Oahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island and is often considered a highly desirable destination for Traveling Nurses and healthcare professionals. The island offers Traveling Nurses the opportunity to explore Polynesian cultures, a convenient work-life balance, and a sense of adventure where you can live like a local in a location where Traveling Nurses are often in demand.
Polynesian Culture
As a melting pot of cultures with influences from native Hawaiian, Asian, and Western traditions each hospital is an opportunity to experience and appreciate Oahu’s rich cultural diversity. Working on Oahu provides traveling nurses with the chance to gain professional experience with Hawaii’s unique healthcare challenges and patient populations. Traveling nurses on Oahu have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture as well as its ceremonies, music, dance, and cuisine as they learn to communicate with individuals from various backgrounds and cultural norms.
Traveling Nurse and a Work-Life Balance
Traveling Nurses typically prefer an accommodation that provides a combination of comfort, convenience, and flexibility. After all, poor proximity to work can significantly impact convenience and commute times. However, Oahu’s diverse healthcare environment includes large urban hospitals with many relatively close to Waikiki. Waikiki also offers robust public transportation options.
The Queen’s Medical Center is the largest private hospital and major medical facility in Hawaii and is situated approximately 4 miles northwest of Waikiki. Also within roughly 4 miles of Waikiki are the Straub Medical Center, the Kapiolani Medical Center, the Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the Kuakini Medical Center. If you are willing to adventure to the windward side of the island, Adventist Health Castle is about 12 miles northeast of Waikiki. With Waikiki’s abundance of hotels, condominiums and apartments a Traveling Nurse has many options to find suitable accommodations.
An Adventurous Lifestyle
The island’s slower paced lifestyle and close-knit communities provides a relaxing balance to a Traveling Nurse’s busy work schedule. Oahu’s ocean to mountain landscapes, scenic beauty and pleasant climate create a unique and appealing work-life environment. Oahu is also an ideal destination for Traveling Nurse’s who enjoy an active and adventurous lifestyle with a wide variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, surfing, and exploring our amazing national parks.
Live Like a Local
Traveling nurses often seek short-term housing options when they take assignments. Short term housing provides fully furnished accommodations with essential amenities such as furniture, appliances, and kitchenware. The short term accommodations should include all utility charges to avoid unexpected costs. Waikiki offers many vacation rental property options including privately owned condos and apartments that provide a balance between the amenities and crowds of a hotel and can be found on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, WaikikiStay.com, and Vrbo offer a range of options allowing Traveling Nurses to choose an accommodation that suits their preferences and budget.
If you are a Traveling Nurse and you consider Oahu a desirable destination too then it is best to start your search for your lodging accommodation as early as possible. During peak season, you are competing with luxury vacationers, remote workers, snowbirds, retirees, as well as other traveling professionals to secure your most suitable housing needs. Allow time to check guest reviews and ratings that can provide insights into the quality and suitability of the accommodation.
Uniting for Recovery: State, Federal, and Local Support
Wildfires are a recurring issue in many parts of Hawaii, including Maui, due to factors such as dry weather, strong winds, and the presence of flammable vegetation. Maui’s most recent wildfire created significant impacts on the local communities, particularly the community of Lahaina, in addition to effecting the island’s ecosystems and environment. The devastating Lahaina fire caused the residents to evacuate their homes and community with heartbreaking loss of life and property damage. The response to the wildfire has brought assistance from state and federal resources as well as Hawaii locals and businesses.
In response to the fire, Hawaii Dream Realty LLC worked to accommodate evacuees and pulled blankets, sheets, towels, and pillows from our ready storage for drop-off donation to those in dire need. We continue to do smaller actions such as attending Lahaina charity events as we mourn the losses and mend our hearts. As a guest to Oahu, you may consider an island hop to Maui. The Maui community needs your support too.
Island-Hopping for a Cause: Supporting Maui’s Communities
More recently in speaking with a Maui resident from Kihei, aside from the staggering list of missing family and friends, she expressed concern for the remaining communities of Maui. Maui, much like Oahu, is economically dependent on tourism. Visitors contribute to the prosperity of many small businesses and restaurants that cannot be sustained by the local residents alone. Taking a short flight from Oahu to Maui gives you a taste of the island-hopping experience, allowing you to see more of Hawaii’s unique landscapes and cultures. While Oahu is known for its bustling city life, historical sites, and famous Waikiki Beach, Maui offers a more relaxed and natural environment and is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and the famous Road to Hana. The Road to Hana is a scenic drive that takes you through picturesque vistas, exotic flora, and numerous waterfalls.
