投稿者: Ashlee Galea

カテゴリー: 未分類

10 Reasons to Fly Hawaiian Airlines between Australia & Hawaii

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Review. When it comes to brand loyalty, I’m a Hawaiian Airlines gal – ALL THE WAY. To give you perspective, over a 13-year period of travel between Australia-Hawaii I’ve flown on Hawaiian Airlines every flight except three. I’d estimate that’s around 50 international flights with Hawaiian Airlines! My most recent flight was this last January. In 2009, I started working for Hawaii Tourism in their Sydney office. Our head office was in Honolulu, so I went back and forth A LOT. And in 2015, I moved to Honolulu! Since then I’ve been flying to Sydney to visit family multiple times a year (minus the pandemic). And this count doesn’t even include all of the Hawaiian Airlines flights I’ve taken inter-island or the roundtrips to the U.S. mainland. The bottom line is, Hawaiian is my top choice for Hawaii travel and I’m about to tell you why it should be yours too 🙂 HAWAIIAN AIRLINES AT A GLANCE: Hawaii’s largest and longest serving airline, flying for 93-years and counting! An impeccable safety record, Hawaiian Airlines is one of the world’s safest airlines. Ranked #1 among all U.S. carriers for on-time performance for the 18th consecutive year. Operates Airbus […]

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カテゴリー: 未分類

Things to Do in Waikiki While You Wait to Check-In

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

Lots of flights arrive into Honolulu early in the morning but most Waikiki accommodation have an afternoon check-in time between 3-4pm. Sadly, most won’t be able to provide an early check-in because they’ll be busy cleaning the rooms of guests who just departed. But don’t worry, I’ve pulled together a list of things do in Waikiki while you wait. Please note, most of these ideas will work on the flip side when you check-out of your Waikiki accommodation and have time to kill before your flight. But first, let’s chat about the logistics of luggage. Luggage Storage If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, you can head straight to the reception desk and check-in at any time. They’ll check you in and if your room isn’t ready, they’ll offer to store your luggage while you wait. Easy. Visitors staying in a vacation rental property won’t have the privilege of storing luggage onsite. However, they can ask their Host if they can drop off their luggage early (perhaps it can be left inside with the cleaner). Alternatively, there are a few luggage storage options in Waikiki. Aloha Lockers (7am-7pm) by Moana Surfrider has several storage lockers. Waikiki Baggage Storage (7am-8pm) provides a safe place […]

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カテゴリー: Breakfast・Brunch・Eats・OAHU・Waikiki

Waikiki Breakfasts Worth Skipping the Buffet For

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

Please step away from the all-you-can-eat smorgasbord, there’s a wonderland of Waikiki cafes dishing up delectable breakfasts outside your hotel. Breakfast is, by far, my favorite meal of the day. As a former Sydney-sider, weekend brunch was a mandatory event and I was absolutely spoiled for choice when it came to the city’s cafe scene. On my first few visits to Hawaii, I really struggled with breakfast in Waikiki. Don’t get me wrong, the hotel buffets are sensational (some even have fried chicken on them) but after a few days your clothes start to feel tight and you begin craving a more portion-controlled experience LOL. Thankfully, I eventually found the best cafes and restaurants killing it for breakfast in Waikiki. BEST WAIKIKI CAFES: Aloha Kitchen Ars Cafe Gallery Barefoot Beach Cafe Bills Hawaii Cinnamon’s at the Ilikai Da Cove Health Bar Hawaiian Aroma Caffe Heavenly Island Lifestyle Tucker & Bevvy Waikiki Beachside Kitchen 1. Aloha Kitchen 432 Ena Rd, Waikiki | Daily 7:30am-2:30pm Aloha Kitchen is a cute cafe in Waikiki’s backstreets famed for fruity souffle pancakes. Find a full spectrum of breakfast dishes from pancakes, omelets, and Eggs Benedict to waffles, French toast, and acai bowls. They make mimosas, too. Expect to wait a while be seated. 2. Ars […]

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カテゴリー: cocktails・drinks・OAHU

