If you are looking for
something unique and adventurous to do this year on your trip to Hawaii, think
about taking the plunge and getting below the surface of the water! Dive Oahu
offers local and visiting certified divers a memorable diving experience,
whether visiting shallow reefs or diving deeper to explore shipwrecks. Dive
Oahu features two charters daily: the morning charter includes both a deep and
a shallow dive, and the afternoon charter includes two shallow reef dives.
There is also a Friday night dive for the truly adventurous.
During reef dives, guests
will have chances to see sea turtles, eels, reef sharks, octopi, rays, puffer
fish, and many other tropical fish. Wreck dives feature a guided tour of the
Sea Tiger, a 189’ ship; or the Nashua, a Navy tug boat turned into an
artificial reef. For advanced divers, there is a tour of the Corsair, a WWII
fighter plane which is upright under 115′ of water. It was sunken while on a
routine mission from Pearl Harbor in 1948.
A PADI Divemaster or
instructor guides the tours, and round-trip transportation to your hotel and
gear rentals are included in the price of the tours. For more information on dive tours and pricing,
visit http://diveoahu.com/divenew/.
For any
questions about Waikiki vacation rentals, please contact Marina Hawaii
Vacations and an agent would be happy to assist you. We can be reached at
808-946-0716 or info@marinahawaiivacations.com
Susie Bowman
What is more refreshing after a long day of vacationing than a crisp beer? Pina Coladas and Mai Tais are a dime a dozen on Oahu, but if a great brew is your drink of choice, peruse our list below to find the best breweries on the island:
Works
If you’re
searching for a down-to-earth, local Honolulu brewery, look no further.
Honolulu Beer Works, located in artsy Kakaako, features craft, housemade beers
and pub fare as well as local food. This brewery is highly reviewed, easily
accessible, and open every day of the week except Sundays.
Kona Brewing Company
Kona Brewing is
one of the most well-known Hawaiian breweries, and for good reason. From their
house-brewed beers that are shipped all over the world, to their live music and
relaxing lanai, it’s about as good as it gets! They’re open seven days a week
and conveniently located in Waikiki.
Beer Lab HI
Another local
Honolulu favorite, Beer Lab HI serves up a rotating selection of craft beers
Tuesday -Saturday. Owners and management are local, and encourage guests to
BYOF (bring your own food). If you’re looking for something fun and different,
this is the spot for you!
Waikiki Brewing
Company
Open seven days
a week and adjacent to Cheeseburger Waikiki, this is a great place to stop for
a yummy burger and brew. Enjoy a sports game on TV, or sit on the patio and
enjoy the breeze.
Lanikai Brewing
Company
Located in
Kailua, Lanikai Brewing features beer tasting and growler refills. Their selection
is limited to a few brews on tap at a time, and they are only open
Thursday-Sunday, but they are worth the visit if you’re on the Windward side!
For any
questions about Waikiki vacation rentals, please contact Marina Hawaii
Vacations and an agent would be happy to assist you. We can be reached at
808-946-0716 or info@marinahawaiivacations.com
Susie Bowman
Most people know Oahu as the home of Duke Kahanamoku, President Obama, Michelle Wie, Jack Johnson, and more. Honolulu, Waikiki, and the North Shore are famous for their vibrant culture and beautiful sites, and Oahu is of course well-known as the home of Pearl Harbor.
However, the island has a densely rich history, and continues to grow into one of the most dynamic and interesting places to live and visit. We wanted to share some of our favorite, lesser-known facts about the island that might surprise some readers:
1. Largest City In The World
Honolulu is not only the capital of Hawaii, but also the largest city in the world. A part of the state’s constitution dictates that any island, islet, or atoll that has not been designated to another county automatically falls under Honolulu’s umbrella.
2. A Pretty High Record Low
The record low temperature ever recorded in Honolulu was a whopping 52 degrees. That temperature was taken in January of 1969.
3. A Royal Flush
The only Royal Palace in the United States, Iolani Palace, is located on Oahu. It had electricity before the White House did, and was the first palace in the world to have flushing toilets.
4. Beauty Takes Time
What is now beautiful Waikiki was once a swampy area full of rice paddies, taro fields, and mosquitoes. Once the Ala Wai Canal was constructed in 1928, the marshland was drained.