Planning Your Visit: Making the Most of Your Short Trip to Maui
While Oahu and Maui offer distinct experiences, combining a visit to both islands can provide a more comprehensive appreciation of Hawaii’s diversity and natural beauty while helping the Maui community recover from the wildfire. Keep in mind that travel logistics, such as flights and accommodations, should be planned in advance to make the most of your short trip to Maui.
If you plan to visit Haleakalā for sunrise, you are required to make a reservation in advance. These reservations can be made through the official Haleakalā National Park website. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance of your visit. They tend to fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to book as early as possible, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak tourist seasons.
that I was watching MTV Ridiculousness and the host and co-hosts were discussing car rental insurance which led to to think about trip insurance. The host was adamant that the insurance wasn’t necessary. He believed the insurance was a means for the car vendor to get more money for the same rental. The co-host thought the host was being ridiculous. The co-host believed that the expense was minimal relative to the cost and anxiety if the car was damaged during the rental period. For the co-host, the peace of mind was well worth the few extra dollars. The Ridiculousness hosts’ choices were personal preference. Ultimately, the decision to purchase trip insurance is a personal one. Some travelers may simply prefer to take their chances. However, there are a few reasons you might want to consider before declining trip insurance.
Cancellation Coverage
In most circumstances, Hawaii Dream Realty LLC will refund your reservation prepayment for cancellations made 60 days prior to check-in. For full details on our cancellation policy, visit Vacation Rentals Frequently Asked Questions. If you are concerned that you may need to cancel hen trip insurance can help protect your investment. The insurance can reimbursing you for prepaid, non-refundable expenses. Trip insurance can provide coverage for cancellations, Cancellations include unforeseen events such as illness, injury, or death in the family, severe weather, natural disasters, or terrorism.
Medical Coverage
If you become ill or injured during your trip, trip insurance can help. Trip insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. For me who, traveled during the pandemic, this was my primary reason for purchasing trip insurance. Even though I never got sick while traveling, the piece of mind was well worth the cost. I knew I was going to avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses if I required medical treatment while traveling.
Travel Delay Coverage
Hawaii is a tropical paradise however we have our fair share of hazards. Our typical hazards including active volcanoes, tsunamis, and several storms and hurricanes. While the occurrences of nature’s hazards in infrequent, they do exist. Nature can cause a travel delay due to circumstances beyond your control. In such circumstances, trip insurance can provide coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations.
Lost or Stolen Luggage Coverage
Luggage that is lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip can definitely put a damper on your vacation. Trip insurance can provide coverage for the cost of replacing your belongings. So the vacation damper becomes an all-expenses paid shopping spree. The Waikki strip offers many shops and boutiques.
Discussing Trip Insurance
Perhaps the most important benefit when discussing trip insurance is the peace of mind it provides. Piece of mind that you are protected against unexpected events. This can help you relax and enjoy your vacation. You will not need to worry or have anxiety about what might go wrong. Purchasing trip insurance can provide valuable protection. Trip insurance helps ensure you are not left with significant financial losses. Trip insurance helps cover your unexpected expenses if something goes wrong during your trip.
Hawaii Dream Realty LLC offers trip insurance through InsureStays. InsureStays is an industry leading provider that offers trip insurance at competitive prices.
Click Here To download a brochure on our Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance Program
The brochure provides an overview of the Standard Travel Protection option and the Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection. The insurance is offered when you book through our website.
Travel + Leisure Magazine Honolulu Ranked #5 in U.S. Cities
Honolulu ranked #5 in top 15 cities in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Travel + Leisure Magazine is a top world travel media brand. The magazine’s mission is to inform and inspire passionate travelers. The magazine covers cities, tried-and-true destinations, beaches, mountains and valleys, national parks and outdoor adventures. In addition, the magazine covers fine-dining experiences and secret hole-in-the-wall establishments, and everything in between much of which you can find in Honolulu. Overall, the magazine equally offer travelers inspiration along with advice for planning trips. Additionally, the magazine offers valuable guidance once they are on the ground. To subscribe to Travel + Leisure Magazine, please click here.
Best in the U.S.
The best cities in the United States, according to Travel + Leisure readers, offer a welcoming mix of history, delicious food and drink, and attractions for the whole family. Every year Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions. First, readers rated cities on their sights and landmarks. Second, readers rated cities on their culture, cuisine, and friendliness. Finally, readers rated cities on shopping experience resulting in an overall value of 85.43. The rating ranked Honolulu #5 in top 15 cities in the U.S. according to Travel + Leisure Magazine. Readers continue to appreciate destinations like Honolulu (No. 5) with easy access to some of America’s spectacular outdoor offerings.
