hotel reservations online with cheap hotels, resorts and spas and discount rates


TIME
Hawaii Standard Time


STATE
Hawaii

REGION
Pacific States

Beaches on Oahu offer more than sunbathing and people-watching on powder white sand in the embrace of a warm Hawaiian sun. With over 112 miles of beaches on Oahu from which to choose there is a beach that fits every taste.

But there is only one Waikiki. Known for its fabulous climate, multi-cultural lifestyles and beautiful beaches, Honolulu's Waikiki attracts millions from around the world.

Waikiki Beach stretches one half mile wide by two miles long along the shoreline of Waikiki. Often spoken of as one beach, it is actually a collection of contiguous beaches, each with its own characteristics, and generally popular for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and beginner level surfing. Shopping, ethnic festivals, special events, galas and nightlife activities abound in Waikiki.

For more than a century and a half, Honolulu has been the heart of Hawaii’s politics. King Kalakaua’s ornate Iolani Palace was completed in 1882 and was the royal residence until 1893 when the last Hawaiian monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, was overthrown. Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on United States’ soil. As the Executive Building, the former palace served the Governor and the Legislature from 1900 until the new Hawaii State Capitol was dedicated in 1969.

Throughout downtown Honolulu, historic sights abound. Adjacent to the palace is the Archives of Hawaii, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of Hawaiiana and historical photographs. Across the street from the palace is the often-photographed golden statue of King Kamehameha.

One block away is the Kawaiahao Church built of coral and timber in 1841. Next door to the church is the Mission Houses Museum, which shows a glimpse into the missionary lifestyle with the oldest existing buildings erected by the first missionary contingent to Oahu. 

Within the downtown area, a mix of architectural styles stand side-by-side offering a delightful contrast of historic and contemporary buildings. The low-rise buildings of neighboring Chinatown do not diminish the vibrant colors, sights and sounds of the small lei shops lining the streets. Chinese medicinal herbal shops, acupuncture practices, martial arts schools, old-fashioned barbershops, mom and pop restaurants, temples, and mahjong players are among the many attractions Chinatown has in store.

In contrast, just a short drive away is Ala Moana Shopping Center, one of the largest in the world, full of activity with more than 200 stores. Across from the Center is Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island, two of Oahu’s most popular parks. Opened in 1934, Ala Moana Beach is separated from the reef by a lagoon, dredged and originally used as a small boat channel.

Just five minutes away from downtown Honolulu is Diamond Head, Hawaii’s most famous natural landmark. The Hawaiians originally called it Leahi, “brow of the yellowfin tuna.” It was aptly nicknamed Diamond Head by visitors coming to the island because it was once speckled with calcite crystals, mistaken by early sailors for diamonds. The 200,000-year-old cone remnant looms 760 feet over Waikiki.

Named for the oysters once harvested there, Pearl Harbor is the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark. Today, Pearl Harbor Naval Base is home to the USS Bowfin, USS Missouri and USS Arizona Memorial. The Arizona symbolizes the start of World War II, while the Bowfin showcases the critical role submarines played in winning the war. Lastly, the battleship Missouri represents the end of the war with the peace treaty signed on its deck.

HONOLULU HOTELS


HONOLULU SPA SERVICCES

Oahu spas allow visitors to experience the ancient techniques of Hawaiian healing. The traditional healing philosophies and practices of the Hawaiians, from herbal healing to massage, complement Western science and can accelerate wellness.

Hawaiian spa treatments offered by many of Oahu’s spas use Hawaiian plants such as kalo, awa, noni and kukui, as well as Hawaiian sea salt, kukui nut oil and tropical fruits.

Visitors can relax with a soothing hot lava rock massage, lomi lomi massage and other unique treatments created to rejuvenate the body and spirit.

Each spa offers a variety of treatments that will enhance any Hawaiian vacation.

Here are the highlights of spas in Honolulu:
 
• Spa Halekulani – Halekulani Hotel (Honolulu)

• SpaSuites – Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii (Honolulu)

• Na Hoola Spa – Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa (Honolulu)

• Serenity Spa Hawaii – Outrigger Reef on the Beach (Honolulu)

• abhasa Spa – The Royal Hawaiian (Honolulu)


Photo courtesy Chuck Painter

home / United States / regions of America / cities of the United States / hotels and resorts in America / feature articles on destinations in the USA / news snippets / handy links / other resources /


About Us: Travel Tidings USA features vacation travel information for the cities and regions of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. General topics covered include dining, lodging, shopping, travel accommodations, attractions, hotels, pet friendly hotels and resorts, AAA 4 Diamond Hotels, AAA 5 Diamond Hotels and more. Do not hesitate to contact us for further information at info@traveltidingsusa.com!