Featured Member: Michael Hawes

Featured Member Michael Hawes recently returned from a trip to Oahu with his wife of 40 years, Susie. Michael found remarkable wildlife, a very well-run resort and Shangri-La on his mid-winter escape. A veteran traveler to Hawaii, Michael shared a favorite guidebook, a memorable dining experience and more with an Andrew Harper staff member.

Why did you choose to visit Hawaii?

We planned a one week trip to Oahu for a winter vacation and wanted to visit the North Shore and Honolulu. Turtle Bay and Halekulani seemed like the best places to stay based on Andrew Harper and other sources.

Have you been to Hawaii before?

We have been to Hawaiian Islands a dozen times, including Kawaii, Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, and Lanai.

What prompted this trip?

Needed a vacation from my work and the long cold winter back home.

Why Andrew Harper?

A friend suggested I subscribe in the late 1990's, and I have been a subscriber for at least 15 years.

We are long time Andrew Harper fans, going back to our first trip to Italy in 1998 when we found great hotels and restaurants including Villa San Michele and L'Albereta.

Can you share a trip highlight with us?

Turtle Bay had some issues, but Halekulani was one of the nicest hotels we have visited anywhere in the world. The pool there, the management, the location were wonderful.

What set Halekulani apart as resort?

Very well-run resort, starting with check in. Room had everything we needed and nice view of the ocean and pool. Valet parking well-run, concierge service was outstanding, staff friendly and helpful, pool magnificent. A minor disappointment: The bathrobes did not fit our bodies. Kind of embarrassing to call the front desk and ask whether they have jumbo robes – besides, we are not sumo wrestler-sized. Also lacking was much of an ocean front presence on the beach.

What was your daily routine on this vacation?

Our daily routine was to get up and have a wonderful included breakfast, then go to an activity (Doris Duke's Shangri-La, Iolani Palace), go somewhere for lunch, do a bit of hiking on the beach or somewhere else (we had a car), come back at 4:00 for cocktails, clean up, view the sunset, go to a great place for dinner.

What was a great meal you ate on this trip?

Alan Wong's Restaurant at 1857 S King St., Suite #208.

Food and service top notch. We had the less expensive tasting menu. Started with a pineapple martini, vodka infused with pineapple and served with 2 big chunks of pineapple. Then followed a six course meal: soup and sandwich (tomato soup, grilled mozzarella and Kailua pig sandwich), lobster, snapper, short rib, dessert in a chocolate shell. All with marvelous sauces and pretty good accompanying wines. I didn't care for the red wine served with the short rib but was able to get a better alternative on request. Expensive for sure, but we felt worth it.

Did you do any particular sort of research or preparation for this trip?

There is a terrific guidebook that helped us: Oahu Revealed by Andrew Doughty, also available as an app for the iPhone.

What part of this trip was worth every penny?

Visit Shangri-La. We loved visiting this incredible home doubling as a museum. From the front entrance to the last room, this place is a must see. What would you do if you inherited a billion dollars at age 12? Cost was zero thanks to Halekulani.

What is a moment you’ll never forget from this trip?

Great view of Honolulu and surroundings from Pu'u Ualaka'a State Wayside Park.

What souvenir did you bring back?

Memories.

What would you advise someone to skip?

Chinatown in Honolulu – shabby and probably dangerous after dark.

Ready to book travel to Hawaii?

Contact an Andrew Harper travel advisor to start planning your next vacation by calling (800) 375-4685 or by emailing [email protected].

Interested in becoming a featured member? Email Tyler at tgovaars@andrewharper.com for more information.