Page 16 - Explore Magazine Autumn 2017

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ALOHA AGAIN

After nearly 20 years, Explore editor Tracey Mehrtens returns to Hawai‘i to lap up the
sun, shopping and sights of this favourite Kiwi holiday destination.

My last trip to Hawai‘i was nearly two decades ago and My favourite is the Moana Surfrider,
a very poignant one. Fresh off the plane I remember
sitting in my Waikiki hotel room watching the heart- which first introduced the world
wrenching funeral of the world’s beloved Lady Di. to Hawaiian hospitality in 1901
Thankfully there was nothing as dramatic to mark the
start of this holiday. and holds pride of place at the
A lot has changed over the years in Waikiki, which is Diamond Head end of the beach
looking smart. The main street of Kalakaua Avenue is
well groomed and brimming with shopping and dining Waikiki Beach is the hub of daily life with surfers,
choices while retaining its relaxed charm. The stylish swimmers and outrigger canoes cruising the waves and
shopping strip is host to all of the top labels and of beachgoers bobbing around on inflatable rings and lilos
course dotted with the ever-handy ABC convenience and basking in the sun. One day during my stay the filming
stores about every 50 metres! These treasure troves of the Hawaii Five-0 TV show stole the limelight – a
are a holiday staple, stocking literally everything under quintessential Hawai‘i moment.
the sun from souvenirs to aloha shirts, fresh fruit and The many attractions of Waikiki aside, hiring a car is a great
salads, sushi, wine and beer. way to explore the island and its beaches, roadside eating
The white sands of Waikiki beach hold centre stage as stalls, turtles and seaside mansions, Don’t forget to call in
always, fringed with iconic hotels such as the Moana at the colourful shrimp shacks along the way. Douse the
Surfrider, The Royal Hawaiian (or the Pink Palace of the local seafood in garlic and butter, suck, peel, dip and eat in
Pacific as it’s fondly known), the Halekulani and the true local style. If shrimps aren’t your thing there’s always
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. crab, calamari or mussels. Wash it all down with a Kona
Iceberg: hot Kona coffee poured over vanilla ice cream.
Keep on touring to the Windward Side of Oahu and get
the sand between your toes at Kailua, named one of the

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