Following our venture into Honolulu's Chinatown Historic District, we headed to the famous Waikiki Beach to enjoy the sunset and a waterfront fine dining experience. First, we had to stop at our hotel for a well deserved shower and fresher clothes. We could have taken a rest at House Without a Key by getting some cocktails while enjoying the Hawaiian live band. But instead, we decided to walk down Honolulu's main street and shopping Mecca, Kalakaua Ave, down toward Waikiki Beach.
Kalakaua Avenue, named after King David Kalakaua, is the main road stretching for 1 mile (1.6km) through Waikiki. It runs parallel to Waikiki Beach and features many shops, restaurants and bars. It is fair to say that this is where the action is taking place. Shops along Kalakaua Avenue range from beachwear and surf shops to upscale boutiques such as Dior, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.
Louis Vuitton boutique on Kalakaua Avenue.
Dior boutique on Kalakaua Avenue.
Hermes window displaying some original guitars on Kalakaua Avenue.
Entrance of the Cartier Boutique on Kalakaua Avenue.
A short walk down Kalakaua Avenue and we finally reached Waikiki Beach. No beach anywhere is so widely known or so universally sough after as this narrow, 1.5 mile long (2.4 km) crescent of imported sand (to counter erosion and rising sea levels) at the foot of a string of high-rise hotels. Home to the world's longest-running beach party, Waikiki attracts nearly five million visitors a year from every corner of the planet. First-timers are always amazed to discover how small Waikiki Beach actually is, but everyone finds a place for themselves under the tropical sun here.
Waikiki Beach is also paradise to any surfer wannabe. Indeed, the turquoise and calm waters of Waikiki provide the perfect condition for getting a surfing lesson. Legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku, grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki. This Olympic gold medalist in swimming actually taught visitors how to surf at the turn of the century and was later known as “The father of modern surfing.” Today, the Waikiki Beach Boys perpetuate Duke’s legacy by teaching visitors how to surf and canoe and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue has become an iconic symbol of Waikiki.
One of Waikiki's new and signature attractions is the tradition of torch-lighting ceremonies that occurs most evenings throughout Waikiki. Locals and visitors are all getting together on the lawn at Waikiki Beach Walk (Near Duke Kahanomoku’s statue and the large Banyan tree) to relax and enjoy the nightly hula pageant which begins with a torch-lighting ceremony and the call of a conch shell. The hour-long show starts just before sunset* and features the young men of the "Men of Hoêa" in a torch lighting ceremony, followed by the award-winning hula halau schools dedicated to hula and Hawaiian culture from throughout Oahu.
* Nightly except Mondays, weather-permitting. 6:30-7:30 PM (6:00-7:00 PM in Nov, Dec, Jan) at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound
Waikiki Beach is also paradise to any surfer wannabe. Indeed, the turquoise and calm waters of Waikiki provide the perfect condition for getting a surfing lesson. Legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku, grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki. This Olympic gold medalist in swimming actually taught visitors how to surf at the turn of the century and was later known as “The father of modern surfing.” Today, the Waikiki Beach Boys perpetuate Duke’s legacy by teaching visitors how to surf and canoe and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue has become an iconic symbol of Waikiki.
One of Waikiki's new and signature attractions is the tradition of torch-lighting ceremonies that occurs most evenings throughout Waikiki. Locals and visitors are all getting together on the lawn at Waikiki Beach Walk (Near Duke Kahanomoku’s statue and the large Banyan tree) to relax and enjoy the nightly hula pageant which begins with a torch-lighting ceremony and the call of a conch shell. The hour-long show starts just before sunset* and features the young men of the "Men of Hoêa" in a torch lighting ceremony, followed by the award-winning hula halau schools dedicated to hula and Hawaiian culture from throughout Oahu.
* Nightly except Mondays, weather-permitting. 6:30-7:30 PM (6:00-7:00 PM in Nov, Dec, Jan) at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound
Traditional Polynesian boat.
One of the many Duke Kahanamoku tributes.
Young hula dancers before the nightly hula pageant show.
Waikiki Beach.
At the end of Waikiki Beach on the sand of Sans Souci Beach (trouble free in French), we ended our journey with an elegant waterfront dining at Michel's at the Colony Surf. The restaurant rolls up right on the beach, and offers a breathtaking ocean view as well as the best vista of Honolulu skyline. Many dine early to catch the gorgeous sunset from the terrace, but the fabulous after-dark lights of Waikiki is equally enjoyable.
Dinner here is a sort of sunset beach picnic with linen, china and chandeliers. This is arguably the most romantic spot in Waikiki for a sunset dinner for two. Michel's is synonymous with fine dining in the minds of Oahuans who have been coming here for more than 40 years. Over the years, Chef Hardy Kintscher has developed a très, très French menu with both classic choices (escargot, sauteed foie gras) and contemporary items - or a Hawaiian twist on a French classic such as the Hawaiian Bouillabaisse. We decided on taking the "Chef Hardy's Taste of Michel's", a 6 courses tasting menu.
