GHA DISCOVERY

in Honolulu

GHA DISCOVERY in Honolulu

Honolulu - Your idyllic island escape

Honolulu is all about spending time in the sunshine, whether you plan on taking a surfing lesson at world-famous Waikīkī Beach or sipping a piña colada at a seafront bar. The largest city and capital of Hawaii invites you to soak up its culture through the soundtrack of local musicians, traditional luau feasts and friendly residents. Whether you’re looking to explore volcanoes and cascading waterfalls or sample one of the world's trendiest cuisines, your dream island getaway in Honolulu awaits.

Admire

Experience

Savour

Stay

What to admire

One of the best ways to get your bearings is from Victoria Peak, the highest point in Hong Kong. Located on the western half of Hong Kong Island, The Peak is home to the Sky Terrace, which sits 428 metres above sea level and offers panoramic views. To get there, hop on the historic Peak Tram, one of the world’s oldest funicular railways.

Waikiki Beach

For an active pursuit, Diamond Head, Lēʻahi to locals, is a 232-metre volcanic crater at the eastern end of Waikīkī. Hike up the track through underground tunnels for views across the Pacific Ocean from the top. Alternatively, travel to the summit by car or bus. A lesser-known excursion is the Pillbox Trail over eastern Lanikai Beach. Pack breakfast and make the journey up before first light to see an incredible sunrise panorama from atop these old military bunkers.

The area is rich in recent history too, with five sites dedicated to the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor – you can take a boat trip to the USS Arizona to look at the battleship’s submerged hull. The nearby National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as Punchbowl Cemetery for its dramatic setting, honours the US soldiers involved.

Waikiki Beach

Gaze at the Emerald Buddha statue in the Grand Palace.

Diamond Head

Known as the 'Temple of the Reclining Buddha'.

Lanikai Pillbox Trail

Watch the sunrise panorama from atop old military bunkers.

USS Arizona Memorial

Take a boat trip to look at the battleship’s submerged hull.

What to experience

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii is an annual event held on Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) when thousands of people line the beach and release bright lamps into the ocean. Designed to remember loved ones and generate hope for the future, it’s an emotional and unforgettable sight.

A luau is considered an essential experience while in Honolulu. Bringing together vibrant elements of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, it’s an evening of eating, dancing and music. Feast on succulent roast pig, cooked the traditional kālua way in a below-ground oven, and nutty poi taro plant stem. Then join in with the famously energetic hula moves before watching spectacular fire and dance displays.

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii

Private Ukulele Lesson

Get immersed in the atmosphere yourself by learning to play the ukulele. Your private instructor will teach a group of up to four guests about Hawaii's iconic instrument, and you can take home the sounds of the islands with your own souvenir model.

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What to savour

Hawaiian cuisine is a real melting pot of cultures, with a mix of Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese and Polynesian influences. The most internationally recognised dish is poke, based on the native word meaning 'to slice'. Different to the Westernised version that has grown popular, traditional poke is raw, cubed fish (usually yellowfin tuna) that is marinated in sea salt, seaweed and toasted, almond-like kukui nut.

Shaved Ice Treats

Canned meat is also a ubiquitous Honolulu staple. Far from humble, it's often served as Spam Musubi – grilled and sliced, then placed on a slab of sticky rice and wrapped in nori seaweed. Another Japanese-inspired meal is saimin, which is similar to ramen's clear, hot broth filled with noodles, chopped onions and either fish cake or char siu barbecued pork.

A refreshing delicacy on a warm day is shaved ice flavoured with classic or tropical syrups. You’ll find shops selling these chilled treats throughout the city, with flavours such as grape, lychee, passion fruit and green tea. For an extra taste sensation, add toppings like sweet dulce de leche cream, red adzuki beans or kinako powder made from roasted soybeans.

Laulau

Spam Musubi

Poke

Saimin

Where to stay

Most hotels in Honolulu are scattered along the city's beaches, offering majestic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. At the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, you can take in the views from your hotel room’s private balcony. The resort has poolside cabanas for hire, where you can sample local delights from a complimentary snack basket. Or dine at the Kani Ka Pila Grille restaurant before listening to the Hawaiian musicians that perform each night.

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Farther down the shore, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort has an oceanfront penthouse spa where you can listen to the sound of crashing waves throughout your Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage. Swing from a hammock on the outdoor terrace afterwards, or head to Duke’s Waikiki for a cocktail at the barefoot bar. As the sun sets, try the signature Mai Tai made with two types of rum and fresh juices.

With a stay at Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger, you can start your day with sunrise yoga followed by a fresh açaí berry bowl at the on-site café. It's also home to one of the state's largest bars, Maui Brewing Company, which has two happy hours every day and a selection of craft beers and house cocktails.