I recently achieved Qantas Holidays Global Achievers annual event and this year was flown to Hawai’i – courtesy of Qantas and Jetstar Airways.
The Hawaiian Islands – is fresh and the floral air energizes you , the warm tranquil waters refresh you and the breathtaking natural beauty abounds – there is no place on earth like Hawaii.
I was very excited about this years event in Hawaii and so of course my nails had to match this awesome destination.
I arrived in O’ahu – the home to the State’s capitol city of Honolulu and the world famous Waikiki Beach – and was transferred by to my home for 2 nights the Pink Palace of the Pacific – The Royal Hawaiian Hotel – which is such an awesome location right on Waikiki Beach. After checking in we headed out to downtown Waikiki – every iconic store is present here – from Coach , Gucci , Harry Winston right through to the local souvenir stores ABC which are everywhere – which has everything right down to Barack Obama Mints – which of course I had to buy some!
There are plenty of opportunities to try the diverse range of restaurants – and one of the best is Duke’s and the famous Hula Pie – which we had for dessert on our 1st night out and it was massive but a must. Another must for guests is the famous Pearl Harbour and Punch bowl tour – a very moving and emotional visit that played such a critical role in world history.
On day 3 was our adventure over to the outer Island of Kauai – we flew with Hawaiian Airlines and this flight from Honolulu is only 20 minutes so it was so quick indeed. We were then met with the traditional Island Lei and driven to our 1st Hotel – St Regis Princeville on the northern shore of Kauai in a town called Hanalei. This was truly an amazing Hotel – its signature features a unique 5,000 square feet infinity designed swimming pool situated overlooking the beautiful Hanalei Bay. What makes the pool so special is the seamless experience with the ocean – protected by the Reef the waters of the St Regis remain calm and sheltered year round and the amazing snorkelling opportunities without leaving the Resort.
The rooms are very large with large bathrooms and includes a unique feature – a Lei hook!
They also have every evening Champagne Sabering and hosted pupus(appetisers) by the St Regis – this was an amazing thing to watch with the sun setting.
The next morning we were up early to start our day with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters – the best way to see this Island paradise – its spectacular Valleys , waterfalls , canyons and the Mt Waialeale – the heart of the Ancient Volcano – the views of the Na Pali Coast was just stunning and the 45 minutes ride seemed much longer.
After this we checked into Kipu Ranch Adventures – for our fun filled couple of hours of ATV driving – which I had never done before but what an experience the back drop of the mountains amazing – and home to Jurassic park and Indiana Jones movies. Lunch was provided and the backdrop of lush tropical landscapes and cattle was truly an unique experience of this Ranch.
The evening was at our 2nd Hotel of Kauai – The Grand Hyatt Resort – situated on the South Shore of Kauai in Poipu. The guest rooms are very large and most have garden , ocean or pool views from the private lanai.
The next day we left early and checked in for our Captain Andy’s Star Na Pali Snorkel and BBQ catamaran Sail – this includes breakfast and lunch.
This explores the beautiful coastline of Na Pali – with views of Niihau and Polihale . Spectacular sea cliffs , waterfalls and lava tubes – Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands and this carved coastline is the result of nearly 8 million years of exposure to wind , waves and rain . This is also the home to the Hawaiian Spinner dolphins and there were massive pods of them.
This evening was our stay at the Kaui Marriott resort at Kalapaki beach – not far from the airport – which was is great for early flights in and out.
I must say the whole stay in both Honolulu and Kauai was something ill never forget and a destination that you could come to over and over again and be amazed everytime you visit.