“So much to do and never enough time,” one reader said about this city on Oahu’s southern shore. A second reader specifically called out the “amazing local restaurants” and “lots of hiking and walking areas to explore.” Afatia Thompson, president and owner of Tihati Productions Ltd., said, “All the surveys show that the top two things that visitors want to do when they visit Hawaii is go snorkeling and attend a luau.”
Honolulu Accommodations and Excursions
Hawaii Dream Realty LLC offers a great selection of Waikiki vacation rentals for all budgets and family sizes. Our rentals are all right in the heart of Waikiki and all within walking distance to the world famous Waikiki Beach. Our vacation rental properties are privately owned and vary by amenities, building, square feet, number of guests, improvements, and views. For help with tickets and tours, we recommend Mauka Tours agency that provides a level of service and hassle free knowledge that best compliments our services to you.
We Moved Our Office
Effective April 1, 2022, we have moved our office to a new location. We relocated one block to a commercial space within the Waikiki Resort Hotel lobby. We are very excited about the new location. The location is central between many buildings we manage in the Waikiki area. The new location enables us to continue to service our customers’, clients’, guests’, and tenants’ individual needs.
All contact information (phone numbers, emails, websites and portals) shall remain the same to include our secure mailing address: PO BOX 4569, Kaneohe, HI 96744. Only our physical office location has changed to 2460 Koa Ave, Unit # F, Honolulu, HI 96815.
Hawaii COVID Restrictions Lifted
In the state of Hawaii, the Governor has declared the end of the Emergency Proclamation for COVID. Additionally, most establishments no longer require indoor masks. Likewise, the domestic Safe Travel Program ended. Also, for Oahu, the Mayor recently removed all restrictions for businesses including 50% capacity restrictions. The Mayor removed the requirement to allow entry to only those with vaccine cards or negative test results for certain establishments. Next, we anticipate that soon international travel restrictions will be lifted as well. Overall, the end of COVID restrictions is good news for Hawaii and our visitors.
Domestic Travel Restrictions Lifted
Hawaii COVID travel restrictions eased for mainland travelers to Hawaii. After screening more than 12 MILLION passengers, Hawaii lifts all restrictions for mainland arrivals. The Hawaii Safe Travels program officially ended on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Arriving into Honolulu International Airport just became much easier. No need to show your vaccination card or negative COVID test results. No wrist bands or long lines as you move from your arrival gate to baggage claim.
Mask Mandates Eased
After two year of restrictions, Hawaii has also dropped its indoor mask mandate for most places. Hawaii was the last state in the nation with an indoor mask mandate in place. Under federal guidelines, mask use on public transportation will continue until April 18. Masks must still be worn at all times while on board TheBus and while at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. You should still keep a mask nearby as some private businesses can require a mask.
Hawaii Is A Safe Destination
You now have the choice if you want to wear a mask. Some people are still wearing masks as a safety precaution. While we would love to see your smiling face, we do respect all our visitors’ choices. As of March 22, over 80 percent of the eligible population on Oahu is fully vaccinated with over 50 percent of the population having received a booster or third dose. We are still allowing our rooms to “air out” for 24 hours between guest stays and use sanitizing cleaners between guest stays.
Best Lodging Price with WaikikiStay.com
We have served Hawaii’s tourism industry since 2015. In the past, we predominately relied on third party booking partners such as Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com and others. On Airbnb you can find hundreds of reviews on our properties and Staff. We also established an Oahu Vacation Renters Marketplace making our properties bookable at comparable rates but without all the third party booking fees. We guarantee the lowest booking costs when you book directly with us either through the WaikikiStay.com website, as a walk-in visitor, or via phone. Be confident that you are getting a great deal and that you will be safe.
Why Spring Is The Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaii
Spring is undoubtedly the best times of year to visit Hawaii. Fragrant white pikake and colorful yellow hibiscus flowers take bloom. To add to natures ambiance is the extra daylight we enjoy in spring. Additionally, while most of the rest of the nation adjusts their clocks for daylight savings time, we just take the day in stride and lounge in the extra sunshine.
We have much to celebrate too in March. We have Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day on March 26. Walk out of your accommodation and enjoy a parade right in Waikiki. Typically in late March, we start to see the southern Pacific Ocean come to life. Wax up your surfboard, schedule a surf lesson, break out your boogie board, or just sift your toes in the Waikiki Beach sand watching the waves.
