I am visiting Hawaii with a group of nine and a couple of us wanted to give karaoke a go while the other half were dubious.
We booked a private room at Air Park Karaoke across from Ala Moana to give it a whirl and man did we rock out!
It was a slow start, but after a few rainbow shots (amazing try them if you’re there!) we were singing our little hearts out. We had a VERY wide range of music choices in the room and sang everything from Linkin Park to Queen, Righteous Brothers to Eminem and Bruno Mars. Personally, I think my rendition of Chop Suey by System of a Down was the best but the others may debate that.
We had a bunch of fun together and everyone relaxed. Dan (my brother) had me in hysterics with his renditions of songs in different voices using both the microphones. Steph (my cousin) and I smashed out Unchained Melody, a song from our childhood and I think Laura (family friend) lost her voice rapping to Eminem!
The bar is on call, you just push the service button and Ta Daaa! A bar tender appears to shake you up a delicious cocktail. I was partial to Moscow Mules but I hear the Pink Delicious was yummy and sweet too. Oh and you can order in Japanese platters too.
Highly recommend for a fun night out together in Waikiki!
Ever had one of those travel experiences where you just couldn’t wait to be at your destination? You know the ones… flight delay, long flight, crying babies, crappy airport food. Well I had a fairly decent one. It started with a big night out in New York, a seven hour flight delay and then a ten hour flight. Then when I landed in Honolulu my ’15’ minute shuttle took over an hour. Instead of getting in at 4pm, I got in at 1am. Anyway now for the good stuff!
I arrived at Coconut Waikiki Hotel, greeted by the friendly and compassionate reception staff and got up to my room and nearly cried it was so great! The TV was on with welcoming Hawaii tunes and scenes, the bed was huge and plush with soooo many pillows! The room was expansive, with a full bathroom, another separate toilet and a kitchenette. Perfect.
I dive bombed that bed!! I have never been so happy to roll around and smother myself in pillows. I was exhausted and oh-so-happy! Anddd I fell straight to sleep.
I woke up the next day after a great sleep in my comfy bed and was able to walk straight out into the heart of Waikiki. The hotel is located far enough off the main strip that it is not loud but safely lit up and only a couple of blocks walk to the main restaurant and shopping areas. For me that’s ideal.
And the view… oh, the view. I watched the sun rise and a rain shower sweep across the island followed by that gorgeous warm glow as the sun came back out across the water from behind the clouds.
Hot Tip – if you book direct there’s no resort fees and 15% off! Oh and breakfast is inclusive. Pretty sweet deal!
I’ll definitely be back – I’ll let the pictures do the talking….
*While this hotel room was complimentary, my review is completely authentic and true.
I got up early and went snorkelling at Hanuama Bay. Such a beautiful place, and great snorkelling. Unfortunately for us it was a little choppy and I managed to get completely sunburnt but it was awesome.
I met Caity, a really lovely Aussie chick from Canberra. We were each others snorkelling buddies and we spent a few hours chilling on the beach and chatting. I told her about some local food joints I wanted I check out and she was keen to come so the awesome bus driver dropped its off right by them.
Holy wow they’re amazing! I will do a local food blog but Ono’s, Rainbows & the blue hole in the wall are amazing. Plus Leonardo’s for donuts! Yum.
We walked home – was so long and hot! Got changed and spent the afternoon chilling & swimming at Waikiki beach.
Yard House for dinner – they have so many different beers! Largest draft selection in the world. I had lobster garlic noodles with prawns and crab. Didn’t realise lobster and crayfish tasted so different. I definitely prefer crayfish.
Up far too early for Pearl Harbour!
I was exhausted after partying the night before. Self inflicted, I know.
Tour was fantastic, really glad I went out there. I’m not huge on history and after visiting Hiroshima I didn’t think I’d visit another war site again because I found it so overwhelming and eerie.
We did a Roberts Tour – they seem to be the dominating company around here. As always excellent service, this time with Brandon.
You start the visit with a movie, didn’t realise there was so much raw footage. Thankfully it’s not too upsetting. Then a boat ride to the Arizona Memorial, over the USS Arizona wreck.
Back in Honolulu we visited some sights and I was falling asleep pretty much the whole time so I can’t remember much!
Lunch at the Cheesecake Factory – Omgeee – that one gets its own blog! Amazing.
After a nap I booked tomorrow’s tour for some snorkelling and got ready for dinner at Duke’s.
