Hawaii

2026/9/18

Waikiki Trolley Blue Line Review: Halona Blowhole & Scenic Oahu

Today we are sharing our experience riding the Waikiki Trolley Blue Line, one of the easiest ways to enjoy scenic views along the eastern side of Oahu without renting a car. We bought a one-day Blue Line ticket in advance and spent the day enjoying dramatic coastal scenery, a stop at Halona Blowhole, and a relaxing meal back in Waikiki at Island Vintage Coffee. For travelers who want to see more of Oahu while keeping walking and transportation relatively simple, this route can be a very convenient option. Check current Waikiki Trolley ticket options and prices below. Waikiki Trolley Blue Line: A Scenic Route Along East Oahu The Blue Line, now also described as the Ocean View Line, is one of Waikiki Trolley's scenic routes. During our trip, we boarded near the Duke Kahanamoku statue area and headed toward the eastern coastline. Check the latest Waikiki Trolley Ocean View Line information The route passes some of Oahu's best-known scenery, including views around Diamond Head and the dramatic coastline along Kalanianaole Highway. Depending on the current route and stops, it is also useful for travelers interested in areas such as Koko Marina, Kahala and the neighborhoods east of Waikiki. The trolley had wooden bench-style seats that felt more substantial than we expected. Because the vehicle is open-air, the wind can be surprisingly strong once it starts moving. On our day, our hair was flying everywhere, but that was part of the fun! We passed beautiful palm trees and lush green scenery. And then there was the ...

Hawaii

2026/9/18

Moana Surfrider Waikiki Review: Historic Hotel, Beach & Activities

We stayed at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach, one of the most historic hotels in Hawaii. The hotel celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2026, making our stay feel especially memorable. We booked our room using Marriott Bonvoy points and spent several days enjoying the hotel, Waikiki Beach and its resort activities. This review shares our actual experience, including the room, beautiful photo spots, lei-making activity, pool, beach and practical facilities. What Is Moana Surfrider? Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach opened in 1901 and is known as the “First Lady of Waikiki.” It was the first hotel built on Waikiki Beach and celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2026. The white historic exterior and classic architecture give the hotel a completely different atmosphere from many modern Waikiki resorts. Its location is another major advantage. The hotel sits directly on Waikiki Beach, putting the ocean, restaurants, shops and many of Waikiki’s attractions within easy reach. The hotel has also completed a major renovation of its three wings and historic lobby in connection with its 125th anniversary. Beautiful Photo Spots Around the Hotel One of the things we loved most about Moana Surfrider was how photogenic the entire property was. The hotel has many beautiful locations that reflect its long history, and it is also popular as a setting for wedding photography. One of the best places for photos is the white historic exterior and courtyard. Against Hawaii’s blue sky, the elegant colonial-style building looks beautiful in photos. It really made ...

Hawaii Los Angeles

2026/9/18

LAX to Honolulu on American Airlines: Flight Review & Waikiki Transfer

After checking out of Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, we headed to LAX for the next part of our trip: Hawaii! This time, we flew from Los Angeles to Honolulu on an American Airlines domestic flight. From finding an Uber at 4:30 a.m. and exploring LAX before departure to discovering that our flight did not include a complimentary meal, this article shares our entire travel experience. We also cover what we ate onboard, how we used Wi-Fi during the flight, and how we traveled from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Waikiki after landing. If you are planning to fly from Los Angeles to Honolulu, especially as part of a longer international trip, we hope our experience helps you prepare. Read our Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. LIVE hotel review Getting an Uber at 4:30 a.m. from Downtown Los Angeles to LAX We left the hotel at around 4:30 a.m. We were slightly worried about whether we would be able to find an Uber so early, but during our trip, a driver was available almost immediately. We requested a ride through the app, met the driver at the hotel entrance, and headed straight to LAX. With almost no traffic at that hour, the journey from Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. LIVE to the airport took only about 20 minutes. The fare was a little higher than we expected for such an early journey, but the ride itself was very smooth. Our experience reminded us that travel conditions can vary greatly depending on the day and time, so ...