Hawaii is one of the world’s top destinations among global tourists. The beautiful island state is known for its amazing beaches and, of course, epic, one-of-a-kind parties. Due to popular demand, the Hawaii Zouk Festival is coming back to the beaches of Waikiki from November 14th through the 18th of 2019, marking its 3rd annual appearance for party-goers. Today, we’ve come up with a mini-guide for those attending the event for the first time.
The What
Zouk is a form of dance music that originated in Guadeloupe and Martinique. It was a veritable 80s dance craze for a time, and this festival keeps the vibe alive. Hawaii Zouk Fest is also all about experiencing Hawaii’s culture and natural beauty through the various activities during the event.
Hawaii Zouk Festival Activities
Artists from all across the globe will offer zouk workshops, beach yoga and acro yoga, surfing/paddleboarding/canoeing lessons, Hawaiian cultural and hula dance courses, and various other Hawaiian cultural experiences. There will be a pirate ship sunset yacht party, organized beach parties, and late-night parties all throughout the event.
Getting Around
If you haven’t really decided on getting a rental yet, but have already arrived at the airport, a budget-friendly way to get to the event is by taking Honolulu’s mass transit called TheBus. A quick Google Map search will show that you can take Bus/Route 19 from the airport’s upper level (main terminal Diamond Head) to the event or your hotel. The festival’s pre-celebration begins at 2 PM on Thursday, November 14th, 2019.
Where To Stay
The Hawaii Zouk Festival will be held at the Sheraton Waikiki. If you tend to book last minute and didn’t get a chance to grab a room at the event but are looking for other Waikiki beachfront hotels, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa is another great option. It’s just a 10-minute walk to and from the Zouk Fest, which can give you a bit of a breather between activities and party sessions.
Where to Eat
As one of the world’s top tourist hubs, Waikiki doesn’t fall short in the number of eateries in the area. Whatever your budget you’ll find a variety of restaurants to satisfy even the pickiest of palates. There’s a Cheesecake Factory (and you know how huge their menu is). There’s Musubi Café Iyasume, which serves up tasty Japanese cuisine that almost everyone loves. And for the pickiest of eaters, there’s also a Mcdonald’s a Burger King nearby.
Are you looking for an upscale dining spot? Head over to Taormina Sicilian Cuisine on Lewers Street or Roy’s Waikiki on the same street for an upscale Hawaiian fusion experience. Whether you’re coming from the Hyatt or the event, there are plenty of food options available.
Attractions
If the Hawaii Zouk Festival has you pumped up to experience other local attractions in the area, take the rental and drive about 2 miles to Diamond Head State Monument. Diamond Head (known to locals as Lēʻahi) is a volcanic tuff cone. Its name derived from… well, I’ll let you learn about that when you experience it! Diamond Head has breathtaking views of the coast and is also known for its historic hiking trail.
So what are you waiting for? Grab this guide and head over to the Hawaii Zouk Festival in November. See you there!