As promised here is my second post on Honolulu, Hawaii!

ACCOMODATIONS:

Our second trip to Honolulu was during the Christmas Holiday’s 2015. Prices for accommodations almost triple what they are usually year round. My advice is to book in advance if you plan to visit during Christmas. We stayed at the Wyndham Royal Garden at Waikiki on Olohana Street. We had a studio suite with a full kitchenette perfect for families. Like the Coconut Waikiki, this hotel was a 15 minute walk to Waikiki beach but from the opposite direction. Because this is a vacation property, it was like staying at an Airbnb.

Our third trip to Honolulu was September 2017. This time around I really wanted to stay right on Waikiki beach but we settled for one block away at the Shoreline Hotel Waikiki on Seaside Avenue. This hotel had the best location as it was a five minute walk to Waikiki beach and the Royal Hawaii Shopping Center. All restaurants are on Kalakaua Avenue which is a one minute walk away. The staff were amazing and so welcoming especially Yianni. The lobby would always have cotton candy which we took to the beach with us!

RESTAURANTS:

Heavenly Island Lifestyle – The cutest restaurant we went too with the most delicious food. The restaurant specializes in Hawaii fare made with local, organic ingredients.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ – A personal grill is installed at every table so that everyone can be a cook! This restaurant provides a fun, social experience. Be sure to order the Bibimbap.

Duke’s Waikiki Restaurant – Dine right on Waikiki beach with a tantalizing meal in a fun and lively atmosphere. Be sure to try the Specialty Hula Pie!

Honolulu Cookie Company – Sell the best Hawaiian cookies and can be found at pretty much every corner. Best part they offer free samples all day every day!

Since we leave in Canada and don’t have PF Changs, California Pizza Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory and the Yardhouse, we try and visit those as well.

Must try: MOCHI Ice cream! If you don’t leave Hawaii without trying Mochi, you’re missing out!

THINGS TO DO:

Banzai Pipeline – World famous surfing location.

Catamaran – We purchased a Groupon for the trade wind sailing trip from Maita `I Catamaran. It was a really fun afternoon and we even saw a humpback whale.

Food Trucks – We stopped at Giovanni’s for Shrimp! It was delicious.

Lanikai Beach – The most beautiful beach that I have ever seen! It was picturesque. The water was so warm and a turquoise blue. I could have spent days here.

Macadamia Nut Farm – So many different types and flavours of nuts to choose from.

North Shore – the beaches are amazing with killer waves – completely different than Waikiki beach. Make sure to rent a vehicle. Taking the bus is not a good idea as the bus stops every 2 hours. We rented a Jeep Cherokee with the Jurassic Park sticker. We got a kick out of it.

Sharks Cove – Great place to snorkel.

Turtle Cove – We saw this big guy! I think he was over 100 years old.

Helicopter tour / Shark dive – are some of the things that I would love to try on future vacations.

I hope you’ve enjoyed travelling to Honolulu with me. I’ve touched on some of our highlights and would love to hear about your favorite spots on the island.

Mahalo!