It can be easy to take Hawaii life for granted. There’s an infinite number of Instagram worthy destinations and travel has never been easier or cheaper. But after visiting many world renowned locales, one of the best places to getaway is still here at home.
Bonafide vacations can be hard to come by so a few years ago, some friends and I started getting together a couple times a year to unplug. Our daycations have become something we look forward to and reminisce about long after.
We take turns putting together the itinerary. This time was mine. Like any other vacation, planning is part of the fun. I’ve been wanting to take everyone sailing so that’s where we start.
We meet our instructor, Gary at 10:30am at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor. After some brief introductions and not much instruction we jump in.
We motor out of the Ala Wai Channel as he points out the mainsail, jib, boom, tiller, and buoys. A few minutes out of the channel, the wind picks up. He pulls and tightens the sails and hands the tiller over.
We take the boat down wind for some time before tacking. Instruction was about as informal as you can get. Not what I’m used to. But I suppose for a longtime sailor, it’s second nature and on a small boat there’s not much to it. You get the idea. We alternate sailing and taking in the view.
After a couple hours the water is calling and we anchor. With unobstructed view of Diamond Head we dive in. Far off shore from Waikiki beach the water is clean and clear. The bottom still visible 30 feet down.
After a quick dip we head back (but not before losing our anchor). We’re dropped at our next spot—the newly renovated Prince Waikiki. We take care of the tab and say goodbye to Captain Gary.
Private (3) hr charter for (4) people = $150 + tip. We also took care of the cost for the lost anchor although he said we didn’t have to. For more info you can email Gary at geevoniuk@gmail.com
A quick walk across the parking lot and we arrive just in time for last call at Katsumidori Sushi. Open daily 1130a-2p & 530p-1030p.
We order off their iPad menu. Food and drinks are served almost instantly. Sushi, sashimi, tempura, and couple rounds of ice cold Sapporos. Cost $50/pp (we like to eat).
After lunch we head upstairs to the pool deck. The rooftop is huge with two pools, jacuzzi and gorgeous views of the harbor.
Access to the rooftop amenities are available to non-hotel guests with advanced reservations. Although at a higher cost than for regular hotel guests.
Prices range from $45 for single day pass, to $100 for Ocean View Cabana (2 adults) or $250 for Ocean Front Cabana (6 adults). They also offer a BBQ Cabana that can accommodate up to eight people, which would be cool if it wasn’t $350 + cost of food, cooked by you, and located opposite of and away from the pools.
The day pass includes towels, access to fitness center, Wifi, and complimentary valet parking. Cabanas include bottled water and the Ocean Front comes equipped with a refrigerator. Reservations can be made online at Resort Pass for Prince Waikiki as well as a few other local hotels.
The Ocean Front cabanas are off to the right of the infinity pool, again with those views! Unlike other cabana rentals (aka Sheraton Waikiki) The Prince provides excellent and welcoming service. Our server Terry was amazing and extremely attentive. After a couple hours relaxing poolside, it was another daycation for the books…made only better by this picture perfect sunset.
When you consider the cost of time spent away from work, hotel, air, and car rental, taking a trip to your own backyard is a deal, especially when it’s in a place as beautiful as Hawaii. Not to mention generous Kama’aina rates and the added bonus of our money staying in the local economy. Next time you get the travel bug, remember you don’t have to go far to getaway.