*This is a copy of the Waikīkī Beach Stays monthly mailer (sent out 24 Jan 2024). Click here to subscribe for future editions.

Welcome to Waikīkī Beach Stays monthly mailer, the best place to keep up to date with everything happening on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi.

This is our first e-newsletter for 2024… Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year)! We wish our readers and past, present and future guests all the best for 2024.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we wanted to highlight local activities perfect for couples. Book these things to do for 14 Feb… or anytime during the year!

Click here for the full list of Valentine’s Day activity suggestions, including special events and set menus available at restaurants. 

Since our last update in Oct-Nov, a lot has changed across the island. Keep reading for all the latest news and updates – this edition is a BIG ONE!!!

Warmest Aloha,
Ash & Keli‘i
[email protected]

P.S. For those new to this monthly mailer, welcome to the ohana! To fill you in, we run Waikiki Beach Stays and The Hawaii Admirer websites.

NEW ON THE BLOG
Chinese New Year Events on Oahu
Oahu Events in February
Oahu Events Calendar 2023-24
Getting Around Oahu
Oahu Private Touring

TRAVEL RESOURCES
Discount Hawaii Car Rental
Do-It-Yourself GPS Audio Tours
Baby Gear Rentals
Buy a US Sim Card
Free Waikiki Map

Destination

  • What are the safest cities to travel to in 2024? According to a Berkshire Hathaway report, Honolulu is #1 on the list (followed by Montreal and Reykjavik).
  • Hawaii State Art Museum (HiSAM) has been renamed Capitol Modern. This venue presents the largest and finest collection of works by contemporary Hawaii artists.
  • Hawaiian Lifeguard Association launched Safe Beach Day. The website is a live map of Hawaii beaches where you can find out wave heights and more to stay safe!
  • Blaisdell Arena re-opened after a $9M renovation, the 1st phase of upgrades at this Honolulu entertainment precinct. To find out what’s on visit the Blaisdell Calendar.

Transport

  • The Turtle Trolley is a new FREE TROLLEY in town. This shuttle service operates in conjunction with the Turtles and You: Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkeling tour. It also offers a free rides to the public from Waikīkī to Diamond Head, Ala Moana, SALT at Our Kakaako and Whole Foods. Check out the route map and schedule.
  • Hawaiian Airlines has announced an agreement to combine with Alaska Airlines to create an even stronger airline, while continuing to operate under the HA brand. This combination will bring expanded benefits and choice to travelers.
  • Hawaiian Airlines began sales for daily nonstop service between Salt Lake City (SLC) and Honolulu (HNL). Flights start 15 May 2024 and will utilize A321neo aircraft. This is Hawaiian’s 16th gateway city in the Continental U.S.

Accommodation

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT: The Laylow, Autograph Collection
Each month we’ll highlight one of Waikīkī’s best hotels.

The Laylow, Autograph Collection, located on Kūhiō Ave in the center of Waikīkī, is a modern hotel with a 1960s vibe. It’s a superb choice for couples, families and groups with moderate prices. Stay in a beautifully appointed guest room or suite with uplifting décor and a private lanai (balcony). Each room is presented with a welcome basket of goodies! There’s a gift store, coffee shop and The Hideout restaurant and bar on the lobby level of the hotel. On-site facilities include a crystalline swimming pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Note, there is a Resort Fee of $35+tax per day and if you’re renting a car, remember to factor in the $53+tax overnight parking charge. Check reviews on tripadvisor.com and book direct on marriott.com.

