THE SECRETS OF HONOLULU
One of our favourite things we love doing during our travels is exploring off the beaten path, away from the tourist traps. A great way to do this is by jumping on a bike and pedalling through areas that you can't access via car - and that's just what we did.
We began our morning at the Pedal Hawaii's Waikiki shop, grabbed our bikes, helmets and tour guides and cycled off to explore the secrets of Honolulu.
Pedal Bike Tours
Pedal Bike Tours
We cycled along the Ala Wai canal which gave us views of the Ko'olau Mountains before heading down a Banyan tree-lined bike path that lead us to a white, pristine beach, Ala Moana beach park.
Pedal Bike Tours
Pedal Bike Tours
We cruised along the boardwalk as our guides shared stories on how the beach was created and the history that came along with it. We stopped at a local surf break, "Point Panic", to watch the local surfers and body boarders catching the morning waves.
Pedal Bike Tours
Pedal Bike Tours
After checking out the local beach hotspots we made a swing into the neighbourhood of Kaka'ako. We pedalled through Honolulu's warehouse district, a place no tour bus would take you. We marvelled at urban murals splashed along the walls lining the streets, created by artists from around the world.
Pedal Bike Tours
Pedal Bike Tours
Pedal Bike Tours
After taking way too many photos of the awesome art it was time to be absorbed in the history of Honolulu. We visited the homes of Oahu's first missionaries, the royal Iolani Palace and the iconic Kamehameha Statue.
Pedal Bike Tours
Pedal Bike Tours
It was fantastic being able to cycle so close to these historical monuments as our guide shared stories of their past and effect each place had on what Honolulu is known as today.
Pedal Bike Tours
Pedal Bike Tours
Next stop was our favourite stop of the day. We pedalled into Honolulu's Chinatown and as it was Chinese New Year we experienced a traditional dragon dance, fire crackers and all.
Pedal Bike Tours
Pedal Bike Tours
After locking up our bikes we wandered into the Chinatown Markets and stopped for a refreshing local bubble tea (we tried mango with pearls - yum) and bought a cheeky cinnamon scroll straight out of the oven.
Pedal Bike Tours
Pedal Bike Tours
As we pedalled back to Waikiki we spoke to our guides about life in Honolulu and of course they had many questions about life in Australia. We zipped through local neighbourhoods as we made our way back to the bike shop.
Pedal Bike Tours
It was such an unreal way of experiencing Honolulu, and nothing we could of experienced by bus. Being able to cycle with Pedal Bike Tours through the back streets and getting up close and personal with landmarks so iconic to Honolulu's history was the most unique way of seeing what the island has to offer. The tour went for 3 hours and was easy, flat terrain (just be ready for a sore bum the next morning).
Pedal Bike Tours
Tour Price: $69pp for the 3hr Hidden Honolulu Tour with Pedal Bike Tours.
Want to see some footage of the hidden areas of Honolulu? Check out our daily vlog below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxGKFNDYRFE
Have you ever explored a new place off the beaten path?
Many thanks to Pedal Bike Tours for hosting us for the day. As always, all opinions are our own.
READ NEXT: THE ISLAND OF OAHU
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