Hawaii Island Vacation Travel Information and Tips » Waikiki Things to Do

Waikiki Hawaii Shopping Centers

admin — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 10:07:17 +0000

Surfing, sunbathing, and sightseeing all compete with shopping in Waikiki, Hawaii, at such fine malls as Royal Hawaiian Center, International Market Place, Waikiki Beach Walk, Ala Moana Center, and Aloha Tower Marketplace. With more than 100 shops and restaurants, Royal Hawaiian Center is one of Hawaii’s largest shopping centers. Retailers range from Fendi, Ferragamo, and Hermes to Kate Spade, White House/Black Market, and bebe.
International Market Place boasts over 150 shops and kiosks run by local craftspeople, as well as sit-down restaurants, a diverse food court, and stunning waterfall and banyan tree. Waikiki Beach Walk offers eight acres of retail stores, restaurants, and an outdoor entertainment plaza. Ala Moana Center, the largest outdoor shopping mall in the world with almost 300 stores and 70 restaurants, is anchored by Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Sears. Aloha Tower Marketplace is a refurbished shopping center on Honolulu Harbor that features unique waterfront shopping, dining, and complimentary entertainment, everything from hula to jazz performances. Upscale Victoria Ward Center is home to over 120 specialty shops, 19 restaurants, a 16-screen multi-plex movie theatre, and a quaint farmers market where you can purchase fresh local produce. Luxury Row is where you’ll encounter Chanel, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Coach, Tod’s, Tiffany & Co., Bottega Veneta, and Hugo Boss, eight of the finest luxury retailers in the world. Great bargains can be found at the Aloha Swap Meet & Flea Market, which features over 700 vendors.

Waikiki, Hawaii Shopping Centers & Malls

Royal Hawaiian Center
International Market Place
Waikiki Beach Walk
Ala Moana Center
Aloha Tower Marketplace
Victoria Ward Center

Waikiki, Hawaii Boutique Shopping

Luxury Row

Waikiki, Hawaii Bargain Shopping

Aloha Swap Meet & Flea Market
Waikele Premium Outlets

For more information shopping in Waikiki, visit www.aquaresorts.com/about-hawaii/oahu/shopping-about-waikiki.aspx

Honolulu, Hawaii Marathon

admin — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 10:01:05 +0000

There are 25,000 runners who will take part in the annual Honolulu, Hawaii Marathon, the 10th largest marathon in the world, which draws 50,000 spectators. The 2010 Honolulu Marathon will take place on Sunday, December 12. It all begins on Ala Moana Boulevard at Ala Moana Beach Park in Waikiki, a 100-acre area with beaches and recreational facilities. The course takes runners through downtown along Honolulu Harbor and the historic Aloha Tower. Runners then turn into Chinatown and proceed through downtown past Iolani Palace, the statue of King Kamehameha, Kawaiahao Church, and Mission Houses Museum. From there, the course angles back to Ala Moana Boulevard and across the bridge spanning the Ala Wai Canal at the entrance to Waikiki. The course turns right onto Kalakaua Avenue where shops selling everything from souvenirs and t-shirts to high-priced designer items abound. From there, the route circles Diamond Head, the extinct volcanic crater, and then turns right onto Kilauea Avenue, taking participants through Kahal’s residential and commercial sections. After four more miles, runners approach Koko Head, a volcanic crater near Hanauma Bay. At the 22nd mile, the course makes its way onto Kealaolu Avenue along the Waialae Country Club and then comes upon a neighborhood of luxury homes situated on Kahala Beach. The last mile of the course curves around Diamond Head along Kapiolani Regional Park and goes past the Waikiki Aquarium en route to the finish line near the bandstand at Kapiolani Regional Park. The Honolulu Marathon, which competes with major marathons, such as the ones in Boston and New York, began in 1973 with 151 participants.

For more information about the Honolulu Marathon, visit www.honolulumarathon.org

Oahu Has Something for Everyone this Summer

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 05:52:51 +0000

Visiting Oahu in the coming months? We hope you do! The island has so much to offer visitors – and locals – during the warm summer months, we just couldn’t resist making our own list of suggestions for those of you stopping in (and checking in!) soon.

