Although an International destination, Honolulu is frequented by mainly Americans and Japanese and each year millions visit here. Once they have made their way through the airport they will catch a cab and make their way past downtown Honolulu towards Waikiki. The allure of Waikiki is immediate - the packed streets, sounds of the beach, and exotic histories call to the traveler who soon hits the streets. Waikiki is known for its excitement, so much so in fact that many people never leave this area to explore other beautiful parts of the island. With six million visitors annually, you would expect them to want to see the island but most remain within Waikiki’s two square miles.
If you would prefer to see Oahu through the eyes of it’s local population then you need to continue reading this article.
Magic Island Beach Park - Located West of Waikiki this can be found not to far from the popular Ala Moana Shopping Mall. Although it is called a park, it does in fact, contain three beeches, a substantial (3 miles) jogging path, plus tennis courts and many other attractions. A walk around the park will expose the center of Hawaiian culture - people with large extended families gather around hibachis, spending the day together with a good food and plenty of sun. The beaches are relatively less crowded, so if you want to spend a memorable day, get hold of some barbecue and land at the beaches of Magic Island.
The Contemporary Museum Honolulu – This is located on a ridge at Makiki Heights Drive, and as you drive up the ridge, you see some panoramic views of Oahu, which most visitors usually miss. The exquisite exhibits in this somewhat small museum keep changing in the 5 galleries and when you have finished viewing these, you could go outdoors for a walk in to the sculpture gardens. The museum is at its best in this place - the gardens, which include sculptures and meditation points, extend over 3.
Leong’s Café – When tourists are particularly keen to relish some authentic Hawaiian cuisine, they take lu’au as something, which is much more than just fun. Leong’s Cafe (along North king Street) can offer this type of experience and is a fantastic place to go if you want to experience the true taste of Hawaiian food. Some renowned cuisine that you get here includes kalua pig, lu’au stew, lomi lomi and more and both the local residents as well as foreign tourists have been frequenting this place for more than 5 decades.
Champion Malasadas – A local preparation by the name of Malasadas are such hot favorites with the people that they decided to rename Fat Tuesday as Malasadas Day throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The bakery that goes by the name ‘Champion Malasadas’ can be found along South Berertania Street, it is the most famous throughout the island. Anyone that enjoys donuts will like these (even though they do not have a hole) and they come with a variety of fillings or if you prefer, you can eat them without any type of filling.
Honolulu Chinatown - A walk through the streets of Chinatown in like a walk into another time and place. Everything from dim sum to fresh produce can be found here but it also has more modern treats to like the new Hip Lounge. The shops and streets are unforgettable, offering goods, which you would never find in an average American store. Though guided walking tours are available the best way to explore this historical site is to walk at your own pace stopping whenever you see something that triggers your interest.
If you are interested in seeing Oahu through a locals eyes, be sure to spend some time outside of Waikiki. There are many places to visit but those mentioned above are well worth the effort even though there is so much that makes Hawaii a special destination.
