Waikīkī Offers More Than Just a Tourist Destination

After spending a few weeks on the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu, where my mother’s family originates, I’ve returned to the mainland, still reminiscing about the turquoise waves, pristine sands, and breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific.

My thoughts have recently turned to tourism in the Hawaiian islands. During April, I embraced the life of a digital nomad in Honolulu, working on various stories while connecting with my relatives, many of whom have had careers in tourism. (My mother worked at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, and my parents met while employed at the Ilikai Hotel.)

While in Hawaii, I witnessed a captivating discussion on PBS regarding the future of the struggling Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, or HTA. The Hawai‘i State Legislature is currently considering two bills to disband the organization and establish a state-managed tourism division. This debate featured John De Fries, the HTA's president and CEO, alongside Rep. Natalia Hussey-Burdick, the vice chair of the House Tourism Committee. I feel a strong connection to the HTA, which has been incredibly supportive of my work here. It’s challenging to predict the outcome of this issue, but the active involvement of so many residents highlights the importance of tourism for the islands.

I spent considerable time in Waikīkī, often dismissed as inauthentic, yet it holds a unique charm and a rich history. This area was once a gathering spot for Hawaiian royalty seeking the healing properties of the fresh spring water that flows into the ocean. It also marks the birthplace of modern surfing, with legends like Duke Kahanamoku riding the same waves you’d enjoy while staying at renowned hotels like the Halekulani or the Moana Surfrider. However, in a place like Waikīkī, where excessive tourism and flashy luxury shops may obscure its distinctiveness, seeking advice from travel experts becomes particularly vital.

The lūʻau at the Royal Hawaiian
In Waikīkī, there are numerous amazing ways to engage with Hawaiian culture. I had the pleasure of visiting the Royal Hawaiian, affectionately known as the Pink Palace, where I spoke with Misty Tufono from Tihati Productions, Hawaii's longest-running entertainment company. Misty, the daughter of Tihati's founders with Native Hawaiian heritage, now runs the company alongside her brother Afatia Thompson. During our conversation, she emphasized Tihati's commitment to honoring its roots by educating guests about Hawaiian history and the distinctions among Polynesian cultures—something that not all lūʻau venues prioritize. They also provide an enjoyable experience featuring local performing legends twice weekly on the picturesque grounds of the Royal Hawaiian. Look out for more from her in June on Dinogo’s Unpacked podcast.

Duke’s Waikiki
I also spent time with Dylan Ching, the vice president of operations for TS Restaurants, which manages Duke’s Waikiki. This restaurant serves as a tribute to Duke Kahanamoku and boasts a popular brunch that I enjoyed with my family one morning (the Portuguese sausage is a must-try). While many diners are tourists, Ching, who also has Native Hawaiian ancestry, makes it a point to honor local efforts that preserve Hawaiian culture.

Surfers in residence at Outrigger Waikiki
I also had the opportunity to meet Aunty Luana Maitland, the director of cultural activities for the Outrigger hotel group’s Waikīkī properties. She manages programming at the Outrigger Reef’s beautiful new A’o Cultural Center, adorned with artifacts from Honolulu’s Bishop Museum and offering a variety of activities, including Native Hawaiian language classes and hula lessons. Aunty Luana introduced me to Bonga Perkins, a famous longboard surfer who was at the Outrigger Waikiki’s Beach Resort as part of the hotel’s surfer-in-residence initiative. He shared his story of growing up in a less privileged background in Honolulu, where he found an extended family among the legendary beach boys who surfed Waikīkī, providing him not just support for his passion for surfing but also nourishment like tuna fish sandwiches and encouragement to stay in school.

Moniz Surf School
Towards the conclusion of my trip, I signed up for a surf lesson at the Waikīkī-based Moniz Surf School, run by a family renowned in the surfing community (notably, Seth Moniz is currently showcasing Hawai‘i on a world tour). My instructor, Kevin Okimoto, has been riding these waves for nearly thirty years. While we floated on our boards in the vibrant blue waters, he shared tales of the past and gave me a timely push just when I needed to catch a wave.

These amazing individuals come to Waikīkī daily as part of their kuleana, or duty, to help eager visitors discover the true essence of Hawai‘i.