The Waikiki Beat

Mango Jam Jamboree

How exciting is it to live in a world where candy just grows on trees? If you’re visiting Hawaii and this isn’t normally the case for you, then you’ve come to the right place. Here in Honolulu, mangos are synonymous with island life. What better way to honor such an important island staple than with a giant two-day festival dedicating to showing off the local culture and the magic fruit at its heart!

This June, Mango Jam Honolulu is taking over the Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds with a two-day festival that is going to be jam-packed with live entertainment, a beer garden, free cultural activities, local chefs, and a farmers market. The slogan of the festival is “A Taste of Island Culture,” for a reason! This is the best way to see and feel the unique magic of Honolulu from the locals who call it home. The festival will take place on June 21 from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm and June 22 from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Come early and celebrate the day away.

Celebrate a Day of Remembrance with Lantern Float Hawaii

Memorial Day is meant to be a day dedicated to remembering and preserving the memories of departed loved ones. Everyone pays homage in different ways but Hawaiians have a very special ceremony. Every year, almost 50,000 people gather on the Ala Moana beach to participate in or spectate the lighting and shipping away of 7,000 lanterns carrying personal messages to deceased loved ones.

If you are planning on spending Memorial Day in Waikiki, this ceremony is not one to be missed. Since it began in 1999, the festival has grown so large that it has turned into an all-day celebration dedicated to remembering departed friends and family. There will be dancing, live performances, and other festivities all day on the beach. Starting at 6:00, participants who registered earlier in the day (on a first come first serve basis) will have the chance to ship off lit lanterns as tens of thousands watch. Lantern Float Hawaii is a completely free event put on by Shinnyo-en Hawaii and is only minutes away from Royal Grove Waikiki so make sure to make this Memorial Day a very memorable one.

Stock Up at Ala Moana Center

When you get to the point that your feet can’t move and your arms can’t paddle, it may be time to take a little time for yourself with some well-earned rest and relaxation. The best way to relax while experiencing a different side of Honolulu is to visit the Ala Moana Center - conveniently located less than two miles away from Royal Grove Waikiki.

The Ala Moana Center is Honolulu’s largest open-air themed shopping mall and much more. In addition to the over 350 stores and restaurants available to keep you busy, the mall also has several fun events throughout the day for the whole family. From daily 1 pm hula shows to feedings at the giant koi pond and all of the farmer’s markets in between, Ala Moana Center has everything you’ll need to have fun, stock up, and style out.

Be One With the Beach

Waikiki may be a diverse place with tons of fun activities going on at any given time, but there’s no need to kid ourselves: the world famous beaches are the cream of the crop. Every year, millions of people flock to the most magnificent 1.5-square-mile set of beaches in the world. At Royal Grove, you’re less than a mile’s walk away from experiencing this sandy paradise for yourself.

Each of Waikiki’s 9 distinct beaches has something unique to offer. For those looking to relax, grab a book and towel as you soak up some sun and watch some waves. Have you ever wanted to learn how to surf? Dozens of classes and surf/paddle board rentals line the beaches. The more adventurous can even find boat tours, glide on jet-skis, swim with dolphins, or play with some sharks from the safety of submerged metal cages.

Swing the Day Away

A quick aerial view of Waikiki shows magnificent skylines juxtaposed with almost four miles of a giant green patch. Yes, we’re still in Honolulu, not Central Park, New York. That lush green patch happens to be the famous Ala Wai Golf Course. You will definitely want to clear your schedule in order to fully experience this gorgeous 18-hole course that includes over 3.5 miles of playable green.

If you don’t have the time for this world-class course, stop by anyway for the newly reopened driving range. Hit some balls and take your time, as the driving range is open most days until 12:00 am. When you’re ready for a break, check out the pro shop and cafe for some gear and grub. Come see why this hidden gem is the local best-kept secret!

Get Wild at the Honolulu Zoo

Surreal beaches and enchanting sunsets attract visitors from all over the world to Honolulu, but us humans are not alone in our love for this paradise! Honolulu Zoo is conveniently located half of a mile away from Royal Grove Waikiki and offers a unique chance to meet some of the most ferocious and adorable animals from all parts of the world.

This unique animal habitat boasts over 900 different species ranging from lions to sloths and everything in between. Come face to face with a prehistoric monster in the Komodo dragon exhibit or relax with our distant Chimpanzee cousins! With such a wide selection of exotic creatures, be ready to spend several hours exploring all that this zoo has to offer.

We refuse to call it quits when the sun goes down; Honolulu Zoo offers a Twilight Tour for guests traveling between October and March. Enjoy a new sight as the more familiar daytime crew takes a hike and gives way to more mysterious nocturnal beasts.

Eat Like A Local

Honolulu is home to a unique and exciting culinary scene. The metropolitan center of Hawaii, Oahu has a variety of excellent restaurants that visitors can choose from. Eat like a local in small neighborhoods like Kapahulu or Haleiwa or dine in high style at some of Hawaii's finest restaurants.

Oahu is home to arguably some of the best chefs in the world. Alan Wong at Alan Wong's Restaurant, Roy Yamaguchi at Roy's Waikiki, George Mavrothalassitis at Chef Mavro Restaurant, and Phillippe Padovani at Elua are some of the founding chefs of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement. These local legends take fresh, locally grown produce and ingredients to create flavorful dishes for visitors and locals alike.

Hawaii locals love to eat, and Oahu offers a variety of comfort foods in a variety of locations. At Farmers' Markets on Oahu, you can buy local fish, meat, and produce and sample Oahu-style cooking, from gourmet plate lunches to great Hawaii Regional Cuisine.