Waikiki Archives - Jen is on a Journey

Oahu Excursions: MaiTa’i Catamaran Sail Review

September 22, 2011 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

Oahu Excursions: MaiTai’i Catamaran Sail Review

My kids have never been on a sail boat. Their faces lit up when we told them we were going to go out on a Catamaran, just before they asked, “what’s a Catamaran?” A vessel (as a sailboat) with twin hulls and usually a deck or superstructure connecting the hulls is what my husband mustered up for the kids, I continued to say sailboat. With a beach-side boarding, you’ll find the infamous green sails of MaiTa’i Catamaran on Waikiki Beach between the Halekulani Hotel and Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. With seating for 47 passengers, we were eager for this trip our whole family could enjoy!

Boarding barefoot in the sand and water, you are greeted by a fun crew who are full of great information and will keep the 90 minute Tradewind Sail exciting and memorable! My son who gets a tad motion sick was prepared with his Dramamine and we all found some great seats. Drinks are extra and cash only, so if you are inclined don’t forget your money. We took the 11am sail so that we could get off and head straight to lunch and still have out day ahead of us. Plus, it was the coolest time of day, we wanted to avoid getting over heated.

Surprise, the cool breeze, the water spraying you over the edge, you are anything but hot on this Cat! What an adventure, with the speed of the boat picking up after we coasted out past the surfers, the kids eyes widened and the views were phenomenal. We headed south past Diamond Head and got such incredible pictures, we almost felt we visited the crater (which we never got to). The waters turned from aqua to aquamarine to turquoise, to royal then deep blue and still so clear that we saw sea turtles, fish, and even flying fish miles out!

We all could move about the boat, though we could not sit on the trampolines like my husband and I did on another island’s sail. But, at the very front tip, the younger kids and my husband sat and enjoy the breeze and cool water splash them like the best water ride ever! I sat back with my oldest (who now takes Dramamine on boats!) and shot photos.

With my cell phone camera securely packed away, we used our digital Canon and tried to keep it dry. A compartment area between seats could hold items, so when the water sprayed harder I kept my camera in that area. With sliding around and a few huge splashes, the holding area filled with water and soaked my Canon. It has since succumbed to the water, but luckily we rescued the SD card with all our photos! If you can purchase a waterproof camera for this excursion, I’d suggest it!

The sail was amazing and the kids thought it was incredible. For 90 minutes and $28/aduults $14/children (12 & under), and children under 3 are free, it’s a really reasonable excursion your family can enjoy on Oahu!

Tickets were complimentary, all opinions are our own.

Oahu: Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites

September 22, 2011 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

Our stay in Honolulu was coming to an end quickly and we wanted to savor every last minute. The 3rd resort we stayed in on our recent trip to Oahu took us to the Outrigger Luana, Waikiki (*the property has changed ownership and is now under Aqua Hotels & Resorts as the Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites). Overlooking serene Fort DeRussy Park, you’ll find the pace unhurried and mood relaxed. But it’s only a short 5-10 minute walk to the rolling surf at Waikiki Beach and busy central Waikiki, including Waikiki’s most exciting shopping promenade, Waikiki Beach Walk. Though you do still get a city feel when you look out your balconies and see the highrises, you also feel away from it all amongst the park and outer edge of the hustle and bustle of Honolulu.

For two nights we enjoyed a one bedroom ocean view room with kitchen on the 9th floor. Our view from the kitchen window and living room balcony was so peaceful and serene we could almost hear the waves crash! Not looking down into the inner workings of a nearby building we instead could see the unique shape of the swimming pool and surrounding area from our bedroom balcony, it was a nice change. With the ocean so close, the pool area can have those times of the day where you feel like you’re the only one there.

We took advantage of that time shortly after checking in. With chaise lounges abound and an open available cabana, we all took some time to enjoy our new hotel and it’s luxuries. The pool was fabulous for diving and jumping in with an 8 foot depth at one end. Also the steps and shallow are were great for my youngest still learning to swim without floaties! Adjacent to the pool area, you can bring your own goodies to use for grilling on the barbecues available to guests. Having the full kitchen you can save some money by shopping at the local store and dining in if you wish! Also if the heat gets too much for you outdoors, the hotel also has a nice air conditioned fitness center, lit up by the floor to ceiling windows, overlooking the pool.

$25 per day, you have unlimited in and out access with valet parking. The drivers were always so friendly and helpful even offering to buckle my youngest into her seat! At the entrance of the hotel you have the Protea Cafe serving breakfast, thin-crust pizzas, smoothies and cocktails daily from 7am-2pm. In the lobby you have fresh water infused with fruit and chips for snacking, I always got smiles and happy vibes from the staff walking in and out. Also, you can check out complimentary boogie boards and other various beach toys that my kids were thrilled about. We use them here in California each beach trip and we didn’t have to purchase one or spend extra money at a beach kiosk for renting.

