Honolulu, Hawaii is home of world-famous Waikiki Beach and unrivaled tropical hotel deals. A great vacation will rely heavily on knowing where to get the best deals and insider information.
First off, we’ve all seen the movies where you step off the plane and greeters adorn your neck with beautiful leis. Well unless it’s part of an exclusive hotel deal, or you’ve paid a service to present you with a lei, you’ll watch everyone else get “lei-ed.”
The famous Turtle Bay Resort has been the film set for many Hollywood movies including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and episodes of Hawaii 5-0. More importantly for golfers, this spectacular hotel deal features 36 holes of championship golf where legends like Arnold Palmer have left their mark.
One of Honolulu’s highlights is its Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) held annually in October. If you miss the fall festival, catch the Spring Showcase April 19-April 25, 2013 and the 3-day K-Fest Korean Film Festival in August.
Soak in views of Honolulu Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Koko Head Crater, Hanauma Bay, Sealife Park, and the Pali Pass from the sky with viator’s Hidden Oahu helicopter tour for great deals.
Thrill seekers, sink your teeth in a wild adventure deal with Hawaii Shark Encounters that let you delve the waters in a specially-designed cage with Plexiglas windows and swim with the sharks. Swimming with sharks requires no experience and there is no age limit so take the kids for a memorable experience.
Honolulu also features spectacular nightlife, live music, fine dining options in Waikiki and countless art galleries and underground bars of the Chinatown district. Hotels are concentrated in suburban Waikiki a few miles east so vacationers can enjoy hedonistic shopping, eating and the leisurely island pace. Invest in Oahu Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Honolulu, Waikiki and Beyond for great advice and deals on Honolulu sights.
Hike up the iconic Diamond Head volcanic crater; great for all ages but note that strollers are not advisable. After a long day, Germaine’s Luau, provides a personable, fun treat under the stars and palms.
Oahu’s North Shore is classically Hawaiian, with the best surfer spotting December-January. Stop by Dole Plantation on your way back from North Shore for delicious pineapple ice cream or a great deal through viator’s Dole Plantation Tour. History buffs will love the Pearl Harbor attractions but be aware that backpacks, camera bags and purses are not allowed into the Arizona memorial.
A Honolulu holiday is brimming with endless activities for every personality type and great Honolulu deals can be found, especially in September, May and January.