Breaks in Honolulu – Honolulu Hotels

Posted March 3, 2010 by Joyce Wan

With its glittering beaches, jewel-toned waters and swaying palm trees, Honolulu is as close to Paradise as you’re likely to get anywhere on Earth. Blessed with a balmy tropical climate all year round, visitors to Hawaii’s capital will be able to indulge in a whole range of outdoor activities without being hampered by the weather. Visit Waikiki beach and have a few surfing lessons, put on your hiking boots and explore the vivid rainforests in Waimea Valley, or just slip into a swimsuit, snorkel around Hanauma Bay and discover the rich sea life thriving in these warm waters. All that activity will make one very hungry, so don’t forget to try some of the island’s fabulously fresh produce before you leave!

Stay
Hotel Renew – This boutique hotel benefits from a wonderful location right on Waikiki Beach. Guests lucky enough to end up with a coveted ocean-view room will be able to enjoy spectacular panoramic views throughout their stay. The rooms are cleverly designed to make use of their limited space – you’ll find projectors instead of TVs, and the huge windows let in lots of sunlight. But who wants to be cooped up in a room when you’re in Honolulu anyway. The beach is just 5 minutes away, and the downtown location lets you choose from a wide range of cafes and restaurants. Room rates start from about £135.

See
Iolani Palace – Billed as “America’s only royal palace”, Hawaii’s royal family used this grand complex for only a couple of decades before the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. These days, the grounds and buildings have been thrown open to the public for tours. The Royal Hawaiian Band performs on the grounds most Fridays (depending on the weather) – visitors will be treated to several Hawaiian favourites, including Aloha ‘Oe, written by Queen Lili’uokalani herself.

Eat

Paradise Luau – Complete your Hawaiian holiday with the essential Hawaiian dining experience – a gutbusting luau on the beach. Paradise Luau combines feasting with entertainment, as guests participate in net fishing, and view the Royal Court Procession before partaking in the huge buffet. The food itself features traditional fare such as lomi lomi salmon (a tomato and salmon salad), poi (mashed taro), and roast pig cooked in an imu, or underground oven. 

Check here for cheap flights to Honolulu.

(Photo: aloha.com)