The room was huge and great for all of us. The couch in the living area opened up to a bed, which when placed in front of a television is our kids’ dream! The recliner in the living are was huge and wide and was the choice of my son for his bed for the two nights! Separate air conditioners in that room and in the master bedroom helped keep all of us at the right temperatures. Our bedroom was large and airy, crisp white bedding on the best bed of our trip, loved it. The balcony out our bedroom was a nice respite after a long day!

For more information on Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites visit, http://www.luanawaikiki.com/.

Our stay was hosted in exchange for honest review.

Honolulu, HI: Tiki’s Grill and Bar Review

September 20, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

With so many fabulous restaurants and local fare it’s tough to choose where to dine in Honolulu. When you are traveling with family, you’ll be happy to know that Burger King, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and all those favorites your kids enjoy are also available. Eating where it’s familiar is nice and quick on a pinch, but we wanted good food that made us feel more like we were dining on an island while on vacation!

We were able to check out Tiki’s Grill and Bar one evening, a leisurely stroll down Kalakalua Avenue overlooking Waikiki Beach. It was Open Mic night, where local and visiting artists can share their art with Waikiki, be it music, poetry, or what have you. We were immediately invited in before we reached the reservation desk, but opted to eat dinner first!

The retro South Pacific-style Tiki’s Grill & Bar opened in October 2002 and was popular from the start. Located on the second floor of the ASTON Waikiki Beach Hotel and with breathtaking views of Waikiki Beach and its spectacular sunsets. The 272-seat restaurant serves lunch, dinner, a late night menu and weekend brunches.

An indoor/outdoor restaurant, like most, there were fans going and fresh breezes coming in from outside. The atmosphere was relaxed, the lights dim, and the smell of the food was mouth-watering! We were seated and drink orders were taken. Their Blue Bikini was as gorgeous as it was tasty, I admit I had about 3 of those to enjoy the evening. Kid’s menus are available, with drinks in plastic cups with lids to take with you if you desire. My husband and I were famished and everything looked good on the menu.

After drinks were served, taro rolls were brought out with a sweet butter that everyone couldn’t get enough of. We started with an appetizer, I’m a huge fan of Kalua pork and the Kalua Pig Quesadilla was exactly what we needed. The pork is slow cooked and the flavor is phenomenal, sweet and salty at the same time. Served in a purple taro tortilla, the pepper jack cheese made the dish a quesadilla and the corn gave it a great sweet bite! With sour cream and quacamole on the side you cannot go wrong, we almost ordered a second! It’s one of those appetizers you eat with your eyes first then dive in with your mouth!

The 3 kids decided on beef sliders for dinner that was served with fries and carrot sticks. The best part for them, the plate was served atop a Tiki’s frisbee, so they had their own souvenirs with dinner! Luckily for my oldest daughter, my youngest was done after one slider and gave the second to her sister, not quite enough food for a near teenager, but dessert was still a possibility!

I opted for the Parmesean Crusted Chicken, and was over-whelmed at the size of the portion. It was literally enough for 2 people! Presented beautifully over linguine and broccoli, the best part was the chardonnay/sun-dried tomato glaze that I dipped each crispy bite of chicken in. This my friends, I could have eaten every night along with those Blue Bikinis.

My husband chose the Pulehu Ribeye that was as tender as can be and again enormous portions with garlic mashed potatoes that gave a nice kick in flavor. My oldest is a steak fan and contemplated this meal, but was happy to take many bites off dad’s plate to satisfy her small kid’s meal portions.

Surprisingly the steak was gone after we all sampled it, but I had a whole lot of chicken left for lunch the next day, thank goodness for hotel refrigerators!

We hoped to get back to the restaurant on another night for just dessert, but for sure on our next trip to Oahu! While there, don’t forget to take home a Tiki’s branded souvenir from their store at the entrance to the restaurant!

Tiki’s is a feel good restaurant, not fancy in the least, no need to dress to the nine’s and if come on different nights of the week, you’ll be entertained by live music each time. Try Tiki’s and I guaranteed you’ll be hooked!

Our meal was compensated in exchange for honest review!

OHANA Waikiki Malia Resort Review

September 8, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

When choosing a location to stay on the island of Oahu with your family, the OHANA Waikiki Malia is a wonderful choice. Located in the heart of Honolulu, just a 15 minute walk to the beach, and 5 minutes from shopping, the city bus stops right out front of the hotel to get you to your next activity. The hotel may not host luxuries like a spa or a pool, but the rooms, view, and location will have you hooked once checked in.

For our family of 5 we had two adjoining rooms with two double beds in each. Having all of the kids in their own bed was relaxing and important to them after a long day of excursions, beach, and the sun. We were thrilled to have a very clean room with all the basic amenities that was comfortable and something we looked coming back to each evening.

