Its always darkest before the dawn. I was thinking about that phrase literally, not figuratively as I made my way to the Waikiki beachfront for a traditional Hoala sunrise ceremony. Let me tell you, at 5:30 in the morning, its dark like, need-a-flashlight dark.Of course, Im always up before the sun IRL. But given the demands of a typical day, I never have the luxury of stopping to contemplate what sunrise actually means or why it matters; it just happens. You know, right?
The new spin
For somebody who has wanted to go to Waikiki since The Brady Bunch travelled there in 1972, you can bet I had a long list of adventures planned hike Diamond Head, try canoe surfing and explore Pearl Harbour, to name a few. Im certain that these activities top most folks itineraries, but there is more to Waikiki than meets the postcard. For starters, theres an earnest desire by the locals to reclaim the traditions that gave life to the islands distinct culture, and you dont have to look far to experience this renaissance.In addition to hotels like the Marriott Waikiki Cvomplex, which offers the Hoala ceremony, there are hiking companies, like Hawaii Forest & Trail, that provide a range of island tours, explaining as they go about the importance of indigenous crops and vegetation and what they mean for the survival of the culture. On these tours, youll learn about the massive reforestation projects now underway to repopulate the land with indigenous vegetation a process that will take several generations to complete, our guide told us.But you dont have to travel into the mountains to experience the revival. Unique cultural offerings are all around you. Restaurant menus are filled with dishes using local ingredients, and spas are incorporating meaningful rituals into their therapies, all of which allow you to connect with the earth (and yourself) in ways you cant experience at home.Being authentic is important to this state, not as a tourist gimmick but as a genuine way to make sense of life. As one of our guides said, Our parents generation tried hard to be American, but younger generations are trying hard to revive our culture and get back to our roots.To that, I say E ala e awaken and arise to all that Waikiki has to offer.
Best stay
Moana SurfriderBuilt in 1901, the Westin Resort & Spa beachfront property is the oldest hotel in Waikiki. She doesnt show her age, though, thanks to many upgrades and renovations, including a nearly 20-million-dollar rejuvenation in 2014. This property checks all the boxes for a perfect tropical holiday: beachfront access, ocean views, a luxury spa and a variety of dining choices. Given that its a Westin property, you can be assured of a great wellness program that features a host of activities, including a 24-hour gym, morning yoga sessions, running and aquasize programs and, because its Hawaii, weekly hula lessons, natch.
Best eat
La VieNew to the Ritz-Carlton, La Vie just opened this past summer. With a menu developed by executive chef Shaymus Alwin, the focus is on classic French-inspired cuisine using local ingredients. I had the chance to preview a tasting menu that included Truffled Asparagus la Nage with Hamakua Mushrooms for a soup starter and Hapalua Wagyu with Pommes Aligot and Beef Tongue Bordelaise for a main. Instagrammable and memorable! The service matched the food, which is to say first-rate.
Best activities
Hoala CeremonyAn inspiring way to start the day, this traditional sunrise ceremony includes Hawaiian chants that are meant to bring awareness to the suns gifts and encourage moments of personal reflection. It rounds out with an early-morning ocean dip to cleanse your body, mind and spirit. This portion is supposed to be done in reverential silence, but, um, the water is a tad cold at that time of day, so dont feel bad if you let out a screech or two.Diamond Head trailYou cant visit Waikiki without making a trip up Diamond Head, the iconic volcanic formation thats visible from much of the city. From the trailhead to the summit, its 1.3 kilometres, with a 171-metre climb. Toward the top, theres a steep 99-step walk, but dont be deterred: The view from the summit is breathtaking. At a leisurely pace, with time for photos, you can complete the circuit in about two hours.
Best spa
Moana Lani SpaOahus only beachfront spa, this property offers 17,000 square feet of pampering. Each treatment begins with a hoawe bowl ritual, where you imagine emptying your worries into a bowl of salt, which is then removed from the room while you enjoy your treatment. At the end of the day, all of the salt collected is returned to the ocean. My fave treatment? The Stones of Apuakehau, an 80-minute session where your legs and feet are wrapped in awa mud and local river stones are placed on your back and neck to draw out toxins, followed by a full-body massage.Ritz-Carlton SpaYou dont need to stay here to book a treatment in this beautiful and contemporary spa. For a traditional island experience, try the Hoomalu treatment. Translated as a sense of peace, this therapy starts with a leg and foot mask, followed by a hot volcanic stone treatment and lomilomi massage think flowing massage movements where the therapist uses their hands and forearms to knead and stretch your taut muscles.
Planning ahead
If you find it hard to organize activities before a trip, check out this website for easy vacay planning. Simply type in your destination and start exploring all the offerings. All of the tours and activities have been vetted, and many come with travel tips from local experts. It really takes the hassle out of organizing activities. You dont have to be a Marriott Bonvoy member to book, but you can earn points by booking activities and members can redeem activities with points.
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