More to Waikiki than the Beach!

When I mention Hawaii, people automatically jump to.... WAIKIKI!!!!!! In your head, alot of you are probably imagining the beach, it's waves, surfing and the blueness of it all..... BUT hold up, that is not all Waikiki has to offer..... and like I said in my previous post, the Waikiki beach is not one of the best in Oahu island or in Hawaii, probably one of the worst because it is overpopulated by tourists!


But.. what you can do on Waikiki is alot more than that. I deem it as the Rodeo Drive of Honolulu because it has many high end stores and it is a strip where people can find alot of branded stuff and also trinkets! A good combination to shop for yourself and friends as well.......


Before you head there, I have prepared a special tour for you......

The beginning of Kalakaua Avenue which is already the Waikiki area. It's a beautiful walk at night because of the trees lining the streets with the lights all around it...

You know you are at the beginning of the avenue when you see this statue.

The Rodeo Drive of Honolulu... whole street has branded stores from LV, to Prada, to Gucci, and the list goes on....

For tourists, you definitely want to check out the DFS Galleria.... You get taxes off already discounted items..who doesn't want that?

Besides shopping, it's nice to walk on Waikiki because you see many street performers along the way....Like this band here played amazing music! I think they should definitely cut an album soon...Many people also use Waikiki to showcase their talent...maybe hoping to get spotted???

While walking, you will see a grove of coconut trees in front of a mall called the Royal Hawaiian which is new... Not only is there alot of stores there but they also provide information on the history of some parts of Hawaii in their video room..

Go get a picture at their stage area because it gives you the feeling that you are in the land of paradise! If I am not mistaken, they have performances(e.g. hula dance) there every week! Catch it if you can instead of paying to go see a Luau(I know...dam cheapskate tactic *blushes*)

They have a huge Forever 21 there that sells all types of clothes....three whole levels! I know many of my friends will go crazy in there.... The prices here are much cheaper too.,...

 

When I said many stores, I really meant it, the mall even has Marciano, Juicy couture, Apple and Ferrari(for the boys)! Couples and families can enjoy shopping there together.... Just don't burn a whole in your wallet like I did...eeepppsss(My dad will probably kill me when he reads this)!!

On to the cheaper stuff....The International Marketplace is where you can get trinkets for your friends...many souvenir shops too! Love to browse around inside because it is a world apart from what you see on Kalakaua Avenue...more like a flea market!

More street performances... showing his talent playing the violin...If you think they are good, be kind and drop a dollar in there aight?

This woman was impressive, all the portraits she drew were exactly like the person! ZOMG!

Even had balloon artists which attracted the kids..

You can get around the whole of Waikiki area using the Trolley. If you are have a JCB card, it is free...and for those who don't, use the pink line one where you can hope on and off by paying two dollars..

Have to highlight my favourite ice cream parlour...Cold Stone!

Why it's special? Because you get to create your own combinations or get their signature ones... It's not just ice cream because they blend a special type of ice cream with all types of other toppings...the best part is that it holds together..

Get what I mean when I say blending the ice cream with toppings..more like mashing it..

Ta-da...my own creation..I know it looks abit gooey...but it tastes "Oh so Good"!!!!!If you tip them, they even sing for you...hahahaha... pretty cute!

At the end of Waikiki, you will see another statue of a one of the best surfers in Honolulu.... His statue is surrounded by fire lamps...you won't miss it! The beach is right behind the statue...

Waikiki beach during the day....See what I mean when I say it's overpopulated?

In Honolulu, one of my favourits spots would definitely be Waikiki because it is vibrant, cooling, and you basically get an "all in one" experience...from performances, history, both cheap and expensive shopping, and great food if you know how to find!Don't miss out the opportunity to stroll along Kalakaua Avenue at night..... And dont tell me I did not warn you on how much you will tend to shop:P

xoxo

Meiz