Anywhere Travels Team Assistant Tania (me) recently returned from an amazing trip to Hawaii.
I went to both Oahu and Maui, there’s nothing more perfect than being able to go shopping (Waikiki) and then finishing off the holiday at the most relaxing and beautiful island ‘Maui’. Read below and browse through the photos.
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Oahu, Waikiki Honolulu
We stayed at The Sheraton Waikiki, yes it was a beautiful hotel and the infinity pool overlooks the beautiful beach and mountains, however, the rooms haven’t been refurbished for a while now + you need to race down before 930am to get yourself a bed (unfortunately). Overall, the staff were great and I would recommend booking at The Sheraton, although if you prefer a more high-end and refurbished hotel you might want to book The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa or The Modern Honolulu.
We hired a car from the Avis counter located at the Sheraton or there’s another Avis counter at the International Marketplace (across the road from the Sheraton). They’re fantastic and offer great deals and inclusions. We were also able to waive off the fee for parking at The Sheraton as some hotel bookings don’t include this.
Places to go:
Restaurants
– Go to Dukes restaurant when you’re enjoying a full day at the Waikiki beach. Nice feed and it is located right at the beach:)
-For a standard price meal, you must go to the cheesecake factory (HUGE PORTION)
-Alan Wong’s Honolulu- delicious, you need to make a booking
-Nobu Honolulu- fine dining, however, it is a great feed- worth every dollar 🙂
-Bills Hawaii is a great breakfast place- you MUST try their famous pancakes!
-Top of Waikiki is a great place to enjoy a feed and enjoy the beautiful view!!!! Try to book in advance so you can enjoy the sunset 🙂
-Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Waikiki has the most mouth-watering steaks, you must try this as well.
-I nearly forgot to mention the Island Vintage Coffee: Best Acai Bowl in Waikiki and I’ve tried so far! They have plenty of sandwich options as well. Make sure you enjoy great breakfast/brunch/lunch.
-When you visit Ala Moana centre be sure to go to the food court and try the best burgers in the world…. The Cheeseburger Factory: get the beef, we didn’t enjoy the chicken as much!
Sightseeing
-Dole plantation…you can drive there!
-Enjoy a nice drive to the North Shore
-Visit Lanikai beach
– Moana falls waikiki
-Nu‘uanu Pali Lookout
Shopping
-Waikele premium outlets-we drove there, however, I recommend finding out from the locals when their peak hour traffic is so you can avoid the traffic on the motorway. The outlets have fantastic deals/offers and bargains!!!!!! I highly recommend you go to the outlets before starting your shopping tour:)
-Ala Moana shopping centre—need half a day for this and the parking was free for us.
-Kalakaua Avenue has all the commercial brands/shops- enjoy great bargains at Macy’s, Sephora, T Galleria by DFS (tax free), The new international Marketplace has great shops as well & most shops offer great discounts!
Maui, Lāhainā
Lāhainā is the largest census-designated place in West Maui, Maui County, Hawaii, United States, and the gateway to the Ka’anapali and Kapalua beach resorts to its north.
I fell in love with Hawaii even more when we got to Lahaina, Maui! We stayed at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali- wow this was a sensational resort, greatly set out, it was very clean, the staff was super friendly and the oceanfront views are priceless !!! Highly recommend staying at the Westin!
If you haven’t hired a car prior to your departure, make sure you go online before booking directly at the Avis counter it is much cheaper. They pick you up from the hotel to pick up the car and when you return the vehicle they will also drop you back off to the hotel (it was quick and convenient).
What to do:
Restaurants:
– Lahaina Grill- staff are super friendly and the food is honestly perfect!
-Merrimans Maui- staff are friendly, make sure you book in advance so you can enjoy the sunset as this is an oceanfront fine dining restaurant.
-Mamas Fish House (on the Road to Hana)
– Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop (You must try the Fried chicken and waffles, it sounds
Activities:
– Snorkelling- book at the Westin counter near the pool and beach. The boat is operated by Gemini Catamaran , it is a fun-filled day of snorkelling, relaxing sunset sail and to explore the beauty of Maui by sea.
Daily Snorkel Sail Adventures
11:00am to 3:00pm
Check-in: 10:30am
At the Starwood Activities Desks, fronting the resort on Ka’anapali Beachwalk
We had a fantastic day, the coral was amazing, turtles were massive and at the time it was Whale season so we enjoyed watching the whales. After snorkelling the crew will organise a buffet lunch and unlimited beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic)!!!
-We hired a car so we drove the Road to Hana on our own, it was fantastic. We were advised by the locals to pick up a CD at one of the shops that had a fence of surfing board at the front “Kuau Store”. The CD directed us from the shop and helped us stop at some of the most amazing waterfalls and lookouts!
-Wailele Polynesian Luau at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa: this is a great show, makes you feel part of their culture and tradition. You will fall in love with their cultures! This is held outdoors alongside the legendary Ka’anapali Beach with a stunning oceanfront backdrop, the dinner show incorporates the elements of earth, fire and water to consider the rich Polynesian culture with exceptional performances. You will enjoy unlimited traditional cocktails throughout the night, along with a buffet dinner and dessert selection. Doors open at 5pm and finishes at 830/845pm.
Be sure to contact one of our Leisure Consultants on how to receive great offers when planning your trip to Hawaii !!!!!!
ph. 1300 130 464 | e. [email protected]