Dinner at Duke’s was also incredible! It will also have it’s own blog. Really cool place. Not surprised its number one for Waikiki on Urban List!
Kyle sweetly showed up with home backed cookies – one with double butter and one without (for my lactose intolerance) AND he had two beautiful fresh Lei’s for me!! I was so shocked. Was definitely blushing. Aussie & Kiwi boys need to up their game!
Aloooo – HA! That’s how they say aloha in Hawaii. Lots of emphasis on the HA! Not all nice like how we say it.
South shore sea cliffs was the tour of the day. I had seen most of it but there was a $20 feed a dolphin upgrade I was keen on.
Even though I’d been to most of the places before I learnt different information to the first time. A double decker bus we had the wind in our hair (and eyes) and the word DUCK kept being yelled at us. Not for the duck, duck, goose game, but rather for us to place out heads behind our seats so we didn’t get hit by tree branches!
Arriving at Sea Life Park for lunch, where we had hulihuli chicken, corn and rice.
Turned out we had to pre-book the dolphin feeding. I was so disappointed – I’d been really looking forward to it. They should give you the option when you call to book.
We did however feed some turtles and I got some great pics. The rest of the park is pretty average, there doesn’t seem to be much there. Put it this way, I’m glad it was included in the tour.
Home to change then pick up for the Luau! We did Germaines Luau, it’s supposed to be the better one on the island.
The bus ride was fun, our ‘Cousin,’ Kim, remembered all 46names of the people on the bus. It takes about an hour to get out there and she had us doing all sorts of crazy things.
There’s a photograph when you arrive, then you get lei’d and choose a table.
Straight to the bar! 3 cocktails were included. I was drinking Kool Aid or something. I saw the amaretto and that was me for the night.
You watch the guys pull the pig out of the ground – just like a hangi. Unlike a hangi though, the pig is the only thing cooked in the ground.
Entertainment begins, dances from the pacific islands – Tahiti, Samoa, Hawaii and the best – New Zealand! They have shows from NZ at all their pacific performances and I find it a little strange watching them from half way around the world.
The food was amazing, lomi salmon, teriyaki beef, BBQ chicken and of course, the delicious, melt in your mouth pulled pork. Lots of salads followed by cake and some desserts I don’t know.
I tried poi, everyone talks about it over here. It’s ground taro root with water and just looks like a mauve mash. Baby food consistency. Hawaiians love it and tourists hate it. I found it very bland. Not much taste.. Just goopy.
3 large (American free pour) cocktails later and the bus ride back was quite fun. Kim had us all pretend we were rowing a canoe when we passed the other buses which was hilarious. She was worth her tip for sure.
Straight to the pub when we got back, Duke’s was our first cocktail stop. We met some interesting people, including a chick from Vancouver, who I may catch up with when I get there.
Duke’s was a little slow and we heard Rum Fire at the Sheraton was going off, next thing we are attempting not to go drunk shopping on our way there.
Run Fire has great music. It’s a cool place and I had an awesome time there but you had to wait an age for drinks. Crazy. Also the people weren’t as open and engaging as at Dukes. Where at Duke’s Bar you will meet 10 people, there you’re lucky to meet 2.
Swaying home I needed a cheeseburger. I was freaking out that Burger King didn’t have cheeseburgers as it wasn’t on the menu! It was on the kids menu, maybe that’s why I managed to drop tomato sauce and mustard all over my dress.
I took a day off from tours to recover. Spent the day wondering around Waikiki and my friend Linby arrived at lunch! Really excited to have a friend here.
We went to the Ala Moana Mall for lunch – it’s the 15th biggest in the US and its MASSIVE! I can’t imagine how big the other 15 are.
Lunch was awesome – I had a poke plate – raw tuna with salad and rice. Delicious – I could eat it every meal.
By the time we got of the pink trolley home it was time to get ready for our sunset cruise.
Beautiful evening out on the water, apart from for the few who were spewing overboard from sea sickness. Haha I shouldn’t laugh but it was a little comical.
We watched the sunset on the boat then the Hilton had their Friday night fireworks. They were awesome!
Back on land, Hard Rock Cafe was our first stop for cocktails and nibbles. Great live music as cool ceiling guitar display.
Walking to the next bar we got totally distracted shopping and were kicked out of Victoria’s Secret as they had closed 10mins earlier at 11pm.
Dukes was pretty quiet around midnight so we were off home for a decent sleep before tomorrow’s adventures
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