Star Escapes: Why celebs like Hugh Jackman and Jillian Harris are heading to Waikiki

June 07, 2019

By Michael Killingsworth

Adapted from the June 10, 2019 issue of Hello! Canada (no. 664)

It’s one of the most famous neighbourhoods in Hawaii, with good reason.

Waikiki, on the south shore of capital city Honolulu,
is home to that Instagram-worthy view of Diamond Head – the towering volcanic formation that dominates the east end of the beach -- and an iconic surf-and-city vibe that, over decades, has lured everyone from royals to celebrities.

It’s a destination that balances a respect for tradition with a knack for the contemporary (think trendy restaurants and fashionable boutiques).

Just ask Hugh Jackman and Jillian Harris. The leading man was here with his wife in April, and TV star Jillian is a frequent visitor. Pretty Little Liars actress Janel Parrish is also an expert, since she was born in Honolulu.

It’s a perfect base from which to explore the island of Oahu. Say “aloha,” then, to the new Waikiki, a destination for sun worshippers, foodies and adventurers in search of unspoiled natural wonders.

Click through the gallery for more fun in the sun!

Photo: © Getty Images

Explore

You don’t need a guide to get an eyeful of the island’s charms. Miles of beach, all open to the public, are on your doorstep and sites like Diamond Head are yours for the climbing.

Beat the crowds and make the 30-minute climb at dawn, for an uncluttered view. Or rent a convertible in Waikiki and enjoy a coastal drive as far as the surfer’s haven that is the island’s North Shore.

An outfitter like Hawaii Forest & Trail, which leads relatively small groups to prime hiking sites on Oahu, can add context to your journey and surprise you with unexpected stops – like the sprawling Ma’o farm (pictured), which supplies organic produce to eateries and markets.

Ma’o even earned a visit from then-U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, who was impressed by the business’s mandate to employ local youth and give back to the community.

Photo: © Michael Killingsworth

Indulge

Unburden yourself at the Moana Surfrider hotel’s Moana Lani Spa.

Treatments begin with a unique practice: a salt ritual that invites guests to take a moment to shed woes, concerns and stress into a vessel of sea salt, which is later poured into the ocean.

With a clear mind, it’s time to settle in – for a custom facial? a mud wrap? – at Waikiki’s only beachfront full-service spa, which boasts 14 treatment suites as well as two couples’ suites with ocean views (pictured).

A few blocks away at the Ritz-Carlton Spa, the pampering quarters are as sleek and gleaming as the luxe hotel that houses them.

We surrendered to a lomilomi (traditional Hawaiian) massage before splashing out on some retail therapy along bustling Kalakaua Avenue and neighbouring streets, home to local success stories like Olive & Oliver (for men’s and women’s wear) and big fashion brands such as Chanel (tucked away in the aptly named Luxury Row complex).

Photo: © Marriott

<h2>Taste</h2>
<p>If you’re not “dining in” at your hotel, get a flavour of Waikiki’s culinary scene from a hot spot such as star chef Roy Yamaguchi’s Eating House 1849, on the top floor of the new International Market Place retail complex. The casual eatery brings imaginative flavours to everything from chicken wings (in honey-chili butter) to tofu (with candied nuts and black sesame dressing).
<p>A short taxi ride will get you to Merriman’s (pictured), the first Oahu eatery from influential chef Peter Merriman. Farm-to-table plates are served in an elegant but informal setting, think bistro with a modern Hawaiian touch.
<p>And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the scones at Diamond Head Market & Grill. We can vouch for the blueberry cream cheese variety!
<p>Photo: © Michael Killingsworth

Stay

Grand, historic and tasteful, the Moana Surfrider commands attention in Waikiki and has done so for 118 years, welcoming everyone from Canadian TV star Jillian Harris to, back in the 1920s, Edward, Prince of Wales.

Not that it isn’t contemporary – nods to the past mix seamlessly with the present, just like the original plantation-style main building (pictured) sits flanked today by two more recently added towers.

The location is hard to beat, with prime Kalakaua Avenue at the front and Waikiki Beach at the back.

Inside are 793 rooms, many with balconies to ocean vistas. On the ground floor, guests are drawn to the courtyard setting for cocktails under the iconic Banyan tree or to a table at Beachhouse at the Moana, which delivers views of the Pacific along with rack of lamb, a catch-of-the-day-inspired fisherman’s stew, and more.

A big draw here, too, is afternoon tea, where you’ll find signature blends courtesy of local purveyor the Tea Chest.

For fans of a strictly modern esthetic, the Ritz-Carlton Residences opened its doors in 2016 – and its second gleaming tower last year.

Set in a more residential zone a few blocks from the beach, the venue is a home-away-from-home for discriminating visitors – U.S. President Donald Trump literally stopped traffic when he and wife Melania arrived by motorcade in 2017.

Luxe amenities await – think Asprey Purple Water-branded toiletries in spa-like bathrooms and Miele kitchen appliances, not to mention a gym designed by trainer-to-the-stars Harley Pasternak, two pools and a menu of international fare with an island twist at the Market.

This summer, the restaurant gets revamped as La Vie, which will serve a classic French-inspired menu. It’s bound to up the address’s culinary appeal – the Ritz already houses chef Keiji Nakazawa’s Sushi Sho (the only outpost of the eatery outside Japan), which has foodies angling for reservations months in advance.

TRIP TIPS: Try your hand at “canoe surfing,” a paddling experience in an almost tip-proof outrigger boat (Waikiki Beach Services will put a trusty captain at the helm of your craft)

• Pick up a souvenir you can savour: Kona coffee is everywhere, often in 10 per cent Kona-blend packages or, for purists, 100 per cent

• Make the most of loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy to get perks like free in-room wi-fi, complimentary nights and more.