Staff holiday postcards series: Hawaii

Customer Service extraordinaire Allyvia fills us in on her holiday to Waikiki, Oahu.

What is your role and where are you based?

I am a Customer Service Representative for the lastminute.com.au accommodation team in our Brisbane office. I assist in the making and editing of bookings, as well as answering any questions our customers may have about a particular hotel or the services offered. I am currently studying Tourism, and have been a frequent traveller for the last three years – so this role is perfect and I thoroughly enjoy my job.
Where did this trip take you and why?

One of my closest friends lives in Portland, Oregon and was graduating from college. I had promised her for years that I would be there for her big day so I figured I may as well stretch it out and spend a week in Waikiki, Oahu with my boyfriend as part of the trip.

I had ALWAYS wanted to go to Hawaii (ever since seeing Blue Crush when I was a teenager). I had figured I’d be able to surf without any training or practice and be as smooth as Kate Bosworth (not so much, for the record, but it was fun trying).

Where are the best places to shop in Hawaii? Ala Moana Centre in Honolulu is a must-visit and has so much to offer both women and men. This is probably the only shopping centre visit ever that didn’t require me to beg and plead with my boyfriend to look around with me!
International brands like Michael Kors (wrist-candy heaven) and Miu Miu are on offer at ridiculous prices. As well as American classics such as Banana Republic, Vans and American Apparel – all at the ‘local’ prices. My boyfriend bought two pairs of new season Vans skate shoes for AUD70! I also fell in love with a shop called Brandy Melville – if you’re into the Boho/Feminine look – this one’s for you!
Along Kalakaua Avenue, one of the main strips in downtown Waikiki, you have great surf shops like Rip Curl, Quicksilver and Element which are perfect for picking up discounted goodies that you’d pay double for at home. In the heart of the Avenue you have must-visits like a three-story Forever 21, Macys and a huge Sephora offering all of your beauty favourites (think Clinique, OPI, and Lancôme) at extremely discounted prices. Further down the strip, there’s Luxury Row which has shops like Coach and YSL (I reserved those for window shopping!)
Outlet shopping tours also depart Waikiki daily as well. The outlets are located about 45 minutes outside of central Honolulu, and are worth looking into if you have the time.
Where are the best places to eat and drink in Hawaii?
Our first meal in Waikiki was at Doraku Sushi. I cannot recommend this place enough. The menu offers a fine selection of fresh salmon, local Ahi Tuna and sushi. I suggest asking to sit on the balcony: overlooking the sunset whilst sipping on Sake – now that’s what I call a holiday.

Yum!

Another must is the Cheesecake Factory. This American institution offers larger-than-life-size meals – and has over 50 cheesecakes to choose from. We dined here quite a few times – the prices are great, the staff fantastic and the food delicious.

They also have a great cocktail menu (try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss spiked milkshake with Chocolate Vodka), and a bar that you can eat at as well. To avoid the long lines of the dinner rush, ask to sit at the bar- there’s hardly any wait.

Delish!

For those wanting to further satisfy a sweet tooth, shaved ice is the only way to go. Multiple street venders along most main roads are ready to serve you mountains of shaved ice, with a huge range of fruity flavours to try. Pick one up and find a spot on the beach to soak up the rays – bliss!

What other activities do you recommend for visitors to Hawaii? Aside from the shopping, eating and beach action, a trip to Hawaii isn’t complete without a taste of the local culture. We dressed up in our Hawaiian gear, and took part in the traditional Luau at Paradise Cove. The night involved a lot of eating, dancing and listening to stories about the Paradise Cove ancestors.

Ready to Luau!

We had the chance to make flower bracelets and headbands, knock down coconuts and get a traditional tattoo (temporary, of course). It ended in a fire show which was truly breathtaking. I really wish I could go back and experience it all over again.

Where did you stay? We stayed at the Queen Kapi’olani Hotel which was absolutely fantastic. Located right on the corner of Kalakaua Avenue – the main strip of Waikiki – and right across from the beach and the zoo. The staff are great, and so helpful with recommending places to eat and visit. They also have a tour desk, which we took advantage of when planning our Luau.
The hotel also has a great pool which is surrounded by the most comfortable lounge chairs. The pool bar opens from 3pm and is a convenient alternative to the beach. The pool overlooks Waikiki beach and has some awesome views of Diamond Head.

Pack light! The shopping in Honolulu is fantastic – you will not go home empty handed.