Honolulu, Hawaii
Aloha friends! The time has come for us to return to life as we knew it. There’s no better way to celebrate our long lost freedom than with an epic vacation! I’m sure you’ve been longing to hop on a plane and take off to somewhere far away. Well, I’ve got just the place to cure your travel itch.
Below, I’m sharing everything you need to know from travel requirements, to dining, entertainment and everything in between for the most amazing Hawaiian vacation!
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Due to Covid, certain destinations are still requiring negative Covid tests in order to travel. Don’t fret this process isn’t nearly as intimidating as it sounds. Traveling to Hawaii, requires the traveler to secure a testing appointment 72 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of their final leg to Hawaii.
Set up your travel account and learn more >>>
Travel Tip >> If you are located in North Carolina or local to Charlotte, American Airlines is now offering a new route. Fly directly to Honolulu, Hawaii from Charlotte!
HONOLULU ENTERTAINMENT
To really get your Hawaii on you must experience a luau. Come hungry for a Hawaiian feast and get your drink on with some mai tai’s!
Travel Tip > Book your luau way in advance. The spots fill up and I would hate for you to miss out on such a memorable event!
Check out these Honolulu luaus >>>
Paradise Cove Luau > Attended this luau on my very first trip to Hawaii. I love that it’s by the ocean!
Chief’s Luau > Recently experienced this luau, and the food and entertainment was on point! Hello fire twirlers!
Polynesian Cultural Center > I’ve heard great things about this luau. If nothing else plan to visit the Cultural Center, because there’s so much to see and do there!
One of my favorite days on our trip was our catamaran snorkeling excursion! Our day was an exciting one; as we had a school of dolphins swim up to our boat. Not to mention a seal swam up beside us too! We even enjoyed lunch in the most picturesque location. I can not rave enough about our half day snorkeling cruise with Ocean Joy Cruises.
Do yourself a favor and book a tour with > Ocean Joy Cruises
HONOLULU EATS
We will talk about the amazing food food of Hawaii in just a sec, but first we have to give it up for Dole Whip. Some of you may have had Dole Whip before… but have you experienced Dole Whip topped with fresh pineapple in Hawaii? It’s one of life’s greatest treats!
Dole Plantation > Check out all the family-friendly things there are to do at the Dole Plantation!
Our hotel was on Waikiki Beach, and on our morning walk we happened to stumble across this adorable beach cafe right on the ocean. We stopped for cappuccinos and açaí bowls! If you do one thing in Hawaii… make sure it’s ordering an açaí bowl.
Breakfast spots >>>
Barefoot Beach Cafe > order an açaí bowl and enjoy it as you watch the waves roll in!
Hula Grill > Request a table with an ocean front view and order the banana mac pancakes. Promise me you’ll order those!
Hawaii has some of the best seafood I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating. My mom, sister and I ordered a seafood dish every single night for dinner. My sister and I went hard at work sourcing the best mai tai in all of Waikiki Beach, and I think we found it!
Dinner spots >>>
Tiki’s Grill & Bar > Pictured is the macadamia nut island fish and it was as good as it looks!
Duke’s > This restaurant is a must! This is where we discovered… Honolulu’s best mai tai! You’re welcome.
HONOLULU SHOPPING
It’s not a complete trip in my book until I have done a little shopping. My favorite shops on the island are located in Haleiwa near North Shore. There’s so many cutesy boutique-style shops that line Haleiwa’s Main Street. Below, I’m listing my favorite noteworthy shops!
Check these out >>>
Aviator Nation > I always have to check this store out to get my cool-girl fix!
Guava Shop > The ultimate girly / beachy vibes in here! You will definitely end up making a purchase in this store!
Whalers General Store > Grab a not-so-cheesy Hawaii memento in here! This store has some seriously cute finds!
Looking for some high-end shopping…. the island has that too. Get lost in some retail therapy at these spots below!
Luxury Row > Do some serious window shopping in these stunning stores such as; Chanel, Gucci and Golden Goose!
Royal Hawaiian Center > From 110 retailers you can get lost shopping in this epic retail meca.
While your out and about be sure to stop by Honolulu Cookie Company! I took a box home for myself, but these would make the sweetest gift to take home to that special someone!
Honolulu Cookie Company > Get all the flavors but white chocolate Kona coffee is my fav!!
HONOLULU HONORABLE MENTIONS
Pearl Harbor National Memorial > This is a memorial that you have to experience for yourself to fully understand it. My advice is to make a reservation for first thing in the morning!
Looking for adventure >>>
Hike Diamond Head > Get up early one morning and tackle hiking Diamond Head! The views from above are so worth it. Plus, a good vacation sweat is always rewarding!
North Shore Must Do’s >>>
Kahuka Land Farms > You must stop and get a fresh coconut. Hop back in the car and drive two minutes down the road and enjoy it in the sand!
Sunrise Shack > Check out the cute food truck scene! You’ll be sure to find something to fit your craving. It’s located right in front of the ocean… you can’t miss it!
Honolulu Photo Worthy Spots >>>
The Royal Hawaiian Resort> Get some Insta worthy pics in at this all pink hotel!
Duke Kahanamoku Statue > Duke aka “The father of modern surfing.” You’ll want to snap a pic here because it’s oh so Hawaii. Insert surf’s up emoji! 🤙🏼
HONOLULU HOTELS
Here at Deedee Knows it’s all about traveling within reason. I love a good deal and right now there’s so many hotel and vacation deals to be had! I suggest narrowing down three hotels in your price range, then calling them personally to see if they offer any discounts or special rates. This go around we stayed at The Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel and loved the easy beach access! My first visit to Hawaii we stayed at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa which is also an excellent hotel property, located right beside The Aston.
Noteworthy Hotels >>>
The Royal Hawaiian Resort > This all pink hotel is sure to impress! Also, it has a rich history and a long standing reputation in Honolulu. I promised myself I would come back and stay here!
The Laylow, Autograph Collection > Looking for trendy? Find all the cool surfer vibes in this boutique hotel!
Moana Surfrider > A stunning Victorian and sophisticated beachfront hotel.
Like always, I hope I’ve inspired you to start planning that trip you’ve been dying to take. Travel is what feeds my soul, and I’ve decided that Hawaii is the place that really speaks to my heart.
I feel like I never have a long enough stay in Hawaii, it truly is paradise! Until next time Hawaii.
Mahalo & aloha friends!
