If you love perfect balmy weather, adventure, shopping, relaxation and delicious food then Honolulu, Hawaii might be the perfect place for you!
Honolulu is on the island of O’ahu and is Hawaii’s capital. It is possibly the most visited island by tourists and I spent 7 days in Honolulu and loved every minute. The combination of sun, fun, food and activities was an ideal balance that makes me want to go back today! The weather in Hawaii is perfect year-round but rainfall is generally lower between April and October.
Where to Stay
Ritz Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
If you want luxury in Waikiki, you need to look at The Ritz Carlton Residences.
You will check in on the 8th-floor lobby with views of Waikiki Beach and from that minute on you will be in ore of this beautiful resort and what it has to offer.
The tasteful décor complements its location and guests can choose to stay in studios or one, two, three, or four-bedroom suites. This hotel is in a great location adjacent to “luxury row” and central enough so you can walk to Ala Moana shopping center, Waikiki beach, restaurants and entertainment.
The Ritz has every amenity you will need including an infinity pool on level eight with cabanas, a gym, a spa, 24-hour room service, “The Market” for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sushi Sho and even a Dean & DeLuca which has a second story wine bar!
Ready to book Hawaii? Check out The Ritz Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
Restaurants
There are so many restaurants and places to eat in Honolulu, Hawaii which range from fine dining to food trucks and casual eats so I guarantee you will never go hungry.
But when I think of Hawaii I instantly think of four things Coconut Prawns, Key Lime Pie, Sangria and a Cubano – yes I said Cubano! I was so obsessed with this combination that I may have eaten the island’s entire supply of prawns all by myself.
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama is a shop, restaurant and bar all in one and is located on Beachwalk Drive which is just a few streets back from Waikiki Beach and across the road from the Ritz Carlton. The bottom level is a clothes and nic-nak shop and the restaurant and bar are on the next two levels.
The atmosphere is relaxed and clean with a coastal feel. The top bar has fire pits, lounges and sand which you can slip your shoes off and just relax. The rooftop is open and the restaurant has huge doors that open up all the way allowing the Hawaiian breeze to flow in – just perfect!
Must Try
“World Famous Coconut Shrimp” – with papaya mango chutney – YUM!
Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos – with tomato relish, chipotle mayo, slaw, lime sour cream and soft plantains
Duo of Dips – grilled Maui gold pineapple, tomato and mango salsa, guacamole with House-made chips
Key Lime Pie – so smooth and so delicious, need I say more!
Bahia Sangria – with brandy, red wine pomegranate, oranges, green apples and lemons. This is a Tommy Bahama signature cocktail and my absolute favourite!
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
For a bit of fun visit the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. which is located on the open terrace at Ala Moana shopping center. This restaurant offers all of Bubba’s favourites like burgers, ribs, onion rings, salads, mac and cheese and of course my two favourites – coconut shrimp and key lime pie! I am sure you can guess what I ordered!
The Bubba Gump souvenir shop is attached to the restaurant so you can take home some fantastic memorabilia or even better have your photo on the bus stop seat from the movie with your feet in Forrest Gump’s shoes!
Things to See
- Pearl Harbour – the USS Arizona Memorial
- Hire a Mustang Convertible – feel the wind in your hair!
- Waikiki Beach – to swim, surf or enjoy a cocktail at a resort along the beach
- Kualoa Ranch – to see where famous movies have been filmed like Jurassic Park and Jumanji, or for the beautiful scenery
- Ala Moana – if you love shopping you will love Ala Moana!
Thoughts & opinions shared about Holidaying in Hawaii are entirely my own
