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Aloha Spirit Warms BC Residents’ Hearts…and Bodies!
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 by Cheryl MacKinnon
The beauty of Hawaii is mesmerizing from Oahu to the Big Island. Each island is unique in its delivery of holiday
expectations, stimulating our senses with visual wonders like Diamond Head outside of Waikiki, to the delicate floralscents of pikake and gardenia, and inspired Asian influenced gastronomy. The melodic rhythms of the ukulele bring many to their feet, but mostly, it’s the Aloha spirit which grabs at our heart strings. The Islands’ true essence is in the generosity and kindness of the Hawaiian people, which when combined with all of the above, simply captivates our souls. And here’s an interesting fact…it seems the Hawaiians have a fascination with our part of the world too. Back in the 19th century, scores of Hawaiians left their tropical paradise of swaying coconut palms and warm ocean breezes for the shores of coastal British Columbia. Check out the book written by Tom Koppel entitled “Kanaka – The Untold Story of Hawaiian Pioneers in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest”. If you love Hawaii, you’ll find it’s a fascinating read of the mutual respect and long standing fondness between our two cultures.
Kid, Teen and Family Friendly!
Hawaiians love family! So much so that The Hawaii Visitors Bureau has a section on their web site devoted entirely to
Surf's Up - Courtesy of Hawaii Travel Authority/Tor Johnson
‘Family Fun’. Simply click on www.gohawaii.com, then ‘Family Fun’ and enjoy the absolutely gorgeous photos of kids and families exploring the Islands. Oahu is ideal for a family getaway, especially if you’ve got active teens. Surf lessons first, then practicing for at least three to four days guarantees pure bragging rights for those 13 years and older. Then, working on tan lines while lounging by the pool or beach, to swimming and snorkeling amongst gentle sea turtles creates sensational memories for the younger crowd – guaranteed mom and dad will enjoy it too. There are many fabulous hotels to stay at in Oahu. If you’re looking for upscale properties located on the vibrant, re-developed beachfront strip of Waikiki, complete with ocean views, impeccable service, delicious AND healthy meals, as well as guest rooms dressed in tasteful, Hawaiian décor; then have a look at the beautifully renovated Outrigger Waikiki and Outrigger Reef Hotels. I recommend a one bedroom suite with a queen bedded standard room on the same floor (connecting or nearby depending on the age of your children), to accommodate a family of five. Everyone hangs out in the main living area of the suite, has their own bed to sleep and with the extra bathroom, there’s no line up. The pool area is perfect for relaxing- in the sun or the shade, with a beach front that is safe, warm and ‘oh so perfect’ for moonlit
Lei-making with Hawaiian Elders - Courtesy Hawaii Travel Authority/Tor Johnson
walks between properties. The hotels each offer lots of complimentary on-site activities throughout the day including lei-making in the morning, a cultural walking tour mid-afternoon, to hula lessons on the beach at dusk…and if you need to de-stress from all this fun, be sure to check out the Serenity Spa Outrigger Reef for a soothing couples’ massage – Hawaiian style as in Lomi Lomi. Heading off property, reserve picnic lunches to enjoy with your brood while exploring parks and beaches around Honolulu. All the details can be easily arranged with the concierge at either hotel. Retail therapy follows tanning rituals, so head out the front door where Chanel meets Macy’s, as do many independent retailers unique to Hawaii. This particular strip of Waikiki is actually quite amazing now that the redevelopment is complete. There is a store and a price point for everyone and that goes for restaurants too. Make sure you enjoy a
Shopping at Dusk - Courtesy Hawaii Travel Authority/Tor Johnson
meal or two at Duke’s in the Outrigger Waikiki – this is the former site of the Outrigger Canoe Club which honors Hawaii’s legendary Ambassador of Aloha,Duke Kahanamoku. An incredible ocean sportsman, Duke was a Summer Olympic Medalist in swimming and water polo, and an international inspiration on the sport of surfing. Spectacular pictures taken of his talents and achievements adorn the restaurant. More on this inspirational individual at www.dukekahanamoku.com. Rates and packages available at www.outrigger.com and more hotel options are listed at the Hawaiian Visitors Bureau site at www.gohawaii.com. Be warned, it’s a good thing to book one of those dinner cruises too – the food is palatable, with the entertainment and views reaching back across the water to Honolulu more than making up for any gastronomic shortfalls… and, the kids will love it! Many more packages and air only specials at www.aircanadavacations.com and www.westjetvacations.com.