Within the last year and as restrictions slowly started to lift in 2020, Oahu hotels and businesses in the resort area of Waikiki took the opportunity to move forward with reinvesting, upgrading and implementing robust health and safety guidelines to welcome back visitors once again.

Starting with an upcoming $80 million transformation of the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort set to reopen this year that includes brand new upscale residential-style rooms and suites, as well as a reimagined poolside venue and entertainment.  Pro tip: check out the “Grand Navigator Experience” that you can reserve the entire 18^th floor with penthouse suites for you and your extended family and friends traveling together.  A great way to have a reunion in paradise!

Other highlights to the Waikiki resort area include: enhanced safety and cleaning protocols at the recently reimagined Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani right in the heart of Waikiki; the completion of a multi-year renovation of the oceanfront Sheraton Waikiki; and a unique Safe Travels Hawaii Concierge service at Alohilani Resort to assist with logistics on the latest travel requirements to arrive into the state.

Oahu restaurants have also been busy this past year by adding enhanced safety and sanitation protocols and a few took this time to re-imagine what they offer.  On Waikiki’s Gold Coast near the base of Diamond Head, Hau Tree at the newly refreshed Kaimana Beach Hotel recently opened their casual beach-centric restaurant.  Nationally-celebrated chef Chris Kajioka and chef de cuisine Alan Takasaki developed curated beachside brunch, lunch and casual dinner menus to match the wonderful setting overlooking the golden sands and vast Pacific Ocean.

With direct flights from Sea-Tac to each of the major Hawaiian Islands increasing, there’s more opportunities to take that trip to the island of Oahu.  Keep in mind that the island’s more popular attractions and favorite restaurants are still operating with capacity restrictions, so advance reservations are highly recommended especially during the summer months.  Vehicle rentals are also a hot ticket item, so plan ahead and make a reservation ahead of traveling to Oahu. For the latest and most up-to-date Hawaii travel information visit: hawaiicovid19.com/travel