Kapolei, HI

It wasn’t that long ago that Kapolei, Hawaii was just the place you drove through to get up island. Highway 1 came to an abrupt halt, changing to the two-lane Route 93 that leads to the more remote northwest coast. Savvy hoteliers took note of the beaches in the area and built the Ihilani Ko Olina, a luxury property that rivals anything Waikiki has to offer. That set the tone for the area -- one of sophistication, peace, and quiet. Soon golf courses went in, as did upscale private residences. Kapolei’s oceanfront Aliinui Dr. neighborhood was born. It remains the most desirable area in town, followed by the Akupu neighborhood which is farther inland.

Paradise Cove predates the resorts and growth spurts of the Kapolei area. This was how tourists discovered the area, traveling by bus from Waikiki to an oceanfront village setting. Considered one of the most authentic luaus on Oahu, guests participate in Hawaiian games and crafts, pull in the hookilau net and witness the ceremony of opening the imu, an underground oven, to reveal the slow roasted pig. Mai tais, food and entertainment make it a fun evening. To explore some aviation history, visit the Naval Air Museum Barbers Point at the Kalaeloa Airport on the southern end of Kapolei. Pearl Harbor and the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument are eight miles east. Another five miles has you in the heart of downtown Honolulu, home to the Iolani Palace and the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. Both venues have histories connecting them to the Hawaiian royal family. The excitement of Waikiki Beach is just a few minutes west.

Kapolei has two shopping malls near the center of town. One is the Kapolei Commons  with anchor stores including Target, Petco and Ross and a host of smaller shops. Ruby Tuesday and Denny’s are stand alone restaurants at the mall. An additional food court offers everything from sushi to frozen yogurt. A branch of the Bank of Hawaii, cellular phone outlets, hair salons and drug stores are also on site. The Kapolei Shopping Center has more than 30 shops and restaurants. One of the mall’s favorite eateries is Loco Moco, a drive in serving the traditional dish of the same name. Loco Moco is a filling dish containing rice topped with a hamburger patty and a fried egg, smothered in gravy. For some high-end shopping head to the Ko Olina resort area. The Ko Olina Station and Center  are independent of the hotels and offer everything from souvenirs to wine and beer. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to shop or dine at the  Ihilani or the Aulani  but reservations for the latter are strongly advised.