Nobody wants to lose ski days to jet lag, right? We’ve found the perfect solution for skiers and boarders heading to North America for some schussing this winter.
The sandy shores of Hawaiian islands provide the perfect stopover to shake off the lag and cleanse the weary travel soul in salt water, catch some zzz’s under a warm sun and arrive in your forward destination refreshed and ready to hit the mountains.
Trust us, it’s a life saver. Hawaiian Airlines launched a Sydney/Honolulu/Salt Lake City route that offers the perfect opportunity to address jet lag before it addresses you. On a trip to Deer Valley for the FIS Freestyle World Cup last January, I took some time out in Waikiki to test my theory.
The OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel sits one road back from the beachfront (just cross the road and walk through the laneway lined with surf boards to hit the beach), so it’s minus the shoreline prices. You’ll still get the soothing ocean breeze on higher floors and views of either the ocean or the mountain and you’re on the main designer shopping and dining drag.
You won’t forget you’re in Hawaii, either, with tropical and surfing art installations from the likes of local mural artists Margo Ray and Erin Ibarra, island time music from local cultural ambassador Makana and a boutique style pool courtyard (hello DJ parties in summer).
There’s the Hawaiian Aroma Caffe that actually, no word of an Aussie lie, serves a decent coffee (local Kona coffee beans) alongside the obligatory Açai Bowls that permeate island life. Live music can be found at the Maui Brewing Co. in the lobby and known for the island’s largest bar and specialty pizzas and tacos and tostadas with a tropical twist.
The hotel underwent a US$35million makeover in 2022 so it’s still fresh, and then welcomed Cirque du Soleil’s first Hawaiian resident show, ‘Auana, in late 2024. This is a must-see in the hotel’s purpose built theatre with all the signature showmanship that Cirque du Soleil serves up.
The heritage of Hawaii is told through death defying acrobatics and multimedia projections. It’s pure magic and joy and I dare you not to feel moved by any of it. Plus it will keep you wide awake with glee to help with those circadian rhythms.
What about the 498 rooms? Yes, there’s that many but yet it still feels like a boutique hotel. Though be warned the pool seats get filled quickly – though personally I’d rather hit the beach for sunrise and check out sunset on a boat, when in Hawaii and all that.
Expect amazing surf and water imagery from photographer Zak Noyle aligning the wall behind your bed, plus floor to ceiling glass doors onto balconies. Room rates start around AUD$395 per night, but it is definitely worth upgrading to an Ocean View room if budgets allow, even a Partial Ocean View.
Rooms are spacious, light and bright with woven rope and raffia elements and the team on site are so friendly and will accommodate early check-ins if possible.
There’s no room service, but this “craft hotel” offers both the cafè and brew bar in the lobby until late. If you walk across the road down the beach access laneway you can get yourself a Banan Hawaii soft serve made with no added sugar or dairy in the famous “Pineapple Yacht” the size of your head.
Depending on the week you’re there you can indulge in complimentary morning yoga and poolside parties. I did neither, preferring to sleep off the lag, throw myself into the ocean at every possibility and shop at the outlets (but that’s another story).
Do be warned, Hawaii is known for obligatory “resort fees” in addition to room fees and is added to accommodation bills upon checkout, so ask what the fee is per room per night when booking your holidays.
You’ll also get cheaper deals with OUTRIGGER if you book direct and make use of early bird bookings and membership deals.
*author was hosted by Outrigger Hotels and Hawaii Tourism
