The winter months in Honolulu, Hawaii are among the city’s busiest times of the year, catering to holiday revelers and tourists who want to escape from the snow and ice to enjoy some sun, sand and winter – Hawaiian style. Pleasant tropical weather, holiday festivals and the Honolulu Marathon in December are just some of the things to enjoy during your winter getaway to Honolulu. Whether you’re interested in an historic tour of royal palaces, landmarks and museums, or want to enjoy some traditional Hawaiian fare as part of your winter travel, Honolulu beckons with dozens of fun and cultural activities.

Plan your winter travel and map out your itinerary in Honolulu with these sites; you’ll experience an unforgettable winter getaway!

STAY
You can expect Honolulu’s hotel and resort rates to be at their highest from mid-December to mid-January because of the holiday season, but there is still plenty of budget-friendly lodging to settle into this winter travel season. Ask about weekend packages and if you’re traveling with kids, Honolulu hotels often offer family discounts. Many hotels in the area, including the Island Colony by Aqua Resorts offer some great discounts and early bird specials for your winter getaway.

If you’re splurging on this winter vacation, make reservations at the Halekulani, an historic private beachfront estate that has preserved many Waikiki traditions. It’s one of the leading hotels in the world and features royal suites, a Vera Wang suite, an onsite spa, stunning views of the Pacific and gourmet dining.

PLAY
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is a great beach to get a good workout learning to surf; you’ll learn why locals still love to ride the waves and why some of the most popular surf competitions are in Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is an idyllic setting for surfers of all skill levels, and you can get lessons from veteran surfers who have surf shops right on the beach.

For landlubbers, The Honolulu Marathon happens each year in December and attracts thousands of runners and fans from around the globe. If you’re a runner yourself, register for the race and enjoy some amazing views of the island as you cross each mile.

Want to shop and learn to hula? Enjoy at least half the day at the Royal Hawaiian Center , located in the heart of Waikiki. This Honolulu shopping hotspot is home to over 110 stores and restaurants, and also offers fun complimentary hula and culture classes. Enjoy live entertainment and events, see the holiday lights and displays, and enjoy some delicious sushi, steak and Hawaiian specialties at one of the restaurants in the Center.

If you’re in the mood for antiquing, head to Anchor House Antiques on Kapahula Avenue or Robyn Buntin of Honolulu for some exotic art, fine antiques from Hawaii and Polynesia, and hand-carved collectibles and keepsakes. There are only a handful of antique shops in Honolulu, and you can find everything from vintage reproduction Aloha shirts to one-of-a-kind room décor.

Enjoy an afternoon exploring one of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens: Foster Botanical Garden and Lili’uokalani Botanical Garden (in Honolulu), Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden (windward Oahu), Koko Crater Botanical Garden (exceptional xeriscape on the eastern side of the island), Wahiawa Botanical Garden (central Oahu), and see some of the endangered tropical plants of the United States. There are five gardens that are located in different parts of Oahu and are home to hundreds of species of native Hawaiian plants, African plants, bougainvilleas, ethnobotanical exhibits and picnic grounds.

Learn about the Hawaii’s monarchy with a trip to ‘Iolani Palace, the former home of King Kalakaua and Queen Lili’uokalani; ‘Iolani Palace is now a National Historic Landmark. The palace has been restored to its original design and houses beautiful artwork and original furnishings. If you happen to be visiting on a Friday afternoon, catch the Royal Hawaiian Band presenting a free concert on the palace grounds.

DINE
Indulge at the Top of Waikiki restaurant for your holiday celebration and enjoy beautiful views of Waikiki Beach as you enjoy Hawaiian fusion cuisine in a contemporary setting. This popular dining destination has earned its reputation as one of Hawaii’s best, and spreads out over three tiers on top of the Waikiki Business Plaza. The restaurant also rotates a full 360 degrees every hour, treating you and your guests to some of the most amazing views of the city and beach.

If you’re looking for something a little more laid back but still want a taste of Hawaiian cuisine , enjoy the outdoor dining experience right on Waikiki Beach at Duke’s. The restaurant is a tribute to Hawaii’s most famous citizen and the “Father of International Surfing”, Duke Kahanamoku.

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Honolulu Sunset image via Wal N.

Surfing Waikiki image via rjones0856

‘Iolani Palace image via kanu101