Hawaii Guide and Deals

One hundred feet beneath the surface of Maunalua Bay, the Corsair⎯a World War II airplane—rests on a sandy floor. Its massive shell and magnetism for schools of soldier fish lures deep-sea explorers to the site every year. As divers propel themselves alongside the plane's wing and fuselage, they get an up-close look at the wreck's current residents, which range from colorful goatfish to reclusive moray eels.

With more than 30 years of experience, the scuba instructors at Waikiki Diving Center lead daily dives to submerged sites such as the Cosair wreck. Earning a five-star Instructor Development Center designation from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the center's team coordinates parties of 12–14 people and takes them out on one of two customized dive boats—The Submariner or Snoopy V—for adventures ranging from snuggling sea turtles to earning PADI open-water certifications. To enhance visitors' experiences, Waikiki Diving Center's crew arranges complimentary shuttle service to and from Waikiki hotels.

The one constant in Honolulu Burger Co.’s burgers is the beef—it comes from free-range cows that feed on the grasses of Hawaii. From this base sprouts a dozen specialty burgers that pair everything from blue cheese and bacon to kim chee and teriyaki sauce. If you’re feeling creative, you can create your own burger by mixing and matching from the eatery’s selection of toppings and spreads, which includes homemade sauces and dressings and local produce whenever possible. Hefty burgers and sandwiches piled high with pastrami share menu space with rice dishes, house-made fries, milk shakes, and veggie burgers made from whole portobello mushrooms.

The servicemen of Pearl Harbor's naval and air base were taking some much-needed R and R between early morning repairs inside Hangar 37 when suddenly they heard a buzzing overhead. Their ears weren't foreign to the rapidly approaching sound with the humming of their own planes and battleships periodically filling the air, but this instance proved to be drastically different. Thunderous explosions soon overtook Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona struggled to stay afloat as the Imperial Japanese Navy delivered a surprise military strike, which resulted in one of the most devastating attacks on American soil. With a mission to preserve the history of this tragic event, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor opened that very same hangar to the public, hundreds of feet from where ships burned and men courageously fought more than 70 years ago.

Hangar 37's 42,000-square-foot space currently houses many of the museum's World War II artifacts, which include B-25B bombers, naval planes, and Korean War MiGs. Also open to the public, Hangar 79 displays the actual bullet holes that pierced its windows during the attack, while an authentic WWII maintenance shop contains an exhibit that explains how WWII planes ran on Lucky Strike cigarette materials. Visitors can experience the museum's ever-evolving collection of exhibits––which has included segments dedicated to Amelia Earhart and the Flying Tigers––through guided tours in both hangars and submerse themselves in the virtual world of the museum's combat flight simulator.

From surfing at secluded locations to hiking a private trail to a waterfall at the foothills of the Ko’olau Mountains, the team at Hawaii Water Sports Center designs excursions so visitors can experience thrills and explore Koko Marina’s pristine waters. USCG captains pilot a Ski Nautique that pulls along bumper tubes and six-person Banana Boats, and professional instructors help visitors master the skills of wakeboarding or water skiing through a six-ball course. Their snorkeling trips take place in Hanauma Bay’s reef-filled waters, and their Maunalua Bay scuba excursions are overseen by PADI-certified instructors and trained master divers. On these trips, they guide students along and point out colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and retired goldfish.

It’s not just the soft glow of candlelight, the array of floral sprays, or even the pampering spa treatments that keep clients coming back to Laka Skin Care & Spa. They come for the salon’s holistic treatments, backed by the science of Nobel Prize–winning research. The salon’s staff is trained in everything from facial reflexology to the salon’s three signature facials—all of which use 24-karat gold to brighten and cleanse skin.

What really sets the spa’s treatments apart are the optional add-ons. The house brand of aromatherapy, 21 Drops, infuses facials and massages with healing essential oils to entertain noses. Heated amethyst mats detoxify both body and mind while clients relax on them.

The expert carriage cleaners at Auto Detail Aces return vehicles to road-ready luster with professional washes and detailing services. After vehicles soak in sudsy streams, experienced auto techs tenderly dab droplets with a soft wash mitt and chamois cloth. Spray-wax solutions galvanize shells against hazards including sudden rain showers or drive-by food fights. Doorjambs and trunk hinges swing open squeak-free after de-greasing treatments, and tired treads give up collected highway grime during precision de-gunkings. Inside, vacuums suck dirt and debris from carpets, and interior deodorizers freshen the air, masking the musk of spilled food, mildew, and the deer that just joined your carpool. Roadsters also don shady window tints and daubs of touchup paint to keep interiors cool and exteriors smooth and glossy. When not busy restoring vehicular vigor, Auto Detail Aces donates to the Koko Head Lions Club to support schools and the local community.