The Royal Hawaiian

Gracefully perched on the golden sand of Waikiki Beach in the heart of the 96815, is the iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Rooted in royalty, the hotel was built in the late 1920's on the former site of Hawaiian Queen Emma's summer palace and King Kamehameha's personal playground. Surviving numerous inhabitants, changes, restorations and renovations over the years, Her style and grace has remained timeless. The Pink Palace of the Pacific is still the premier luxury destination for paradise-seeking world travelers and me - who happens to live just a few miles away. I know you are thinking a staycation in the same zip code as home seems a bit frivolous, but upon check-in I was instantly transported to another world a million miles away from my normal life. For a couple of days, I felt like royalty enjoying a mai tai under a pink umbrella on Waikiki Beach whilst gazing at that gorgeous Diamond Head. Here, the day easily drifts by and with the setting sun I am ready for another lovely Waikiki night. A drink or two at Mai Tai, the hotel's beachside bar, a walk in the sand listening to the waves softly lap against the shore and I am feeling romanced by this place. They say, "The Royal Hawaiian is where the world fell in love with Hawaii". After this stay, I know it to be true.

A Royal Hawaiian Staycation - only a few short days, but forever in my heart.

XOX,

The 96815

The Royal Hawaiian, 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, The 96815, Ph: 808.923.7311, Reservations: 1.866.716.8110

Photography by Jessica Tronoski

Waikiki Love

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I have love on the brain. By now, it is no secret that I am in love with Waikiki. You may find it hard to believe that someone living in Hawaii could find love amongst the millions of tourists, buses and the general chaos that can come with city life. I'm looking beyond all that and taking this place for what it is. The mix of endless shopping, world class restaurants, and pristine beaches make Waikiki one of my favorite places, hands down. Beyond the amenities, Waikiki is naturally a beautiful place rich in Hawaiian history and mid century nostalgia. The contrast of tall white buildings against the curved palm tree-lined shore and aquamarine sea is one of my favorite scenes. At sunset, a golden hue hits the city as hotel room lights begin to slowly flicker on one by one. I love walking through Waikiki during golden hour and watching the smiling, happy tourists taking photos and capturing beautiful moments that they will now remember forever. For a few minutes, the hum of the hustle and bustle seems to quiet, as a captive audience watches yet another breathtaking Hawaiian sunset. Waikiki, you have stolen my heart once again.

Happy Valentine's Day!

XOX,

The 96815

Photography by Jessica Tronoski and The 96815

Diamond Head Days

It has been about 3 years since I have been living back on Oahu and in the 96815 full time. As some of you reading this may know, transitioning to Hawaii is not the easiest process. Finding an affordable place to live, a decent job and just getting used to island life again can prove to be a bit challenging. It was those picturesque days spent at Diamond Head Beach that put my mind at ease and left me feeling that I was exactly where I was meant to be. Winding down the path from the lookout above to the sacred shores below, I am captivated by the beauty of Oahu's south shore. I can't help but to feel delighted by the pleasant scene of beach goers, surfers and dogs frolicking with ear to ear grins on the wide open coastline. Days like these have been the main source of inspiration for the creation of The 96815 and continually motivate me to share this unique piece of paradise with you. On this day, I packed a book and my camera, picked up a delicious breakfast bagel (add turkey bacon) from Bogart's on Monsarrat Ave and was on my way to the diamond flecked sand somewhere between the lookout and Cromwell's. I prefer to go it alone; spend some quality me time counting my blessings. An afternoon here and you will find a lot to be thankful for. 

Diamond Head Days - good for the soul.       

Duke's on Sunday

In the heart of the 96815, resides the legendary beachside bar and restaurant, Duke's Waikiki. Named after Hawaii's most famous citizen and the Father of International Surfing, Duke's pays homage to it's namesake, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, with photographs lined along the wood panel walls that lead outside to the Barefoot Bar. On any given Sunday, Duke's hosts Henry Kapono and his band of talented musicians playing all your favorites against the setting Hawaiian sun and majestic Diamond Head. If you haven't been, I am sure you have heard about it. The music, the people and a tasty tropical libation all come together to create this beautiful aloha filled atmosphere which is uniquely Duke's. 

Gather your friends, kick off your shoes and listen to Kapono sing: 

Gather 'round by the seaside, Beach fun and tropic skies 
Diamond head and palm trees, surf riders on the sea 
It's the place to be, it's the place to be 
On the beach at Waikiki, that's where you'll find me 
Here on the southside, Beach Boys paradise 
Duke's on Sunday 

See you there.

XOX, 

The 96815

Duke's, 808-922-2268, 2335 Kalakaua Ave in the Outrigger Waikiki, The 96815.