During your visit to this fantastic island, be sure to check out:

The Bishop Museum: new exhibits opening this summer, including the Native Hawaiian Garden, makes the Bishop Museum a must-see. The museum offers daily educational programming and Garden Tours throughout the summer in addition to a a special surfing exhibit through September 6, 2010, that features more than 25 historic surfboards, a surfing simulator and examples of board design and development through modern times.

The Honolulu Academy of Arts: on the second Thursday of every month (mark your calendars now for August 12!) remains open until 9:00 p.m. for “aloHAA,” a new art pau hana featuring a wine, beer and cocktail bar, pupu from The Pavilion Café, live music and art talks.

USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center: the first phase of the $58 million renovation to the memorial at Pearl Harbor has been completed and now includes a central ticketing facility for memorial tours, a research and education center and an expanded bookstore, restrooms and snack bar (phase two will be completed by the end of the year).

Te Manuhua Maori Song and Dance Festival: the annual Maori song and dance competition kicks off on Friday, August 12, 2010, and features the strength and pride of the Maori warriors as they battle for victory using only their melodic voices and demonstrations of the traditional haka (male posture dance) and poi (dance with implements).

Wet ‘n’ Wild : the waterpark and all-around summer fun zone is now offering several combination packages, all of which include roundtrip transportation between Waikiki and the park. Choose your package carefully and in addition to park admission, you could learn how to surf, go shopping at the Wikele Premium Outlets or find yourself on a dolphin-watching cruise!

There’s nothing like summer in Oahu!

How do you spend your summers on the island? Is there something special your family likes to enjoy each time they vacation in Oahu that we’ve left off of the list? Tell us!

Image Courtesy Aqua Hotels & Resorts

Park Shore Waikiki- $100 off air + hotel package

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:24:57 +0000

PARK SHORE WAIKIKI

book today for the best savings

Receive a $100 off coupon on air & room packages at our oceanfront Waikiki hotel.

Coupon Code: PSW100
Book before August 3, 2010

Valid for new bookings and stays August 1 through November 30, 2010

Spend $1,000 or more on a air and room package and we’ll thank you with a $100 off coupon.

Visit www.parkshorewaikiki.com to learn more about our hotel

Mmmm, pancakes…

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:38:45 +0000

After months of construction, IHOP has opened at the Aqua Palms & Spa.

Don’t be fooled by the empty tables: this place is hopping all morning long, rivaling the lines at Wailana Coffee House next door.

I’ve eaten here twice so far. I got a takeout order of pancakes and scrambled eggs for dinner one night, and they totally hit the spot. Another night, my colleague and I stopped here late: I had blintzes (which were delicious) and bacon, she had crepes and pancakes! Needless to say, we both hit the gym hard the next day!

If you drive by during rush hour, you’ll spot Charlie the Chocolate Chip Pancake. Last Friday there were two Charlies. Perhaps one day they’ll have three Charlies, and it’ll be like a short stack on the sidewalk!

IHOP
1850 Ala Moana Blvd.
Parking at the Aqua Palms & Spa, top level

Edit: I found some photos of the grand opening and blessing here.

Annual Floating Lantern Festival

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:20:19 +0000

Each Memorial Day thousands of floating lanterns are set off from canoes at Ala Moana Beach Park. The festival has its origins in Japan, where lanterns are used to honor ancestors and remember loved ones. This free event attracts about 40,000 spectators and it’s best to arrive early for a good view.

The official Floating Lantern Hawaii website is here: www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com

lanternfloatinghawaii’s *stunning* Flickr slideshow is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37175635@N08/show/

Kay’s photos from 2009:

My photos from 2008:

Tip: I hear you can get a unique perspective from atop Punchbowl, the National Cemetary of the Pacific or from one of the many high-rises in the Ala Moana area.

June Event Round-up

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:13:49 +0000

Something is always going on in Hawaii!

50th STATE FAIR, May 21 – June 21, 2009

Lots of food, games, a midway of E.K. Fernandez rides, and booths. Running four consecutive weekends at the Aloha Stadium parking lot. Hours: Fri. 6pm-midnight, Sat. & Sun. 12pm-midnight.

PAN-PACIFIC FESTIVAL – MATSURI IN HAWAII, June 5, 2009 – June 7, 2009

Events held during the festival include: Performing Arts Showcase, Pan-Pacific Hoolaulea, Art & Craft Fair, Annual Pan-Pacific Hula Festival, Kaze (Wind) Festival, Performing Arts Showcase, and Pan-Pacific Matsuri Parade.

