staycation – Nick Kawakami

Local people, for the most part, avoid Waikiki like it’s the unpopular girl at the party. No one wants to acknowledge it, and nobody wants to be seen with it! But for the past ten years, I have been performing weekly in Waikiki, and realizing that it’s actually not that bad! Yes, there are a lot of tourists and parking can be fairly expensive, but if you’re like me, it’s a really great place to escape normal island life!

Recently, I took a client around Waikiki to look for inexpensive condos that he could use for investment purposes. The whole experience got me thinking about the feasibility of having a permanent “staycation” spot, so I whipped up a quick search for properties that would fit my criteria. It would need to be affordable, relatively convenient to most of Waikiki, and in good enough shape that I would be able to use it right away! Well, here’s what I found! [Read more…] about This is a Permanent Waikiki “Staycation” Spot!

Roses are red, violets are blue, the hardest decision, is deciding what to do! Valentine’s Day is upon us, and many wonder what to do on this day of love?! Here are 14 ideas to help you decide what to do on Valentine’s Day in Honolulu!

[section_title heading=”h2″]1. Hike[/section_title]
Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, it’s a great opportunity to go outside and play. If you’re looking at something easier, but don’t mind the crowds, Diamond Head is always a quick and easy one. My favorite hike is Hanauma Bay because it’s fairly quick and offers a seldom-seen view.

[section_title heading=”h2″]2. Breakfast[/section_title]
Before you head out on the trail (or after, depending on your wakeup schedule), hit up one of the island’s great breakfast places. My favorite is the Original Pancake House on Kapiolani, but there are numerous offerings around the island. Since it’s a holiday weekend, prepare for some lines or go early!

[section_title heading=”h2″]3. Waikiki Staycation[/section_title]
If you’re looking for a multi-day celebration, it’s always a good idea to head into Waikiki and book a room for the night. Between the nightlife and restaurants, you’ll appreciate not having to drive home after a great night on the town!

[section_title heading=”h2″]4. Beach Day[/section_title]
Again, because this is a weekend, nothing would be better than heading out to the beach and enjoying a great day in the water. This idea is great for families or groups of people, and is free! I recommend taking a bento or takeout from a place like Zippys, filling a jug of water, and wearing plenty of sunscreen! The island has plenty of great beaches on all sides, so go out and enjoy the sun!

[section_title heading=”h2″]5. Restaurants[/section_title]
The last one, and probably most obvious, is booking a restaurant reservation for the evening. A really good tip, if you don’t mind dining with others, is getting a group of friends together and booking a large group! Most restaurants are packed with couples taking up the two-top tables, so take advantage of their open large tables and have a great night with friends!