Lifting of COVID Restrictions and Mandates
For our visiting guests, Hawaii has taken an abundance of precaution with respect to COVID. The state has achieved an 80 percent vaccination rate on Oahu. The hospitals are no longer inundated with COVID cases. Our governor recently announced that the mask mandate and Hawaii Safe Travel Program will cease on March 26. Guests arriving from the United States no longer have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to avoid quarantining for five days.
Governor Ige said, “I do believe that we are the last community to release the mask mandate because we care about each other and we care about our community and we are all willing to sacrifice to keep each other healthy and safe.” The vaccination and testing as well as the mandates and lockdowns contributed to Hawaii as having the lowest rates of COVID in the country.
Come and enjoy the lovely spring sunshine and celebrate with all that Hawaii has to offer. This spring we look forward to once again frolicking in the sand and waves and we know we have much to be grateful.
Waikiki Car Rental Recommendation
In general, we advise our guests to not rent a vehicle from the airport. Instead, we suggest that our guests get settled at their accommodation on their arrival day. When you are ready to venture beyond Waikiki then you rent a ride. If you only rent for the day then you don’t need to deal with finding free parking or pay exorbitant prices. Ride wise, you can rent scouters, motorcycles, Smart Cars, and even high end sports cars. Car rental locations are throughout Waikiki.
Waikiki Parking Options
Overnight parking can be a challenge especially if you are visiting during our busy season. You can score free street parking which is limited and not easy to get. The most abundant street parking is located along the Ala Wai Canal and may mean that you need to walk a couple of blocks to get to your accommodation. Parking along the Ala Wai Canal can be restricted so be sure to read the signs so you can avoid a costly tow.
Hotel parking is an option but that is likely to set you back $50 or more per night. Each hotel has it’s own rules and pricing structure so be sure to inquire.
Another option is the Hui Car Share. With Hui, you can rent a car for an hour or day using their Hui app. All Hui stations are open 24/7 and the rental cost includes insurance, gas, unlimited mileage, roadside assistance, and parking. Hui is just a couple minutes away from hotels like the Waikiki Beach Marriott, Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and Sheraton Waikiki Beach.
Kuhio Village Parking
Your final option is public parking garages. Public parking garages, like Kuhio Village parking garage, offer less expensive rates than hotels. Public parking garages typically charge hourly or overnight rates. If you happen to be staying in one of our Kuhio Village accommodations, the parking garages are in the basement of each tower.
Kuhio Village Guest Review
The below review was from one of our Kuhio Village ocean view tower guests. Valarie provided a review with great information regarding parking in Kuhio Village parking garages.
“The best thing about this place is the location! It is literally two short blocks from the Waikiki Beach (right in front of the Duke’s statue). It has a plethora of food venues all around and a 24-hour convenience store right in the same building that was indeed very convenient.
As many other reviewers mentioned, the parking is very limited. There are two separate parking garages (one with roughly 20 slots and one with probably a few less, since 3 of them are reserved for a car rental company business located on the ground floor), each one under each tower (the two tower buildings are connected at the ground floor and it took us a while to realize there are two separate parking entrances, each facing one street). Both parking garages are actually public parking, so they are not reserved to building guests/residents. Anyone could use them by paying the park meter fare (the hourly fare is pricey, and it’s $25 for 24 hours).
We thought we were doomed to pay for parking every night of our 9-night stay, since we went for the high-season (Christmas & New Year holidays), but if you’re willing to walk 10-15 minutes – and it could be a beautiful walk along the canal – we managed to find free street parking for two thirds of our stay. So it wasn’t too bad. The building has a security office and elevators are activated only with the key fob. So this made us feel pretty safe.” Valorie, 1/1/2022
Warning!
The tow trucks are relentless in Waikiki. Do not even chance trying to park in a non-designated parking area or not pay at a fee lot. The tow companies are located near the airport. You will need to pay for a ride to the tow company and then pay a hefty fee to recover the car. The entire ordeal can set you back over $300.
Christmas in Hawaii was inspired by past blog posts from Megan Shute. Megan is a professional write who resides on Oahu. She compiled photographs from social media that supports Oahu’s local attractions and features Christmas time in Hawaii.
Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s officially the Christmas season. When you think of a traditional holiday season, the Hawaiian Islands are probably the last place to cross your mind. After all, you won’t find freezing temperatures or snow here, unless you head to the summit of the Big Island’s Mauna Kea, that is. However, Christmas in Hawaii is pretty incredible, and here are eleven reasons why.