KAPALUA WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL, June 11-13, 2009

This renowned event convenes all-star winemakers and sommeliers, celebrity chefs and connoisseurs from around the world in a series of exceptional wine tastings, festive evening functions and gourmet cooking demonstrations at the Kapalua Resort. Paid admission.

137TH ANNUAL KING KAMEHAMEHA CELEBRATION, June 12, 2009 – June 27, 2009

Events and activities to honor the life and times of King Kamehameha the Great. He is honored each year by the citizens of the state of Hawai‘i with parades, pageantry, sports, hula, music, dignity and respect, a legacy to a great man, to his life and to his accomplishments.

93rd ANNUAL KING KAMEHAMEHA DAY PARADE, June 13, 2009

Watch floats, Pa’u riders, and marching bands parade the streets of Honolulu at the 93rd Annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade. The parade begins downtown at 9:30 Saturday morning, goes down Ala Moana Boulevard, merges into Kalakaua Avenue, and ends at Kapiolani Park.

King Kamehameha Day Parade,
photo by Flickr user cperis

MAUI FILM FESTIVAL, June 17-21, 2009

World-class culinary arts events, filmmakers panels, A-List tributes and private parties are heading Wailea’s way as the 10th annual Maui Film Festival at Wailea brings its five-day-long under-the-stars ‘Cirque du Cinema’ to the Wailea Resort from June 17th thru June 21st.

WAIKIKI ARTFEST, June 20-21, 2009

The Waikiki Artfest is located in Kapiolani Park across from the Honolulu Zoo at the Diamond Head of Waikiki. The event is scheduled from 9am to 4pm both Saturday and Sunday, and admission is free. We feature the fine art and handcrafted products of more than 75 Hawaii artists, including all types of jewelry, clothing, ceramics, stained glass, wood products, soaps and candles, quilts and bags.

For more upcoming events and entertainment, please check out Hawaii’s official tourism website or one of our favorite blogs, Honolulu on the Cheap.

Have your next meeting in Waikiki … Really!

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:42:55 +0000

Aqua’s own Park Shore Waikiki Hotel has 800 square feet of meeting space and plenty of valet parking to help you with your next meeting. And Park Shore’s location is great! It’s right next to Kapiolani Park, right across the street from Waikiki Beach and has easy access to H-1. Park Shore’s meeting rooms are available to both guests and the public and are equipped with AV digital projector and pull down screen.

Contact the Park Shore Waikiki Hotel
to find out more about how they can assist you with your next meeting.

[image title="park-shore-waikiki-aerial-w-beach" size="full" id="618"]

Free Green Aloha Concert

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:41:59 +0000

This weekend we celebrate National Make A Difference Day and to kick it all off, there will be a free Green Aloha Concert this Friday, October 23 at 5:30pm at Waikiki Beach. In addition to the concert, visitors can enjoy food booths and other local entertainers and musicians as well as information booths on recycling, storm water, urban forestry, water and wastewater. All this great local fun is sponsored by the City & County of Honolulu and The Wild Hawaiian, Henry Kapono. Plus, bring your Hi5 cans and bottles and help Keiki O Ka Aina raise money to develop a green space for exploration and imaginary play on its pre-school campus in Palolo Valley.

Enjoy the concert and don’t forget to be green when you travel too and stay at green hotels like
Aqua Hotels and Resorts®, a proud member of the Hawaii Ecotourism Association.

Halloween in Waikiki

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:41:04 +0000

Halloween in Waikiki is a one of kind experience. Every year, people in the most creative costumes fill Kalakaua Avenue and it is quite a sight. Whether you dress up or not, Waikiki is a fun place to be on Halloween and this year, Halloween falls on a Saturday. That means no work the next day so why not just stay the night! Aqua has several affordable hotels on and near Kalakaua Avenue so you can come out, join in the festivities or just watch from your private balcony.

Waikiki isn’t the only place to find a Halloween celebration. The Hallowbaloo Music and Arts Open Air Street Festival takes place in the Downtown Honolulu Arts District. The festival will have five stages featuring world class music, thousands of costumed revelers and food, cocktails and beer available in the street. Aqua’s Waikiki hotels are just a few minutes by taxi from the Arts District so enjoy the festival and then just a catch a quick cab back to your hotel – no driving required.

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Find the right Aqua Hotel for your Halloween!