Hawaii

This is probably a spot that could only be found in Hawaii. Imagine a place where you can order dinuguan along with your dim sum. Well, it happens here and the locals are all for it. The coffee shop and bakery opens early and the parade of patrons flock in for pandesal, empenadas, and flan to enjoy with their morning coffee. The Waipahu location is surprisingly spacious and modern with a huge parking lot and banquet hall. You can order both lunch and dinner from a steam table or the counter, so step up and create your meal on a paper plate and slide into one of the many booths to enjoy. - Lottie Tagupa

Since the first days of Honolulu's European colonization, this port has been a hub of commercial activity in the Pacific. Steamships, sailing boats, whaling ships and seagoing merchants choked the waters just offshore, and Hawaiian boys regularly swam out to meet and greet the incoming vessels. Today, you'll see more pleasure cruisers than anything else, but the Harbor remains in the center of everything. Regular Boat Days bring back the festive tradition of the old days, when full-scale celebrations were held upon a ship's arrival and departure. The Aloha Tower stands as a majestic beacon just behind the harbor. Restaurants, condominium complexes and shops line the waterfront, and thousands of people visit for business and pleasure each day.

Situated on five oceanfront acres along Waikiki Beach, the award-winning Halekulani has played host to celebrities and politicians throughout its nearly 100-year history, and is approximately nine miles from Honolulu International Airport. Local attractions include the Waikiki Aquarium, approximately two miles away, Hanauma Bay, located 12 miles from the hotel, and the Polynesian Cultural Center, approximately 38 miles away.With world famous Waikiki Beach found just outside, guests of Halekulani can arrange canoe rides, surfing, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and more at the front desk. The gem of Halekulani is the 3,772-square-foot outdoor pool. It features an orchid mosaic that is comprised of over one million imported glass tiles. The sundeck is overlooked by palm trees and personal attendants are available to provide guests with cold towels, magazines, CDs, and more. When it's time to relax, SpaHalekulani features a full menu of massage therapies and beauty treatments, as well as steam showers, and an outdoor relaxation area. The fitness center provides exercise equipment, personal training, and fitness classes, including aqua aerobics. The Halekulani Living programs present guests with opportunities to participate in seminars and presentations on health and wellness, gastronomy, and art. Six boutique shops offer the finest in clothing, jewelry, and more for those with discerning tastes. Additional amenities include a business center, secretarial services, postal services, and wireless high-speed Internet access. Dining options include La Mer, Orchids, House Without a Key (featuring live Hawaiian music), and afternoon tea in the Veranda. Live entertainment is also available in Lewers Lounge.Guest rooms feature lanais, separate showers and bathtubs, bathrobes, marble vanities, flat-screen cable TV, DVD/CD entertainment centers, free wireless Internet access, newspapers, electronic safes, and fruit bowls and chocolate upon arrival.

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the capital and largest city of the state of Hawaii. It is the government, transportation, and commercial center for the state, and home to its best known tourist destination, Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki Beach is definitely not the place to go for a "get-away-from-it-all" Hawaiian vacation. It is as fast-paced and dynamic, and also a good place to learn to surf. But Honolulu has not entirely lost its laid-back atmosphere and culture. Looking for something closer to nature? Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, a bay formed in the crater of an extinct volcano and filled with a wonderful coral reef and many fish, is a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Or check out the Pali Lookout for a panoramic view of Windward Oahu.

If you’re looking to stay indoors, the Bishop Museum has an excellent collection of Hawaiian artifacts, as well as a number of science-based exhibits. The new Science Adventure Center is centered around vulcanology, with a large simulated volcano in the center that "erupts" regularly. The museum also features a planetarium.

Located in the Outrigger Waikiki hotel in the heart of Waikiki, this beachfront restaurant has been a popular spot although unjustly known as the red haired cousin of the immensely popular Duke's Canoe Club located just upstairs. This restaurant has got a great staff and menu that has memorable selections that include Pan roasted Shrimp with macadamia Nut Pesto Pasta, Wood Grilled Ahi Steak and more. Breakfast is wonderfully unique here with Pineapple Pancakes, Maui gold Pineapple, Fresh Island papaya and fresh coffee. Best of all it's all very family friendly.