Surfing Hawaiian Santa is so much cooler than regular Santa
Santa can shed his big, red suit and clunky boots in this tropical climate and don a festive Hawaiian shirt instead – or simply not zip up his suit.
Cliff/Flickr
Make a “snowman” on the beach.
You won’t have to worry about your sandman melting though you might have to worry about your creation being swept away with the tide…
Scott Schiller/Flickr
Witness Santa arriving on an outrigger canoe
Because everyone knows that reindeer don’t thrive in a tropical climate. Santa arrives on Waikiki Beach by outrigger canoe.
Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort/Facebook
Experience the beautiful lights that adorn Honolulu Hale
The beautiful light displays at the Honolulu Hale will be up through January 1 and are an absolute must-visit in the Hawaiian capital.
Kyle Nishioka/Flickr
Drive thru a holiday wonderland at Aloha Stadium
Enjoy a leisurely drive through a Christmas landscape.
Provided by Honolulu KHNL
Blast the AC while drinking hot chocolate
It may be 80 degrees outside, but we can pretend we live in a winter wonderland, can’t we?
Dave Dugdale/Flickr
See someone surfing in a Santa hat
What’s better than a holiday trip to the beach?
Paul Oka/Flickr
See blooming poinsettias and decked out palm trees
Did you know that poinsettias can grow as tall as trees in Hawaii, and that they bloom near December 25?
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
You never have to worry about bad weather changing your holiday plans
There will be no blizzard that forces you to miss your annual family holiday celebration in Hawaii.
Sam Posnick/Flickr
Christmas dinner is followed by a trip to the beach — wearing Santa hats and leis, of course
Because we want to be festive AND still enjoy our days off at the beach. Besides, what’s better than a holiday trip to the beach?
Rob Bertholf/Flickr
Telling other “Mele Kalikimaka” instead of “Merry Christmas”
Bing Crosby said it best: “Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way to say Merry Christmas to you.”
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
Hawaiian Christmas music is quite unique
What other states in America can say that they have completely unique Christmas tunes sung by the famous Bing Crosby?
Waikiki Budget Accommodations
We have hosted thousands of guests visiting Waikiki on a budget. Our guests value our hospitality, quality and reliability. From young to retirees, our guests come from a range of cultures and places seeking a budget stay in world famous Waikiki.
When you spend a lot of money on travel, you tends to isolate yourself. Imagine that you are staying at really exclusive resort with a pool, spa, fitness center, lounge, and restaurants. You probably don’t want to or have to ever leave the resort. If your intention is to simply relax and remain at one place and you have plenty of money then Waikiki does have ritzy resorts to suite your wants.
Our guests tend to seek adventure. Sometimes they are solo travelers out exploring the world one location at a time. Other times, they are travelers who are able to work remotely and are looking for some alternative scenery. We host families too and we do have accommodations with resort amenities. Amenities are great for when you want to just relax after a day of adventure. But most are visiting Waikiki on a budget.
Let the Adventure Begin
Traveling is an opportunity to meet and interact new people, to experience different cultures and cuisines, and to learn about a new place. Budget travel kind of forces you to get out and explore. Your travel adventures do not necessarily mean that you must plan every moment of your trip and we do not recommend that you fill each day with tours or event. However, if you know you want to visit the Arizona Memorial or attend a Luau, do not wait until you arrive to book the events. You may also consider front loading your visit with booked events but leave plenty of time for more spontaneous adventures. After all, once you get here, you are likely to find and learn about many things to do that you did not previously consider.
You do not want your schedule packed with activities. You might miss out on an enticing recommendation from a local because you already filled your entire trip with activities. When unexpected things happen, you really feel alive and you feel like you are experiencing a place. You don’t feel like you are experiencing a package deal. I have nothing against going to Disney World. Disney World is very well done, but nothing unexpected happens, or if something unexpected happens, it tends to be very carefully planned by the people who work there.
Adventure Resources
To get you started with your planning process, we recommend Mauka Tours who can provide you with local information and exclusive guest offers. The Mauka Tours staff are happy to simply talk story with you even if you do not book a single tour. They are personable and do not pressure you which is why we decided to promote them. We try to meet all of our guests and provide them with useful information about their unit and the local area and are available to answer any questions. Our office is open daily so you can always stop by to talk story and get advice. We try to provide you with resources before you arrive and once you arrive so you can have a dream stay and create memories to share until you are able to visit us again. Visit our property rentals to start planning your next adventure today.