january-2010

Photo: Caroline James
Photo: Photolibrary
There’s
never been a better time
to ride high in Hawaii
— and we’re not just talking about big-wave
surf. The Aussie dollar is rising against the
US greenback, making this holiday season an
ideal time to go shopping for bargains in the
Pacifi c island paradise.
With just US$10, the savvy shopper can
fi nd unique souvenirs, clothes and local
delicacies. And Hawaii’s value extends beyond
retail therapy. Work your way through this
list of shoestring budget must-dos to swell
your suitcase, fi ll your stomach and feed your
senses. But the best deal of all is Hawaii’s
natural beauty and warm “aloha” spirit — free
and always in ample supply.
1
Forage for bargains
at the markets
Finding souvenirs for friends and family can
be an expensive exercise. But in Hawaii, you
can fi nd hundreds of gift ideas at two major
open-air markets. The Aloha Flea Market is
Hawaii’s biggest market and stocked full of
locally made and imported bargains. Stock
prices are kept low because it attracts more
than 700 stallholders and manufacturers
who cannot afford to pay rent in downtown
Waikiki. It’s common to fi nd “buy two, get
one free” deals on wallets, clothes, bags and
watches. This is the locals’ market and traders
are happy to haggle. After hours, explore the
International Market Place. Smack-bang in the
middle of Waikiki, this market place is open all
day but really comes alive when the sun goes
down. It has a good range of silver and pearl
jewellery, boutique labels, carved tiki dolls and
kitsch Hawaii-themed trinkets. It also has free
Hawaiian entertainment fi ve nights a week.
2
Sip a sunset cocktail at
the famous Duke’s bar
It’s impossible to go to Hawaii and not run into
Duke Kahanamoku. The undisputed father
of modern surfi ng is a local hero. The iconic
Duke statue on the foreshore of Waikiki beach,
his childhood beach, is always adorned with
fl ower leis.
A visit to nearby Duke’s Waikiki restaurant
and bar is a must-do when in Hawaii. It serves
up fresh seafood, live music, outdoor seating
and unbeatable beachfront views with its
mojitos and mai thais.
3
Suck a shaved-ice snow
cone on Waikiki beach
Shaved ice, a culinary staple in Hawaii, is
as the name suggests fi nely shaved ice
Photo: Caroline James Photo: Photolibrary
topped with your choice of syrups, including
strawberry, rainbow, root beer, vanilla and
passionfruit, served high in a paper cup
with a straw or spoon. Don’t be fooled
by its simplicity — these ice-babies are
seriously refreshing.
4
RETAIL THERAPY
HAWAII
Hike to the top of a
volcanic crater at Diamond
Head State Monument
Hawaii owes its existence to mountains that
spew lava. The easiest and cheapest way
to sample the islands’ rich volcanic history
is to scale 250m Diamond Head, and peer
inside its jagged cone and barren crater base.
Diamond Head was previously called Le’ahi
and reputedly topped with a temple for human
sacrifi ces. These days, it’s a state park and the
2.6km round-trip hike — via sections of pitchblack
tunnel and 271 steps — takes about an
hour. Take your own water and sunscreen. The
summit rewards with 360-degree views.
5
Eat fresh garlic shrimp
on the roadside
If you’re looking for fancy décor, keep driving.
But what the Windward Coast’s rustic mobile
shrimp vans lack in ambience, they make
JANUARY 2010 47