Whilst in Oahu, almost everyone we met was celebrating something. An engagement, a wedding anniversary, a milestone birthday, the last vacation before becoming a family or the first vacation as husband and wife.
Waikiki is just one of those places. It's a little bit magic and the perfect place to make memories - and it also gives you the opportunity to splurge.... because if you're celebrating, you want to make sure you celebrate right.
So let me show you how to do Waikiki in Five Star Style >>
Note: Trump Hotel Waikiki is not affiliated with the administration and does not share it's views. We stayed as guests of Trump Waikiki on this trip, however, all photos and opinions are our own and have not been influenced by the company. This is not a sponsored post.
Trump Hotel Waikiki is one of those places that feels indulgent whilst also feeling like home. Perfect for couples, families and single travellers, they have something for everyone - and each of their suites feels more like a home than a hotel room.
It's located in the heart of Waikiki where you're close enough to everywhere you want to be - beaches, shopping, restaurants, you name it, it's just a short walk or car ride away.
One of the things we liked most about Trump Waikiki was that they had everything covered. We arrived at the hotel in our rental car and were greeted by the valet and welcoming staff who presented us with beautiful shell leis and cold bottles of water, took our bags and our car and brought us upstairs to check in.
We were handed our room keys and were ready to head up to our room. We arrived to our room, room 2108 on the 21st floor (traveller tip: when staying in a city or busy area, I always request a higher floor as you're less likely to hear traffic noise from below).
We arrived to the room to find a fresh fruit plate and welcome note with our bags waiting for us inside.
Our Deluxe Room featured a kitchenette, beautiful Italian marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub and open shower, lounge area with pull out sofa sleeper, flat screen TV and DVD player and the cosiest king sized bed.
Right by our bed was our lanai (or balcony) which looked out onto the city lights, with ocean views to the right.
As you know, being a coeliac, I almost always cook for myself whilst on vacation. It's easier as there's no risk of me getting sick - but it also means we have to go on a hunt for accommodation options that offer a kitchen. We stayed in a Deluxe Room which had its own kitchenette; complete with fridge, microwave, kettle, coffee maker and stovetop.
Every kitchen need was covered with plenty of plates, cutlery, cooking utensils, pots, pans - and even a blender and mixer if you felt like whipping up something extra.
But if eating out is more your style? There are plenty of restaurants and eateries just a short walk, bus, taxi or car ride away. When in Hawaii, however, you'll want to make sure you're as close to the water as possible - so why not enjoy dinner on the water?
Note: We were on board the Star of Honolulu as guests of the company.
All photos and opinions are our own. This is not a sponsored post.
All photos and opinions are our own. This is not a sponsored post.
One night, we did just that - taking a short 15 minute drive to Aloha Tower Pier where we were welcomed aboard the Star of Honolulu with a traditional hula performance.
We were heading out for the evening to enjoy their Five Star Sunset Dining and Jazz Cruise. The ship runs three styles of cruises simultaneously. At the lower end of the pricing scale is the Sunset Buffet and Show, followed by the Star Sunset Dinner and Show, Three Star Sunset Dinner and Show and finally the Five Star Sunset Dining and Jazz Cruise on the top floor.
Once we were aboard the ship, we headed out to the upper deck for the Captain's Reception, where we met the captain and chatted over champagne and canapes.
The canapes for the Captain's Reception included Sundried Tomato and Boursin Cheese Crisps, Grecian Hummus on Cucumber Rounds, Fresh Fruit and Sesame Shrimp Herb Pastry Cups.
After the Captain's Reception, it was time to head inside. We were greeted by Kuber, our maître d' for the evening and taken to our table.
You'll see, scattered around those tables are bottles of champagne. That's because The Star of Honolulu specialise in customising your experience. Guests can arrange a wide variety of add ons - from a beachside photo shoot before the cruise to champagne on arrival and even a cake of their choice to enjoy on the night or take home for later - and so much more. You can even have your wedding ceremony or vow renewal ceremony aboard the ship.
Our table was on the left side of the dining room, right by the window - the perfect place to sit, in my opinion!
Now, the question on everyone's lips; is the Star of Honolulu dinner cruise safe for coeliacs/celiacs/those on a gluten free diet? The answer is (as far as I was told by staff on the night), potentially not. The risk of cross contamination is high - so if you're like me and a super sensitive coeliac, my answer would be no. If you're on a gluten free diet for different reasons, you shouldn't have a problem.
If that's the case, I've included the gluten free and vegan menu options below for you to have a look at.
The menu for the cruise changes seasonally and is due to change soon, however, below is what the menu was on the night we cruised;
First Course (Left and Center):
Original Menu: Chilled Avocado Crema Soup
Gluten Free Vegan Menu: Fresh Fruit Platter
Second Course (Right):
Original Menu: Fresh Tomato and Green Papaya Salad with a White Balsamic Soy Vinaigrette and Crispy Pork Rinds
Gluten Free Vegan Menu: Same as above, minus the pork rinds.
Lobster Course:
Original Menu: Air flown Maine Lobster with Beurre Blanc
Gluten Free Option: Same as above, less Beurre Blanc
Gluten Free Vegan Option: Slow Roasted Beet "Ravioli" with Toasted Beet Filling
Beef Course:
Original Menu: Highest Grade Prime Beef Tenderloin with Steamed Vegetables, Foie Gras and Potato Puree
Gluten Free Option: Same as above
Gluten Free Vegan Option: Eggplant Moussaka with Kamuela Tomato, Yellow Squash and Zucchini
Dessert Course:
Original Menu: Lillikoi Mango Cheesecake with Matcha Macaron and Sorbet
Gluten Free Vegan Option: Sorbet with Fruit and Pistachio Crumble
The best course of all? Nature's one... the sunset. The boat gave us the perfect view for a perfect Waikiki sunset - with views of the beach and Diamond Head Crater on the opposite side.
The "green flash" still alludes us (my theory is that it's just the sun burning your retinas so you see green dots... like you would staring at a light) but you can't beat a beautiful sunset like that!
We ended the night with dessert and jazz music as we cruised back into the pier at Waikiki. An incredible evening - and definitely an experience to remember for a special occasion (or just a celebration of everyday life!)
After an evening of adventure, it was time to return to Trump Waikiki and head to bed - and what a cosy bed to return to! We had the best night of sleep and awoke ready for adventure... and ready to buy the pillows on the bed because they were seriously comfortable!
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But tell me,
Do you usually travel for a special occasion - or just because? Or both?
Where do you like to stay when you're on vacation?
We always stay at somewhere with a kitchen - which means we often don't stay at hotels. It was lovely to stay at Trump Waikiki which gave us all of the amenities of a hotel whilst also having all the amenities of a self catering apartment style accommodation too.
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