Best Cocktail Bars in Waikiki

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

If you’re looking to indulge in Hawaii cocktails these Waikiki bars are a great place to start. Every bar in Hawaii has one thing in common, a drinks menu with irresistible liquid works-of-art. Classic cocktails like the Mai Tai, Blue Hawaii and Lava Flow are offered up, alongside tantalizing modern concoctions usually incorporating coconut, pineapple, or lilikoi (passionfruit) flavors. With drink titles like an Endless Summer, Hawaiian Love Affair and Tropical Sensation, you won’t be able to resist a drink. So, pull-up-a-seat at any one of these great Waikiki bars and let the Hawaii cocktails and dreams flow. BEST COCKTAIL BARS IN WAIKIKI: Deck Duke’s Waikiki House Without A Key Mai Tai Bar O Bar RumFire SKY Waikiki The Hideout Tommy Bahama Tiki’s Grill & Bar The Myna Bird Deck 150 Kapahulu Ave, Waikiki | Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight; Sun 11am-10pmHappy Hour Daily 4-6pm; 9pm-CloseLive Music Daily times vary Deck is an expansive open-air restaurant and bar, with one of the finest full views of Diamond Head. It’s a relaxed setting on the third floor of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, beside the pool. Different days bring different drink specials! Mai Tai Mondays $8.50 Mai Tais (usually $16), Whisky Wednesdays American Whisky […]

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カテゴリー: All Islands・TRAVEL TIPS

The Scoop on Hawaii Weather

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

Weather-wise, there is never a bad time to visit the Hawaiian Islands! Prepare yourself for Hawaii weather, it’s all about endless sunshine, refreshing showers, balmy breezes, double rainbows, and a few climatic surprises. Hawaii has a sub-tropical climate with only two seasons, a hot-to-humid summer and a mild-to-cool winter. May-Oct = Summer Hawaii’s “dry” season, showers are less frequent and often last only a few minutes. Average day-time temperatures can reach up to 29°C (84°F) and drop only slightly at night. August is the hottest month of the year. Trade winds occur about 90% of the time, they blow in from the northeast and make things feel more comfortable. Hurricane season runs from Jun to Nov (hurricanes are rare, the last major one to hit Hawaii was Hurricane Iniki in 1992). Nov-Apr = Winter Hawaii’s “rainy” season, expect some showers however long periods of rain are uncommon. Average day-time temperatures can reach up to 25°C (77°F) and fall at night. January is the coldest month of the year. Trade winds occur about 50% of the time, they blow in from the northeast and have a cooling effect. Kona winds occasionally appear in winter, they occur when the trade winds reverse direction and blow in from the southwest, bringing storms with them. Winter storms bring […]

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カテゴリー: All Islands・TRAVEL TIPS

The Scoop on Hawaii Weather

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

Weather-wise, there is never a bad time to visit the Hawaiian Islands! Prepare yourself for Hawaii weather, it’s all about endless sunshine, balmy breezes, refreshing showers, double rainbows, and a few climatic surprises. Hawaii has a sub-tropical climate with only two seasons, a hot-to-humid summer and a cool-to-mild winter. May-Oct = Summer Hawaii’s “dry” season, showers are less frequent and often last only a few minutes. Average day-time temperatures can reach up to 29°C (84°F) and drop only slightly at night. August is the hottest month of the year. Trade winds occur about 90% of the time, they blow in from the northeast and make things feel more comfortable. Hurricane season runs from Jun to Nov (hurricanes are rare, the last major one to hit Hawaii was Hurricane Iniki in 1992). Nov-Apr = Winter Hawaii’s “rainy” season, expect some showers however long periods of rain are uncommon. Average day-time temperatures can reach up to 25°C (77°F) and fall at night. January is the coldest month of the year. Trade winds occur about 50% of the time, they blow in from the northeast and have a cooling effect. Kona winds occasionally appear in winter, they occur when the trade winds reverse direction and blow in from the southwest, bringing storms with them. Winter storms bring […]

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カテゴリー: Itineraries・North Shore・OAHU

Four Ways to Get to Oahu’s North Shore

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

There’s more than one way to get from Waikiki to Oahu’s North Shore. Here’s four Oahu North Shore itinerary suggestions. The towns of Haleiwa and Kahuku form the ‘borders’ into Oahu’s North Shore region. The North Shore itineraries I’m about to suggest begin in Waikiki (south) and lead to either Haleiwa (west entry point) or Kahuku (east entry point), with ideas for stops along the way. Routes 1 and 2 are best if you’re short on time, cherry-pick your favorite stops. Routes 3 and 4 pack a lot in and will be full days from sunrise to sunset. Remember, you can always do Kailua (Route 3) and Oahu’s South Shore (Route 4) on separate trips. You can also combine Routes, take one Route up and one Route (in reverse) to get back. TIP: For affordable car hire, book online with Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. Choose from a variety of brands and vehicle types. They have no booking fees, no pre-payment, and no cancellation penalties! Convertibles and Jeeps are popular options. North Shore Itinerary Route 1 The Quick & Dirty Waikiki to Haleiwa via the Interstate H1 (West) and H2 (North)
. This is the quickest way to drive from Waikiki to Oahu’s […]

