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Girls just want to have funBy Fran McDermott and Kat Chapman

Ala Moana Centre©Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

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For a few days each year, our group of four friends pick a spot and escape our everyday lives and responsibilities. This year our siren call led us to Hawaii. Our mission – pure leisure.

Our home base in Hawaii was the shopping mecca and world-famous sands of Waikiki Beach. It’s the ultimate playground for a girls’ trip, mixing Pacific island beauty and a vibrant cosmopolitan centre with world-class entertainment options around every corner. In a nutshell, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Waikiki catered to our every wish. Delicious cuisine, luscious cocktails, sunsets to die for, weather that had us lying pool and ocean-side for hours on end, and our personal favourite, shopping! All these ingredients made for an unforgettable vacation experience. In fact you’re bound to be planning your next trip back on the plane ride home.

Shop and then shop some moreI love a good dose of retail therapy and was looking forward to testing Hawaii’s reputation as a shopping paradise. But when I got there, I was still surprised by the sheer number of options available. A warning, ladies – if you’re going to put aside two or three days for shopping, I’d recommend getting a rough plan together so you don’t miss the places you really want to go to.

Ala Moana Shopping CentreA great place to start your shopping journey, especially when the sun is shining is Ala Moana, the world’s largest open-air shopping centre with (get this) over 350 stores. Luxury brands like Chanel sit side-by-side Gucci and Tiffany & Co. You’ll find Banana Republic, Coach plus big-name department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Our personal favourite was Nordstrom - the range and pricing options were amazing.

Ross Dress For LessIf you liking hunting through rack upon rack of clothing, this is the place to go to. It is bursting at the seams with clothing, shoes and more. We picked up an amazing bargain or two here. Well worth a fossick.

Waikele Premium OutletsAround 30 minutes out of Waikiki you’ll find Waikele Premium Outlets, one of the picks of the trip. Home to more than 50 designer outlets, including Kate Spade, Coach and Calvin Klein, this is another bargain hunter’s heaven. As you can imagine, we took full advantage and stocked up on Christmas presents in the process.

Things to doNorth Shore Eco ToursWaikiki can get hectic, so a day trip hiking with North Shore Eco Tours was a great way to get off the beaten path and experience Oahu’s nature, history and culture. The tour runs on private conservation land above the North Shore, and there are tour options to suit your interests and level of fitness, such as guided off-road expeditions and exclusive hiking adventures.

Our private group enjoyed the Huaka’i Iki - The Little Hiking Adventure half-day tour. Our guide, Keola, was an expert in local history and articulated the island’s fascinating cultural stories (mo’olelo) with flair. The trek follows the ridgeline of the mountain, the perfect vantage point for panoramic views of tropical forests, including native trees, flowers and fruits such as koa, waiwai, or strawberry guava, and wild orchids.

Keola taught us about the value Hawaiians place on the land. For instance, nothing is wasted during the harvest. A first-hand example was a banana branch he cut down to take home for the family. This would be used for both food and medicine. This amazing experience was topped off with a light gourmet lunch overlooking the valley.

Riding with the Moniz Family Surf SchoolHawaii is the spiritual home of surfing, so what better place to ride your first wave! A surfing lesson was in order, so we hooked up with the Moniz Family Surf School, owned by well-known local surfers Tony and Tammy Moniz.

Tony has surfed professionally and they have both dedicated themselves to the sport, as well as the budding surfing careers of their five children. Our instructor was one of his sons, Micah, who was experienced, engaging and provided a solid training outline for our first surf lesson.

Waikiki has a gentle surf break, so once we were out in the clear water, with a helping hand from Micah, we were all stoked to magically pop up and surf our first waves. It was an afternoon filled with fun, laughter and a few wipeouts!

Holokai Catamaran – Friday Night Fireworks CruiseNo girls’ trip is complete without the wonder of a night-time cruise on a catamaran. The 60-minute voyage operates on a Friday night and offers a free open bar and on-board music. The grand finale is the stunning fireworks display operated by the Hilton Hawaiian Village that explode in colour while you enjoy the best seats in the house. The guava cocktail was a huge hit and had us all dancing on the deck.

Waikiki ©Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Surf’s up at Waikiki @ Moniz Family Surf School

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Where to stayMoana SurfriderThere is something magical about the Moana Surfrider. Known as the First Lady of Waikiki, it was the first hotel to open on Oahu in 1901. The hotel is located on the oceanfront in central Waikiki, so it’s a short stroll to virtually everything.

The property has been modernised, but it maintains its elegant Victorian history. Breakfast or afternoon tea at the Veranda at the Beachhouse, with delicious food and the ocean view, is a must. The Moana Surfrider is also home to the Moana Lani Spa, a must-visit for any girls’ trip. The spa has nine customised massage therapy rooms, three customised facial rooms and couples treatment rooms, so there is something for everyone.

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & SpaThis hotel is another wonderful option on Waikiki. The suites were luxurious and spacious, with three separate decks wrapping around a detached lounge and bedroom. You’ll never get sick of the sweeping ocean views, and at sunset it’s the perfect spot to sip a cocktail.

