Aloha, Welcome to Hawaii:
Practical Tips for Visitors Over 50
This is an article I wrote shortly after a visit in 2019. During that trip, I discovered that there were some minor issues that arose and I thought they could be of value to a more mature person as they plan their own trip. I’d like to share this article with you now:
If you are planning a Hawaiian holiday, you look forward to hearing the words “Aloha and welcome to Hawaii”. If you are visitors over 50, you have been thinking about this Hawaiian vacation for years. Perhaps you are planning to stop here on your way to Australia or as an alternative to a Caribbean cruise, either way, Hawaii will not disappoint.
The vision of Hawaii brings images of unspoiled natural beauty, Idyllic islands, endless sand beaches, rugged lush mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls. It is these attributes that puts this tropical paradise on the bucket list.
Honolulu is the keystone of Hawaii.
For many retirees and those of us over 50, we now have time to take our vacation and leisure time more seriously. We can sit back and enjoy what a vacation has to offer. Vacations should include relaxation, exploration, re-connection, and a little bit of fun. If Hawaii is on your travel planning horizon, Honolulu is the keystone and gateway to your dreams.
Honolulu really means Waikiki.
Honolulu, as the largest city on Oahu, is the most popular tourist destination. It receives almost 10 million visitors per year. However, when people refer to Honolulu, they really mean Waikiki. Waikiki is the beachfront neighborhood of Honolulu. There are numerous activities, attractions, restaurants, and shopping which are on most “must see” lists.
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Top 10 Considerations for Hawaiian Visitors and Seniors Over 50:
1. Accommodation
When planning your Hawaiian holiday, one of the decisions that must be made is the type of accommodation you desire. Some Hawaiian visitors over 50 prefer a luxurious beachfront hotel with all the amenities, shops, restaurants etc. They want to be pampered throughout their stay. Others, on the other hand, may opt for lower budget accommodations which could include hostels and self-catering facilities.
Recently, there has been a surge in property rentals like AirBnB, but there several other companies that rent condos in Waikiki as well. If you do choose a self-catering rental unit you will discover that finding a grocery store may be challenging in Waikiki.
Related: Be sure to check out Hawaiian Vacation Rentals
Pro Tip: Be sure to bring a backpack while shopping for groceries. Even the smallest amount will weigh you down.
2. Groceries for Hawaiian Visitors over 50
There are numerous convenience stores in Waikiki which sell groceries, but they are not your typical grocery store. They carry canned goods, snack foods and alcohol but their supply of fresh produce and meat/poultry will be limited. In some cases, of questionable quality.
For many Hawaiian visitors over 50, having kitchen facilities allows more flexibility for meal planning but it can also provide some inconvenience. Groceries can be heavy to carry if you are walking to your accommodation.
Light breakfast or lunch provisions may be easier to purchase and carry from these numerous convenience stores, but larger scale dinners can make the trek cumbersome. It would be advised to enjoy the local culture and have your dinners in the nearby restaurants.
3. Transportation
After you settle into your accommodation and take a rest from your long flights, or perhaps even the next day, the first thing you should do is to check out the hop-on / hop-off trolley system. With the Waikiki Trolley you can discover Honolulu’s historic sites, beautiful scenery, world-class shops, and mouth-watering restaurants with 50+ convenient hop-on hop-off stops. It is an enjoyable and affordable way to get around Waikiki.
Waikiki Trolley
The Waikiki Trolley formerly had 6 routes that encircled the communities within the Honolulu area. To make them easy to navigate, the routes are colour coded:
a) Pink Line: Waikiki/Ala Moana Shopping Shuttle – Experience Ala Moana Center, Hawaii’s largest mall and the largest open-air shopping center in the world!
b) Red Line: Cultural Honolulu – View Honolulu’s cultural, architectural, and artistic past on the Red Line.
c) Green Line: Scenic Diamond Head – Discover scenic spots around Diamond Head, Hawaii’s most famous landmark, including the Honolulu Zoo/Kapiolani Park, Waikiki Aquarium, Kahala Lookout, and the Diamond Head Summit Trail hike.
d) Blue Line: Panoramic Coastline – Cruise the Maunalua-Makapu`u scenic byway on a double decker bus offering spectacular views along Oahu’s southeastern coastline and highlighting magnificent views of white sand beaches and dramatic cliffs.
e) Purple Line: Historic Pearl Harbor – The Purple Line makes visiting World War II’s historic sites easy! The USS Arizona Memorial. The USS Bowfin Submarine.
f) Yellow Line: Honolulu Dining Express – The new Yellow Line Trolley will take you out of Waikiki and up Kapahulu Avenue to local restaurants and eateries.
