Waikiki Pod Hotels

Why Pod Hotels Are Perfect for Solo Travelers in Honolulu

Solo travel offers an incredible opportunity to explore new destinations at your own pace. In Honolulu, a city known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, choosing the right accommodation can enhance your experience. For solo travelers looking for an affordable, comfortable, and social stay, pod hotels provide an ideal solution. This modern, space-efficient option is perfect for travelers who don’t need a lot of space but still value privacy, safety, and convenience. Let’s explore why pod hotels are a great fit for solo travelers in Honolulu. What is a Pod Hotel? Pod hotels are compact, efficient accommodations designed for travelers who just need a place to sleep. The key feature is the individual sleeping pods – small private spaces with a bed, charging outlets, and a curtain or door for privacy. Amenities such as shared bathrooms, lounges, and kitchens foster a communal atmosphere. Originally developed in Japan, pod hotels are perfect for those who want comfort without the expense and excess of traditional hotels. They are ideal for solo travelers seeking simplicity, efficiency, and privacy on a budget. 5 Reasons Why Solo Travelers Should Consider a Pod Hotel For those traveling alone, pod hotels offer a smart alternative to […]

Waikiki food

The Best Burger Restaurants in Waikiki

While visiting Waikiki, you won’t want to miss the chance to try authentic Hawaiian fare like Lau Lau (fish or pork wrapped in taro leaves) and Kalua Pig (slow-cooked pork), but sometimes a good burger is in order. When searching for the very best restaurants for burgers in Waikiki, you’ll find plenty of offerings, some of which are made with locally sourced ingredients and premium quality grass-fed beef. While it’s easy to make a solid burger, making one that stands out from the rest is an incredibly challenging task. Living and working here in Waikiki at FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII, we’re fortunate in that we have the opportunity to get out and try them whenever the craving hits. To help you find the best burger restaurants in Waikiki when you’re in the mood, we’ve put together this guide based on our tried-and-true favorites. Best Restaurants for Burgers in Waikiki Betty’s Burgers Lucky for us, Betty’s Burgers, one of the most popular burger joints in Waikiki, is just around the corner from FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII. Renowned for its smash burgers, they’re cooked in the classic smashed burger style which means the patties are smashed on a hot grill which results […]

Waikiki Experiences

Waikiki Snorkel Guide: Best Spots for Crystal-Clear Waters and Marine Life

Along with the beautiful beaches, Waikiki is renowned for its nightlife. Living and working here in the vibrant Honolulu district, we like to enjoy it too, particularly the bars that host live music. While it would be hard to call it “work,” delving into the fun after dark is a great way to experience a good sampling so that we can make recommendations to our guests at FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII. From enjoying soulful sounds performed by local Hawaiian artists strumming ballads while sipping cocktails and enveloped by warm island breezes To jazz tunes in luxurious vintage settings and energetic bands playing upbeat rhythms to get you up on your feet, Waikiki’s live music bars can provide many unforgettable nights. Get ready to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of infectious energy and creativity at any one of these must-experience bars hosting live music in Waikiki. Best Bars with Live Music in Waikiki Blue Note Hawaii A branch of New York City’s iconic music venue, Blue Note Hawaii is located at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort in the former Society of Seven showroom. It hosts big-name jazz and blues artists along with the occasional rock, folk, and reggae artists. These performances […]

Waikiki Experiences

Diving in Waikiki: From Top Dive Sites to Tours

Waikiki is famous for its stunning beaches, surfing, and vibrant nightlife, but it also boasts some of the world’s best diving experiences. This Honolulu paradise is a haven for seasoned and new divers alike who can look forward to exploring the incredible underwater landscapes and treasure trove of marine life. From thriving coral reefs to historic shipwrecks, there’s a unique adventure to be had at each dive site. With convenient access to the ocean and all of its beauty living and working in Waikiki, we’ve put together this guide to ensure an unforgettable diving experience. Take a journey with us as we explore the depths of the top Waikiki diving sites, dive center tours, the marine life you might see, and the best time of year for the activity. Why Waikiki is a Top Destination for Divers Waikiki stands out as a premier destination for divers due to its diverse underwater environments, abundance of marine life, outstanding visibility, and accessible dive sites. The proximity of numerous dive spots, ranging from shallow, gentle reefs ideal for beginners to more challenging wreck dives for experienced enthusiasts, means that the Waikiki area caters to divers of all skill levels. There are dozens of […]

Waikiki Nightlife

Must-Experience Bars Hosting Live Music in Waikiki

Along with the beautiful beaches, Waikiki is renowned for its nightlife. Living and working here in the vibrant Honolulu district, we like to enjoy it too, particularly the bars that host live music. While it would be hard to call it “work,” delving into the fun after dark is a great way to experience a good sampling so that we can make recommendations to our guests at FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII. From enjoying soulful sounds performed by local Hawaiian artists strumming ballads while sipping cocktails and enveloped by warm island breezes to jazz tunes in luxurious vintage settings and energetic bands playing upbeat rhythms to get you up on your feet, Waikiki’s live music bars can provide many unforgettable nights. Get ready to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of infectious energy and creativity at any one of these must-experience bars hosting live music in Waikiki. Best Bars with Live Music in Waikiki Blue Note Hawaii A branch of New York City’s iconic music venue, Blue Note Hawaii is located at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort in the former Society of Seven showroom. It hosts big-name jazz and blues artists along with the occasional rock, folk, and reggae artists that can […]

