
Honolulu remains one of the most visited islands in the world and when most people arrive it will be Honolulu International Airport that they land at. Once they have made their way through the airport they will catch a cab and make their way past downtown Honolulu towards Waikiki. The attraction of Waikiki is nearly magnetic - the bustle of the busy streets, the long and extended beaches and the rich history of the land soon make the visitors hit the streets. Waikiki is known for its excitement, so much so in fact that many people never leave this area to explore other beautiful parts of the island. This area is only approximately two square miles but it is amazing how it captures visitors attention so that most miss parts of the island that the locals find so wonderful.
For those travelers interested in seeing Oahu through its residents’ eyes, please read on.
Magic Island Beach Park - This popular park is located just west of Waikiki, across the street from the Ala Moana Shopping Center. The things that you would find in this park include two beaches, a 3-mile stretch of jogging path and tennis courts, and more. A walk around the park will expose the center of Hawaiian culture - people with large extended families gather around hibachis, spending the day together with a good food and plenty of sun. The beaches are significantly less crowded, so for a great day, grab a barbecue and head down to the beach at Magic Island!
The Contemporary Museum Honolulu – This is situated on a ridge at Makiki Heights Drive and when you drive up to the destination along the ridge the magnificent view of Oahu could be breathtaking, which unfortunately most visitors never get to see. The relatively small museum offers changing exhibits in its five galleries and after traversing the galleries, visitors can wander out onto the sculpture gardens. 5 acres, includes sculptures as well as places for meditation, and can offer an unforgettable view of Honolulu.
Leong’s Café – Visitors who are hunting for some unforgettable Hawaiian cuisine, treat a lu’au as something more than just entertainment. But if you are true connoisseur of authentic Hawaiian food, then the place you ought to visit is Leong’s Cafe located at 2343 North King Street. Some renowned cuisine that you get here includes kalua pig, lu’au stew, lomi lomi and more and both the local residents as well as foreign tourists have been frequenting this place for more than 5 decades.
Champion Malasadas – There is a local dish called Malasadas which are fancied so much by the people that Fat Tuesday has been renamed as Malasadas Day all across Hawaiian Islands. The bakery that goes by the name ‘Champion Malasadas’ can be found along South Berertania Street, it is the most famous throughout the island. Worth every penny that you spend on it, these Portuguese donuts do not have a hole and you can have it with or without fillings and they are extremely lightweight.
Honolulu Chinatown - A walk through the streets of Chinatown in like a walk into another time and place. Whether you are looking for dim sum, fresh produce, handmade leis, or the new hip lounge, you are sure to find it in Chinatown. The streets and shops are exotic, offering items not found in a typical American grocery. Although guided walks are popular, if you are of a mind, why not try looking around unaided, exploring the historic areas taking your time - go on, be adventurous.
In case you are keen to enjoy Oahu the way a local does, spend more time outside Waikiki. There are many places to visit but those mentioned above are well worth the effort even though there is so much that makes Hawaii a special destination.




