Just Back From Honolulu
by Peter Papagianopoulos
Flying Hawaiian Airlines on their new Boeing 767-300ER aircraft from Sydney to Honolulu was a real treat. From the moment you step on board you are greeted by a warm 'Aloha' from the flight crew.
The journey an easy 9.5 hours overnight flight, with the only interruption being 'cookies and milk' offered in the middle of the night. Arriving into Honolulu International Airport just after 11.00am and at Waikiki before 1.00pm, just in time for a swim.
Waikiki is a true holiday destination, the cool trade winds quickly remind you that you are in the tropics. I stayed at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and the Sheraton Waikiki. Both very different properties, the 'PK' as it is called by the locals is situated a block from the beach. A large hotel built on the site of the former home of Hawaii's last princess. The main public areas are covered with memorabilia of the late royal family. With two restaurants and pool it is a very good medium range hotel in a great location. The Sheraton Waikiki is the largest hotel complex located on the beach, with thirty two levels of superior accommodation. The hotel boasts three restaurants and Waikiki's only beachfront nightclub. The rooms are spacious and have all modern amenities required for a comfortable stay. The strip is full of excitement during the day and night, with the international marketplace selling every type of souvenir to the keen buyer. The giant DFS Galleria with its island style features a duty free store and another souvenir haven. You will also find exclusive stores such as Tiffany & Co, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo and many more on Kalakaua Avenue. Even Macy's has a sub branch of its department store selling clothing, shoes and cosmetics below the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. This is also the home of Waikiki's largest selection of dinner theatre entertainment, the legendary Don Ho Show, The Blue Hawaii Show and the award winning Magic of Polynesia Show. When it comes to food, the Hawaiian Islands have a gourmet fantasy waiting to be discovered. The cuisine on Oahu is as tantalizing and unique as the many different races and ethnicities of people who make up the island. A person could "eat" their way through Oahu for weeks, tasting different ethnic foods, without sampling the same flavours twice. You will find a great number of restaurants, food kiosks, the popular 'abc' stores (that sell everything) and fast food chains like McDonald's, Taco Bell and Burger King to mention a few. Waikiki has so much to offer to everyone, you can hike to the top of Diamond Head, catch a wave on the beach, see the aquarium, shop at the Ala Moana Shopping Centre or the outlets at Waikele, take a day cruise, parasail or just lie on the beach. Mahalo (thank you) |
