What to Do in Honolulu – According to Qantas Frequent Flyers

Glamorous resorts, laid-back surf towns and impossibly beautiful landscapes draw visitors year-round to the vibrant Hawaiian island of O'ahu, which offers the ideal blend of relaxation, adventure and cultural discovery.

Just ask these Qantas Frequent Flyers, who touched down in Honolulu for a beachside anniversary celebration in Waikiki, an exhilarating Harley-fuelled pilgrimage to the North Shore and an ATV tour of the real-life Jurassic Park.

“My brother-in-law was obsessed with renting a Mustang convertible – it was a pretty cool way to travel.” – Jessica Caiger, Bronze Frequent Flyer.

“Our parents gifted my twin sister and I a trip to Honolulu for our 30th birthday and our partners came along for the ride. My brother-in-law was obsessed with renting a Mustang convertible – it was a pretty cool way to travel, especially the drive to Kualoa Ranch on the eastern shore of O'ahu. It was once home to Hawaiian royalty and is now a protected reserve and cattle station with more than 1600 hectares of green, mountainous terrain, which you can explore by horseback, mountain bike or zip-line. Kualoa has been a filming location for productions including Jurassic Park, Jumanji, King Kong and Lost – after our thrilling two-hour ATV tour, we felt like intrepid adventurers.  

“Waikiki Trolley, a hop-on, hop-off trolley bus with various routes dedicated to shopping, sightseeing and food, was also great. Later, I loved the trip we took to the Halona Blowhole Lookout, where water shoots up ancient lava tubes and sprays almost 10 metres in the air. 

“Our favourite night out was Pā’ina Waikīkī Lū'au at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, where we watched traditional performances of traditional songs and dances and tried Hawaiian dishes like lomi lomi salmon, kalua pork and pineapple upside down cake. We even learned how to string a lei.”

Jessica flew Qantas direct from Sydney to Honolulu

“We wanted to be surrounded by beaches and prehistoric mountains.” – Julian Lawson, Bronze Frequent Flyer

“I did a Harley-Davidson road trip for my birthday, up to the north of O'ahu via the east coast and returning through the middle of the island, with my partner riding pillion. We wanted to be surrounded by beaches and prehistoric mountains, and stop for swims at scenic spots such as Kāne'ohe Bay. 

“At Sunset Beach we shared a slice of the famous pineapple and macadamia cheesecake from Ted’s Bakery – it was creamy, nutty and a bit tangy, the perfect balance of Hawaiian flavours. 

“Just before sunset we reached the historical surf town of Haleiwa. Sitting on the deck at Haleiwa Joe’s, I had a Kona Big Wave Golden Ale and my partner sipped a Hawaiian-style margarita made with lilikoi – local passionfruit – and li hing, a sweet and salty yet tangy powder made from dried, salted plums. We toasted each other as the sun set and watched as the sailboats floated by.”

Julian flew Qantas direct from Sydney to Honolulu

“We had a fantastic time swimming with turtles at Turtle Bay and eating malted chocolate pie” – Nicolle Caradonna, Bronze Frequent Flyer.

“My aunt and uncle celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Honolulu. More than 20 of us descended on Waikiki, split between the beautiful Moana Surfrider hotel on Waikiki Beach and the Hilton Garden Inn nearby. 

“My partner and I travelled with our two young sons who had a fantastic time swimming with turtles at Turtle Bay and eating malted chocolate pie at Tommy Bahama Waikiki. 

“The highlight was the anniversary celebration. My aunt and uncle had their ceremony on the sand at Wai‘alae Beach with swaying palms and a blue ocean backdrop. At Morimoto Asia Waikiki, we enjoyed a Japanese-American style set menu of dishes like hamachi tacos, made with crispy wonton shells and guacamole, and roasted duck caesar salad in a private room. It was a beautiful way to honour their marriage.”

Nicolle flew Qantas direct from Sydney to Honolulu

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