Top Five Destinations of Honolulu

Within the first year of writing for TSB Mag, I looked at the possible destinations of Oahu. Well, as part of my continuing look at cities and what to do when you visit, I think it is time to revisit Honolulu as it is the major city of the Hawaiian Island of Oahu and it deserves a deeper look on its own.

However, because I don?t like to repeat myself, you won?t see the USS Arizona memorial, Hanauma Bay, ?Iolani Palace or any of the other places I mentioned before. That?s the thing about a good city. I can list you five things as a proper jumping off point for a visit. However, that?s always just a start, a few prods and pokes to get you moving in the right direction, a chance to try something unique to this particular burg as you pass through. Now that I?m returning to the specific capital city of the paradise destination of thousands seeking a respite from the winter, I give you these five things that I hope will give you some ideas to start your exploration of Honolulu.

Hike to the top of Koko Head Crater

I like a nice tough hike, but even I take a brief pause before saying yes to the Koko Head Crater Trail. The distance is only three miles round trip, but you have to climb 1,048 steps to get to the top (over 1,200 feet in elevation change.) That means those steps will also be there to come back down, which to my knees always feels worse. Considering there are 1,664 steps in the US Bank building in downtown Los Angeles covering 75 floors, this hike would be like climbing up the stairs for a 47-floor building. All that said, it sounds like the view from the top is stunning.

Grab lunch at Town

After that kind of exercise, I?m sure I?ll need sustenance and a break before a much more mellow afternoon and evening. Town will serve that purpose nicely. I haven?t had pork collard soup, but I want to give it a try right now. The same goes for a salted chocolate pretzel tart.

Start the day with Wailana Coffee House breakfast

For my next day?s adventures, I want to be sure to start with plenty of fuel. Reading the reviews of the Wailana Coffee House makes me think this is the perfect location. Pineapple pancakes with coconut syrup? Grilled bananas? Eggs and spam? Good coffee? If not for its great popularity and large crowds, I bet eating here each morning would be the way to go.

Take a surf lesson on Waikiki Beach

I?ve taken surf lessons a couple of times already, but taking lessons from Pacific Soul Surfing can help me get back my technique and also show me the good spots to surf on Waikiki beach. Surfing, like fly-fishing, is definitely a sport where it pays to talk to the locals.

Visit Shangri La

I don?t think I?ve touted a museum devoted to Islamic arts and cultures just because I don?t think I?ve seen one. In enters Shangri La. Not only does it have several cool exhibits, the former seasonal house of Doris Duke looks like it has a cool design and is right on the ocean shore.

Any suggestions for things that I missed? Any additional recommendations for the area? Just let me know in the comments.