How to travel Hawaii like a local

JUST a 10-hour flight away, Hawaii is famous for its beaches. But AFL great Paul Roos shares his insider tips to have an even better holiday there.

Do Hawaii like a local and visit the beautiful Kaimana Beach.

JUST a 10-hour flight away, Hawaii is a classic holiday spot for good reason – one of which is The Modern Honolulu on the island of O’ahu. The hotel is, as its name suggests, sleek and contemporary, with a warm island welcome.

AFL great Paul Roos lives part-time on the island’s Waikiki. His top advice for visitors? “You must go to the North Shore to see Waimea Bay, Pipeline and all the great surf spots. Then have lunch at Ted’s Bakery – it has great burgers and desserts.” Sold.

And it that’s not enough, here are the top five things to do while you’re there.

1. The Modern Honolulu hotel in Waikiki is all about laid-back luxury, with two pools (one adults-only), two restaurants and three bars; themodernhonolulu.com.

The beautiful pools at The Modern Honolulu hotel.

2. One of Roos’s top Hawaiian activities: “Swimming with wild dolphins on the west side of O’ahu.”

North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii. Picture: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

3. At 6pm, a wall opens to reveal The Study bar at The Modern Honolulu – all live music and chic cocktails.

The Study bar is only open after 6pm for live music and cocktails.

4. The recently opened Ravish restaurant is all about farm-to-table cuisine; ravishhonolulu.com.

Try the stunning food at Ravish restaurant.

5. Roos’s secret spot is Kaimana Beach. “It’s a local beach, not too busy, with a nice bay that’s calm for kids. You can surf if you paddle out past the first reef.”

Kaimana beach is a secret spot that’s a big hit with the locals.

Travel notes: Hawaiian Airlines Return fares start from $1129 in economy class and $3699 in business class. To book and check out current airfare specials, visit hawaiianairlines.com.au. Terms and conditions apply

Originally published as How to travel Hawaii like a local