Spring and early summer is a great time to visit Oahu. The weather is almost always nearly perfect and the hotels, resorts, activity companies, stores and restaurants are all eager to show off the work that they have done to get ready for the big visitor season.
Hotels & Resorts
The island of Oahu has great hotels and resorts for people of all ages and budgets. Oahu's hotels are constantly updating and adding an array of activities and packages that are sure to make any trip to Oahu unforgettable.
Aqua Hotels and Resorts
In celebration of the civil unions bill that took effect on Jan. 1, 2012, Aqua Hotels and Resorts created the "C U at Aqua" package, perfect for LGBT travelers. This package is available at 12 participating Aqua hotels in Waikiki and includes a guaranteed king or queen bed, one Kama Sutra Getaway Love Kit®, a box of chocolate macadamia nuts and a bottle of champagne, a copy of eXpression! Magazine, and a coupon for a Mai Tai cocktail at Hula's Bar & Grill with an option to book a Saturday Hula's Catamaran sail. In addition to this new package, eight participating properties also offer the "Out and Proud in Waikiki" package. This deal offers guests 15 percent off the best available rate, a complimentary copy of eXpression! magazine, and a coupon for a Mai Tai cocktail at Hula's Bar & Grill.
Aqua Lotus Honolulu
Aqua Lotus Honolulu's list of complimentary guest services and amenities has been enhanced to include daily coffee and tea service in the lobby from 5:30- 9 a.m.; Beach Cruiser Bikes for riding around the park and Waikiki; morning yoga sessions at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; and WiFi internet access.
Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club
The 521-room Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club has completed a $5 million room renovation that includes guestrooms updated with flat-screen televisions; island inspired weaves, textures and motifs with a contemporary twist; specially designed bed décor; Hawaiian kapa patterned carpeting; new artwork featuring local artists; and contemporary lighting. In addition, the hotel redesigned its waterfall fronting Ala Moana Boulevard; new carpet and furnishings have been installed at Prince Court and Hakone restaurants; and Wi-Fi service is now available for guests in all rooms as well as the lobby and pool deck.
Activities & Entertainment
The island of Oahu is brimming with fun-filled activities that everyone can enjoy. Visitors to Oahu can explore Hawaii's special culture and iconic history, or choose from a wide variety of outdoor and indoor activities that are sure to energize the spirit.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
The Battleship Missouri Memorial will unveil its new "Battleship Movie Behind the Scenes Tour" in May. This new tour takes guests on an interactive adventure through areas of the Battleship Missouri featured in Universal Studio's summer blockbuster, Battleship, due out this May.
Bike Hawaii
Explore an ancient Hawaiian rainforest and set of extinct cinder cones on Bike Hawaii's hike and bike adventure. The tour includes a guided 2.25-mile moderate hike and 5-mile paved downhill bike ride through the Koolau rainforest.
Hawaiian Mission Houses Musuem
On April 21, the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives will unveil a new tour of the 1821 Mission House. The tour will include a new interpretive program and vignettes of cultural connection in each room where the missionaries and Native Hawaiians shared revealing moments of collaboration.
Honolulu Museum of Art
In March, the recently merged Honolulu Academy of Arts and The Contemporary Museum will unveil its new name, Honolulu Museum of Art, and the first two of ten galleries that will be reinstalled galleries through the fall. The museum kicks off its year of big changes with the opening of two exhibitions highlighting the work of island artists – "Hawaii Art Now," Feb. 9-April 22, and "Biennial of Hawaii Artists X," Feb. 23-July 22.
Legends in Concert Waikiki
Legends in Concert Waikiki debuted its "Rock-a"Hula" show at the Royal Hawaiian Center in December 2011. The show features performances by tribute artists like Elvis Presley, Elton John, Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga. Legends in Concert Waikiki is open year-round with show performances six nights a week (dark Mondays) and offers cocktail and dinner packages.
Lani Misalucha Show
The new Lani Misalucha Show has opened in Waikiki at the Magic of Polynesia Showroom at the Holiday Inn Waikiki Beachcomber Resort. Presented by Roberts Hawaii, the show is available five nights a week through March 2012.
Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center has undergone a significant upgrade to its agent booking system. Travel agents can now effortlessly book reservations from anywhere in the world through the new "PCC Agent" booking system. This new system gives agents the flexibility to book for groups of any size as well as specific seats for the Ha: Breath of Life evening show. The launch of PCC Agent is part of the Center's plan to enhance its activities, shows, restaurants, retail operations and more.
Waikiki Aquarium
The Waikiki Aquarium recently welcomed its newest marine animal, Hoailona. The Hawaiian Monk Seal is enjoying his new home at the Waikiki Aquarium and guests can visit him throughout the year along with the Aquarium's additional resident Hawaiian Monk Seal, Maka.
Restaurants & Cuisine
Oahu is known for its diverse culture, which is exhibited by the island's assortment of foods. With wonderful choices and a vibrant array of cuisine options, there's sure to be a restaurant for everyone.
Five Star International Buffet
Five Star International Buffet, located at the Royal Hawaiian Center, opened in December 2011. The buffet offers a tasting menu featuring gourmet cuisine from Hawaii and around the globe, including house specialties, fresh seasonal dishes made with locally-raised seafood and produce, and savory desserts.
Japengo
Japengo at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa is introducing several special events beginning this spring. In May, an exclusive wine tasting will feature Australian winemaker Kym Tolley from Penley Estates. Together with Executive Chef Sven Ullrich, Tolley will present his favorite wines with flavorful dishes and include special winery varietals brought specifically for the dinner. In April, May, and June, Chef Ulrich will partner with local farms and fishermen to present a special holiday menu for Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day. Japengo is also home to Waikiki's newest LGBT event, Blu Dragon. Every third Friday from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. enjoy exotic cocktails, sushi and great music.
Kahala Hotel & Resort
The Kahala Hotel & Resort will expand its dining options with a Mediterranean dining concept slated to open in July. Another change to the hotel's dining options includes renovations to the lobby's iconic open air lounge, The Veranda. Everything from the floors to furniture is undergoing a complete makeover, and is scheduled for a grand opening in April.
Nico's Pier 38
Visitors and locals can enjoy the same delicious fresh fish at Nico's Pier 38 in a new and bigger location. Just footsteps away from its old location, the new restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, live entertainment, a fish market and an extensive menu with items ranging from the popular furikake ahi plate lunch to Nico's Bouillabaisse with fish and mussels.
Sakai of Hawaii
Iron Chef, Chef Hiroyuki Sakai recently announced plans to open his first U.S. restaurant in Hawaii. Sakai of Hawaii will be a café-style restaurant located in DFS Galleria in Waikiki and is slated to open this summer. Chef Sakai's restaurant will serve brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
Surfer, The Bar
Surfer, The Bar, a new bar collaboration between Turtle Bay Resort, on Oahu's North Shore, and Surfer magazine opened in November 2011. The new venue is a gathering place for North Shore surf legends, friends, fans and family to enjoy food and drinks and unique entertainment ranging from the "Talk Story" series and featured music performances to the North Shore Surf Film Festival and a lineup of hosted parties by the biggest brands in the world of surf.
Shopping
Oahu is home to hundreds of fashionable designer stores as well as markets that carry locally made crafts. Visitors are sure to love the shopping experience no matter where they go.
Island Fashions
Locally owned island fashion boutique, Island Fashions, is now open at Royal Hawaiian Center. Featuring a variety of women's clothing, from beautifully hand-painted shawls and jackets by Adore that can be worn multiple ways, to casual printed tops and dresses. The boutique also offers fashion accessories, jewelry and handbags to dress up any outfit, as well as a selection of men's shirts and hand-painted t-shirts for children.
Ward Centers
Ward Centers recently welcomed Hawaii's first Men's Wearhouse to its family of more than 135 shops and restaurants. Other recent store openings at Ward Centers include locally owned boutiques Leloa Baby Collections and Keiki Boutique at Ward Centre and Basique Threads at Ward Warehouse. Leloa Baby Collections and Keiki Boutique offers infant to toddler wear and accessories, stylish gear and apparel for mothers, innovative baby essentials, and nursery décor. Basique Threads is a trendy boutique that sells contemporary, urban, fashion-forward men's and women's apparel and accessories.