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カテゴリー: Festivals & Events・OAHU・whats on

Free Events on Oahu

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

Visitors should take advantage of the many free events held on Oahu, Hawaii. FREE OAHU EVENTS: Ala Moana Centerstage Art on the Zoo Fence Bank of Hawaii Family Sunday Cinema In The Park Eat The Street Family Fishing First Fridays at HiSAM First Friday Chinatown Friday Night Fireworks Kona Nui Nights Kuhio Beach Hula Show Memorable Sunsets Under The Kiawe Tree Moana Surfrider Historical Tour Moomeheu Hawaii – Cultural Programming Free Sunday Concert O Na Lani Sunset Series Royal Hawaiian Band Public Performances Royal Hawaiian Historical Tour Second Saturdays at HiSAM Yoga In the Barn 1. Ala Moana Centerstage Ala Moana Center | Daily 9:30am-9pm (various)Facebook @AlaMoanaCenterThere are always free events on Oahu taking place on Centerstage at Ala Moana Center, America’s largest open-air shopping mall. Local and international acts, from choirs and bands to fashion shows and pageants, entertain shoppers throughout the day. Don’t miss the daily hula show at 1pm. 2. Art on the Zoo Fence Monsarrat Ave (opposite Kapiolani Park) | Sat & Sun 9am-4pmFacebook @artonthezoofencehawaiiArt on the Zoo Fence is a pop-up outdoor art gallery where local artists display their original works and prints. If you’re staying in Waikiki over a weekend, take a stroll to the […]

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カテゴリー: Cruise Review・hawaii cruise・Hawaii Island・Kauai・Maui・NCL・norwegian cruise line・OAHU・pride of america

10 Things I Loved About the Pride of America Hawaii Cruise

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

Pride of America, Cruise Review by The Hawaii Admirer. I was chuffed to be asked by MyCruises (an Australian travel company) to experience their #1 selling cruise, the Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America. MyCruises Packages have always amazed me, such good pricing considering all the inclusions! They take the hard work out of planning a Hawaii cruise holiday by including everything from airfares, pre- and post-accommodation, transfers, sightseeing and the 7-night cruise, of course! There are also BONUSES like free food and beverage inclusions, a discount tour and activity booklet and they even pre-pay your gratuities! It’s these extras that make the difference, so if you’re an Aussie looking to experience the ultimate Hawaiian Island adventure consider booking with MyCruises.com.au. Pride of America at a glance: Gross Tonnage 80,439 Overall length 921 ft (280 m) Beam (width) 120 ft (36.5 m) Cruise Speed 22 knots (25 miles per hour) Guests 2,186 (double occupancy) Crew 940 10 Things I Loved About the Pride of America Hawaii Cruise: 01. New Day, New Hawaiian Island 02. Fine Dining in Specialty Restaurants 03. 100’s of Things to Do 04. Shore Excursions Galore 05. Bars, Bars and More Bars 06. Oceanview Balcony Life 07. Magical Entertainment 08. Sweet Spa Dreams 09. Adults-Only Access 10. Feelin’ the Aloha Vibes […]

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カテゴリー: Attractions・North Shore・OAHU

Top Things to Do at Polynesian Cultural Center

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

Polynesian Cultural Center is one of Hawaii’s largest and most popular paid attractions, located on Oahu’s North Shore one-hour drive from Waikiki (south) or Ko Olina (west). Eat at Hukilau Marketplace Watch the Huki show Hydrate With a Fresh Coconut Get to Know Hawaii Laugh Out Loud in Tonga Eye the Samoan Climber Play Games in Aotearoa Renew Your Vows in Tahiti Jump Into a Canoe Enjoy Alii Luau Buffet & Ha Breath of Life There is so much to experience across the park’s 42 acres! I thought I’d share my top things to do at the center, to help you get the most out of your visit. But before I get started, let me answer one important question. What is the Polynesian Cultural Center? At its core, the Polynesian Cultural Center is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage, arts and traditions of Polynesia. Polynesia is defined as the islands in the Pacific Ocean within what’s called the “Polynesian Triangle” encompassing approximately thirty-six distinct groups of Polynesian people. This “Triangle” can be traced from Hawaii in the North (the tip) to Aotearoa (New Zealand) in the West and Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in the East. These island nations, along with […]

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カテゴリー: North Shore・OAHU・Tours

