Honeymoon Destination of the week: Waikiki, Hawaii.

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
  • HOW: A 8-9 hour direct flight from Auckland to Honolulu. From the airport it’s about a 30-45 minute cab ride to Waikiki beach (average cost is about US$45). Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines have deals and packages for Kiwis on a regular basis so be sure to plan ahead to catch a great deal.
  • WHAT: There’s plenty to do on Oahu island no matter what you’re into. Highlights include learning to surf on Waikiki beach, shopping along Kalakaua Avenue or at the gigantic Ala Moana centre, snorkelling at Hanauma Bay, visiting Pearl Harbour to see the famous sunken USS Arizona memorial, renting a mustang and cruising around the island in one day making stops at the Dole pineapple factory, Turtle beach, and Pipeline. Honestly, we could go on and on!
  • WHEN: The best months are the first three weeks in April, May, September, and October. These months are less crowded which you will appreciate when waiting for a table at the Cheesecake factory. The temperature ranges between 26-31 degrees year-round so there’s no terrible time to visit weather-wise.
  • WHERE: Where to eat? There are so many options, but the “classics” would have to be: Dukes Waikiki on the beach, Marukame Udon Waikiki (there will be a line outside), the famous Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s, and for a fancy night out with the locals visit Hy’s Steak House.
  • WHY: Waikiki is very much geared up for tourists which makes it a relaxing and easy honeymoon destination. You can be as lazy or adventurous as you want to be. It’s very convenient to get around once you’re there. Aim to get a hotel as close to Waikiki beach as possible (without breaking the bank!) that way most things will be a short walk or shuttle ride away. We would suggest visiting one of the other less populated islands too – like Maui, the Big Island or Kauai.