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Spending your days sussing out the best beaches and shopping in Hawaii sounds like a holiday, but for personal travel manager Kim Mason it’s a job. A job she’s very happy to turn up to work for, mind you!

Kim had the opportunity to explore the famous beach destination of Waikiki, on the lush island of Oahu. Here is what she uncovered.

Kim Mason’s Hawaii Hot Spots

Setting Up Poolside

On Waikiki, you’re never short of a pool to lounge around happily in. My trip to Hawaii started off the way every relaxing holiday should – floating around on a yellow beanbag in Sheraton Waikiki’s pool, looking out to Diamond Head and wondering how life could be any better!

After several hours blissing out by the pool, you’ll no doubt be keen to ease those hunger pains and venture out to try the food on the island.

Food

If you’re a foodie, Waikiki has so much to offer. This is not the land of the Golden Arches (although you can find one if you really want to). Nobu at Waikiki Parc is a standout for the Japanese fare, but if you have strictly western tastes in your travelling clan, then they do also offer western styles as well.

If you’re after great value for money or you have dessert craving, the Cheesecake Factory is your ticket. Get there early as queues can be quite long. Just a tip, the meals are so big and generous, that you can share one meal between two adults (but get your own cheesecake as you definitely won’t want to share that!).

Cocktails

I’ve done the hard work for you and researched where the best cocktail is on the island (someone has to do it!). Trump Towers has won many awards for their 18 ingredient Mai Tai. Your best bet is to book a table for Friday night dinner and enjoy the local fireworks over the park from the restaurant.

Shopping

For the shoppers out there, Hawaii is paradise. There is no way I could imagine shopping from sunrise to midnight, but they manage to do it here and it’s great value for money. Between Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Shopping Centre and Waikele Outlets, the brand names on offer are vast – from Sephora, Macys, Sketchers, Quicksilver, Victoria’s Secret and H&M, plus much more.

Culture & History

Want to add some traditional experiences to your holiday? Take in the best Luau on the island at the Royal Hawaiian. For the history buffs, a tour to Pearl Harbour and Battleship Missouri Memorial is a must. Although the memorials are free to enter, it is best to arrive with a tour, as only a limited number of tickets are released for each day.

Surfing

Oahu is known for Big Wave surfing during the winter months. If you are visiting from November to February, then it’s worth hiring a car for the day and heading to the North Shore of the Oahu to take in Pipeline. Whilst it is not safe for just anyone to get in the water, it is worth watching the local surfers show off their skills.

If you are keen to hire a car, ensure you get to your car hire depot early in the morning. The queues have been known to take hours just to collect your vehicle.

Accommodation

If you are looking for a traditional hotel, then The Royal Hawaiian or Moana Surfrider may be the most enticing, with many of their original fixtures still on show for that old world charm.

For families that want all the action (such as water slides and nightly shows), but still be located centrally to the beachfront, the Sheraton Waikiki offers a great selection of room types. For larger families and groups, Trump Tower apartments are simply amazing.

If you want the view but the beachfront hotels seem a little out of price range, then Waikiki Parc Hotel, or the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani represent great value for money.

To book a similar holiday to Hawaii, contact personal travel manager Kim Mason.