Waikiki Shopping

Waikiki Shopping Plaza: Your Guide to Dining, Parking, and Stores

What else does Waikiki have to offer other than its alluring beach scene? Take a few steps inland and you will find a wonderful collection of shopping and dining options. Get your morning fuel from local coffee shop Kai Coffee Hawaii and complete your day with a mini shopping excursion. This noteworthy mall features retail shops stocked with everything from beauty, jewelry, clothing, and accessories. Here’s everything you need to know about the Waikiki Shopping Plaza. What You’ll Find at Waikiki Shopping Plaza Explore the plaza’s six levels, including a recently updated food hall located below street level. It delivers a unique experience packed with a large selection of shops and eateries. It’s also the perfect place to discover hidden treasures for you or a special someone. Stores and Boutiques The Waikiki Shopping Plaza features a mixture of local boutique shops as well as world-renowned brands like Sephora and Victoria’s Secret. Many of the smaller shops showcase locally produced goods, such as clothes, jewelry and handbags. It’s a great opportunity to find that special souvenir to take home with you. Whatever you may be searching for, it can all be found in one convenient location. Dining: A Food Court for […]

Waikiki Travel Tips

Waikiki Weather By Month: Whet Is The Best Time To Visit Waikiki Hawaii?

Pack your swim suits, because you’re in for year-round beach weather! Hawaii is fortunate to experience comfortable weather throughout the year. With mild changes in temperature and minimal scattered rain showers, it’s an ideal place to visit regardless of the season. Speaking of seasons, Hawaii generally has only two – summer and winter. Summer occurs during the months of May through October, where winter is November through April. Why Waikiki Weather is Ideal for Travelers Waikiki’s position on the south shore of Oahu brings great benefits in terms of weather. Due to its location on the Leeward coast of Oahu, the Koolau Mountain Range protects it from the wind and rain entering from the northeast of the islands. This northeasterly wind, commonly referred to as the trade winds, results in the perfectly dry and sunny weather for beach days. Occasionally the winds switch directions from the south, known as the Kona winds, bringing in hot and humid weather. Month-by-Month Weather Breakdown in Waikiki While weather patterns often change, here is a monthly breakdown of what Waikiki typically experiences in a year: January: One of the coldest months in the year with an average daily temperature of 80 degrees, and 65 […]

Waikiki Transportation

Best Waikiki Transportation From Honolulu Airport: Top Travel Options

After a long flight, the last thing you want to do after landing at Honolulu Airport is endure a stressful journey to your accommodation in Waikiki. But there’s no need to worry – it can be a seamless experience with a little insider advice on the best options available. One of the most common questions travelers ask when planning a trip to Waikiki is “how to get from Honolulu Airport to their accommodation”. Each transportation option offers unique advantages based on budget, schedule, and preferences. To make the journey hassle-free and help travelers save time and money, this guide explores the best ways to get from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki. You’ll be able to determine the best transportation option for your particular needs, ensuring a blissful tropical getaway from start to finish. How Far is Waikiki from Honolulu Airport? Honolulu Airport, officially called Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, is 8.7 miles miles from Waikiki. The drive typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions, which can vary throughout the day. During mornings and late afternoons, which are the peak travel times, it can take a bit longer due to congestion. The route is straightforward, primarily traveling along […]

Waikiki Nightlife

Waikiki Nightlife Guide: Top Clubs, Bars, and Unique Night Activities

Waikiki is home to a vibrant nightlife scene, offering something for everyone to enjoy. With a wide range of venues available, visitors can easily find nightlife options that suit their preferences. For those staying at First Cabin International Hawaii in Waikiki Business Plaza, many of the city’s top bars, clubs, and cultural experiences are just a short walk away, making it easy to enjoy the best of Waikiki after dark. From live music and dance venues to cocktail lounges and traditional Hawaiian luau shows, there’s something for every style of nightlife enthusiast. Whether you want to sip a mai tai while relaxing to island tunes, socialize with the locals, or dance the night away, this guide to Waikiki nightlife will help you make unforgettable memories. Top Nightclubs and Bars in Waikiki Many of Waikiki’s top bars and clubs are just a short walk from First Cabin International Hawaii at Waikiki Business Plaza, while others are easily accessible by a quick ride. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed cocktail lounge or a high-energy nightclub, there’s something for everyone. Arnold’s Beach Bar One of the best hole-in-the-wall dive bars, according to locals and visitors alike, Arnold’s is an often overlooked […]

Waikiki Transportation

Waikiki Trolley: A Convenient Way to Explore Honolulu

The Waikiki Trolley is a fun and convenient way to explore Honolulu, eliminating the need to rent a car. If you want to explore the entire island of Oahu, combining the Waikiki Trolley with a short-term car rental can be a convenient and cost-effective option. It’s easy to take TheBus from Honolulu International Airport to Waikiki with several routes to choose from, and then embark on your explorations of the city by trolley. The trolley can bring you to all the key tourist spots around Waikiki and the wider Honolulu area like Iolani Palace, Diamond Head, All Moana Center, points along the coast, and more. It includes a hop-on, hop-off feature, allowing you to get off at attractions that interest you most and rejoin the trolley later. Many locals and visitors in Waikiki frequently use the trolley, including guests at First Cabin International. This guide provides visitors with an in-depth understanding of the routes, lines, schedule, cost, and hours for exploring Honolulu via the Waikiki Trolley. Waikiki Trolley Routes and Lines The trolley operates multiple routes, catering to visitors and locals alike. Whether you want to travel to a top shopping or dining area, discover an iconic landmark, or take […]

