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See a different side of Waikiki

5th June 2014

While Waikiki is a popular tourist destination in Hawaii, that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of new attractions to see and discover.

In fact, this bustling beachside area is full of hidden gems and brimming with nearby activities that will make your holiday there extra special.

Here are some to consider.

Sunset yoga on the beach

Have you spent the day lounging on Waikiki Beach, perhaps imbibing a few cocktails or a couple of ice creams?

Give your health and wellbeing a boost after your indulgence with a sunset yoga session. Check out the timetable, reserve a spot then head along to the beach between the Barefoot Cafe and Waikiki Aquarium, and look out for the Sunset Yoga Hawaii sign and instructors.

Not only will you get the chance to workout your body and experience the peace and serenity yoga offers, you'll be enjoying Hawaii's stunning environment around you. From the refreshing scent of the ocean to the sight of the giant burnt-orange setting sun, it's an absolute feast for the senses.

Stay somewhere special

When you make the journey all the way to Hawaii, you should stay somewhere spectacular so you really get the most out of the experience. The Outrigger Waikiki on the beach offers you the full resort experience right on the renowned Waikiki Beach.

With a range of rooms and suites, there's something to suit everybody and a variety of budgets.

Enjoy the ocean views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean, and the convenience of being just minutes away from some of Honolulu's best attractions.

Plus, there are the pools, spa, restaurants and plenty of other amenities to enjoy, making for a truly memorable experience and a wonderful place to rest after a long day's adventures.

Visit the Dole Plantation

Love pineapples or simply want to catch a glimpse of one of the island's illustrious industries? Then head to the Dole Plantation, which has operated at various sites in Hawaii since 1901. At one point, there were 20,000 farmed acres of pineapple and a plantation village to house over 1,000 workers and their families.

While the way the industry operates today is a far cry from this, you can take a Garden Tour to learn about its history and discover how the practice works in the modern age.

You can also hop aboard the 'Pineapple Express' train, which takes you on a 20-minute tour and offers gorgeous scenery mixed with plenty of history.

There's also an incredible maze on site, which was declared the world's largest in 2008. Try and navigate the gorgeous passages bursting with bright Hawaiian plants and flowers and make your way out - see if you can beat the fastest time!

If you're hungry after all the excitement, visit the The Plantation Grille for a meal before you go.

Check out Iolani Palace

Visit Iolani Palace, which is located in downtown Honolulu, for a glimpse into Hawaii's royal history. The official residence of Hawaii's monarchy, it's a place to learn about the island's heritage and grandeur.

Explore the palace and its grounds on a tour. The Throne Room, Blue Room and State Dining Room are particularly opulent examples of the royal lifestyle.

The palace is also home to a number of significant collections, from glass and silver to military accessories, insignia, furniture, general household items and more.

Outdoors in the garden, the Coronation Pavilion, which was built in 1883, is well-worth a visit with its gorgeous cream, blue and red colour scheme.

This being just a fraction of what Waikiki has to offer, you can rest assured you're in for one enchanting and illuminating escape with a holiday to Hawaii.