The picturesque waters and skies don’t make this destination, it is the warm spirit of aloha (and yes, the food too) that makes it worth a visit. Let the positive attitude & easy lifestyle of the locals put you in a trance. On a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii.
The slightly salty yet cool taste was still in my mouth when I left the waters after a magical encounter with a dolphin. Still in awe of what I had just experienced, I breathed in the tangy summer air, mixed with the sweet aroma of the hibiscus, symbolic of the Hawaiian atmosphere. I had just kissed a dolphin, and caressed it in my arms, a moment that I will never forget. This experience at Sea Life Park would be my last, before I moved away from Hawaii after living there for six years.
When I first moved to Honolulu, a medium-sized metropolitan capital city of the island of Oahu, I didn’t really know what to expect. Well, maybe I did. I was expecting clear blue skies, crystal, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees. However, imagining it in your head is far less magnificent than actually living it. For a first time visitor in any island of Hawaii, the picture perfect view from the airplane window is enough to take your breath away, literally. Shades of soothing colours, from aqua to cyan to jade green, patched up the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. Mountain peaks loomed over the waters. Approaching closer, tall buildings bordering the shore of Waikiki Beach gave a stark contrast to the natural setting. Let me give you a brief tour.
Honolulu is a relatively small city housing approximately 10, 00,000 people. Residents are primarily of Asian American descent, as previous generations of people moved to the islands from Vietnam, Philippines, and Japan as well. This diversity also exists in the cuisine of Hawaii. One can indulge in Asian dishes from the authentic Japanese dish called sushi, which is a combination of rice and raw fish wrapped in an intricate seaweed paper to pho, which is a noodle soup broth served primarily with beef or chicken at Vietnamese restaurants.
Local eateries hold some of the best Hawaiian dishes from the crispy chicken katsu to kalua pork, which is pork cooked in an underground oven, commonly served in luau feasts. Of course one can’t forget the ubiquitous spam musubis, made out of pork bits. Saimin, the Japanese inspired noodle soup, is yet another light snack to indulge in. For those with a sweet tooth, biting into the fluffy, sugar-coated malasadas, or Portuguese egg-sized balls of yeast, keep you wanting for more. Another popular cool made literally out of shaved ice. Available in multiple flavours and toppings, such as mochi balls, it is perfect relief on a hot summer day.
Because the weather remains tropical in Hawaii most of the time, beaches are the best places to go. Waikiki Beach is a popular destination for many, with the cool winds blowing gently, as the waves caress the shores. For mood music, tourists can enjoy a live hula performance right there on the beachside. Local boutiques, surf shops, and restaurants line up along the Waikiki strip, as spectacular fireworks light up the skies every evening.
Although the Waikiki strip is the most popular spot for relaxation, there are many other “nature-esque” places. If trudging through the hills sounds like fun, tourists can take up the challenge of hiking up the Diamond Head trail, or the far more difficult Koko Crater Trail Hike. Not only do you get a workout, but you also get some spectacular views for pleasure. Lookout points such as Tantalus and Nuuanu Pali State Park are also good ways to please the eyes. For wet adventures, Hanuama Bay is the perfect location to snorkel in the clear, blue waters. My first and only experience there was breathtaking, as I was immersed in a beautiful world of marine life.
On the more historic side, tourists can visit the USS Arizona Memorial, or Pearl Harbor. Known to be the landmark of the Pearl Harbor attacks by the Japanese, which took place on December 7, 1941, this memorial straddles the sunken hull of the battleship. A shrine at the back of the memorial bears the names of all the soldiers who were killed during the attack. The ‘Iolani Palace, another historic site, is the capital district of Honolulu, which housed the reigning monarch, including King Kalakaua and Queen Lili’uokalani. One can also visit the King Kamehameha statue.
And after you’ve visited every major part of this beautiful city, you’d realise that what really captures your heart in Hawaii, is the people. Meeting the people of Hawaii is what makes the trip the best. The wonderful set of friends that I have made in six short years, have extended my family, or ohana. Family is an underlying part of the Hawaiian culture.
There is a warm spirit of aloha, which envelops you as soon as you land in Hawaii. The flower necklace, or lei, is a symbol to show the love and warmth, which exists in every corner of Hawaii. With their laidback and positive attitude, the people in Hawaii know how to make others feel good. The relaxed lifestyle puts you in a trance. So, if you just want to leave the claustrophobic, fast-paced city life, make sure to book your next flight tickets to any Hawaiian island. The delicious food, the serene beauty, and the spirit of aloha of the islands await you.
Do remember to carry light clothes to be comfortable in the tropical weather. A sun block will definitely help, along with a sun hat and sunglasses. Sometimes, there are light drizzles so carrying an umbrella is a good idea.
WORDS: Arushi Dutt. She loves travelling and meeting new people. She has lived half of her life in India, and the other half growing up in North America. Through her diverse set of experiences she has gained a lot of exposure in life. She says, ‘I can’t say that I am a wise saint but immersing myself in various cultures has taught me quite a bit’. One day she hopes to anchor her own travel show. Eating and dancing are another two of her hobbies.