Waikiki Attractions

Explore Honolulu Zoo and Beyond: The Best Wildlife Experiences Near Waikiki

Known for its stunning beaches, wealth of outdoor activities, and numerous cultural attractions, Waikiki is one of the world’s top vacation destinations.  There are so many things to do here it can seem almost overwhelming. Everything from sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and parasailing to hiking, flightseeing, and learning to dance the hula is possible here. Narrowing that long list by choosing the options that best suit your interests will allow you to make the most of your time. At First Cabin International, guests receive personalized recommendations to enhance their experience in Waikiki. More than a few are particularly interested in wildlife experiences near Waikiki. The Honolulu Zoo is a highly recommended attraction, known for its diverse wildlife and scenic location between Waikiki and Diamond Head. But there are others easily doable nearby, including the Waikiki Aquarium, snorkeling, and whale-watching tours. Whether you’re a solo traveler, visiting as a couple, or as a family with children, if you enjoy wildlife, here’s all you need to know to make the most of the offerings in Waikiki and nearby. Explore Honolulu Zoo Near Waikiki Located between Waikiki and the slopes of Diamond Head, the Honolulu Zoo is a well-loved attraction known for its engaging […]

Waikiki Attractions

Discover the Waikiki Aquarium: Tickets, Reservations, and Visitor Tips

The beaches tend to steal the spotlight when it comes to top attractions in Waikiki but the Waikiki Aquarium is also worth your time. Located along the waterfront, it displays 500 different species among more than 3,500 animals. While snorkeling and diving are popular activities, if you want to see a wide range of marine life all in one place, this is where you’ll want to go. Living and working right here in the Waikiki neighborhood, I often share local insight with our hotel guests at First Cabin International, and the Waikiki Aquarium is always on my list among the top spots to explore. It’s the perfect thing to do when rain showers hit, a time when many visitors ask, “Are there any indoor attractions in Waikiki?” Although the focus here is definitely the outdoors with so much exotic tropical beauty, you’re sure to enjoy the city’s aquarium. Get the most out of your visit by considering my guide as the best advice from your own personal concierge, for use before and during your Waikiki trip. What is the Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu? The Waikiki Aquarium, part of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, was established in 1904. Built right […]

Waikiki food

The Ultimate Guide to Waikiki Poke: Where to Find the Best Bowls in Honolulu

Overwhelmed by the abundant selection of eateries in Waikiki? Perhaps you’re looking to try something unique while on vacation in the islands. Due to its melting pot of cultures, Hawaii is home to various languages, cuisines and traditions. One of the most popular dishes found in the Aloha State is called poke. Let’s take a closer look at what poke is and why it’s so special. What is Poke and Why is it a Hawaiian Favorite? First off, the correct pronunciation of the dish is “poh-keh.” It is a salad composed of cubed raw fish mixed with various toppings and sauces. You may choose to order it by the pound or in the form of a bowl, which is typically served over white rice. The Origins of Poke In Hawaiian, the word poke means “to cut crosswise into pieces.” Traditionally, Native Hawaiian fishermen would prepare this by slicing freshly caught fish which was then seasoned with sea salt, seaweed and crushed kukui nuts. As new goods were introduced to the people of Hawaii through trading, the composition of this popular snack adapted with what was available. While this dish originated in Hawaii, it has since gained great popularity and can […]

Waikiki Attractions

Explore Waikiki Beach: Your Ultimate Guide to Hawaii’s Iconic Shoreline

Aloha and e komo mai to Waikiki Beach. Oahu’s ultimate tourist hub stretches over 2 miles along the southern coast and welcomes over 4 million people annually. Discover picture-perfect views of Diamond Head, beginner-friendly waves, and mouthwatering food. Waikiki’s prime location ensures easy access to the island’s attractions and activities. To help you prepare for an incredible vacation and navigate your stay, we’re sharing important tips and insider information. Join us in this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL – HAWAII post to learn about surf breaks, beaches, and parking tips! Here’s to the ultimate Waikiki getaway from sunrise to sunset! Waikiki Beach: Discover the 8 Unique Beaches If you’re looking for warm waters and palm tree-lined beaches, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s explore the 8 beautiful beaches of Waikiki starting from the north and heading south. First, here are a few tips! Use reef-safe sunscreen, don’t step on the razor-sharp reef, and look out for sea urchins. Admire the sea turtles, dolphins, and monk seals from a distance. And, never turn your back on the ocean! So, when in doubt, don’t go out. It’s time for fun in the Hawaiian sun! Duke Kahanamoku Beach Next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village […]

Waikiki Shopping

Discover Waikiki Farmers Market: A Must-Visit for Fresh Flavors and Local Food

If you’ve never been to the Waikiki Farmers Market, you’re in for a treat. It’s more than just a place to shop – it’s a full-on adventure where you’ll spend a few joyous hours shopping like a local! Think tropical vibes, mouthwatering food, and unique local goods you won’t find in any touristy gift shop in Waikiki. Just minutes from FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII and Waikiki Beach, this vibrant market is perfect for picking up fresh produce, handcrafted souvenirs, or a delicious bite to eat. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler, or just someone who loves good eats and good vibes, the Waikiki Farmers Market is a must-stop on your Waikiki vacation itinerary. Why Visit the Waikiki Farmers Market? So, why should you even bother with a farmers market while you’re in Hawaii? Simple – it’s one of the best ways to dive into the local culture without feeling like a total tourist. Buy the freshest foods and try a wide variety of locals and local-fusion foods you won’t find anywhere on the mainland. Fresh and Local Most of the food here is grown or made right in Hawaii. You’ll be supporting local farmers and small businesses growing local foods, […]