How to do Waikiki in 24 hours

20 January 2016

By Fashion Quarterly

Only in paradise for a quick stopover? Alissa Thomas shows us how you can still pack in plenty of Hawaiian spirit.

5.30am
Rise early before the heat takes hold and hike to Diamond Head. This volcano cone with a flat top (like a huge crater) located at the southern end of Waikiki flaunts it’s incredible panoramic views of the city. It’s well worth the trek.

7.30am
Make sure you’ve packed a bikini so you can swim after the hike. Waikiki Beach is crazy-busy during the day, so beating the crowds will make you feel like a local.

8am
Book a table at Surf Lanai at The Royal Hawaiian hotel for a brekkie of kings in princess surroundings. Go for the banana-macadamia pancakes.

9.30am
Leave your fears on shore and sign up for a surf lesson. Waikiki’s breaks are some of the easiest in the world to learn on.

11am
Post surf, treat yourself to a traditional Hawaiian ‘lomi lomi’ massage at the Zen SpaHalekulani.

12.30pm
The country’s local cuisine has a distinct Japanese flare; their fresh sashimi and rice dishes are next-level. For a light lunch, hit up casual Doraku or, for something fancier, Morimoto at The Modern hotel.

Morimoto-cocktails — At Morimoto cocktails are never a bad idea.

2pm
You can’t visit Waikiki without indulging in retail therapy. The Ala Moana Center has more than 290 stores and restaurants. For a less full-on experience, the main drag along Waikiki (Kalakaua Avenue) has just about every brand you need – think Kate Spade, Sephora and Victoria’s Secret.

3.30pm
Drop your shopping bags and hit up the surf again. Waikiki Beach has generally calm, warm waters, so make sure you take advantage! Buy or rent an inflatable ring or flamingo and bob around, taking in the view of the shore in front of you.

4.30pm
After your swim, wander down the beach to visit the bronze shrine of the father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku. His statue stands 9ft tall, decorated with leis.

5.30pm
Sunset is the prized time of day in Hawaii. Snap up a table under the Banyan tree at Moana Surfrider and order a piña colada. Set right on the beach, this chilled spot has sensational views of Magic Hour and is the perfect vantage point for taking a zillion photos (and making friends jealous on Instagram).

7.30pm
Most hotels along Waikiki host a weekly luau (a traditional banquet-style barbecue). It’s your chance to watch – and attempt – the hula while dining under the stars.

9pm
If all that dancing and fire trickery has you in need of something refreshing, head down to the Island Vintage Shave Ice store at the Royal Hawaiian Center for some of their famous flavoured ice cones.

9.30pm
On the way back, visit one of many ABC Stores. An institution all over Hawaii, it stocks every kind of souvenir, local beauty product, snack, drink, beach accessory and bobble-head surfer girl you could ever wish for. It’s a one-stop gifts-for-back-home shop.

10pm
If you still have energy to burn, club-hop along Kalakaua Avenue and Lewers Street, or stop at RumFire at the Sheraton Waikiki for tropical drinks and amazing sights of the coastline.

12am
Fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing and ukuleles strumming in one of the luxurious rooms of the Moana Surfrider. This classic hotel has been one of the most highly recommended on the island since it opened way back in 1901.