Egypt Travel

Every year, Honolulu International Airport welcomes millions of visitors all the way from Japan and the US who are there to have their dream vacation. After they have made their way through the airport, the vast majority will be heading towards the Waikiki area of the island. This is a exciting area and it has an immediate effect on everyone that goes there as it is full of life. It is so exciting to be in Waikiki that most visitors never escape its non-existent borders. 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.

If you would prefer to see Oahu through the eyes of it’s local population then you need to continue reading this article.

Magic Island Beach Park - This popular park is located just west of Waikiki, across the street from the Ala Moana Shopping Center. It may sound like a theme park but in actual fact it has two beaches, areas to run and play sports like tennis and much more. The Hawaiians love this area too and it is quite normal to see their extended families enjoying a meal together in the sun. The beaches are significantly less crowded, so for a great day, grab a barbecue and head down to the beach at Magic Island!

At the top of Makiki Heights Drive there is a tiny museum called the Contemporary Museum of Honolulu where visitors benefit from the fantastic views this place can offer. 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. The museum is at its best in this place - the gardens, which include sculptures and meditation points, extend over 3.

Leong’s Cafe - A lu’au is a must-do on any trip here and along with the fantastic entertainment they can also offer great native Hawaiian food. Leong’s Cafe (along North king Street) can offer this type of experience and is a fantastic place to go if you want to experience the true taste of Hawaiian food. 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. You can find Champion Malasadas, which is a famous bakery, along South Beretania Street. Although a Hawaiian treat, they are in fact Portuguese and are donuts without the hole and they are served with or without your favorite filling.

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. Guided walking tours are available for this historic district, but often the best way is to simply meander through the streets, stopping whenever your interest has been piqued.

If you are interested in seeing Oahu through a locals eyes, be sure to spend some time outside of Waikiki. The places mentioned here are only a few but they are a good place to start but just embrace the island and you will not want to leave.

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