Part 3: A round-the-world trip with Anita | Oahu
In my previous blogs, I already introduced you to our ‘round the world’ where we consecutively visited Japan, Hawaii, and Vancouver. In this blog, I'll tell you more about Hawaii and specifically about Oahu. Would you like to read my previous blogs that preceded this destination first? Then click on one of the links below. Already read them? Then read on quickly!
From Japan to Hawaii
After a fantastic impression of Japan, we now began the ‘real’ work, namely the Hawaii tour. Everyone was hugely looking forward to it!
Discover 4 Hawaiian islands in 16 days!
We had allocated a total of 16 days to explore 4 islands. We flew from Tokyo to Honolulu. This time in Delta Airways' Business Class. After the KLM Business Class flight from Amsterdam to Osaka, Delta Airways' service was also very pleasant. However, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Etihad's Business Class service is on a slightly higher level than Delta's. With another long flight ahead of us, we settled in, eager to see what Hawaii had in store for us.
Arrival in Honolulu
Upon arriving in Honolulu, we received a warm welcome with atmospheric music, instantly getting us into the mood!
Everything at the airport went very smoothly, and we were soon in the taxi. Even though Hawaii is a state of the US, the procedure was quick. This is partly because we had all been to the United States before. The systems ‘recognise’ you, and that quickly saves at least an hour. If you've never been to the United States before, expect at least 1 to 3 hours for the procedure.
And of course, don't forget why it's taking so long. Everything is to protect us passengers. So if you're in the queue and it feels like it's taking unnecessarily long, don't get annoyed and take this into account beforehand.
Waikiki Beach
Before long, we were in a taxi on our way to the hotel. We were staying at the lovely Hotel Halekulani, right on Waikiki Beach. I had, of course, been in that area before when I was travelling the world with groups from the USA, but I had forgotten what a vibe there is around Waikiki Beach. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxed.
The Halekulani Hotel was not only fantastic, but with a view of those high waves, the people in the sea, but especially the many surf dudes, I could only conclude that this would be the start of a fantastic tour of Hawaii.
Oahu programme
Our plan was initially to recover from the two long flights and the five amazing days in Japan. However, we soon made new plans. We had already prepared a few things for business. But we have, once again, pleasantly combined business and pleasure here. We visited various hotels and restaurants suitable for (large) groups, for example for conventions, but also for festive occasions.
We also spent time in the waves with our bodyboards, went shopping (which you can certainly do here), ate wonderfully, and enjoyed everything our resort had to offer.
Waikiki, you just have to dive in and let the crowds wash over you. We loved it! In my next blog, I'll take you to Kauai, Big Island and Maui.