Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Hawaii June 2023

 Jetstar were  AMAZING! You read that right! They were so good with disability, they let us check in at the business class check in. Gave us passes to get through security. Pre boarding too. It was a truly wonderful experience, exact opposite from the last time we travelled through melbourne airport (international). Flight was fine. Can’t complain!

We stayed at the Embassy Suites Waikiki


Room 228 Hula Tower


Easy check in. Though having a 6am arrival, I paid for the previous night so we could all shower and rest on arrival. It was a good move, except they marked us as a no show, even though we had been communicating about this for days previously, apparently because it was through  3rd party (booking.com), it wasn’t noted, easy fix though.


Room clean and comfortable, we got the 1 bedroom suite, enough room for all of us, but the sofa bed was not great.


Free buffet breakfast including eggs cooked to order. But it’s absolute chaos! Good good though, very happy. 

Pool is family friendly, not deep, which is nice as a mum, watching from the side. Lots of lounges.


Opposite end to diamond head, close to the action but not in the middle of it, the beach isn’t as good (or busy) as the middle of Waikiki. Very reefy.


‘Reception’ is lovely, staff are friendly and helpful.

You can see the Aloha Friday fireworks from the end of the grand lanai, better off going to the beach for a good view, but this was fine. Was nice to have a couple of free cocktails (plus tip) with the fireworks though! 

The staff are amazing, everyone so friendly.


Aloha Friday Fireworks

These happen either 7.45pm or 8pm (depending on the time of year) every Friday night. Best spot to view them is in front of the Outrigger on the Beach, go early for a good spot. It’s a 5 minute show, a cute activity after  dinner.


Dukes 

This is the part of beach that we hang out in, my folks stay at Outrigger on the Beach, my step dad gets up early and reserves us lounges on the beach (be there by 7) for our beach days ($150aud for 2 lounges for a day).

We eat lunch and hula pie here. The menu is okay, the staff are brilliant, really make it feel like our second home.


Ala Moana shopping mall


Ala Moana has everything, make sure you check prices on things you want vs Aus prices, with the dollar as it is, it’s not always the best deal. So many things to see and buy! 


Kualoa Ranch

This is brilliant! They have a range of tours, all with the option of pick up and drop off. We did the movie tour in the bus, Ursula, our tour guide was excellent. Absolutely loved our tour. So much information, about the ranch, about the island and about the movies that have shot there. You could do any of the tours and be happy! 


Diamond head state monument 

You have to book this in advance! Don’t just show up! It’s $5pp. 

We were told it’s a 90 minute return trip, we did it in under 50 mins with water and photo breaks.

It’s beautiful, a real treasure, hard on the joints with the uneven ground. There is a tunnel, not too long, at the end GO LEFT! It’s shorter and gets you to the same spot, we did not do this 🤣


Leonard’s bakery

These are ‘the best donuts on the island’ made fresh, hot in your hands.

I thought I timed this super well, we arrived after our hike, at 8.40, short queue, all good. But a 15 minute wait from the time we ordered. Waiting for our Uber, the queue for the bakery is around the corner. So early, go early folks! 

Kuhio Beach Hula Show
Tuesdays and Saturdays at 6.30pm, get there early to get a seat. We haven’t done this since our first trip, 9 years ago! We decided  not to do a luau this time (highly recommend if you haven’t done one before), this is a nice luau light moment. Very enjoyable.

https://kbhulashow.wixsite.com/official

Aloha Friday fireworks

Hawaii23
We have used them for transfers for years! They are ALWAYS well early, I have never had a problem with them, and so we stay loyal. On a transfer day, with 4-6 people, I don’t want to be worrying about rideshare apps etc. 

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