The Best North Shore and Hanauma Bay Tour

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

With limited time in Hawaii, holidaymakers need to maximize Every. Single. Day.  That’s why the North Shore Beach Bus is such a great option! It’s a North Shore tour and Hanauma Bay tour, all-in-one. It gives guests quality time on Oahu’s famous North Shore beaches AND an afternoon of snorkeling down South in Hanauma Bay. Follow the tour itinerary below, and look out for the SPECIAL DISCOUNT at the end of the post 🙌 North Shore Beach + Hanauma Bay Tour The tour kicks off with Waikiki hotel pick-ups from 7:20am. The North Shore Beach Bus vans are white, and group sizes are kept small with 15-22 seater vehicles. You’ll meet your Driver AND Guide. North Shore Beach Bus invests in two people, one focuses on driving (very important) and the other gives commentary along the way. The owner of the business Paul was our Driver and Sergio our was Guide (above), they’re awesome! As someone who has worked for Hawaii Tourism, I thought I knew a lot about Oahu but I learned a tonne of new stuff on the hour-long drive. Like… The island’s soil has a high level of iron, and that’s why local pineapples taste so sweet! The […]

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カテゴリー: drinks・OAHU・Wine

Winning Wine Bars in Honolulu

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

Tucked away in quiet pockets across the city of Honolulu are some wonderful wine bars. These intimate venues are off the typical tourist trails but worth seeking out for their ambiance, impressive wine lists and accompanying bites to eat. BEST WINE BARS IN HONOLULU: Amuse Wine Bar Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar Cattleya Wine Bar The Bar at Foodland Farms Formaggio Wine Bar La Vela Wine Bar The Tchin! Tchin! Bar 1. Amuse Wine Bar 1250 Kapiolani Blvd, Floor 2, Honolulu | Daily Tue-Sat 5-10pmHappy Hour Tue-Sat 5-6pm ($50 Wine Tasting Card for $30)Live Music Tue-Sat 7-9pm Amuse Wine Bar has an Art Deco interior, exactly the style you’d expect to find inside a furniture showroom at the Honolulu Design Center. Sleek self-serve wine machines dominate the space, dispensing 30ml (1oz) pours from over 80 wines. It’s the best place for any oenophile, novice, or beginner. Insert your prepaid card, select your red, white or rosé and enjoy. TIP: Try their “love at first bites” including baked brie, charcuterie and cheese plates and garlic truffle fries. 2. Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar 150 Kaiulani Ave, Waikiki | Daily 7am-10pmHappy Hour Daily 2-6pmLive Music N/A Appetito Craft Pizza & […]

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カテゴリー: All Islands・TRAVEL TIPS

Best Time to Visit Hawaii

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

While any time is a good time to visit Hawaii, not all months are created equal. Here’s how travelers can escape the crowds, nab a cheaper hotel rate and find less expensive airfares for their next Hawaii holiday. Hawaii is a consistently popular holiday destination, with anywhere between 720,000 and 1 million visitors flocking to the Hawaiian Islands every month. By looking at the number of Total Visitors to Hawaii, and relevant Holiday Periods, natural patterns start to emerge across Hawaii’s tourism industry. These patterns help identify when Hawaii is going to be ‘less busy’. This is the time when hotels and airlines are more likely to extend lower prices, as they try to entice more vacationers to Hawaii. I’ve crunched the latest stats to find the best time to visit Hawaii. Total Visitors to Hawaii Over 10.2 million people visited Hawaii in 2019. Here’s the breakdown by island: Oahu = 6.2 million visitors Maui = 3 million visitors Hawaii Island = 1.7 million visitors Kauai = 1.3 million visitors Molokai = 65,000 visitors Lanai = 87,000 visitors Visitors to Hawaii travel to an average of 1.2 islands and stay for an avg. of 8.8 days. If you are after a less crowded vacation consider Hawaii Island, Kauai, Molokai or Lanai. Hawaii has the least number […]

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カテゴリー: coffee・drinks・OAHU

Hands Down Best Coffee in Waikiki

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

A must-read for anyone looking to find the best coffee in Waikiki. Because there are better things to do in Hawaii than drink bad coffee. I’m a self-confessed Australian coffee snob. Let’s not forget, Starbucks flopped in my home country. Hawaii’s coffee game is strong. It offers mineral-rich volcanic soil and an ideal climate for growing coffee plants. These conditions produce the world-famous Kona coffee bean, cultivated on the Island of Hawaii. But locals like to use those beans to drink drip coffee (eek). Holiday-makers, on the other hand, tend to seek out espresso-based beverages. But don’t worry, I know where to find the best non-drip coffee in Waikiki. Best Coffee in Waikiki: Olive & Oliver Kai Coffee Hawaii Ars Cafe Hideout Coffee Hawaiian Aroma Caffe Knots Coffee Roasters Kona Coffee Purveyors Island Vintage Coffee Honolulu Coffee Gorilla in the Cafe Bills Hawaii Olive & Oliver 412 Lewers St, Waikiki | Daily 6am-7:30pm Olive & Oliver inside The Surfjack Hotel is a combined boutique and espresso bar. It’s perfect for grabbing a fresh cup of coffee and browsing cool items reflective of Hawaii’s beach culture. They’re famous for art-infused coffee cups (like the hero image). Their coffee is supplied by Caffe Vita, […]

