Travel Guide: Honolulu

Aloha from Honolulu!

I’ve discovered a new favorite work/play destination– Hawaii!

Over the last few months, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to the island two times in less than two months (and hopefully there will be many more). I know that the last thing I have to do is sell you on the benefits of going to a place that’s quite literally paradise, just the clear blue ocean and warm sand is reason enough, but I put together a travel guide for Honolulu for those of you who may be traveling there this summer.

Eat: 53 by the Sea 

When in Hawaii it should be a requirement to indulge in seafood and, lucky for me, seafood is my absolute favorite. For my fellow aficionados, you must go to 53 by the Sea; Not only will you be completely blown away by the food, but the view is absolutely breathtaking. My personal recommendation is the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, so delectable that it melts in your mouth.

Cocktails: Duke’s Waikiki

Nothing makes me feel like indulging in cocktails than warm winds at night, so I was thrilled when I came across Duke’s Waikiki. Duke’s has fun cocktails, a Japanese dinner menu for small bites, gorgeous views, and a rich history. As it turns out, this incredible place is named after Hawaiian legend Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, an Olympic gold medalist (for swimming) and thirteen-time Sheriff of the city and county of Honolulu.

Hair: Salon Blanc

As a Master Hair Colorist, I am absolutely enamored with what I do and it is difficult for me to find others who share my level of passion for hair, but at Salon Blanc I found my tribe. The owner, Alan V, and the group of incredible colorists who work there are incredibly talented people whose love for what they do is blatantly apparent in their impressive dedication and beautiful results. What a pleasure it was to teach this remarkable group! If you need anything hair-related in Honolulu you shouldn’t look any further than Salon Blanc.

Hotel: The Modern Honolulu

My favorite hotel in Honolulu is definitely The Modern Honolulu. I am all about sleek minimalism, and this hotel is an impeccable example of that type of design. I also love the array of options when it comes to the hotel views; you can enjoy a view of the yacht harbor, ocean, city, or pool while you relax and enjoy the beautiful weather on your furnished terrace.

Shop: Luxury Row

I don’t know why, but shopping is always so much more fun for me if I do it while I travel. If you are like me and like to indulge when you are away, look no further than Luxury Row- the name itself is indicative of why I loved the shopping experience. At Luxury Row you have a huge selection of high-end brand name stores including Tiffany & Co., Saint Laurent, Chanel, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and many more.

Fitness: Diamond Head Hiking Trail

The one thing I can tell you for sure is that the last thing you want to do in Hawaii is go a gym or an indoor workout class- not when you have such incredible nature at your doorstep. I really enjoy hiking in LA, so I decided to check out this infamous hiking trail and I am so thankful that I did. It’s a moderate climb up the side of an extinct volcano (possibly the worlds most recognizable volcanic crater) that opens up to magnificent views. Fun fact: The name Diamond Head come from the 1800’s when British sailors wrongly thought that diamonds were lodged in the crater’s soil. It turns out the that so-called diamonds where actually calcite crystals.

If you are familiar with Honolulu, what are some of your favorite spots? Leave all comments and questions below.

Renee Taglia is located in a Beverly Hills California. Contact her here for a consultation on how to discover (and keep) your perfect color.