Looking to increase your bookings to Oahu this fall? Travel Agent breaks down the latest sales pitches to this booming destination in Hawaii.
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Hotels & Resorts
The Hilton Hawaiian Village recently announced that the Waikiki Ocean Club is now the third ocean activity at the resort. The Waikiki Ocean Club is moored about 300 yards off shore and offers visitors a multitude of marine experiences. Activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, helmet dives, snorkeling, jet skiing and more. Visit www.waikikioceanclub.com.
Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach is nearing completion of an $18 million renovation. The hotel will offer a new pool and pool-deck area, new elevators and interior upgrades to guest rooms, including new glass railings to ocean front rooms ensuring unobstructed ocean views. Visit www.outriggerwaikiki.com.
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa recently introduced the “Lomi Wawae” treatment at the Na Hoola Spa. This treatment unites the healing qualities of traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage and the concentrated healing movements of “Lomi Wawae” for the feet. Visit www.waikiki.hyatt.com.
Learn about Hawaii’s rich history in Waikiki through weekly hour-long historical tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. Stories of the “First Lady of Waikiki” include surf legends, Hawaii Calls Radio show, first registered guests, passengers arriving by ship, Hawaii’s royal family and much more. Visit www.moana-surfrider.com.
Activities & Entertainment
The Polynesian Cultural Center is transforming its Hukilau Theater. Opening in December, the theater is being completely overhauled with substantial improvements to both the exterior and interior resulting in a new, immersive presentation that will engage viewers’ senses. The biggest upgrade comes on screen as “Kamaaina: Child of the Land,” a stunning large-format film filmed almost entirely on location in Hawaii, explores the Hawaiian people’s aloha and reverence for the islands. This multi-generational storyline springs from a moolelo, a Hawaiian tale of ancestors, the creation of the aina, these islands, and its special meaning in their hearts and identity. Visit www.Polynesia.com.
The Pearl Harbor Historic Sites and the National Park Service recently announced three new Pearl Harbor Half Day Tours. These three new tours compliment the full day Passport to Pearl Harbor Tours. The Half Day Tours include a USS Arizona Memorial audio tour as well as a choice of either the USS Bowfin Submarine tour or a Pacific Aviation Museum tour. Visit www.PearlHarborHistoricSites.org.
After more than six months of anticipation, the menehune have completed their rebuild of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s “Hawaii Village”. The village redesign is reflective of an ahupuaa – a land division used by ancient Hawaiians, usually extending from the uplands to the sea – and includes new activities, architecture and exhibits. Visit www.Polynesia.com.
After several years of conservation work, Shangri La recently opened the historic “Damascus Room” to the public for the first time. The Damascus Room features luxury trade items from the late Ottoman period acquired by Doris Duke in the early 1950s. Visit www.ShangriLaHawaii.org.
Atlantis Navatek Cruises begins its daily “Whale Watch Lunch Cruise” on Dec. 21 from 12-2:30 p.m., departing from Aloha Tower Marketplace. With its double-hulled design, the Navatek I offers one of Hawaii’s smoothest cruise experiences to see humpback whales enjoying the warmth of Oahu’s waters. Visit www.AtlantisAdventures.com.
Wild Side Specialty Tours now offers a “Deluxe Family Cruise”. This eco-tour offers shipboard and swim activities, and inspires a love for the natural world through hands-on, and hands-wet immersion in the oceans wild realm. Join in on an ocean critter snorkel hunt, make friends with wild dolphins, and enter secret worlds on a sea turtle trek. Visit www.sailhawaii.com.
Roberts Hawaii has expanded its shore excursion options for cruise passengers visiting Oahu, and now offers a wide selection of tours at significant savings, including visits to Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona and Battleship Missouri, Oahu’s scenic North Shore and Honolulu City. Visit www.GoRabbitGo.com.
Geared toward the active traveler, Bike Hawaii’s “Bike and Volcanic Rainforest Hike” begins with a 2.5 mile one-way hike along the slopes of an ancient volcanic cinder cone known as Puu Ohia. After hiking through the rainforest, hikers can enjoy the five-mile downhill coast on comfortable cruiser bikes with a stop at the scenic Manoa overlook. Visit www.BikeHawaii.com.
Culinary News
Oahu’s newest craft brewery, Aloha Beer, has officially opened next to Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch and Crab. The new factory is available for brewery tours and also houses the Aloha Beer brewpub. The brewpub is a place where visitors can eat, drink, socialize and listen to live music. Visit the brewpub and try fresh-from-the-tap brews such as: Aloha Lager, Aloha Red, Aloha Dark, Aloha IPA, Aloha Blonde, Steam Ship Lager and Kiawe Honey Porter. Visit www.alohabeer.com.
Chinatown’s newest addition to the districts growing culinary scene is Adega Portuguesa, an authentic Portuguese restaurant and bar. Adega Portuguesa is serving up true Portuguese dishes using only the freshest ingredients to ensure that every dish is exceptional. The unique atmosphere and live music at Adega Portuguesa keep this fun and vibrant restaurant full. Adega also hosts various open-mic nights where patrons are invited to delight diners with their musical talent. Visit www.adegahi.com.
53 by The Sea is Waikiki’s newest fine dining experience designed around the view of Diamond Head. Delight your senses with the flavors of Italian cuisine combined with local ingredients, fresh fish and meats from the hands of Chef Hiroshi Hayakawa. T’s at 53 lounge has a specialty supply of wines and spirits from around the world to create delicious and exquisite drinks. Visit www.53bythesea.com.
Honolulu’s newest gastropub Pint and Jigger is serving up intriguing high end pub fare and beers from around the world. Pub goers can enjoy great eats such as bacon wrapped strawberries, scotch eggs and stout cake. With 21 beers on tap and around 40 different bottled beers behind the bar, there’s definitely something for every beer lover. Visit www.pintandjigger.com.