The rooms are styled in island décor, which gives the spaces a relaxed, breezy atmosphere. Lying poolside with a drink at the Moana Terrace or exploring one of the many shopping options made this our own slice of paradise.

Prince WaikikiThe Prince Waikiki luxury hotel offers newly renovated, modern rooms overlooking the ocean and the marina. The rooms are spacious, luxurious and have floor-to-ceiling windows to let the light stream in. The hotel offers signature experiences including a daily cultural ritual in the lobby. The infinity pool overlooking the ocean and marina is breathtaking.

Dining delightsAla Moana CentreAla Moana’s fourth-level terrace offers an array of international cuisine and live music. We enjoyed an amazing meal at Tanaka of Tokyo. Our master teppanyaki chef expertly prepared mouth-watering grilled delights, including fresh vegetables, seafood and Black Angus sirloin that melted in the mouth, all served with culinary flair, utensils flying in the air and flaming grills.

Roy’s WaikikiAn evening dining at Roy’s Waikiki was an absolute pleasure. Chef Roy Yamaguchi takes the freshest local ingredients and mixes them with bold Asian flavours to create “Hawaii-inspired Euro-Asian cuisine”. We enjoyed mouth-watering sashimi, tetsuyaki served on a hot plate and Hawaiian-style crab cakes. The pineapple and lime martinis were also our pick of the stay.

Island Vintage CoffeeIf you need a coffee fix, this place is a must. In fact we made more then one visit. The café offers great coffee and a wide selection of breakfast and brunch cuisine. A personal favourite was the veggie bagel loaded with fresh avocado, pesto and sunflower seeds served on a fresh bagel, or the acai bowl featuring fresh fruit, granola and island honey. They also offer a variety of egg and sandwich options. Be prepared to queue, though, as this place is very popular. But the wait is worth it.

Dukes WaikikiThis restaurant is a great spot to enjoy a late lunch and a cold beer. Positioned on the beachfront of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Dukes offers amazing views. The cuisine ranges from classic BLTs and burgers to original hula pies. You can also enjoy a lively line-up of entertainment in the evenings.

Sky Waikiki Rooftop BarLadies, this is the place to frock up, pop on some heels and get ready for a cocktail. The bar has an amazing variety of drinks on the menu, including virgin cocktails to suit a wide range of tastes. The fun doesn’t stop there. You can also dance the night away to some of Oahu’s top DJs. If you’re in town on Saturday night, be sure to check out the ladies’ night event, where you’ll gain free entry between 10-11pm and extra bonus goodies. ©Ala Moana Centre

Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider

Hiking adventures with North Shore Eco Tours

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Getting aroundRoyal Hawaiian LimousineThe perfect way to start our holiday was being met by Lynette from Royal Hawaiian Limousine at Honolulu International Airport. The company is affiliated with the airport, so they have access to areas where they can provide a greeting service with a hand-held sign and a fresh Hawaiian lei. Our journey to Waikiki was comfortable and smooth, and after our long flight it was nice to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of our new surroundings.

Alamo Rental CarsThere’s so much to explore on Oahu it’s definitely worth hiring a car. We rented a car from Alamo Rental Cars. They have nine handy locations on Oahu, so it’s easy to pick up and drop off your vehicle between locations.

We drove to the North Shore, which is approximately an hour’s drive from Waikiki. The surfing coast has some picture-postcard beaches, with Waimea Bay being our pick.

Also, be sure to check out the laid-back surfer town of Haleiwa, which has a fleet of food trucks (yummy shrimps are their specialty), surfing shops and tasty local cuisine.

We appreciate the support of Hawaii Tourism. If you require more information please go to www.gohawaii.com/nz or contact info@hawaiitourism.co.nz

Birds eye view form Moana Surfrider

Infinity bliss at Prince Waikiki Hotel

Flying inAir New Zealand operates five direct flights a week to Hawaii from Auckland. The flight time to Hawaii is eight-and-a-half hours and you will arrive a day earlier, as you cross the international dateline.

I treated myself to an upgrade to Premium Economy and it was worth its weight in gold. I sipped on champagne with my friends, had plenty of legroom and to top it off was given amazing service by friendly staff. As the flights are overnight, leaving Auckland at 9.05pm, we had plenty of sleeping space, and a travel goody bag to freshen ourselves up when we woke.

Ready to ride with Moniz Family Surf School

Resort’s relaxed beach vibe inspired by local legends

Hawaii Marriott

Stroll along Kuhio Beach on the arc of sand that is Waikiki, and you’re bound to come across the Waikiki Beach Boys. They are renowned for their casual, bohemian attitude as they arrange surf lessons and canoe rides, and hire out surfboards.

Their glory days may be over, now they have had to adopt a corporate image of uniforms, name tags and iPads. It’s supposed to give their presence on the beach a more professional look.

