Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu
Where to eat, stay, and find the best mai tai, according to Veronica Bean of Town.
If you’re going to make a weekend trip to the most remote chain of islands in the world, it better be worth it. Luckily, Hawaii’s capital city of Honolulu delivers on all fronts: historic luxury hotels, award winning regional cuisine, and miles of pristine sandy beaches. And with more and more airlines offering direct flights from the west coast (and discounted flights from other locations!), Honolulu has never been easier to visit.
Here’s are all the details for a perfect weekend in Honolulu…
Friday Afternoon:
Check into the historic Royal Hawaiian Resort, one of Honolulu’s oldest hotels. With its signature pink walls and brass accents, the “Pink Palace” offers a glimpse into a time when Hawaii was a playground for the rich and famous — think presidents, athletes, and socialites — who could afford to make the long, expensive journey. Opt to stay in the original hotel, built in 1927, for maximum charm instead of the newly constructed towers.
After unpacking, head down to the legendary Mai Tai Bar for the first of many tropical drinks this trip. There you can pick between seven different versions, including the Royal Mai Tai, a recipe Trader Vic created exclusively for the Royal.
Friday Evening:
A quick stroll on the beach will lead you to another historic hotel, the Halekulani, just in time for a sunset dinner at House Without a Key. After eating under the century old Kiawe tree, enjoy the nightly hula performance right from your table.
Saturday Morning:
What’s a trip to Hawaii without a day at the beach? For the best experience, wake up just before sunrises and head towards Hanauma Bay. The bay, formed out of a volcano cone, offers some of the best snorkeling conditions on the island and equipment can be rented on site.
When that beach (inevitably) gets too busy — it averages around 3,000 visitors a day — escape to a locals’ favorite: Halona Beach Cove. While beach was made famous in the 1950’s film From Here to Eternity, it still manages to feel quiet and intimate.
On the way home, stop by Leonard’s Bakery for malasadas, the Portuguese doughnuts that are widely popular in Hawaii. Warning: you’ll want to order one of each flavor. If you must show restraint, order at least one of malasada puffs with haupia (coconut) filling.
Saturday Afternoon:
After a morning spent in the sun, it’s time to head inside. Make your way over to the Honolulu Museum of Art to check in for a tour of Doris Duke’s extravagant Hawaiian residence, Shangri-La. The mansion turned museum includes a playhouse, pool, multiple courtyards, and a series of gardens all modeled after famous Islamic architecture.
While this wasn’t Duke’s first lavish residence — the heiress’ multiple homes included a nine bedroom Park Avenue penthouse and a 49-room English manor in Newport, Rhode Island — Shangri La was certainly her favorite. For decades, Duke poured millions of dollars into home renovations to make room for the enormous collection of Islamic art and antiquities which are now one display.
Saturday Evening:
You can’t leave the island without having dinner at one of Peter Merriman’s restaurants. One of the original founders of Hawaiian regional cuisine, his restaurants showcase island-grown produce and locally-sourced meat and fish.
Book a reservation at the chef’s namesake restaurant Merrriman’s in Honolulu. Here you’ll find great food, like the wok charred ahi, but also another great mai tai. This time made with macadamia nut orgeat and Old Lahaina rum straight from the big island.
Sunday Morning:
End the trip right where it started with a brunch reservation at the Royal Hawaiian’s Surf Lanai. Order a guava mimosa before indulging in the house specialties, like the Pink Palace Pancakes or the Royal Loco Moco. Don’t forget to snap a souvenir photo under the sea of pink umbrellas!