5. The Busiest Middle Of Nowhere
Despite being full of life and tourism, Oahu is actually one of the most remote locations in the world. The Hawaiian Islands as a whole are considered the most remote chain of inhabited islands in the world, with the nearest population center (California) located over 2,000 miles away.
6. Imports Are Important
While Oahu has many farms full of delicious tropical fruit and lush greenery, the island relies very heavily on imports, even when it comes to produce. Some experts estimate that the islands would be out of luck within a week or two, if for some reason (such as an extreme natural disaster) imports ceased.
7. Time is a Construct
Daylight savings is not used in Hawaii, so for part of the year Hawaii Standard Time is two hours behind Pacific Standard Time, and the rest of the year, it is three hours behind.
8. That’s Quite a Home
One of the most expensive homes for sale in Hawaii is located on Oahu in Kailua, priced at $22.8 million.
9. Don’t Mess With Birds
It is illegal in Honolulu to annoy a bird. On a more normal note, billboards are also outlawed, keeping the scenery natural and the views unobstructed.
10. Come One Come All
Oahu hosts more visitors every year than all of the other Hawaiian islands combined, and now you know a few of the fun reasons why. It is no coincidence that “Oahu” means “the gathering place.”
For any questions about Waikiki vacation rentals, please contact Marina Hawaii Vacations and an agent would be happy to assist you. We can be reached at 808-946-0716 or info@marinahawaiivacations.com
Susie Bowman
far the tastiest way to beat the summer heat is with Hawaiian shave ice. Shave
ice is a Japanese tradition, first brought to Hawaii many years ago by Japanese
immigrants. It only takes one shave ice indulgence to understand why it is in a
dessert league of its own, separate from snow cones, Italian ice, and other
frozen treats. Between the texture of the ice (interestingly enough, this makes
a huge difference in the experience) and the tantalizing tropical flavors such
as lilikoi, pina colada, and guava, there is no better summertime snack.
While you can depend on almost any Hawaiian shave ice stand, these are our very
favorite shave ice spots on Oahu:
Waiola
Shave Ice
Do
not let the somewhat shabby exterior fool you: Waiola makes top-notch shave
ice. Like many authentic Hawaiian food establishments, its appearance is
low-key, and all of the staff energy goes into the food itself. Part of what
makes this place so special is all of their creative additions to the shave
ice, such as li-hing sauce and mochi balls. Don’t miss Waoila if you’re staying
in Honolulu or Waikiki!
Matsumoto’s
Taking
a trip to the North Shore? Make sure to stop through Haleiwa, and pick up
world-famous Matsumoto’s shave ice. This is one place that really lives up to
the hype. Matsumoto’s is a humble family business that refuses to franchise and
continues to make arguably the most melt-in-your-mouth shave ice on Oahu. You
simply cannot go wrong here, and their shave ice is a perfect midday snack
during your day on the North Shore.
Shimazu
This
cash-only establishment is another charming mom and pop spot in Honolulu. Known
for their wild flavors and large portions, Shimazu is a great choice if you
really want to dig into a hearty helping of sweet shave ice. Parking can be
tough, but it’s worth the hassle!
Don’t
forget to add ice cream and azuki beans to your shave ice to make it even more
authentic and delicious, and just remember: a shave ice a day keeps the heat
away!
For
any questions about Waikiki vacation rentals, please contact Marina Hawaii
Vacations and an agent would be happy to assist you. We can be reached at
808-946-0716 or info@marinahawaiivacations.com
Many of these courses are pricy for a reason—they are beautiful, well-kept, and world-renowned. If golfing at one of the more elite courses on Oahu is your dream, we recommend splurging on the golf and skipping the resort fees of lodging on property (one of the many benefits of staying at our beachfront vacation rental condos—you get all the views and none of the resort fees).
For those who prefer not to spend big sums on their day of golf, we have put together a list of lesser-known municipal courses. These are our top picks where you might find regulars and locals at the intersection of affordability, quality, and appearance. Whether you’re golfing at Turtle Bay or a municipal course, just remember: you will be golfing in paradise either way!
1. The Pali Golf Course
day of golf, look no further. Visit http://www.honolulu.gov/des/golf/pali.html for more information.
