Best of Hawaii

Places to stay in Oahu

February 11, 2010 // 199 Comments »

As previously mentioned, Oahu is one of the biggest islands in Hawaii, and is popularly known as “The Gathering Place”.  In here you will experience a splendid fusion of serenity of an island paradise and the comforts of an established metropolis.

In 2006, the Kahala Resort became part of the Nast Gold List and has since been the most recommended vacation spot in Oahu.  One of the specialties that Kahala offers is their spa services.  Guests and tourists alike can choose from the wide range of spa packages which are all imbued with an authentic Hawaiian spa experience.  Whether it’s a standard or authentic Hawaiian spa service, clients can enjoy relaxation in the true spirit of luxury.  Water sports are also a mainstay in Kahala, as well as their smart and friendly dolphins waiting to welcome and greet their clients.  Hawaiian cultural classes are also held here, and children can also have fun in the “kid’s club”.

All rooms and suites in Kahala are designed with dark woods, which are given a touch of sparkling Hawaiian colors.  You can also find a balcony in each room – perfect for experiencing breathtaking views of the pristine ocean waters or the green vegetation that surrounds the Kahala neighbourhood.  Are you a food enthusiast?  Here at Oahu, you can choose from the five famous fine-dining restaurants that will surely tickle your palate and please even the most discriminating guests.  Shopaholics are in for a treat as Waikiki offers one of the best shopping places in Hawaii, as well as a good dose of specialty restaurants and Waikiki real estate as well.

You also might want to try the adventures that await you in Waikiki.  A good place to stay here is in Westin Moana Surfrider – considered to be Oahu’s oldest hotel.  Ever since its inception in the year 1901, it has undergone several major renovations in order to better serve its guests while still maintaining its classic colonial theme.  Try availing their premier spa services or get yourself wet in the beach or swimming pools inside the resort.  Water sports are also offered here, as they feature an in-house sports center to cater to the needs of sports enthusiasts.  And don’t forget to drop by their fitness center and get yourself in shape again.

For people who want to have some time away from crowded places, the Turtle Bay Resort is the place to be.  Here you can relax in midst of nature as the lush green vegetation surrounds your every move.  The nice warm breeze coming from the blue ocean waters is enough to take anyone’s stress instantly.  On the menu is one of the best oceanfront accommodations you can find in Hawaii.  Love golf?  You’ve come to the right place!  Thrill-seekers can spend their time in the resort’s water sports, as well as horseback riding and hiking.

The JW Marriott Ihilani is considered to be one of the most extravagant resort and spa destinations in Hawaii.  Located in the ever so lovely Ko’Olina, this place is one of the finest when it comes to luxury getaways.  You can easily notice your seclusion from the rest of the world while you are here, always peaceful and tranquil.  Relax and enjoy in the crystal clear ocean waters and bask in the white sand beaches, play all the golf you want, ride the waves, shop until you drop, and dine in the finest restaurants – it’s all here in JW Marriott Ihilani.

Posted in Oahu

Hot Real Estate Investments

November 29, 2009 // 153 Comments »

Kahala is an upper class community in east Oahu that features some of the state’s finest and priciest properties.  For non-residents in search of a premium vacation home in Hawaii, Kahala real estate is one of the hot investments today.  With many properties expanding to at least 10,000 square feet and exceeding $3 million in value, some of the most expensive real estate of the Pacific can be found in Kahala.  However, buyers with a keen market sense and desire to find a home in the neighborhood might be able to find a suitable place at an acceptable price.  Not only is Kahala within a five minute driving distance from popular Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, it also is home to several secluded and empty beaches along the beautiful coastline.

Other hot real estate investments can be found in Kapolei.  Popularly called the second city of Oahu, Kapolei has seen recent construction and renovation that has included the building of several subdivisions.  While these properties are no where as fancy as those in Kahala, the market is quite hot in Kapolei due to the exceptional value of new houses that have just been finished in the area.  While the community is far from downtown Honolulu, the thriving local community makes living in Kapolei a breeze.

Posted in Real Estate

Best Hawaii Restaurants

November 26, 2009 // 190 Comments »

Hawaii has one of the most diverse selections of culinary richness. This can be attributed to the rich mix of different cultures and different tastes. No matter what the occasion is, Hawaii has all kind of restaurants to cater to your needed culinary experience. Below is a list of Hawaii’s excellent restaurants that have unanimous approval from many satisfied customers.

