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1/21/2021

Travel with Ernie: My Experience in Honolulu

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​Here is my travel log detailing my trip to Honolulu, Hawaii from January 7 through January 15, 2021
 
The State of Hawaii opened up Hawaii for tourists just about 2 months ago. Tourism is Hawaii’s number one industry so having it closed for tourists really impacted Hawaii’s economy.  Most places were closed for about 3 months (May – July).  Since Hawaii is made of islands it was important for them to control who could visit.  They decided that every tourist would have to test for COVID-19 and have a negative result within 72 hours of their flight time or you will have to have a 10-day quarantine in Hawaii.
 
Pre Trip Requirement
You first will need to register as a tourist at the Hawaii Tourism Authority at the following web site: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/
 
COVID-19 Test
You must get a COVID-19 test from one of the State of Hawaii’s Trusted Testing Partners – Here is the list: https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel-partners/  For example Bartell Drugs, Kaiser Permanente, Walgreens, CVS Health, Costco/AZOVA, etc.  Once you get your results you should save it as a PDF and print it out.  You will need to upload the COVID-19 negative test results to your profile on the Hawaii Tourism Authority web site under your profile.  Also print out the test results and bring it with you to the airport.
 
My Trip
I am a member of Kaiser so my test was just a nasal one and not the one with the 8 inch swab up your nose ?   My results came back within 12 hours.  It was easy to get a PDF of the negative results, print them out and upload them to the Hawaii Tourism Authority web site.
 
I went early to the airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport so I could take advantage of the great new Alaska Airlines Lounge in the North Terminal.  It’s amazing!  If you have an Alaskan Airlines VISA card the daily pass is only $25.  Great food and beverages but due to COVID-19 they were not serving any alcoholic beverages.  The Alaska Airlines flight was about half full so fortunately I had one whole row to myself!  I was upgraded to Premium Economy, so I had complimentary cocktails, beer and wine!  Alaska has Wi-Fi and a great entertainment service so you can watch movies on your Smart Phone, iPad and laptop.  
Queen Kapiolani Hotel
Waikiki Beach
The Queen Kapiolani Hotel is ranked as the #3 BEST VALUE HOTEL in Oahu by people on Trip Advisor.  We had a wonderful City View room with a balcony.  The hotel has a wonderful lobby area with a great coffee café, Knots Coffee Roasters.  Their 3rd floor deck includes a pool and a great restaurant and bar, the DECK! They have LIVE Music on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.
 
Hawaii tourists are about 10% of the normal number so it’s not crowded at all.  Everyone does wear masks and all restaurants and bars have social distancing seating and require you to wear masks when you are not seated at a table.  Everything is OPEN and restaurants and bars are required to close by 10:00pm.
Restaurants and Bars

Zippy’s
Zippy’s is like a Hawaiian/Asian version of Denny’s!  For example on their menu they have Spam, Eggs and Rice for breakfast.  They are Hawaii’s #1 gathering spot for classic local favorites, tasty specialty foods and friendly, welcoming service. Bring your appetite home to Zippy’s. They have Korean Chicken and Chili Plate, Furikake Miso Salmon Katsu, Ramen Noodles, Spaghetti, Roast Turkey, Beef Curry, etc.  They are located all throughout Honolulu and there is one not to far from Waikiki
 
Shorefyre
Awesome restaurant right in the middle of Waikiki located at the International Marketplace above the Tesla dealership at 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.  As they say, “At ShoreFyre we cook up delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With a full bar at hand, they create some of Hawaii’s signature cocktails all in a laid back, casual setting. They make everything fresh with aloha spirit to create tastes and flavors that will recharge you no matter what’s on your itinerary.”  The big bonus is they have LIVE music 7 nights at week! We went to 2 nights of music and you definitely should not miss Latin Night on Wednesday featuring Eddie Ortiz & Son Caribe.  You must go on their web site to book a table on their open air lanai!
Here is a preview: 
https://www.facebook.com/518810200/videos/10164717867700201/
https://www.facebook.com/518810200/videos/10164718120365201/

Hulu’s Bar & Lei Stand
Hulu’s Bar & Lei Stand has been in business for 46 years!  It’s the best Honolulu’s Gay Bar and they welcome everyone!   They have a great location and their bar is open air with an amazing view of Diamond Head.  Great cocktails and food.  You need to make a table reservation on their web site.  Also they have a great person that sings on Fridays and Saturdays.  He is a cute boy, Johnny the 3rd! https://www.facebook.com/iamjohnnymusic/
 
Roy’s at Hawaii Kai
“Cooking has been my life. Thank you for making it part of yours.”
— ROY YAMAGUCHI
Amazing restaurant with an amazing view just east of Honolulu.  
You must order the AL FRESCO PRIX FIXE - $59 menu! Enjoy! Aloha!
Sites – These are the Top 3 You Should Visit!
  1. USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor Tour - This is an MUST Do! There is a great museum that provides you with the background on how the US and Japan were negotiating right up to the surprise attack. Order your tickets on this site and it’s by date and time.
  2. Bishop Museum - Great museum that provides you with the cultural history of Hawaii. Must visit this museum!  Go online and order your tickets ahead of time since it’s by date and time.
  3. Iolani Palace – The Royal Hawaiian Palace - Unfortunately we couldn’t get a visit reservation but this is a MUST SEE in Honolulu! Reserve ahead of time before your trip.
Best Luau
Ka Moana Luau
Oahu’s only east-side luau with award-winning entertainment and one of a kind show- starts with fire and finishes with fire, unlike anything else! Enjoy a short yet beautiful drive to iconic Sea Life Park. Breathtaking ocean views, interactive activities for the family and an amazing menu. The perfect luau for the whole family!
https://www.moanaluau.com/
Discount Tickets
https://bestof-hawaii.com/tours/ka-moana-luau-deluxe-luau-package/
Here is the fire performance:
https://www.facebook.com/518810200/videos/10164706755265201/

Beaches
Here are the great beaches you should visit:
  1. Beach East of Waikiki - Kapiolani Park Beach
  2. North Shore – Polo (Gay Beach) 
  3. Kailua Beach Park – When the Obama’s stay during Christmas they stay in Kailua which is about a 25 minute drive from Honolulu! This beach is amazing!   You have to then visit the Obama’s Favorite Shaved Ice Place, Island Snow at 130 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI 96734 

Photos from my Hawaii Trip:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10164751105315201&type=3
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Ernie Lou

Ernie is an avid traveler having been to 6 out of the 7 continents. After working in various tech and PR jobs, Ernie is extending his expertise to the travel industry as a travel agent with Catalyst Travel. If he's not hosting a party, a cruise trip, or rooting on the Sounders, Huskies, or Seahawks, Ernie is probably out exploring more of the world. Read more of his bio for how he can help you on your next trip.

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