Hit Honolulu's Great Aloha Run to catch local racers and live music on Feb. 20. Credit: Ryan Ozawa.
By Erin Behan
There’s nothing like watching someone else prove athletic prowess while on vacation. And in Hawaii, one of Honolulu’s most beloved road races — the Kaiser Permanente Great Aloha Run on Feb. 20 — gives those on a Hawaii vacation a chance to do just that. (more…)
From December to May, visitors to Honolulu may even spy whales breaching as they sunbathe on the sand. Credit: NOAA's National Ocean Service.
By Amy Drew Thompson
My first time whale watching in Hawaii was aboard a small sailboat. And yes, it was incredible. But I was just as excited, if not more, to see humpbacks breaching from my balcony — a treat many guests at Honolulu hotels likely enjoy this time of year. From December to early May, you could spy whales from virtually any beach, but it’s even more fun spotting them from on high. Don’t forget your binoculars.
Think you’ll be dreaming of a white Christmas when the average Dec. low is 67? Credit: Akira Kumagai.
By Amy Drew Thompson
Every year in Hawaii, the arrival of the “Christmas Tree Ship” – a freighter carrying the first load of yuletide trees to the islands – marks the unofficial start of the holiday season. And while some people prefer staying home for the holidays, merry travelers ensconced in Honolulu hotels seem to get into the spirit just fine.
Aloha, Santa: Holidays in Hawaii are always a thumbs up. Credit: Outrigger Hotels & Resorts.
By Blane Bachelor
For the past two years, President Obama and his family have spent Christmas in his native Hawaii. It’s not clear yet if they’ll be headed there this year, but if you are, you can be sure Hawaii lays out the red carpet for all of its guests — especially during the holidays. Many Hawaii hotels feature seasonal twists on tasty island fare, stores and shops ring out with localized versions of classic carols and Santa Claus switches his sleigh for an outrigger canoe. Here, some island-specific offerings guaranteed to make you say “Mele Kalikimaka” (that’s how to say “Merry Christmas” in Hawaii). (more…)
Outdoors in: Guests enjoy open-air massages at Aulani - a Disney Resort & Spa. Credit: David Roark/Disney Destinations.
By Jill E. Cooper
Nestled inconspicuously on the first floor of the Wai’anae tower of Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa, you’ll find one of Oahu’s newest hidden treasures – the Laniwai Spa. “Laniwai” is a Hawaiian word that translates to “freshwater heaven” for English speakers. “Heavenly” is an apt description for an afternoon spent at Laniwai. As you amble about the grounds of Aulani, you won’t find this enchanting 18,000 square foot tropical retreat by accident. You must look for it, but the search is well worth the rewards that await you there. (more…)
Decisions, decisions: A selection of fryer-fresh malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu. Credit: _e.t.
By Amy Drew Thompson
Sure, you can sample pork and poi at whichever of the Honolulu hotels you choose as your base in Oahu exploration. Maybe you’ll even spring for some of the city’s best fine dining at the five-star Halekulani‘s upscale Orchids, Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider A Westin Resort and Spa, or while absorbing the Pacific panoramas at the Kahala Hotel & Resort. But if you want to eat like a real Hawaiian, press your palate past pineapple and macadamias and try some of the more adventurous fare – everything is delicious. Or as the locals say, “Ono!” (more…)
Polynesian paradise: The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Spa Hotel offers hula lessons and island style.
By Amy Drew Thompson
Oahu is home to an A-list of fashionable Honolulu hotels, the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and the only royal palace in the U.S. (Not to mention the stomping ground of “Magnum, P.I.”) Even the fierce Kamehameha I, the Big Island’s most celebrated native son, made this fair city his royal court’s home when he united the islands under one rule. Like much of Hawaii, Honolulu is vibrant, multicultural, and rife with activities, and some of its best lay just a hop, skip and hula out of the hotel zone.
Fresh face: the recently renovated Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
By Mark Chesnut
Anyone planning a Hawaii vacation or business trip to the Aloha state is likely to notice an array of improvements when they check in for the night. Many Hawaii hotels have been investing in new décor, amenities and services; here are some of the most recent upgrades. (more…)
Surf's up, but sun's down: Another beautiful sunset in Hawaii. Credit: Christian Hollingsworth.
By Blane Bachelor
A beautiful thing happens late every afternoon in Hawaii: Everybody, from locals to tourists to even the island dogs, takes a few minutes from their surfing, shopping or scurrying about to take in the sunset. It’s an enchanting experience and a must-do for any visit to this island paradise.
While you don’t need to stress yourself out over your sunset-watching strategy –you’re here to unwind, after all! — here are a few tips to keep in mind to maximize your experience. You can say “mahalo” by sharing your pixel-perfect sunset photos. (more…)
Artistic vibe: a painting by Ed Moses in the lobby of ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa
By Mark Chesnut
The theft of a $250,000 Rembrandt drawing from The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey in August helped to make travelers more aware that hotels are more than a place to rest your head; they can also be a great place to appreciate original artwork. Here are a few great places — including Florida hotels, New York hotels and Hawaii hotels — where travelers can get a healthy serving of artistic inspiration.
Florida hotels
ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa, located at the northern tip of Miami Beach, exhibits more than 400 privately commissioned works of art from new, emerging and established American and foreign talent. Major artists including Guy Dill, Ed Moses, Darren Waterson, and Richard Deutsh comprise the collection, which is valued at more than $3.5 million. (more…)
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