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カテゴリー: cocktails・drinks・OAHU

Best Cocktail Bars in Waikiki

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

If you’re looking to indulge in Hawaii cocktails in the Aloha state, these Waikiki bars are a great place to start. Every bar in Hawaii has one thing in common, a drinks menu featuring irresistible liquid works-of-art. Classic cocktails like the Mai Tai, Blue Hawaii and Lava Flow are offered up, alongside tantalizing modern concoctions usually incorporating coconut, pineapple, or lilikoi (passionfruit) flavors. With drink titles such as Endless Summer, Hawaiian Love Affair and Tropical Sensation, you won’t be able to resist. So pull-up-a-seat at any one of these great Waikiki bars and let the Hawaii cocktails and dreams flow. BEST COCKTAIL BARS IN WAIKIKI: Deck Duke’s Waikiki House Without A Key Mai Tai Bar O Bar RumFire SKY Waikiki The Hideout Tommy Bahama Tiki’s Grill & Bar The Myna Bird Deck 150 Kapahulu Ave, Waikiki | Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight; Sun 11am-10pmHappy Hour Daily 4-6pm; 9pm-Close (bar & lounge only)Live Music TBC Deck is an expansive open-air restaurant and bar, with one of the finest full views of Diamond Head. It’s a relaxed setting on the third floor of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, beside the pool. Different days bring different drink specials! Mai Tai Mondays $8.50 Mai Tais (usually $16), […]

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カテゴリー: Maui・napili・Resorts

10 Things I Loved About Napili Kai Beach Resort

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

Napili Kai Beach Resort, Maui Hotel Review. I stumbled across Napili Kai Beach Resort while surfing the net, the property instantly drew me in with its beautiful sandy bay, see-through emerald waters and lush tropical surroundings. I’d traveled to Maui numerous times but never to Napili, a region tucked away on the islands north-west coast. I reached out to learn more about Napili Kai Beach Resort and soon after they graciously invited me to stay. I’m thankful to have found this piece of paradise because now I get to share it with you! Napili Kai Beach Resort is more than just a resort, it’s an oasis for rest and rejuvenation. It’s the ideal location for creating sun, sand and surf memories with loved ones, and a special place where the aloha spirit is alive and well. NAPILI KAI BEACH RESORT AT A GLANCE: Low-rise oceanfront resort set on 10-acres fronting Napili Bay Over 160 guestrooms and apartment-style suites Choose from hotel rooms, studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites Most suites have kitchenettes with separate sleeping and living areas Four pools and two whirlpools Two championship golf courses, tennis court, and fitness center No resort fees or parking fees, and free social activites […]

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カテゴリー: first time・HAWAII・help・which island

Which Hawaiian Islands Should I Visit?

投稿日: 投稿者: Ashlee Galea

Deciding to take a Hawaii holiday is easy! Figuring out which Hawaiian Islands to visit is when the struggle becomes real. Eight islands make up the U.S. state of Hawaii and tourists can visit six of them. Each Hawaiian Island is distinctively different and a destination unto itself. The two prohibited islands are: Kahoolawe Niihau Kahoolawe, once a bombing range for the U.S. Armed Forces, is now under restoration and designated for Native Hawaiian cultural and spiritual purposes. Niihau is privately owned by the Robinson family and is forbidden to all but relatives of the island owners, by invitation only. The six accessible islands, in order of popularity among visitors, are: Oahu Maui Hawaii (Hawaii Island/Big Island) Kauai Molokai Lanai Lanai and Molokai are islands situated off Maui’s west coast. I visited Lanai for a two-night stay and loved it. Lanai boasts luxury resorts and championship golf courses, it’s dubbed Hawaii’s most exclusive isle. I’m yet to explore Molokai, it has a significant Native Hawaiian population and retains a traditional way of life. It’s unspoiled, has few hotels and no traffic lights. I have travelled extensively throughout the four main islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii. To help you decide which Hawaiian […]

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