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16 Education Talk: Creativity In Art 17 The Sanya Hotel Supplement

Aloha Hawaii The Honolulu Hustle

November16  TalkMagazine


UPFRONT

COVER STORY

Aloha Hawaii The Honolulu Hustle Nyima Pratten

Maitai Catamaran Ala Moana Centre

lers can now fly el v a tr t, o n r o Believe it Honolulu with to i a h g n a h S m directly fro e flights have th h g u o h lt A . n China Easter 10 hours long, re a d n a d o fo in no TV, terrible f islands dotted o g in er tt a sc a flying to e Pacific Ocean th f o rs te a w e is the turquo e discomfort. th r fo p u es k a completely m

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Ali'iolani Hale Supreme Court

awaii is made up of eight major islands and is located in the Northern Pacific Ocean, midway between Asia and America. The archipelago is the perfect melting pot of Eastern influence and Western sensibilities; all the benefits of travelling to America with the exotic culture and glorious beaches of any tropical island chain worth its salt. Upon touching down in Honolulu Airport on Oahu, the striking clash of cultures hits home immediately, with lengthy immigration queues and stern looking officers a mere baggage claim area away from welcoming “alohas” in the tropical heat. We had already decided to spend our short trip on Oahu, the third largest island, and headed straight to Waikiki Beach on the south shore. We checked into luxurious beachfront property, Halekulani, which has awesome views of white, powdery sand and the iconic Diamond Head, a volcanic landmark on the island. The beautiful hotel is one of the oldest on the stretch, with a whole host of entertainment on its doorstep that has popped up in the area over the past few decades. On the beachfront, guests who are not content with simply relaxing on a deckchair or towel and taking a dip in the

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crystal clear, warm waters can instead opt for surfing lessons or go out on a catamaran to glimpse a different view of the coastline. Surf lessons start at around $60 for group classes or $100 for one on one coaching. Before entering the water, quick safety checks and a dummy’s guide to standing up on the board are dispensed, before guests and boards are hauled out into the water. Instructors then swim out alongside their students to find the perfect wave, before giving them a firm push into the surf.

Ala Moana Centre


Surf boarding lessons at Sheraton Waikiki Hotel

Cocktails and bar snacks at RumFire RumFire beachside lounge at Sheraton Waikiki Hotel

Dancers at Ala Moana Centre

USS Arizona Memorial

The adrenalin rush of standing on the board for the first time, for whatever length of time, is worth every penny. A photographer also goes along with the party to capture the money shot of guests surfing in front of Diamond Head – expect these photos to be as expensive as the gemstone the famous landmark was named after. When we went for our surf lesson, we were delighted to be followed by a laidback black sea turtle as big as an adult’s torso. Although the shoreline has been built up, and the island has gone through extensive development for decades, it was fantastic to see that the natural ecosystem of native sea creatures had not been affected too negatively, and it was not to be our first brush with exotic marine life. For those who want a less strenuous way of becoming at one with the ocean, multiple companies operate catamaran tours from the beach, offering booze cruises, snorkelling trips and sunset sailing. We went for a 90-minute trade wind sail with Maitai Catamaran ($34) and cruised around Diamond Head and back again. Whilst en route, we encountered a pod of spinner dolphins, which put on an acrobatic display as they continued to follow our boat. It was a truly magical

experience and one of the highlights of our trip. A short stroll away from the hotel and beachfront are shopping streets of luxury brand names and high street power players. This American retail experience is a big draw for tourists coming from China thanks to the variety of outlets and the relatively low price of goods. And yes, there is also an Apple store only a stone’s throw away for those looking to pick up the latest iPhone 7… For a next level shopping experience, however, Ala Moana Centre, the world’s largest open-air shopping centre with 2.4 million square feet of retail space, is just a five-minute taxi journey away. The mall is home to over 340 stores, including more than 80 dining options, and should not be missed by those looking to find some bargains whilst absconding from the Middle Kingdom. After shopping until we metaphorically dropped, Sheraton Waikiki’s RumFire Bar and Restaurant, also located on the popular Waikiki Beachfront strip, was the perfect place to grab some quirky cocktails and comfort food with a local Hawaiian twist. This popular and bustling beachside lounge offers some of the best views of Waikiki’s famous, unobstructed sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

Sunset at Waikiki Beach

One pilgrimage many tourists feel they have to make when visiting Hawaii is to Pearl Harbour and the USS Arizona Memorial. Tour companies offer full day and half day trips to the site (starting from $50). It is a somber and poignant trip, steeped in history and atrocity. With multiple points of interest at the memorial park, spend a few hours walking around the site, whilst listening to the narrated tour, read by Jamie Lee Curtis, before taking the shuttle boat out to the memorial, located above the sunken hull of the USS Arizona. Oil still leaks from the body of the submerged wreck, which is often visible on the surface of the water and said to be the tears of those who lost their lives on that fateful day. November16  TalkMagazine


UPFRONT

COVER STORY On a lighter note, Jurassic Park was also filmed across Hawaii, and one particular waterfall in Oahu has gained notoriety as one of the sites of the film. Although many tour companies would be happy to charge guests $50 for what is essentially a pick up and drop off service, it is also possible to ride city bus route number five to Manoa for $2. After reaching the end of the line, the entrance to Manoa Falls Trail is a brisk 10-minute walk away. The slowly ascending hike takes about 30 minutes one way, through lush rainforest, giant ferns and tropical flora and fauna before reaching the tallest, accessible waterfall on the island. The juxtaposition of the rainforest only one hour away from the sky rises of Waikiki does not go unnoticed, and is the perfect compliment to any beach or shopping excursions during the trip.

Manoa Falls Trail

Honolulu clearly offers the essential makeup of any holiday, however, it is the synergy of the local way of life blending into the modern surroundings that really makes the city stand out as a top travel destination for those coming from China. From its strong Asian influence and wonderful fusion food, to proud Hawaiian locals clinging onto their culture, and American commercialism coexisting side by side, it is a fascinating and dynamic destination.

Pool view by day

Legacy And Luxury @ Halekulani Halekulani is a luxury hotel that plays to its Hawaiin roots. Diamond Head view at dusk

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ocated on Waikiki beachfront, the 453-room Halekulani property offers unobstructed views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean. The hotel’s magnificent setting is the focal point of the hotel, with guests able to enjoy views of Ocean front room the Pacific from all suites and from most guest rooms. Halekulani’s facilities also make the most of the wonderful backdrop, with restaurants and pool areas overlooking the ocean. However, from the oasis of hospitality and tranquillity, the energy and excitement of downtown Waikiki are just steps away. Hawaiian elders have spoken of Halekulani’s

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precious location on the shores of the Pacific. Oral history handed down through the ages tells that early Hawaiians viewed Waikiki as a place of hospitality and healing. The beach was known for its healing waters – in fact, the name Waikiki means fresh water springs. Halekulani has welcomed people since 1883 when the original owner, Robert Lewers, built a two-storey house on the site of what is now the main building. The fishermen of the area would bring their canoes onto the beach in front of the property to rest. So welcomed were the locals by the Lewers family that they named the location “house befitting heaven” or Halekulani. Today, the staff, location and hospitality reflect this original, Hawaiian welcome that defined the property and it is considered to be one of the best hotels in Honolulu amongst locals and tourists alike. In fact, as one of the first and finest hotels in Hawaii, Halekulani is located by the fresh water springs that give Waikiki its name and is a cherished blend of place and space, an oasis-like experience amid the energy of Waikiki. It is a sought out destination for families, friends, loved ones and honeymooners wishing to enjoy the very best of Hawaii.


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