Friday, March 20, 2009

Visitors Guide To Oahu

By Matt

Many millions of visitors each year land at Honolulu International Airport expecting a holiday of a lifetime on these islands. Immediately after landing, visitors hop in to buses or taxis sent by the hotel and zoom past downtown Honolulu to reach their pre-reserved accommodation at a Waikiki hotel. 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. With six million visitors annually, you would expect them to want to see the island but most remain within Waikiki's two square miles.

If you are a visitor who would like to get a taste of Oahu through the eyes of a resident, this article may be of special interest to you.

Firstly there is the Magic Island Beach Park, which can be found a short distance from the Ala Moana Shopping Center, and is a very popular Waikiki destination. The things that you would find in this park include two beaches, a 3-mile stretch of jogging path and tennis courts, and more. If you want to have a taste of the typical Hawaiian culture, take a walk round the park and y would find large families along with their extended families, enjoying a day of togetherness with lots of good food and plenty of sunshine. This is a great place for a barbecue and considering the beaches are never overcrowded, it makes for a fantastic sun-filled day.

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 changing exhibits in this small museum spread across its 5 galleries could be an enthralling experience, and after this you could walk into gardens full of sculptures. This is where the true glory of the museum is revealed within this 3.

Leong's Caf " When tourists are particularly keen to relish some authentic Hawaiian cuisine, they take lu'au as something, which is much more than just fun. However, if you are looking out to taste some delectable foods cooked in typical Hawaiian style, then you can never miss out on Leong's Cafe located at 2343 North King Street. Many local dishes are served here and it is always good to know that it is a favorite venue for many locals - it has been open for over fifty years.

Champion Malasadas - there is a local treat that originated in portugal called Malasadas which has become so popular that they even renamed Fat Tuesday to Malasadas day. The address of this revered and the best bakery is Champion Malasadas, 1926 South Beretania Street. These light Portuguese hole-less donuts come with and without filling and are absolutely worth the effort in getting them!

Honolulu Chinatown " Walk through the lanes of Chinatown and you start thinking where am I, and what era am I in? Chinatown has them all " dim sum, fresh produce, handmade leis or the ultra modern lounges. The things, which you get in these shops and streets, are impossible to get in any American grocer back home. 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.

If you want to discover more of the island and see it in the same way that local people do then you need to travel outside of Waikiki. Move around all or some of the destinations mentioned above and soon you would realize why Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

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