Renovated in 2010, the guest rooms have a tropical leaf themed bed cover on the plush Serta beds and cherry-toned woods in the custom headboards, dressers, and vanity. The custom wood pieces are complemented by granite countertops on the bar/coffee area giving an modern Hawaiian feel. The bathrooms are perfect with a detachable shower head making baths for little ones easier to manage.

The balconies sported fabulous city views with the ocean peeking behind the buildings. The space itself didn’t allow for a chair or sitting, but the sliding door and adjoining windows did offer plenty of light during the day and a beautiful lit scenery at night. We stayed over a Friday night and were excited when we had a spectacular view of a fireworks show southwest of our room.

Being midpoint on our trip, it was time for laundry to be done and an oversized washer and dryer was available on the 5th floor. For under $10 we refreshed our clothing and especially our swimwear that takes a beating with moisture, salt, and never really drying out.

The hotel security is reassuring as you need a key card once in the main elevator to get to your floor. The lobby is very helpful in every aspect and there were a few times we needed our keycards reactivated and security and privacy was always considered by checking ID. The parking garage is also secure with in and out access via a parking attendant. Be careful as the driveways are really narrow! Parking is $20/night.

Families will enjoy this aspect of the OHANA Waikiki Malia, it sits adjacent to an IHOP restaurant (with door leading into the restaurant from the hotel). Perfect for my kids aged 12, 10, and 5 with simple tastes of comfort foods, for certain afternoon/evening hours, kids eat free with an adult purchase! Perfect for parents who want to ensure kids are eating meals they like at reasonable prices, you feel good not having to eat gourmet each day.

Honestly, none of us missed not having a pool on site. If we wanted to, we could visit other OHANA/Outrigger hotels in the area with our room key, but it was the part of our vacation where we headed up to the North Shore during the day so we generally were just in the hotel to sleep. My husband teases that none of the hotels should have pools with the biggest warmest pool, the ocean, at our fingertips! I tend to agree! Overall, save your money for excursions and souvenirs, save by staying at a quality location like the OHANA Waikiki Malia!

Our stay was hosted for two nights, all opinions are our own.

Waikiki Beach Services: Outrigger Canoe Ride Review

August 30, 2011 by The Mom Jen 4 Comments

I have to admit, I have some trepidations being in the water, feet dangling over a surfboard with ocean sea life swimming about below me. The rest of my family, husband and 3 children aged 12, 10, and 5 have all experienced surfing, both times in the warm waters of Hawaii. I have anxiety about it, though we did have a family experience in Oahu that got me about as close as I might get to surfing. Waikiki Beach Services has an Outrigger Canoe ride that will take you literally amongst the surfers and paddle boarders for an unbelieveable ride of your life!

The sport of canoe surfing is unique to Hawaiʻi, more specifically to Waikīkī. In old Hawaiʻi, Waikīkī was the playground of the elite and canoe surfing was a privilege reserved solely for the aliʻi, or Hawaiian royalty. To this day, Waikīkī Beach is one of the only places in the world where you can race down a wave on an outrigger canoe.

Just beachside of The Royal Hawaiian Resort, the Waikiki Beach Services kiosk will check you in and get you ready for your ride. Exclusive to your group of up to 6 riders, if there’s a canoe open and available, you can go for your ride. Assigned to your spot in the canoe, pushing out to the water is easy with your two assistants that help paddle the boat. Literally each family member paddles and for my kids, it wasn’t easy so we relied on the paid help! You get out to the area where you are among surfers and paddle boarders all waiting for that great wave.

Once out there, the assistants shout to paddle fast and hard to get some speed going so that the canoe can sail with the wave. Once you stop paddling you surf right along with those with longboards and to top it off, you just get a spray of cool mist on you, no crashing head over foot, ever. The canoes are so safe, my youngest (age 5) could have opted to not even wear her life vest because she doesn’t swim yet! It’s truly exhilarating and you get the opportunity to catch 3 great waves. Paddling is an acquired activity and you will feel off in pattern, especially with kids. I must say it’s a good work out and you can get a little sore later, but it’s worth it!

You shouldn’t bring valuables on the canoe like fancy sunglasses or cameras/phones, Rx glasses should have a strap or wear your contacts! Luckily there are professional photographers documenting your experience and the CD of all the photos is included in the price of your trip. Seriously, we waited only 15 minutes following our quick 30-45 minute experience to get the photos uploaded and they are spectacular! (click on the ones above to see them larger!)

This is an amazing family activity that I highly recommend, you will catch 3 waves and the assistant paddlers know to wait and get those that will leave you with an amazing memory. Watch those waves curl while you’re surfing them, the views of the beach line and those around you are phenomenal. Best yet, you can do it for 6 people at $150 with the photo package, not per person like many activities can be on the islands!
Our adventure was hosted, experience is ours and 100% honest.