A good friend of mine called me the other day and askedwhere she should go as first time visitors to Hawaii! Honolulu, Maui or the BigIsland? She and her husband are celebrating their fortieth birthday and wantedto do something really special as a holiday.
This is certainly not an easy question to answer. I’m goingto start with Honolulu.
 |
| Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head in the background Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae |
Most people who go the island of Oahu start by visiting Waikiki Beach , abeach in the city of Honolulu. When most people think of Hawaii, they picture this sunnywhite, sandy beach lined with its high rise hotels set against the backdrop of thevolcanic cone, Diamond Head. Waikiki is located in an area of roughly 1.5 mileslong and half a mile wide. Upwards of 4.5 million sunbathers visit its beaches each year.
Although the beach is packed during the day, the streets arepacked in the evening with window-shoppers, street performers, and you can hear live music drifting from the bars and restaurants. KalakauaAvenue runs the length of Waikiki and along it you will find Waikiki’s mostfamous hotels and lots of shops ranging from upper end brands to the ABCstores.
 |
| View from the 17th floor of Wakiki Beach Marriott Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae |
Waikiki has some of the nicest weather you would want with most days the temperatures rangesbetween 75°F and85°F with gentle light breezes. There isless than 25 inches of rain annually with the rainy months occurring in the months of November, December, andJanuary.
If you are looking for peace and quiet, this is not the place togo. Crowds of people visit the beach each day and it is often hard to find aplace to put your towel. Waikiki Beach is a popular surfing spot, especiallyfor beginners as the waves are rarely higher than three feet. At nights, the city comes to life and the sidewalks are crowded with strolling tourists enjoying the beautiful evening.
 |
| Surfers on Waikiki Beach Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae |
There are over 100 lodgingestablishments in Waikiki Beach with over 60 hotels and 25 condominium hotels which appeal to avariety of budgets. The first hotel in Waikiki was the Moana Hotel, now calledthe Moana Surfrider.
 |
| Front Porch of Moana Surfrider Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae |
Great places to see include a hike to the summit of Diamond Head, the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium. Waikiki really comes alive at sunset with hundreds ofrestaurant and bars to choose from. Forthe shopper, it is definitely a shoppers paradise. If you are looking forsouvenirs, art, clothing, and jewelry, the choices are limitless. There are lots of different companies which porvide bus transportation around the island making it very easy to take in the tourist sites.
If you want lots of action and plenty ofactivity, many restaurant and hotel choice, great shopping, and love the hustleand bustle of a busy cosmopolitan city, then this is the place to visit!-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Muriel MacRae plans destination weddings, exciting getaways and customized vacations for discerning travellers, honeymooners and families. As the owner of Del Sol Travel, she offers romantic vacations with personalized service and unique itineraries. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their customized vacation. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.