Since 1925 this tower has welcomed people of all nations to Honolulu. It's an imposing structure, nearly 200 feet tall, but its Spanish architecture and bronze embellishments make it much more attractive than the average skyscraper. The wonderful Aloha Tower Marketplace is open daily. Located on Honolulu's historic waterfront, this unique open-air festival marketplace offers over 70 distinctive shops, award-winning restaurants and free nightly entertainment. For shopping, check out Crazy Fish, Black Pearl Gallery, Out of the West, Pipe Dreams, Stone Gear, and Mag-Neat-O. For food/snacks, check out Chai's Island Bistro, Don Ho's Island Grill, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, Hong Kong Harbour View Seafood Restaurant, and Bad Ass Coffee Company. Indulge in exquisite island cuisine from the simple to the sublime including steak and seafood, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, and Pacific Rim specialties. Find the perfect gift from the vast array of stores offering island treasures, such as Kona coffee, koa wood accessories, local artwork, jewelry, furnishings, and apparel for the whole family. Free historical tours offered in Japanese and English. The tower is located next to the Hawaii Maritime Museum.

The gourmet room at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental is renowned amongst local and international critics and foodies as a one-of-a-kind dining experience. And who just who might these critics be? Food and Wine Magazine, Zagat Guides and Conde Nast Traveler, for starters. The cuisine here is an inventive and delightful fusion of Pacific Rim, Continental and Hawaiian styles. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs work their magic.

Scuba diving in a hotel pool? But of course! This company entices potential new divers by offering an introductory class in a swimming pool at no charge. If you like it, try an ocean dive with an instructor. Aqua Zone's custom boat will take certified divers to two locations. The price includes transportation, all equipment and refreshments. Dive sites include sea caves, sunken ships, and even a World War II fighter plane! Diving enthusiasts should ask about brand new hotel packages. The company also books other aquatic activities including water skiing, jet skiing, para sailing, charter fishing, snorkeling, and even surfing. There is an additional location in the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel.

Reserve a table with a fantastic view of the bay and prepare to enjoy an evening of some of the best Hawaiian Regional Cuisine on the island. The setting is very romantic with waterfalls and a tropical setting that absolutely shines at sunset. The menu features Crab Crusted Hawaiian Sea Bass with Spinach and Roasted Big Island Tomatoes, or the flavorful Kamapachi Filet with Jasmine Rice and Asparagus. Try to steer clear of the duck, lamb and steaks since the Hawaiian fish is what makes a meal here memorable. There is also a fine and reasonably priced five course menu for those who prefer fixed priced menus. - Lottie Tagupa

This company offers a variety of entertaining cruises in the waters off Honolulu and beyond. Its most popular activity is the Pacific Splash Barefoot Fun Cruise, which lasts or about three hours. Dolphin-watching cruises depart each morning and whale-watching cruises happen several times a day during the winter (December 15 through April 30). Sunset dinner cruises and extended voyages are also available.

In a city filled with Japanese restaurants, this one stands out. Located off the beaten tourist track in the Pagoda Hotel on Rycroft Street, the large restaurant is a popular spot for locals and hotel guests. Many people choose to make a meal out of several of the fine appetizers and sushi rolls. Typical offerings include Crabmeat Sandwiches and Sunagimo. The impressive imported beer selection includes Kirin and Asahi. There is also a decent American menu and a Sunday brunch buffet.

Located inside the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this dolphin habitat draws visitors from up and down the island of Oahu. Dolphin Quest offers a variety of programs and encounters for everyone from children to couples. Guests and visitors have the chance to learn about these extraordinary creatures through fun and educational programs. To learn more, visit their website.

After moving several times, Highway Inn has survived the move it and lose it restaurant curse. Open since 1947 it's one of those places where one generation will bring the next and so on, and has seen the Ewa/Waipahu area grow from a small dusty sugar cane plantation town to a bustling suburb of Honolulu complete with multi-million dollar homes. The menu is defined as Hawaiian-American Cuisine but it really is traditional Hawaiian food at it's best. This place is certainly not for everyone, but those who are adventurous discover a glimpse into what makes Hawaii special. If not, there is always the many luau on the island. - Lottie Tagupa

The best of Oahu's attractions are at your fingertips. Low rates are offered on submarine dives, city tours and other popular activities. Day tours to other islands are also available. Visit Maui (The Valley Isle), Kaua'i (The Garden Isle) or the Big Island. The highlights of each island are included in the tour, along with airfare. Single-day tour costs start at around $15 (Pearl Harbor and City Tour) and go up to about $149 (Big Island Circle Tour). Overnight packages are also available. Call for details.

The easy accessibility from the campus, makes The Varsity a popular hang-out for students. What better way then to beat the assignments blues, then grumbling about it to your friends over a slice of pizza? Menu comprises of typical bar food and tasty Sushi. Sitting-by you can watch the hustle-bustle of the college kids, while enjoying a mug of Miller Lite. A perfect place to chill-out on a dull day.