News Staff Admin posted on September 04, 2012 10:26
Insider Guide: Best of Honolulu
Source:cnngo.com
Can't afford to buy a Pacific island? No need. In Hawaii most of the beaches are still free, even if very little else is. Four of the most glorious words in the travel lexicon?
"We're going to Hawaii!"
For many travelers to America’s 50th state, that means at least a stop in the capital of Honolulu, a city of nearly a million residents on the lush island of Oahu. Despite its epic popularity, the best of Honolulu still fulfills the Pacific promise of easy breezes, slow days, perfect beaches and lots of flowery drinks and shirts. What may come as a surprise are the twists recently added to some familiar island icons. Recent years have seen major refurbishments at many hotels along the famed beach of Waikiki.
New decor. New bathrooms. New spas. Some beachfront hotels have even built new pools. And the visitors?
While the usual travelers from North America and Asia still crowd the beaches, a recent influx of Aussies means you just might hear the guy on the next beach towel say, “Mate, can you chuck us me thongs?” (In Australia, flip-flops are called “thongs.”) The world’s busiest holiday playground is offering an updated approach to sand and surf, and the best of Honolulu is the gateway to it all.
Hotels - Mid-range
Outside of Honolulu, the Ihilani Resort & Spa is on the leeward side of Oahu and set on one of four manmade lagoons.
The lagoons are the calmest waters in the islands outside of a pool.
With 11 types of rooms, space isn’t an issue. Rooms average 59.5 square meters.
You might finally get all your Facebook friends together at the Hokulani Ballroom; as the largest outdoor covered venue on the island it has a capacity for 1,800 guests.
Attractions
Considered by many to be the best golf course on Oahu, Ko Olina is a Ted Robinson-designed course that hosts an LPGA tournament.
The golf academy can help you with your swing or just keep your kids busy while you enjoy a day at the Ihilani Spa.
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