An elegant French cuisine paired with a good bottle of wine and feet almost on the sand... Is there a better way to finish a day?
Dinner here is a sort of sunset beach picnic with linen, china and chandeliers. This is arguably the most romantic spot in Waikiki for a sunset dinner for two. Michel's is synonymous with fine dining in the minds of Oahuans who have been coming here for more than 40 years. Over the years, Chef Hardy Kintscher has developed a très, très French menu with both classic choices (escargot, sauteed foie gras) and contemporary items - or a Hawaiian twist on a French classic such as the Hawaiian Bouillabaisse. We decided on taking the "Chef Hardy's Taste of Michel's", a 6 courses tasting menu.
An elegant French cuisine paired with a good bottle of wine and feet almost on the sand... Is there a better way to finish a day?
From the restaurant's terrace, you can enjoy an amazing view of Honolulu skyline.
Duckhorn Merlot 2006 (375ml) - $75.
1st course - Fresh iced oysters served with fresh lemon, cocktail sauce and shallot vinaigrette.
1rst course - Terrine of Hudson Valley foie gras with Guava port wine gelée and toasted raisin bread.
2nd course - Napoleon of seared Alaskan diver scallop layered with oven-roasted plum tomatoes and grilled zucchini; citrus vinaigrette.
3rd course - Belgian endive salad with Cambazola bleu cheese, watercress, dried cranberry and crisp prosciutto; Jerez vinaigrette.
4th course - Grilled Onaga served over sautéed spinach & pilaf rice, diced tomato & mango in a browned butter sauce.
5th course - Beef bourgogne (Boeuf Bourguignon) served with Parisian vegetable, rustic rice and red wine demi glace.
6th course - Molten chocolate cake served with apple banana gelato and fresh berries.
For more information
Michel's at the Colony Surf
Open everyday for dinner and for Sunday Brunch
(Sunday to Thursday: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30 pm - 10 pm., Sunday Brunch: 10 am - 1pm)
Opened in 1962, Michel's remains one of Hawaii's longest-standing and finest restaurants, offering delectable dishes celebrating the rebirth of classical French cuisine.
Our review: We had a very enjoyable dinner at Michel's. The open terrace offers an incredible view on Waikiki Beach and Honolulu's skyline, and the live band playing soft jazz was a great addition to the experience. The service was very attentive and friendly. We decided to take the tasting menu, a 6 courses menu at $80. Every dish was tasty and well presented. Our final bill was $316 that included 2 tasting menu, half bottle of Merlot, espresso and water, taxes and gratuities. Taking into account the location, view, and live band, we can say that menu is more than reasonably priced. For a romantic evening, this is definitely one of the best spot in Honolulu. Try to book early enough to enjoy the sunset and request an ocean side table.
2895 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815
USA
Tel: (808) 923 6552
Website
Kalauka Avenue
Waikiki's main road is a two-mile-long oceanfront street, progressing from Ala Wai bridge to the impressive Diamond Head. As the namesake of Hawaii's lively final king, the street befittingly features legendary hotels, parks, and a host of deluxe shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Recently renovated by the city, the street at Waikiki Beach features new plantings, seating spots, and a waterfall that's a perfect site for a photo. If you don't want walk, a free Waikiki Trolley travels along Kalakaua Avenue.
(Sunday to Thursday: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:30 pm - 10 pm., Sunday Brunch: 10 am - 1pm)
Opened in 1962, Michel's remains one of Hawaii's longest-standing and finest restaurants, offering delectable dishes celebrating the rebirth of classical French cuisine.
Our review: We had a very enjoyable dinner at Michel's. The open terrace offers an incredible view on Waikiki Beach and Honolulu's skyline, and the live band playing soft jazz was a great addition to the experience. The service was very attentive and friendly. We decided to take the tasting menu, a 6 courses menu at $80. Every dish was tasty and well presented. Our final bill was $316 that included 2 tasting menu, half bottle of Merlot, espresso and water, taxes and gratuities. Taking into account the location, view, and live band, we can say that menu is more than reasonably priced. For a romantic evening, this is definitely one of the best spot in Honolulu. Try to book early enough to enjoy the sunset and request an ocean side table.
2895 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815
USA
Tel: (808) 923 6552
Website
Kalauka Avenue
Waikiki's main road is a two-mile-long oceanfront street, progressing from Ala Wai bridge to the impressive Diamond Head. As the namesake of Hawaii's lively final king, the street befittingly features legendary hotels, parks, and a host of deluxe shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Recently renovated by the city, the street at Waikiki Beach features new plantings, seating spots, and a waterfall that's a perfect site for a photo. If you don't want walk, a free Waikiki Trolley travels along Kalakaua Avenue.
Interactive map
Check out our interactive map of Hawaii to see where I took all the pictures featured in this article.
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