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu
Internet: www.irishpubhawaii.com

Next Door
Cool and funky club that plays an eclectic range of styles from dance to reggae.
Address: 43 North Hotel Street, Honolulu
Internet: www.whoisnextdoor.com

Thirty Nine Hotel
Funky art and music space that hosts weekly music nights!
Address: 39 North Hotel Street, Honolulu
Internet: www.thirtyninehotel.com

Pipeline Café
Live music venue also hosting weekly DJ nights!
Address: 805 Pohukaina St
Internet: www.pipelinecafe.net

Pink Cadillac
Great alternative venue providing the vibe for the Punks and Goths of Honolulu!
Address: 478 Ena Rd
Phone: +1 (808) 946 6499

Jazz Minds Arts & Cafe
Live Jazz every night of the week…brings the vibe of New Orleans to downtown Honolulu! Address: 1661 Kapi’olani Boulevard
Internet: www.jazzmindshi.com

Shopping in Hawaii

If its souvenirs or just a little self indulgent shopping therapy you’re looking for, then Honolulu has everything you could desire. From the bustle of the marketplace to the refined shopping experience of the designer boutique, Honolulu caters to all. Chinatown is undoubtedly one of the best districts for shopping in Honolulu. Wander through the streets of this lively area and let your senses be assaulted by the smells, sights and sounds of the open air markets and the Chinese herbal practitioners. There are also some fine boutiques selling beautifully adorned silk cheongsams, the traditonal Chinese one-piece dresses, whilst in the vicinity of Maunakea Street you can pick up a delicately handcrafted Hawaiian lei.

In the Ala Moana district is the state’s largest open-air shopping centre, where you will find a host of high end designer stores. Nearby is the Downtown district and the Aloha Tower Marketplace where you can pick up all manner of Hawaiian crafts and souvenirs.

For more high end designer boutiques, head out to Waikiki where 2100 Kalakaua and DFS Galleria Waikiki are just two of the myriad of malls catering to the design concious fashionistas. If your looking for a bargain and you prefer the down-at-the-heel atmosphere of the flea market, then head for the Aloha Stadium swap every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Hawaii Hotels

Luxury Hawaii Hotels

Sheraton Moana Surfrider
Opened in 1901, this Waikiki landmark has sumptuous rooms with splendid ocean views and excellent hospitality.
Address: 2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki Beach

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Waikiki Parc Hotel
Contemporary designed hotel offering the best in luxury accommodation. The rooms are stylishly arranged and afford excellent views.
Address: 2233 Helumoa Road, Waikiki

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Good Value Hawaii Hotels

Ohana Hotel East
Spacious and well presented rooms, located near famous Waikiki Beach.
Address: 2375 Kuhio Avenue, Waikiki

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Park Shore Waikiki Hotel
Stylish, well arranged rooms with cityscape or ocean views.
Address: 2586 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki

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Cheap Hawaii Hotels

Waikiki Gateway Hotel
The Waikiki Gateway Hotel is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, Adjacent to Fort DeRussy Park, Three blocks from Waikiki Beach, One mile from Ala Moana Shopping Center.
Address: 2070 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu

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