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Off-duty firefighters teach the ladies how to hang ten on a secluded southwest Oahu beach |
Gal pals, take note. The island of Oahu wants to make your next vacation together one to remember. While the island is loaded with activities, attractions, accommodations and restaurants with feminine appeal, the following are particularly well-suited to girlfriend getaways.
Activities
Bike Hawaii. Girlfriends can book tours on two wheels as well as hiking and ocean excursions. 877-682-7433, www.bikehawaii.com
Hawaiian Fire Surf School. Off-duty firefighters teach the ladies how to hang ten on a secluded southwest Oahu beach. 888-955-7873, www.hawaiianfire.com
Hawaii Food Tours. Culinary trips around town take clients to eateries specializing in one-of-a-kind island fare. 808-926-3663, www.hawaiifoodtours.com
Honolulu Marathon. Slated this year for Dec. 13, this foot race draws thousands of runners to a picturesque course by the sea. 808-734-7200, www.honolulumarathon.org
Pineapple Painting Tours. Two local artists help clients discover their creative muse during outdoor watercolor classes. 808-590-7092, www.pineapplepaintingtours.com
Skydive Hawaii. Tandem dives over north Oahu provide gal pals with high-flying stories for the folks back home. 808-637-9700, www.hawaiiskydiving.com
Soar Hawaii. In bubble-top gliders, clients get an eyeful of scenery during these tours at once silent and spectacular. 808-637-3147, www.soarhawaii.com
Twogood Kayaks. During guided tours, clients paddle on the calm, reef-protected waters of Kailua Bay, with an island stop for lunch. 808-262-5656, www.twogoodkayaks.com
Wild Side Specialty Tours. The pristine waters off west Oahu set the stage for eco-friendly trips, including swim time with dolphins. 808-306-7273, www.sailhawaii.com
Accommodations
Aston Waikiki Sunset. One block from the beach, this condominium resort provides suites with all the amenities of home, including a full kitchen, at reasonable prices. 877-774-2924, www.astonhotels.com
Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk. Spacious one- and two-bedroom suites and proximity to lots of shops make this a great headquarters for girlfriends. 800-362-2779, www.embassysuiteswaikiki.com
Halekulani. This high-end option features some of Waikiki’s most elegant suites, perfect when ladies want to pamper themselves to the fullest. 800-367-2343, www.halekulani.com
Attractions
Contemporary Museum. Here’s a relaxing indoor and outdoor setting in which to peruse art, savor lunch and pick up souvenirs. 808-526-1322, www.tcmhi.org
Honolulu Academy of Arts. After touring its formidable collection of paintings, clients can lunch in its landscaped courtyard. 808-532-8700, www.honoluluacademy.org
Shangri La. At the oceanfront estate of Doris Duke, priceless Islamic works vie for the eye with impressive architectural touches. 866-385-3849, www.shangrilahawaii.org
Shopping
Ala Moana Center. This vast indoor-outdoor shopping emporium boasts 290 stores, kiosks and restaurants. 808-955-9517, www.alamoanacenter.com
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. Hawaii’s largest open-air flea market has heaps of merchandise, including Hawaii-made products. 808-486-6704, www.alohastadiumswapmeet.net
Waikele Outlet Mall. Avid shoppers appreciate the discounts at these 50 outlet stores, located 20 minutes from Honolulu. 808-676-5656, www.premiumoutlets.com/waikele