Aloha means ‘love’ and the Hawaiian tradition of a lei is to say, “I think you are special.” 

It’s no secret Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, but what’s most remarkable about a trip to Oahu is that the inner beauty of the people and culture is just as beautiful – if not even more – than the island itself.

Visiting in the fall for the Aloha Festivals is a one-of-a-kind experience to really immerse yourself in culture and history with the locals. The largest of the festivals, now in its 70th year, Ho’olaulea, is held each year in mid-September on Kalākaua Avenue, the beachfront street of Waikiki.

One-third of festival attendees are locals, thousands of them native to Hawaii. Four official hula acts, 14 performers, and dozens of other cultural moments, including a parade of the festival’s Royal Court grace four different stages lining four blocks with more than 100 vendors selling unique local items. Handcrafted household goods, art, and clothing items along with unique fresh foods and desserts help support locally owned and operated Oahu businesses, providing a representation of the tranquil and soothing vibe exclusive to Hawaii.

Order the $5 traditional “Aloha ribbon” ahead of time, which dates back to the 1960s on the island. Apparently quite a commodity and a quintessential Aloha Festivals tradition that helps support the festival, the ribbon can sometimes allow patrons to get discounts from local vendors.

Lei Making & Hula Classes

The Royal Hawaiian Center offers complimentary classes year-round. They are first come, first serve, at 11 a.m. with Hula lessons on Tuesdays, and Keiki (child) Hula lessons on Thursdays, and Lei making classes on Fridays. The Hula class can accommodate more people, but the Lei making classes are capped at 25 people, so it’s recommended to arrive early to secure your spot.

Stringing flowers together to form a beautifully handmade lei is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a couple of hours. Your guide will distribute boxes of Purple Orchids, Phaius Orchids, and Lantern Ilima, along with a 12-inch needle attached to a string, which is used to stack flowers together before pulling them onto the string. The history and symbolism surrounding the lei is fascinating. The lei represents an “entire life” with the goal being to produce a “lei full of sweet blossoms” and not just a “lei of strings.” It’s also a symbol of affection, love, respect, and honor, details our Hula instructor, Pua Mann explained in depth while teaching us to dance and sway to the beautiful melody of “I Fell in Love with Honolulu” by Sean Na’auao.

“It’s important to wear flowers because flowers symbolize people. Some people are so sweet and precious every time you see them you want to squish them,” said Mann, who says she feels like the flower that she best represents is a Hibiscus. Mann also provided a lesson on Aloha and the compassion surrounding its meaning.

“Aloha is not like money in a bank. Money in a bank you have to keep saving it and putting it away to keep building more and more – that’s how you earn, but Aloha is not like that – instead you keep giving it away,” explained Mann. “The more Aloha you give, the more comes back to you.”

Shopping at Royal Hawaiian Center

In addition to complimentary hula dancing and lei making classes, Royal Hawaiian Center boasts more than three dozen shops with an emphasis on both local specialties and global luxury brands.

Authentic and historic, stopping by Kahala is a must. Vibrant Hawaiian designs adorn Hawaii’s oldest apparel company. Founded in 1936, Kahala apparel is still family owned, 100% locally made, and invested deep in the roots of Honolulu. Limited edition prints are released regularly along with some re-releases featuring authentic 1940s prints. Character and flair are seen regardless of which print you may choose for yourself – whether it be a homage to Hawaiian shaved ice, a famed Hawaiian diner (Helena’s Hawaiian Food to be exact) or a traditional tropical print, the uniqueness is truly a souvenir you won’t find anywhere else.

Another favorite, Dean & Delucca Hawaii, is the perfect place to stop for an afternoon coffee and pick up some local items to delight your taste buds at home. Hawaiian teas and coffees are abundant in this store along with matcha, taro, and komeko pancake mixes, along with several additional mochi pancake flavors.

Dining

Fresh sushi and sashimi are abundant at Restaurant Suntory. A sleek, serene space with an emphasis on minimalism, Restaurant Suntory is one of the best Japanese eateries within Oahu.

Five dining areas are available including a Sushi Counter, Teppan Room, Washoku Room, an Upscale Lounge, along with a Private Dining area that can be reserved for more intimate gatherings. Regardless of which experience you select, trying a lunch combination plate will allow for a fresh yet hearty sample of a variety of fish, proteins, vegetables, and miso soup.

This restaurant also makes a fantastic Mai Tai mocktail.

Best Cocktails

Known for its signature Mai Tai’s (a recipe you can even try at home), House Without a Key also has some creative concoctions including a Coconut Cake Martini (which pairs very well with the restaurant’s world famous Halekulani coconut cake that is now in its 65th year). Much like a dessert in a cup, this creamy beverage includes vanilla-bean infused Pau Maui Vodka, Mahina Coconut Rum, Amaretto DiSaronno, fresh lemon juice, and house-made coconut foam, blended with coconut flakes and almond salt.  