This public course designed by Donald MacKay is your go-to for an affordable, straightforward day of golf conveniently located on the edge of Waikiki. This accessible, flat course keeps your day simple and stress-free. With views of Waikiki, the Ala Wai Canal, Diamond Head and the Koolau mountains, you will retain the feeling of golfing in paradise while also enjoying lower fees. Visit http://www.hawaiigolf.com/courses/honolulu/ala-wai-gc/ for rates and information.
3. Ewa Villages Golf Course
This course located on the Leeward side of the island in Ewa Beach is a good choice if you’re looking for long and challenging fairways, and if you are ready to try something a little different. This course is convenient for those looking to walk-on, and if you happen to be staying on the leeward side of the island.
Visit http://www.honolulu.gov/des/golf/ewa.html for more information.
The Ted Makalena Golf Course located near Pearl Harbor is one of the most liked public courses on Oahu. Relatively flat and removed from the hubbub of Waikiki, it is accessible for all skill levels, and preferred by many locals. As a bonus, you can see some of the historic Pearl Harbor ghost fleet of ships on your way into the course. Visit http://www.honolulu.gov/des/golf/makalena.html for more information.
5. Kahuku Golf Course
If you want to golf on the famed North Shore without paying the Turtle Bay fees, this is the course for you. Located in charming Kahuku, it boasts world-class views of the Pacific with a very reasonable price tag. If you can brave port-a-potties and manage walking the 9-hole course with a pull-kart, this ocean-side course is definitely worth your while. You’ll get your exercise while enjoying views of one of the most beautiful shorelines in the world. Visit http://www.honolulu.gov/des/golf/kahuku.html for more information
For any questions about Waikiki vacation rentals, please contact Marina Hawaii Vacations and an agent would be happy to assist you. We can be reached at 808-946-0716 or info@marinahawaiivacations.com
Susie Bowman
Of all the poke on the island, this is the one that will stand out in your memory for years to come, and the next time you visit Oahu you’ll find yourself saying, “What was that little hole-in-the-wall up on the North Shore called?” Kahuku Superette. Easy to access, right on Kamehameha Highway, this little market boasts the best poke on the North Shore, and perhaps on the whole island. The shoyu poke sauce is a generations-old recipe owned by the superette’s owner. Apparently the recipe originally came from her Grandmother in Korea. Homemade in large batches and left to ferment, this sauce is top-secret and top-notch. Take a drive up the North Shore, and make sure to stop here along the way. You can’t skip the shoyu poke, but try another flavor as well, and take your containers to go as you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the North Shore, or head over to the nearby Keana Farms or beautiful beaches.
56-505 Kamehameha Hwy
808-293-9878
Ono’s Seafood
In Hawaiian, “ono” means delicious. And the ahi poke lives up to its name at Ono’s Seafood! Centrally located, though easy to miss (another hole-in-the-wall), this is a beloved spot for locals and tourists to grub on the best poke in town. Come for the famous poke bowls, and stay for the tako (octopus). This is a one-stop-shop, complete with Hawaiian sun juices and other snacks and local foods in the refrigerator. The shop is small, and parking can be tight. Take your food to go, or enjoy it outside at the picnic tables before you go back in for a second helping!
747 Kapahulu Ave Apt 4
808-732-4806
Maguro Brothers
As the name suggests, two brothers founded this fine eating establishment. Hailing from the Tsukiji Fish Market in Japan, these two know how to pick the best fish daily at the Honolulu fish auction. From maguro to uni to salmon, there is something to try here each day of the week! Conveniently located in Chinatown in downtown Honolulu, this is a great stop for lunch after touring the royal palace or strolling through Chinatown.
1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu, HI 96817
808-259-7100
If you’re in the mood for affordable poke that retains a high quality, our grocery store recommendation is Foodland. Not only are these located all over the island, but the quality and flavor of their poke is right up there with the best of the restaurants. This is a great option for grab-and-go while you’re doing your grocery shopping.
For any questions about Waikiki vacation rentals, please contact Marina Hawaii Vacations and an agent would be happy to assist you. We can be reached at 808-946-0716 or info@marinahawaiivacations.com
Susie Bowman