Escape the Chill in Heavenly Honolulu

For years it graced our vision board. We’d hear tales of its beauty from others, and sigh. Along with its stunning beaches, plethora of shops, restaurants and hiking trails, it’s also home to the fourth-largest marathon. We’re talking Honolulu and Waikiki beach, nestled on the island of Oahu. And just like that, our dream came true, giving us an adventure we’ll cherish forever. Here’s a snapshot of our epic experience:

stay: Easily accessed from Honolulu airport, the Trump International Hotel Waikiki is where every traveller hopes to drop his or her bags. Number 1 on Trip Advisor for more than seven years, it’s also the first and only Forbes Travel Guide five-star hotel on Oahu. With ocean views, an infinity pool, restaurant options (try the poke bowl and sashimi platter at the Wai’olu Ocean Lounge—fish so fresh, it’s like butter), a fitness center and indulgent spa, it’s easy to see why. Checking into our suite, we couldn’t get over its size—let alone the amenities. Designed like a private apartment with granite countertops, a fully stocked kitchen and in-suite washer and dryer, it immediately felt like home. Our bathroom was of massive proportions, too, with a marble exposed shower, a deep, delicious tub—even a self-cleaning toilet! 223 Saratoga Road, 808-683-7777, www.trumphotels.com/waikiki

eat: From popular U.S. chains (the Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s) to local haunts, Waikiki has it all. For the freshest acai bowl, topped with bananas and oats, Island Vintage Coffee became our morning favourite. And based on the lineup (though it moves quickly), it’s also where tourists from around the world flock to for the best coffees, smoothies and Insta-perfect photos. Also: Bills Sydney for its generous salads, avocado toast and thin-crust pizza and Nobu for the freshest-caught tuna and yellow tail, black cod lettuce wraps and epic spicy dynamite rolls.

do: If you’re a runner or have dreams of a destination race, the Honolulu Marathon is the ticket, attracting 30,000 runners and walkers from ’round the world. The course features gentle rolling hills, with the notorious Diamond Head climb twice, before terminating where it started in Kapiolani Park. At the finish, runners are treated with a necklace of seashells and a medal—plus sugar-covered malasada donuts. Seeking a softer distance? Consider the Hapalua Half, on April 9.

shop: Stunning beach beauty and culinary options aside, Waikiki also happens to be a shopper’s haven (think Gucci, Valentino, Forever 21 and Sephora). For us, a highlight was a quick Uber drive to Ward Village where local boutiques hocking beachy-cool apparel and one-of-a-kind gift items abound. Shopped out? Hit the newly opened Core Power Yoga (a U.S. favourite) for some vinyasa flows before enjoying the famous vegan pho bowl at Piggy Smalls.

gift: Forget macadamia nuts. The Honolulu Cookie Company bakes fresh-made buttery shortbreads in multiple flavours. From ginger to peppermint and coffee, we loaded up on a few boxes for family and friends—though admittedly not all made the journey home.

one last hurrah: While we didn’t get a chance to visit Pearl Harbour or the island’s famous Chinatown, we did squeeze in a SUP lesson in warm and gently waters with the Outrigger and their partner company, Faith Surf School. There’s also plenty of surf available, which we’ll get to on our next return. www.visit-oahu.com

With so much to see, do, eat and, yes, run (26 miles!), we can’t wait to return. Aloha! #LetHawaiiHappen —Aurea Dempsey

For more about Oahu, visit: www.visit-oahu.com