Fly: Qantas<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Work a full day (or a half day if you\u2019re travelling from Brisbane or Melbourne), then jump on Qantas\u2019s long-weekend-friendly 7.15pm Sydney \u2013 Honolulu service. The magic of the Date Line means you\u2019ll arrive the very same day at 8.30am, just in time for brunch. The nine-hour flight gives you plenty of time to sleep, helping you skip the jet lag.<\/p>\n Qantas is currently flying its 747 on the Sydney \u2013 Honolulu route, with some pretty amazing deals for Premium Economy (on certain dates it\u2019s only $200 more each way than Saver Economy and worth it for the extra comfort). Get on it!<\/p>\n Pro tip:<\/strong> Jetstar<\/a> also offers long-weekend-friendly flights out of Sydney, and Melbourne too!<\/p>\n Stay: The Modern<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Head straight to The Modern for brunch by the pool. If early check-in isn\u2019t available, grab your swimmers and activewear and leave your luggage with the concierge. The long weekend starts now \ud83d\ude0e\ud83c\udf79\ud83c\udf0a<\/p>\n The Modern Honolulu by Diamond Resorts<\/p><\/div>\n Swim: Waikiki Beach<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The Modern is a short walk from the famous sands (much of it shipped in from LA and China. Who knew?!) of Waikiki Beach. Find your patch and flop and drop.<\/p>\n Lunch: Whole Foods<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Does anyone else love<\/strong><\/em> Whole Foods Market? Jump in an Uber and hit Whole Foods for a healthy and wholesome lunch. The self-service stations offer an amazing array of hot and cold foods, and you can stock up on other essentials and goodies. Like choc chip cookies.<\/p>\n Surf: Ty Gurney Surf School<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Waikiki boasts one of the world\u2019s best breaks for learning to surf. The water is warm (and surprisingly clean), the waves gentle, and sitting behind the break is like sitting in a postcard.<\/p>\n The friendly instructors at Ty Gurney Surf School will get you standing on a long board in your first lesson. Give it a go! And say hi to the turtles.<\/p>\n Dinner: Buho Cantina<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n You might not be impressed by Buho Cantina\u2019s entrance \u2013 it\u2019s via a lift and along an office-block corridor \u2013 but the reward is rooftop dining with a view, delicious Mexican food and classic margaritas. Salute!<\/p>\n Hike: Diamond Head<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Get up early and take a short drive to the Diamond Head State Monument for a pre-breakfast hike. The summit offers spectacular views along the coast. A round trip from the car park takes about an hour, so you\u2019ll raise a sweat.<\/p>\n Diamond Head, Honolulu<\/p><\/div>\n Brunch: Sunny Days<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n On your way back into town, you\u2019ll find Sunny Days serving up quality food and chilled-out vibes. Try the local dish Loco Moco (white or brown rice, topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg and brown gravy) or granola topped with Hawaiian-grown fruits. Yum!<\/p>\n Snack: Leonard\u2019s<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Leonard\u2019s = amazing donuts. Pick up a six pack (per person \u2013 they\u2019re that good. And you\u2019ve had a surf and a hike, so\u2026 )<\/p>\n Leonard\u2019s, Honolulu<\/p><\/div>\n Shop: Ala Moana Center<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n You\u2019re in America, so you may as well do some shopping. The Ala Moana Center, just a short walk from The Modern, is brimming with all your favourite American brands and department stores.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/a.travel-assets.com\/travel-assets-manager\/5dccd097-23c3-4cba-abec-a45725c76d79\/anz_17817_1048px_1.jpg\")
DAY 2 (Friday or Saturday)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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