Hawaii lies in the Pacific Ocean and is the only US state geographically located within the tropics. Lying on the southern coast of Hawaii’s biggest island, Oahu, Honolulu is the state’s capital city and sees around six million visitors annually.
Stunning beaches, breathtaking views and endless activities cause this volcanic archipelago to deserve a high ranking on any discerning traveller’s bucket list.
Where to stay:
Set in the private lagoon of Kahala Beach, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is one of Oahu’s best 5-star hotels. Known as one of Hawaii’s Hollywood hideaways, the resort maintains a rich guestbook of many celebrities and even royalty, who have visited and enjoyed the seclusion and privacy this Hawaiian hideaway offers, over the years.
This legendary resort offers a range of rooms, suites and signature suites, each featuring chic tropical décor and ocean or mountain views.
On-site amenities include a spa, fitness centre and the resort’s very own Kahala Shopping Gallery, which offers a carefully curated selection of authentic souvenirs, tropical apparel, handmade chocolates, signature gifts, and much more.
As the epitome of luxury in Waikiki, the Halekulani Hotel sits on a prime beachfront location, just a stone’s throw away from the town’s marina, shops and restaurants. Despite being so close to the centre of Waikiki, the Halekulani Hotel is a peaceful haven comprising the best of both worlds.
The hotel, which initially opened in 1917 and offered five cottage-style accommodations, has since developed into one of Oahu’s most famous resorts that now offers 453 rooms and suites.
The hotel’s rooms and suites are decorated in shades of white with occasional wooden accents. Furnishings are subtly luxurious, from the sandy colour floor coverings to the natural louvred window shutters. All rooms and suites have private balconies, and most offer unspoilt sea views.
THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES, WAIKIKI BEACH:
In true Ritz-Carlton style, the Waikiki offering of this ubiquitous brand is one of nonchalant luxury and first-class service.
Set five minutes back by foot from the long, white sandy Waikiki beach, this multi-award-winning hotel is also close to Hanauma Bay, otherwise known as one of the world’s best beaches for snorkelling.
The resort offers 204 residences, all decorated and furnished in typical Ritz-Carlton fashion, featuring kitchenettes or open-plan kitchen-living areas, outside terraces and spacious bathrooms.
When it comes to dining, recognisable names such as La Vie and Sushi Sho are all on-site, with both indoor and outdoor restaurants. The resort is also home to a state-of-the-art fitness centre with a yoga studio and boxing equipment, as well as a 1,100-square-foot infinity pool and two whirlpool tubs.
What to do:
NATURE: The Koko Crater Railway Trail, otherwise known as Koko Head Stairs, is an abandoned World War II railway track, now open to the public as a hiking trail.
With over 1,000 steps up to the trail’s peak, this hike is not for the faint-hearted and is somewhat challenging. However, the panoramic views from the top of this well-known trail, truly make the trek worthwhile.
CULTURE: The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is located in the centre of Honolulu city. As the number one visitor destination in Hawaii, this memorial site allows you to learn about one of the most pivotal moments in US history.
The site marks the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crewmen killed there on the 7th of December, 1941, and commemorates the events of that historic day.
ADVENTURE: For a more adventurous side of Oahu, head to the coast. Here, a number of activities will fit the thrill-seeker’s itinerary, including surfing classes, snorkelling with turtles, shark dives and dolphin and whale-watching boat trips.
Getting there:
Charter a jet and fly into Honolulu International Airport, otherwise known as Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL/PHNL), the largest airport in all of Hawaii. From here, a transfer to central Honolulu or Waikiki takes around 15 to 30 minutes by road.
Approximate flight times:
| Dubai ✈ Honolulu | 16 hours |
| London ✈ Honolulu | 15 hours |
| New York ✈ Honolulu | 10 hours 30 minutes |
| Singapore ✈ Honolulu | 12 hours 30 minutes |
| Zurich ✈ Honolulu | 15 hours 30 minutes |