But their welcoming smiles, local colour and aloha were the inspiration for interior designer Bianca Yih, of the design company CRA, concept for transforming the guest rooms at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

This second phase of the resort’s transformation will see all of the 1310 rooms renovated by autumn, 2019. The painted wooden shiplap panels and warm ceruse wood stain throughout the guestrooms’ millwork and furniture promote the casual feel of a welcoming Hawaiian home.

All the guest bathrooms are being clad with tiles inspired by whitewashed driftwood planks, and flanked by barn door entries, with new vanities and lighting. Maritime works of art above the beds pay homage to Waikiki’s reef.

Other subtle nods to the Beach Boys' lifestyle include coral-coloured accent pillows and rope-woven details to help create a sense of place and time. The bathrooms in the renovated King Rooms will have new walk-in showers encased in glass.

Guests can swim in one of the resort’s freshwater swimming pools, then relax in the new 10-person outdoor whirlpool located on the third floor of the Paoakalani Tower.

There is a new state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness centre, or they can learn Hawaiian arts and crafts, browse the shops and boutiques, or relax and listen to live Hawaiian entertainment. And the balconies, or lanai, where guests can enjoy a drink and a snack and lap up the unforgettable view of the Pacific Ocean, have also been refreshed.

The renovation of the guest rooms follows the first phase in the transformation of the Waikiki Beach Marriott, which began in 2016 with the completion of the Kona Moku Ballroom, the Nanea Lobby and the Kuhio Beach Grill.

The focal point of the Kona Moku Ballroom is a stunning blown glass chandelier which beams out a kaleidoscope of colours. Customised lighting and a lanai overlooking the lobby's water feature help ensure meetings and events run in a professional, relaxed atmosphere. The ballroom accommodates 800 guests in a theatre setup and 610 attendees for a banquet.

The crowning touch of the Nanea Lobby transformation is a dramatic 18 x 6 metre carved wooden artwork, Ka Maka Hinu (The Bright Face), by artist Kaiwi Nui Yoon. The artwork is intended to reflect the love of Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii's last reigning monarch, for the people of her kingdom.

The Kuhio Beach Grill, or KBG, takes pride in their bourbon bar, featuring craft cocktails and over 40 different whiskies, including some from Japan. The menu features locally inspired modern American cuisine. The Grill is open for breakfast and dinner, with a prime rib buffet being an evening highlight.

A century ago, the land on which the resort stands was the Queen’s summer residence, complementing her main home. The resort honoured her by naming its two towers to represent her two homes Kealohilani and Paoakalani (for “heavenly” and “fragrance”). It perpetuates her legacy by providing guests with authentic Hawaiian music by some of the state’s best musicians, displaying Hawaiian artifacts throughout the hotel, and welcoming guests with traditional gracious Hawaiian hospitality.

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Moana Surfrider is arguably the most famous hotel in Waikiki Beach, if not all of Hawaii. This grand hotel opened way back in 1901, marking the beginning of tourism in Waikiki. The hotel and the surrounding area have seen many changes since then, but after all this time it remains one of the most sought after places to stay. In this issue we had the pleasure and privilege of experiencing Moana Surfrider for ourselves. It was one of the true highlights of our girls trip. And if you are lucky enough to win this prize, we can guarantee you’ll love it too.

HOW TO ENTER:Answer these questions:

What is the name of Moana Surfrider’s spa?

Name one of Moana Surfrider’s dining options?

USS ______ Memorial is the number one visited destination in Hawaii.

Email your answers to info@islandtime.co.nz - Subject line: Win Moana Surfrider

PRIZE INCLUDES:• 4 nights accommodation at Moana Surfrider

(Tower Premier Ocean Room)

• Daily Moana Surfrider Beach Club Lounge Access

• US$150 resort credit

• USS Arizona Memorial Tour and airport transfers with Royal Hawaiian Limousines & Tours

WHISK YOURSELF AWAY TO WONDERFUL WAIKIKI

WIN 4 NIGHTS at the MOANA SURFRIDER, WAIKIKI BEACHPLUS USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL TOUR AT PEARL HARBOR & AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Terms and conditions: Prize is for accommodation only. Prize winner must pay for all flights, transfers and taxes. Will be drawn on 28 February 2019. The prize is valid from January 6 - June 13, 2019 and is subject to availability with the following blackout dates: February 14 - 17, March 22 - 25, April 25 - May 3, 2019. Included is Beach Club lounge access featuring breakfast and evening reception daily and a $150 resort credit for dining or spa treatments. The prize is non-transferable and is not redeemable for its cash value.

USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL TOUR With ROYAL hAWAIIAN LIMOUSINES & TOURSEnjoy an incredible walk through history including:

• Reserved official tour tickets - no waiting in line!

• Complete tour of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Centre

• Visit to the two-world class Pearl Harbor Visitor Centre Museums

• Admission to the National Park Services’ 23-minute documentary film on the Pearl Harbor attack

• Narrated US Navy Boat Ride in Pearl Harbor to the USS Arizona Memorial

• Visit to USS Arizona Memorial

• View of the Battleship Missouri, Submarine USS Bowfin, grounds and exhibits

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