Also, the prettiest drink, the Pulehu Pineapple, offers a sweet and tart taste with Blue Kuleana Neanea Rum, charred pineapple syrup, salted honey, lemon, and a pineapple lemon sea salt foam. Food on the menu is also some of the best with a wide range of options including seafood rolls, ribeye steaks, and fire roasted pizzas straight from the restaurant’s brick oven.

If you are a literature fan, be sure to check out Table 97, which has both an oceanside and Diamondhead view and is supposedly where Ernest Hemingway would sit when he frequented Halekulani in the 1940s. 

Volcanic Wine Tasting

Island Vintage Wine Bar offers a unique experience and mix of an indoor, yet outdoor ambience with a backdrop of tropical greenery. More than 40 wines are offered, including both red and white flights of volcanic wine tasting. A unique treat from the vine, volcanic wine is grown near a volcano with soils high in minerals that add character and distinction to the wines. The food at Island Vintage Wine Bar is also delightful – everything from Poke bowls to salads, charcuterie boards, and hearty steaks and seafood.

Honolulu Cookie Company

Shortbread cookies with a taste of Aloha, Honolulu Cookie Company treats are perfect for snacking on the island and taking home to share with friends and family. Founded in 1998, the cookies are not only an exclusive and secret shortbread recipe, to represent Hawaiian hospitality, they are also uniquely shaped like a pineapple. Hand dipped to perfection with special attention to detail, current cookie flavors include everything from Chocolate Chip Macadamia to Dark Chocolate Kona coffee and Pineapple Macadamia with an exclusive pineapple filling.

Waikiki Beach

Famous for being the birthplace of surfing and for its turquoise blue water, a full beach day or half beach day at Waikiki is a must. Spanning two miles, parts of Waikiki are especially unique not only because of its beauty and waves, but because it’s also considered the birthplace of surfing with a statue of famed surfer Duke Kahanamoku still present today.

Where to Stay

A full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows creates the perfect backdrop for relaxation in the seaside rooms at Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani. Remote control options for a light shade or full blackout curtains allow versatility in either waking up with the sunrise or sleeping in. In-room amenities include Vanilla Macadamia nut Keurig coffee which is perfect to sip on your balcony ahead of a day of activities while watching and listening to the sounds of the waves crashing around the ocean.

A garden on the 8th floor provides a quiet and green relaxing space complete with a reflexology path designed to help strengthen balance, enhance awareness, and strengthen muscles, all by applying pressure on different points of your feet. Wellness activities including yoga, stretch class, and a Beach Body workout are offered every morning at 8 a.m. except for Tuesdays. An added bonus – the hotel is also a green property with sparkling clean, very nicely branded hotel water bottles placed in each room to be used at filtered water stations.

A rectangular swimming pool with cool, shallow waters and an infinity-style negative edge ocean view is also available on the other side of the 8th floor. The service is outstanding with options for cocktails, mocktails, and half-day or full-day cabana rentals.

Lewers Jazz Club

When you think of Hawaii you probably don’t typically think of a jazz club, but this hidden gem located in the Halekulani (an across-the-street sister property of the Halepuna) is probably one of the most charming places on the island. If you are lucky you may get to see Maggie Herron and Dean Taba grace the stage with harmonious and beautiful vocals and piano playing by Herron and beautiful bass playing by Taba.

Cocktails at Lewers Lounge are also one-of-a-kind handcrafted recipes produced with detail by incredibly talented Mixology Director, Tuda Sarian. Some favorites include “That Was My Heart” – a Tanqueray Gin-based drink with a unique Strawberry Campari Fruit Leather placed on top. Along with top pick, “The Very Thought of You” – which is a chocolatey take on an Espresso Martini with Kō Hana Kea Rum, Macadamia Nut Orgeat, and Cocoa Cayenne dust.

For light bites, consider trying the Lobster and Shrimp Gyoza or a charcuterie board, complete with Hawaiian flower garnish.

Diamondhead Hike

For a great aerial view of Oahu and a nice workout, making the trek up the Diamond Head State Monument volcanic crater has multiple rewards. Breathtaking crystal blue ocean views await. The hike is relatively easy and appropriate for all ages as it has a nice and easy to follow trail and steps laid out toward the very end. (Hint: when you get close to the staircases, you are close to the top.) 

Overall

In my eyes, Oahu is one of the most peaceful places in the world. An ambience of green, oceanic beauty without your typical tropical humidity. A place for continuous exploration and learning and growth. An ideal destination for not only first-time visits, but also a vacation spot for repeat visits. Once you experience the tranquility of Hawaii, returning – whether in bad times or good times – is good for the soul. Also, as they say in Hawaii – and as Hula dancing guide, Pua, told our group as we departed – “Hui Hou” – which means “until we meet again.” A beautiful sentiment from a welcoming place that’s rich in unique and native culture, full of wisdom and tranquility.

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Cover photo courtesy The Royal Hawaiian Center.

Britni Rachal lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She is a fifth generation Texan who enjoys all things fashion, shoes, tennis, and traveling. In addition to writing, she is a full-time marketer.