Waikiki food

Best Hawaiian Coffee in Waikiki: Where to Sip, Sample, and Shop

Located about an hour from Waikiki is the famous North Shore with stunning beaches, epic surfing, and quaint beach towns. There’s a little something for every style of traveler from adrenaline-pumping activities to lazy beach days and everything in between. For a full-day adventure, take the long way, and drive along the island’s east side for stunning views with great pitstops. In this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII post post, we share the best things to do on O’ahu’s North Shore. A Relaxing Day Trip to the North Shore The North Shore offers expansive stretches of sandy beaches from the remote shores of Mokuleia to the world-famous Sunset and Pipeline. Haleiwa Beach Park offers calmer waters and an easily accessible ocean for kayaking, surfing, or SUP adventures. It’s a nice contrast to busy Waikiki. Turtle Bay Resort 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku The upgraded resort has an impressive lobby and oceanside bars, perfect for watching the sunset with a tropical cocktail. Enjoy the protected lagoon, golf courses, horseback riding, canoeing, biking, and snorkeling tours. Food Trucks Spend your day between beaches and food trucks. The North Shore is dotted with tasty food truck options from refreshing smoothies at the Sunrise Shack to […]

Waikiki Events & Festivals

What to Do in Kailua for a Perfect Escape from Waikiki

Are you interested in seeing the world’s most beautiful beaches?! We thought so! In this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII post guide, we’re helping you curate the perfect escape to Kailua – beaches and beyond. The Kailua coastline is on the island’s windward side where the weather is prone to rain, wind, and clouds. However, rain or shine, Kailua is worth the day trip from Waikiki! Let’s dive into the details and plan the perfect day trip to Kailua! Traveling to Kailua Town from Waikiki Beach Kailua is located on the east side of O’ahu, 12 miles from Waikiki. There are two ways to get there, both offer stunning views, so consider going one way and returning the other. The direct route is over the Pali Highway, approximately 30 minutes from Waikiki, boasting an impressive lookout point. South of Waikiki is the longer, arguably more scenic drive, along the Kalanianaole Highway. Drive along the coast and stop at various vistas including the Halona Blowhole Lookout and the Makapu’u Lighthouse. While both drives are beautiful, beware of commuting during traffic hours. Fun in the Sun: Exploring Kailua’s Coastline Suntan, swim, and snorkel at two of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you […]

Waikiki Events & Festivals

What to Do on the North Shore after Exploring Waikiki

Located about an hour from Waikiki is the famous North Shore with stunning beaches, epic surfing, and quaint beach towns. There’s a little something for every style of traveler from adrenaline-pumping activities to lazy beach days and everything in between. For a full-day adventure, take the long way, and drive along the island’s east side for stunning views with great pitstops. In this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII post post, we share the best things to do on O’ahu’s North Shore. A Relaxing Day Trip to the North Shore The North Shore offers expansive stretches of sandy beaches from the remote shores of Mokuleia to the world-famous Sunset and Pipeline. Haleiwa Beach Park offers calmer waters and an easily accessible ocean for kayaking, surfing, or SUP adventures. It’s a nice contrast to busy Waikiki. Turtle Bay Resort 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku The upgraded resort has an impressive lobby and oceanside bars, perfect for watching the sunset with a tropical cocktail. Enjoy the protected lagoon, golf courses, horseback riding, canoeing, biking, and snorkeling tours. Food Trucks Spend your day between beaches and food trucks. The North Shore is dotted with tasty food truck options from refreshing smoothies at the Sunrise Shack to […]

Waikiki Experiences

Waikiki Day Trip Ideas: Explore Oahu’s Hidden Gems Beyond the Beach

The island of O’ahu is 44 miles (71 km) long and 30 miles (48 km) across. It’s not a large island, making it possible to adventure all over. While you could easily spend your entire vacation exploring Waikiki Beach, it’s a great idea to plan some day trips and experience the different parts of O’ahu! From the famous North Shore waves and windward’s luscious Ko’olau Mountains to swimming with sharks and local farm tours, there’s so much to see and do. Join us in this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII post as we explore some of the best day trips from Waikiki. Top Attractions Close to Waikiki Perfect for a Quick Day Trip The island’s southern coast is just south of Waikiki. Traveling along the Kalanianaole Highway, you can experience breathtaking viewpoints, gorgeous beaches, and epic snorkeling. To the north of Waikiki are important historical monuments, Aulani Disney Resort, and a newly constructed waterpark. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there are fun attractions less than an hour from Waikiki. Here are a few of our favorite day trip adventures! Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo This trail offers three hiking experiences: easy, moderate, or challenging. Choose […]

Waikiki Events & Festivals

Best Lūʻau’s Near Waikiki for an Authentic Experience

Are you ready to experience a Hawaiian lūʻau’? This traditional Hawaiian gathering includes entertaining live performances and an abundance of food! Beyond dinner and a show, it’s also an opportunity to learn about Hawaiian culture and history. It’s a perfect experience for all ages, and many options exist in and around Waikiki Beach. Come ready to eat! The feast typically includes local favorites like roasted pork, pounded poi, Lomi salmon, rice, mac salad, and more! Live music and performances range from hula shows and fire dancing to lei-making and cultural activities. In this First Cabin Hawaii post, we share the best authentic lūʻaus near Waikiki. Keep reading to learn about the various venues and packages. Be sure to check out the websites directly, because there are often discounted rates and deals, especially when reserving in advance. Here’s to finding the perfect lūʻau for you! The Best Lūʻau’s Near Waikiki If you’re staying in Waikiki and looking for a lūʻau, there are several nearby! Yes, you can catch free hula performances at the International Market Place, Ala Moana Mall, and adjacent to the famous Duke Kahanamoku Statue. But, if you’re looking for the full lūʻau experience, here is where you can […]