The Royal Hawaiian Center welcomes its newest grab-and-go eatery; the Bikini Beach Café. This new café is dishing out tasty meals that are perfect for beachgoers looking for something on the go. The café is also serving up rainbow shave ice—Hawaii’s classic cool down treat. Visit www.royalhawaiiancenter.com.
Hawaii Food Tours is now offering a “North Shore Food Tour” that will delve into the history, lore, and culture of the North Shore while exploring “country” eats and breathtaking sites. The tour will also showcase various farms and plantations and visitors will be able to meet locals that live a farm-to-table lifestyle every day. Visit www.hawaiifoodtours.com.
One of Hawaii’s most celebrated chefs, Roger Dikon, has introduced a new island-focused dinner buffet aboard the Ali`i Kai Catamaran and at the award-winning Magic of Polynesia dinner show in Waikiki. Dikon, who recently joined Roberts Hawaii as its executive chef, was one of the 12 young chefs who founded and developed Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. Visit www.robertshawaii.com.
Shopping
Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest outdoor shopping center, welcomed two new merchants – Balenciaga and Teavana. Italian fashion house Balenciaga offers shoppers high-end Italian goods and ready-to-wear fashion inspired by looks from the runway. For shoppers looking for a unique experience Teavana serves as a tea bar and retail shop featuring a variety of fine loose leaf tea and tea-related merchandise. Visit www.AlaMoanaCenter.com.
Loro Piana is the latest high fashion shop to call the Royal Hawaiian Center home. Loro Piana is internationally known for their luxurious cashmere, exclusive Italian-made garments and elegant lines for both men and women. Shoppers looking for something new can find chic accessories, fine home furnishings and unique gifts at this high fashion shop. Visit www.royalhawaiiancenter.com.
AirBuggy, a Japanese baby boutique, is now open at Waikiki Beach Walk. The Waikiki store is the first location in the U.S. and is fully stocked with cute and hard-to-find baby clothes and products. The store’s main attraction is definitely AirBuggy’s signature line of lightweight, three-wheeled strollers in an array of colors and designs, including the Waikiki exclusive orange or blue Aloha print versions. Visit www.facebook.com/airbuggybeachwalk.
Festivals & Events
Learn about the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani’s namesake at a week-long birthday celebration and festival for her royal highness from Oct. 14-20 that includes crafts, lei making, cultural demonstrations, Royal Court Procession, and more. The celebration culminates with the 18th Annual Princess Kaiulani Keiki Hula Festival featuring hula students ages 5-12. Visit www.princess-kaiulani.com.
Tell clients to grab their gear and get ready for Ko Olina’s Seventh Annual International Festival of Sports. The event features a triathlon for everyone including a Sprint Triathlon, Three-Person Mini Triathlon Relay, Junior Triathlon, Youth Triathlon, Kids Triathlon, Lagoon Swim Challenge, Two Scoops & Swimsuits 5K and Aquathon. Plus, a health and fitness expo offering participants access to clinics, seminars, exhibits and much more. The event will take place from Oct. 27-28. Visit www.KoolinaTriathlon.com.
Family and friends are invited to come down to Discover Kakaako at Ward Centers every second Saturday of the month from 12 -7 p.m. Starting on November 10., this event promises an exploration into the vast offerings of Kakaako’s family activities and nightlife scene. Attendees will be treated to contests where prizes will be up for grabs and various food vendors and trucks will be on hand for everyone to enjoy. Visit www.wardcenters.com.
The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing returns to the North Shore of Oahu for the men’s series and women’s Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach from Nov. 12 – Dec. 20. Kicking off with the Reef Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, the series continues with the Vans World Cup of Surfing and women’s Roxy Pro at Sunset Beach, and lastly the Billabong Pipeline Masters at the famous Banzai Pipeline. Visit www.triplecrownofsurfing.com.
Each winter, the world’s best big wave surfers are invited to Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore to compete in the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational In Memory of Eddie Aikau. The Eddie can only be held when surf measures at least 20 feet (Hawaiian scale) for a full day. The holding period for the event is between Dec. 1 and the last day in February. When the surf is big enough, thousands flock to watch the likes of Kelly Slater and Bruce Irons compete in this prestigious surfing competition. Visit www.quiksilver.com.
The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship is an off-road half-marathon that winds through Kualoa Ranch on Oahu’s northeastern shore. Trail runs, kids race, and other family events will also be offered. The event will take place on Dec. 2. Visit www.xterraplanet.com.
The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park will commemorate its 70th anniversary on Dec. 7 with special events, tours and promotions. Nicknamed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the USS Bowfin was launched into battle on Dec. 7, 1942, one year after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, sinking 44 enemy ships during the course of her nine war patrols. Visit www.bowfin.org.
The National Park Service and the U.S. Navy will host a joint memorial ceremony at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center commemorating the 71st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ceremony on Dec. 7 takes place from 7:45-9:30 a.m. and will include a key note address, missing man flyover, rifle salute, wreath presentations, echo taps, tributes to Pearl Harbor survivors and boat tours to the USS Arizona Memorial. Visit www.npa.gov/valr.
Thousands of runners from around the world travel to Oahu each year to participate in the Honolulu Marathon. The 26.2-mile scenic course includes spectacular views alongside world famous Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. This year the marathon will take place on Dec. 9. Visit www.honolulumarathon.org.
The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic is an eight-team, 12-game bracket tournament that features some of the nation’s best collegiate men’s basketball teams. The tournament is held at the University of Hawaii’s Stan Sherriff Center on Dec. 22, Dec. 23 and Dec. 25. Visit www.diamondheadclassic.com.
Visit www.visit-oahu.com.