1. Roy’s Restaurants (Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai): Roy Yamaguchi’s restaurant is one of the most famous restaurant chains in Hawaii. This is where you can try the refreshing taste of Hawaii regional cuisines. Make sure that you order one of chef Roy’s sensational signature dishes when you dine here. You will definitely end up full and satisfied.
2. Alan Wong’s Restaurant (Oahu): Considered as one of the masters of Hawaii regional cuisine, Chef Alan Wong manages to create a warm cozy and welcoming restaurant. The menu is filled with Chef Alan’s specialties. No wonder, many of his visitors become fans and repeat customers.
3. Sansei Restaurant & Sushi Bar (Oahu, Maui, Big Island): Many Japanese and European tourists favor this fine restaurant. Chef Kodama, the owner, offers you mouthwatering and refreshing sushi that will make you crave for more Japanese food. The restaurant also serves Euro-Asian signature dishes as well.
4. Nobu Waikiki (Oahu): Owned by the highly acclaimed and innovative chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the first class Japanese restaurant offers rich, different and wonderful dishes in its menu. If you are up for a culinary adventure, make sure that you visit and dine in this restaurant.
5. Mama’s Fish House (Maui): If you want to feel like you’re dining in an authentic Hawaiian setting, you should try dining in Mama’s Fish House. The interior of the place is very Hawaiian. And of course, the dishes served here are definitely fulfilling. The combination of great food, nice ambiance and first class service makes this restaurant one of the most visited by tourists.
6. Lahaina Grill (Maui): Lahaina Grill is the definition of perfection. The combination of sophisticated dining room, first class service and delicious dishes places this restaurant as one of the top favorites.
7. Haiilimaile General Store (Maui): Owned by chef Bev Gannon, Haiilimaili offers a variety of culinary dishes and a comfortable setting. Here, you will be greeted with warm welcome and delicious food to satisfy your appetite.
8. Hulalai Grille (Big Island): Also owned by chef Alan Wong, this restaurant serves a wide selection of Hawaii’s best dishes. The wonderful setting will make your whole dining experience fun and thrilling. Here, you are assured that you will enjoy the same great food and service as one of his restaurants in Oahu but with the addition of a beautiful setting.

Beach House Restaurant (Kauai): Voted by Honolulu magazine as one of Kauai’s favorite, this restaurant serves the finest combination of regional cuisine and cool tropical cocktails. The place is also located in a romantic oceanfront setting, thus making the dining experience here really memorable.

Posted in Hawaii

The Best Hawaii Beaches

November 25, 2009 // 151 Comments »

The Best Hawaii Beaches

Hawaii is definitely known for its amazing beaches. Your stay in Hawaii will most definitely not be complete without checking and visiting its wonderful beaches. Hawaii offers many breathtakingly awesome beaches; it’s astounding. Whether you plan to do various water activities like swimming, surfing, snorkeling to just lounging around the beach and sun bathe, you can do all of these in Hawaii’s most fabulous beaches

Through this small guide, I will try my best to list down all the best Hawaii beaches for you:

-       Waikiki Beach (Oahu): One of the most famous beaches in Hawaii is the Waikiki beach. The beach has already served as the location of many of the world’s famous and biggest beach parties. It really does deserve its reputation because of its stunning beach and crystal clear waters. Here, you may just lounge around the beach or do any water activities like surfing.

-       Hanauma Bay (Oahu): Hanauma Bay is said to be one of the perfect snorkeling spots in Hawaii. Located in the sunken volcanic crater on Oahu’s southeast coast, the preserved bay is home to rich marine life. Snorkeling here will give you a whole new perspective of Hawaii.

-       Waimea Beach Park (Oahu): Favorite among expert surfers, Waimea is home to the big waves of Hawaii. The waves are at their biggest during winter. It’s astounding to look at the surfers conquering the waves of Waimea Beach. For beginners, it is advisable to visit Waimaea in the summer because the waves are much smaller. During this season, you can try out your skill and practice the art of surfing.

-       Kaanapali Beach (Maui): Kaanapali Beach is reminiscent of Waikiki Beach. It has the clearest of waters. You can just relax, sun bathe and lounge around at this beach. If you want to do various water activities like snorkel and wave jump, you may also do so.

-       Hookipa Beach Park (Maui): Famous among the best wind-surfers, Hookipa Beach is said to be the best place to surf. In the mornings, the beach is usually filled with surfers, while in the afternoons, the beach is owned by the wind-surfers. The best time to surf here is during the wintertime.

-       Hapuna Beach (Big Island):  Hapuna Beach is one of Big Island’s popular beaches. This area has the one of the most amazing white sands and beautiful waves.

-       Kahaluu Beach Park (Big Island): The protected waters of Kahaluu is said to be one of the best snorkeling spots in the Big Island.  Aside from snorkeling, you can also play around the beach and sun bathe.

-       Anini Beach (Kauai): Another snorkeling and swimming spot for you. The Anini Beach is home to the protected offshore reef. The offshore reef allows you to swim and snorkel safely.

-       Poipu Beach Park (Kauai): Offering the most smooth sands, grassy lawns and shallow waters, Poipu Beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and most definitely surfing. It’s hard to learn surfing but once you get the hang out of it, it’s magnificent!

Posted in Hawaii Beaches