However, with the restrictions due to coronavirus, the trolley had to close for a period. The Waikiki Trolley now has four exciting lines featuring parts of Honolulu that people have come to love. From soaring cliffs and turquoise beaches to fascinating historic sites and everything in between. They are as follows:
a) Pink Line –This hugely popular line takes you from Waikiki to Ala Moana Center and vice-versa with convenient stops at select hotels within the Waikiki area.
b) Green Line – Visit Diamond Head and farmers market on Saturdays.
c) Blue line – Go on a sightseeing bonanza through Oahu’s scenic south shore culminating with a visit to Sea Life Park.
d) Red Line – Explore Honolulu’s rich and storied past and visit stops such as the State Capitol, King Kamehameha Statue and Chinatown.
Tip: If you choose to take the trolley, be aware that the seats face sideways. This is awesome for viewing the scenery but non-front-facing seats can pose an issue with the sideways motion and stability on the trolley.
Also, if you have poor weather, the trolley has open sides and gets wet and windy until the driver stops to lower the plastic windows. The plastic windows tend to fog up and get covered in raindrops, so the view is hampered.
4. Waikiki Beach
The 2 mile stretch of beach along the shores of Waikiki is one of the most well-known beaches in the world. Although it is relatively continuous, it is comprised of 6 different beaches.
The Central Waikiki Beach is the most popular and closest to some of the larger hotels, but it is also one of the busier beaches. Along the entire stretch of the beach, there are a multitude of water sports rental kiosks for snorkeling, parasailing, water-biking, ocean kayaking and of course, surfing. You may also find opportunities for fishing, sailing, parasailing, and wildlife viewing activities.
If you are over 50 and enjoy walking along beaches, you should be aware that not all beach areas are accessible during high tide. There are several break walls along the beaches and during high tide or stormy weather, the ocean is at the doorstep of some of the beachfront restaurants and cafés. Wet sand can be slippery on some of the stairs and ramps leading down to the beach. For that matter, dry sand can also be slippery on the ramps and stairs.
Some of the beaches have a coarser grain of sand made from crushed shells and coral and can be sharp to the feet. It would be advisable to wear water shoes if you do plan to walk the beach areas.
Tip: If you are not a strong swimmer but want to enjoy the water, there is a nice lagoon at the north western end of Waikiki beach that would be ideal.
If you can arrange to be in the Waikiki area on a Friday evening, the Hilton Hawaiian Village shoots fireworks off at dusk each week.
5. Surfing
Hawaii has some of the best surfing in the world. Duke Kahanamoku was known as the father of surfing and he was a big promoter of surfing in Hawaii. The Central Waikiki beach area is one of the better beaches for anyone beginning to surf as the beach is quite shallow and gradual. Surfboards and surf lessons are rented through small businesses scattered throughout this area.
If you are a less-active senior, you might be better suited for a “boogie board” rather than a surfboard as boogie boards are easier to maneuver in the waves. Surfing is a very energetic sport, and exhaustion can be an issue.
For the more experienced surfer, beaches on the northern side of Oahu can be challenging as waves can reach twenty feet or more. I car would be required to get to them.
6. Parks
There are several parks in the Waikiki area that are quite enjoyable to walk through. Fort de Rossy Beach Park is a fairly large park area with walking trails and places for a picnic. If you are a Hawaiian visitor over 50, there are benches scattered through the park for rest stops. Kuhio Beach Park is a narrow oceanfront park that runs along Waikiki Beach. A statue of Duke Kahanamoku is found in the park. This tends to be quite busy as it parallels a road.
Queen Kapiolani Park is a huge urban park on Waikiki Beach that is located at the foot of Diamond Head. The Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and Waikiki Shell Amphitheater are in the park.
7. Hiking
Diamond Head is the huge volcanic mountain situated east of Waikiki Beach. It is Hawaii’s most recognized landmark and known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. The Diamond Head Summit Trail is one of the attractions not to be missed in Honolulu/Waikiki.
The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of this volcanic crater. Much of the trail is a natural surface with many switchbacks traversing the steep interior slope of the crater. It is a challenging trail and proper footwear is required.
If you are a over 50, you should know that it is quite a strenuous activity and there are limited benches along the way for resting. When the surface is damp, the trail can get quite slippery.
