Donn J. Takahashi
President, Prince Resorts Hawaii
Waikiki never fails to impress. Whether you are a first-time visitor, a long-time repeater or our local kama‘aina, the lure of Waikiki is a wonderful adventure. You will enjoy discovering old and new, fun and relaxing, serene and invigorating. Waikiki is a breathtaking blend of cultures, food, music, scenery and activities.
Here are some of my personal favorites:
•Take an early morning hike to the top of Diamond Head (Le‘ahi) and admire the heavenly and panoramic views.
•Cool off with a swim at Waikiki Beach and take a photo with the statue of legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, Hawai‘i’s first Olympic gold medalist in swimming.
•Try a stand-up paddleboard lesson or enjoy an outrigger canoe ride or surfing lesson at Waikiki Beach. Great things to brag about when you return home!
•Visit the Waikiki Aquarium and see our native fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a and the colorful myriad of our marine species.
•Wear a fresh flower lei. Lei are abundant and are available in so many varieties unique to Hawai‘i, so be sure to find the very special one to wear or present to your someone special.
•Get into the culture by taking a hula lesson at Royal Hawaiian Center or watch the sunset hula at House Without a Key at Halekulani.
•Love the sound of the ‘ukulele? No one does it better than Jake Shimabukuro, so “Google” where he is playing, then buy an ‘ukulele to play at home.
•Practice all the Hawaiian words you come across, and don’t be afraid to say them. It makes us happy to have you embrace our culture and the rich Hawaiian heritage.
•Savor the local favorites of shave ice, Spam musubi, loco moco, malasadas, Portuguese bean soup, lau lau and chocolate haupia pie along with a melting pot of superb and freshly prepared cuisines to suit your appetite.
•Ask the locals about their favorite hole-in-the-wall place to relax and enjoy. You’ll learn some entertaining stories along with the great tips! Local knowledge rules!
•Buy Hawai‘i-made products and search for the one-of-a-kind memento that you must have. Waikiki is a wonderful shopping mecca, so exploring and discovering is a must.
•Dress down and feel the aura of Waikiki by wearing an aloha shirt or mu‘u mu‘u, especially on Aloha Friday.
•Passion for art? Go see the Art on the Zoo Fence at the Honolulu Zoo. Then say “hi” to your best zoo pal.
•Wind down your day with a sunset walk on Waikiki Beach, watch the canoe paddlers come in at Ala Wai Harbor, and be mesmerized by the green flash and the glowing sky.
•Begin your nightlife with a local brew or mai tai, and let the evening keep you raptured by the excitement of being in Waikiki. No place like it!
At Prince Resorts Hawaii, with every guest, we practice Lokomaikai‘i, which means sharing with kindness from within. We hope you take home aloha in memories, experiences and treasures until your next visit back. A hui hou! (Until we meet again!)
In Rotation is a note from various personalities from Waikiki-based properties and entities.
