{"id":5907,"date":"2012-02-29T08:20:27","date_gmt":"2012-02-28T22:20:27","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=5907"},"modified":"2018-05-15T07:18:16","modified_gmt":"2018-05-14T21:18:16","slug":"say-aloha-to-hawaii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/say-aloha-to-hawaii\/","title":{"rendered":"Say aloha to Hawaii!"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re anything like the lastminute lovelies, the thought of a Hawaiian escape sounds pretty appealing right about now. Need convincing? Read on!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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One of the big benefits of working at a travel company is that each and every day we find ourselves talking holidays (it\u2019s a tough gig!)<\/p>\n

A recent topic of conversation revolved around holiday partners: who do you choose as your travel companion? Hubby or boyfriend? Bestie? Parents? After much debate, the consensus was that it all depends on the destination and the trip you\u2019re hoping to have.<\/p>\n

While Hawaii has definite appeal for all types of travellers, we reckon that it is THE perfect location for a girl\u2019s getaway: a group of girlfriends (extravagant hen\u2019s party anyone?), a mother-daughter trip, best friends, sisters. This female-friendly hot-spot has got it going on and we\u2019re going to give you our tips for a Hawaii trip to remember.<\/p>\n

All about Oahu <\/strong><\/h3>\n

When flying from Australia, you\u2019ll find yourself arriving on the Island of Oahu, the third largest Hawaiian Island and home to the majority of Hawaii’s population. It is known as the ‘Heart of Hawaii’ and home to (perhaps the more household-name destinations of) Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.<\/p>\n

Sun, surf and sand<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Surfs<\/a>

Surfs up! \u00b9”<\/p><\/div>\n

It wouldn\u2019t seem right to start our recommendations for Oahu anywhere other than the beach.<\/p>\n

Waikiki Beach on the South Shore of Oahu is of course a must visit, this world famous beach was once a playground for Hawaiian Royalty. However if you\u2019re searching for that elusive perfect big wave or a sleepy surfing village , the North Shore, host to many of the world\u2019s major surfing competitions, should be on your list too.<\/p>\n

Here are our top picks for water activities:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Hawaiian Fire Surf School<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Yes, you read correctly, this isn\u2019t your ordinary surf school. Off-duty Honolulu city fire fighters provide surf lessons on a secluded beach on Oahu\u2019s southwest coast. Group lessons offer a ratio of 2 to 3 surfers per fire fighter or there\u2019s always our preference: a private lesson. You know you want to, ladies.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Get up close and personal with the undersea world <\/strong>\u2013 How do you dive 125 feet underwater without even getting your hair wet? On board the most technologically advanced passenger submarine in the world, Atlantis Submarine, that\u2019s how.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Kayaking <\/strong>\u2013 The warm waters of Hawaii make kayaking an extra appealing option. Our tip? A guided tour of Kailua Bay where a protective barrier reef allows for easier paddling. If you\u2019re lucky you\u2019ll see the native Hawaiian green sea turtle, tropical fish and other marine life in their natural habitat.<\/p>\n

Shoppers Delight<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Zoe<\/a>

Zoe Bingley-Pullin<\/p><\/div>\n

A guide for a girls\u2019 getaway wouldn\u2019t be complete without a section on retail therapy and Hawaii doesn\u2019t disappoint. Well known for its \u2018shop \u2018til you drop\u2019 atmosphere, here are the spots on Oahu you must tick off your list:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Waikele Premium Outlets<\/strong> – Located 24kms from Waikiki, Waikele Premium Outlets is more than just a great collection of the finest designer labels and brands, it’s Hawaii’s only outlet center. Waikele Premium Outlets is a true shopper’s paradise.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Ala Moana Centre <\/strong>\u2013 Located at the gateway to Waikiki, this is not only Oahu\u2019s premier shopping destination, it is also one of the largest open-air shopping centres in the world.<\/p>\n

\u2022 International Market Place<\/strong> \u2013 Ideal for souvenir seekers and bargain hunters alike, over 130 stalls offer clothing, jewellery, gifts and more. Open until 9pm daily so there\u2019s no excuse not to fit in some shopping after a day exploring the Island.<\/p>\n

Hitting the town<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"'Blue<\/a>

‘Blue Hawaii’ Cocktail \u00b3”<\/p><\/div>\n

Oahu mixes the relaxation of the tropics with the benefits of an urban setting when it comes to nightlife. We suggest you plan a visit to these notable nightspots:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Pearl Ultralounge<\/strong> \u2013 Hawai\u2018i’s premier luxury lounge experience. Make sure you visit on a Thursday night when ladies enjoy discounts on drinks, gift giveaways and can put in music requests with in-house DJ, Euphorik.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Duke\u2019s (Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach)<\/strong> \u2013 Stroll in from the beach for casual dining, tropical drinks (mini umbrella included) and local live music.<\/p>\n

\u2022 First Fridays<\/strong> \u2013 On the first Friday night of the month, head to Chinatown and join the locals as the galleries and studios open their doors to celebrate all things art. It\u2019s a free event and includes live music, street entertainment and wine tasting.<\/p>\n

Pamper me<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Zoe<\/a>

Zoe Bingley-Pullin<\/p><\/div>\n

With dozens of spas to choose from, Oahu offers an array of treatments to satisfy even the fussiest of visitors.<\/p>\n

The traditional healing philosophies and practices of Hawaiians, based on ancient techniques of Hawaiian healing, complement Western science.<\/p>\n

Spoil yourself at one of these spas:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Spa suites \u2013 Kahala Hotel and Resort<\/a><\/strong>: Indulge in a personal and private experience in your own suite featuring a personal relaxation area (wouldn\u2019t we all love one of those at home) and infinity style soaking bath.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Na Hoola Spa \u2013 Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa<\/a><\/strong>: Walls of glass offering views of the Pacific Ocean and the natural Hawaiian ingredients on offer make this spa tick all the boxes for rejuvenating your mind, body and soul.<\/p>\n

\u2022 SpaHalekulani \u2013Halekulani<\/a><\/strong>: A world renowned spa which specialises in the healing therapies of the Pacific Islands. SpaHalekulani provides guests with a unique experience aiming to create a positive sense of well-being on the outside that also radiates within.<\/p>\n

Craving culture<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Zoe<\/a>

Zoe Bingley-Pullin<\/p><\/div>\n

Of course, there\u2019s a whole lot more to Oahu than the indulgence of shopping and spas. The history of the Native Hawaiian people is evident throughout the historic and cultural places on Oahu.<\/p>\n

Cultural centres and historic landmarks to visit include:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Pearl Harbour<\/strong> – The devastating aerial attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 that sparked World War II is honoured with five historic sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Iolani Palace<\/strong> \u2013 Step inside the only royal palace in the United States, the official restored residence of Hawaii\u2019s last monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, built in 1879.<\/p>\n

\u2022 The Bishop Museum<\/strong> – The Museum houses one of the worlds largest collection of artefacts and royal heirlooms from Hawaii and throughout the Pacific.<\/p>\n

Convinced?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

So there you have it: a girls\u2019 getaway to Hawaii in a nutshell. The sun, the beach, the nightlife, the shopping, the culture, Oahu really does have it all.<\/h2>\n

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