If you make it to the summit, the postcard view of the shoreline of is stunning, and during winter, you may also see passing humpback whales. For the history buff there are historical bunkers on the crater rim and a lighthouse along the coast outside the crater. These were used for military guidance during the war.
8. Pearl Harbour Historical Site
A short distance away from Waikiki is the most popular tourist destination on Oahu: Pearl Harbor Historical Site. If you are a visiting Hawaii as a senior, your early education told of the historical significance of Pearl Harbor in WWII and the tragedy that occurred at the hands of the Japanese. Despite the negative attributes of the “day that lives on in infamy”, Pearl Harbor today embraces its history and showcases a balanced memorial site that respects both cultures. Tours and static displays are available in both languages.
A visit to Pearl Harbor can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day—or even more than one day. There is much to see and do, and many tours to choose from.
Visitors can experience several attractions within the site grounds: Arizona Memorial (sunken WW2 ship), USS Missouri (WW2 ship where the Japanese surrendered), USS Bowfin (WW2 submarine), Pacific Submarine Museum and Memorial Pacific Aviation Museum. As you pass through the gates, you are struck with an intense somber feeling of remembrance for those who lost their lives during the Second World war. It can be overwhelming.
Pro Tip: Be aware that this is a secure attraction, and you will be required to pass through a security check point and surrender your large purses and backpacks prior to entry. Leave your valuables at home!
9. Cultural Activities
Cultural activities can include learning how to Hula dance at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center or attending a Luau. A luau is a Hawaiian feast showcasing live music and cultural performances of greater Polynesia. It is one of the most festive experiences in Honolulu.
The Polynesian region includes Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Solomon Islands, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, and Cook Islands. Visitors to a luau are typically presented with a flower lei around their neck as a welcome symbol. Some luaus will present welcome drinks as well.
The meal usually consists of kalua pig cooked in an imu (earth oven), haupia (coconut pudding) and poi (Hawaiian taro starch), among many other delightful dishes. The skilled performers tell the stories of the islands. Many of the performances involve fire walking or fire throwing. It can be an exciting experience.
Some luaus are offered at distant locations and transportation is provided by buses. If you are a senior or over 50 and mobility is an issue, standing while waiting to board buses can be an issue. In addition, the return bus home can be loud as younger visitors may have consumed abundant alcohol.
Whether you choose a Waikiki luau or one further away a visit to Hawaii will not be complete without attending a Luau!
10. Shopping for Hawaiian Visitors Over 50
Shopping has become a tourist activity within the Waikiki area. The Waikiki strip supports all the major American labels, Armani, Sephora, Lululemon, and Victoria’s secret as they are lined on both sides of the street. In the areas closer to the beach, shops are located between hotel buildings and are linked with passageways. There are also the multitude of ABC stores that provide the essential such as merchandise, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs.
If you are looking for a more traditional mall, the Waikiki Trolley can take you to the Kahala mall east of Diamond Head or the Ala Moana center west of Waikiki beach.
The Ala Moana center is very large at four floors high and is one of the largest in Hawaii and has the distinction of being the largest open-air market in the world. All the major shopping players are located here including Burberry, Chanel, Prada, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors.
If you are a senior or mobility challenged, you should know that this mall does contain a lot of stairs and there is limited seating. It is easy to get disoriented in this mall due to the multi-levels. This is definitely one of the things to consider.
The Waikiki Trolley also provides a stop at this location.
Paradise Awakens
As the world reopens after the pandemic pause, Honolulu’s paradise awakens. Although hotels, restaurants, cafes, museums, historical sites, and cultural attractions have experienced losses and closures, there is a renewed optimism for this desirable travel destination.
Many businesses have used their down time to incorporate modifications, upgrades, and renovations to provide visitors with a better tourist experience.
Now is the time to start planning your idyllic Hawaiian vacation. If you are Honolulu bound, Honolulu can be enjoyed by anyone even if you are a senior or over 50 with a few considerations.
Note: Despite the devastating wildfires in Lahaina in 2023, the other parts of Maui are open for business. Dollars from tourism will help the local economies with the re-building. Hawaii has long been a top destination for seniors vacations.
Are you ready to visit this tropical paradise on your Hawaiian holiday?
I would love to hear your comments.
Very informative and the transportation-bus lines great traveler info. As a former HI resident I also suggest Ala Moana Park for snorkeling, kind of crowded but incredible. Also Doris Duke house tour, Shanghai La, is really worth it!