Activities

EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Waikīkī Beach Stays readers get a 10% discount off The Real Hawaiʻi custom and private tours. Simply add ‘waikikibeach’ to the ‘Enter your Discount code here’ promo box when booking on the website – therealhawaiitours.com. A minimum of two passengers are required. LEARN MORE

Restaurants & Bars

  • Mochill Mochi Donuts has a Crepe Pop Up inside Mitsuwa Waikīkī Food Hall, open daily from 11am-8pm until 5 Apr 2024. Take this opportunity to try their 15+ flavors of Japanese-style mochi crepes. They use gluten free flour!
  • The Blue Fish, a Japanese bistro, has opened upstairs on Waikīkī Beach Walk. They serve sushi, sashimi, Japanese and Korean menu items in a lively atmosphere (there’s 200+ seats in the restaurant). Check out their menu.
  • Arvo at the Surfjack, is an Australian-style coffee shop originally from Kakaako that’s just expanded into The Surfjack Hotel in Waikīkī. They make sensational flat white coffee and serve delicious toasties (toasted sandwiches).
  • If you’ve got the late night munchies in Waikīkī, Lewers Street Pizza & Ice Cream (LPNI) is open Tue-Sun from 8pm until 3am in the morning. They’re part of the same family of The Pupu House, Uncle Bo’s and Yaya’s Chophouse.
  • Shorefyre at the International Market Place turns into Fire by Night “the hottest club in Waikīkī” with DJs, drinks, dancing and music Wed-Sat from 10pm-2am. They offer late night food service until midnight. VIP reservations can be made online.
  • Mugen Waikīkī, an award-winning fine dining restaurant in the ESPACIO hotel, has reopened with a new concept and chef. The new dinner experience celebrates hyper seasonal and local ingredients. It’s available Tue-Sat from 5:30-8:30pm.
  • Texas de Brazil Churrascaria, a Brazilian steakhouse group, opened at Ala Moana Center. It begins with a salad bar with hot and cold side dishes followed by a main course of 15 flame-grilled meats, carved at the table by the restaurant gauchos.
  • The New York Times named two dishes at Oʻahu restaurants among the best in the country! The Rocky Road Ice Cream from Fête (Downtown Honolulu) and the Chicken Long Rice Croquettes from Mud Hen Water (Kaimukī).
  • Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe, a Japanese bakery chain, has opened in Ward Village (15-mins drive from Waikīkī). They make preservative and additive-free bread and pastries. Try the Salt & Butter Roll or the Strawberry Milk Cream Croissant.
  • Howzit Brewing is Kakaʻako’s newest brewery! They serve beer styles popular in the Pacific Northwest and California. Their 10 taps include two side-pour Lukr faucets for pilsners and a slushy machine for radlers.
  • Hy’s Steak House in Waikīkī is closed for renovation from Jan-May 2024.

Shopping

  • SumSum Mediterranean Delights has opened on Kalākaua Ave. They sell house-made halva, tea, and a few other Middle Eastern pantry foods.
  • Reyn Spooner opened its 4th location on Oʻahu in the Hilton Hawaiian Village. They specialize in alohawear prints, as well as sports gear designs with branded items.
  • Sun.daes, a small business from Waiʻanae, has opened in the International Market Place. Support local by purchasing their cute hand-crafted and sewn accessories.
  • Rotation Hawaiʻi has opened on the 1st Floor of the International Market Place. They provide the latest sneaker heat and apparel to add to your fashion “rotation”.
  • CocoNene has a new flagship store at the International Market Place. They create decor, gifts and souvenirs that celebrate Hawaiʻi’s uniqueness.
  • KoaWood Ranch has opened in the Royal Hawaiian Center. This Hawaiʻi lifestyle brand sells Koa wood products and other Hawaiʻi inspired goods.
  • Leather Soul, a Hawaiʻi-based luxury shoe store, has a new location within the Royal Hawaiian Center. Find it on the 2nd floor of Building A, behind Tiffany & Co.
  • Land & Sea Golf, selling gear for golf, surf, travel and the outdoors, recently opened in the space formerly held by Eden in Love at South Shore Market in Ward Village.
  •  HiLife is now open at South Shore Market in Ward Village. This locally-owned clothing store embodies a lifestyle inspired by the islands natural beauty and people.

Upcoming Events

Special Offers*

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