Thankfully, it's easy to make even the busiest stay in Honolulu a pleasant one. Many of Honolulu's business centers share neighborhoods with tourist attractions, and the hospitality industry everywhere is top-notch.
Where to Stay & How to Get There
There are a number of relatively cheap hotels scattered throughout Waikiki. Some of these even target their services directly toward business travelers. Both downtown and the Convention Center lie only a short bus or taxi ride away from Waikiki, but the most convenient hotel is located in downtown itself. The Aston at the Executive Center provides relatively inexpensive rooms in a central location of downtown.
Several shuttle companies operate on a regular schedule from the airport to Honolulu hotels. However, while traveling light for business, a taxi will serve your needs just fine.
Downtown
Downtown Honolulu is bordered by historic Iolani Palace, Chinatown, and the sea. A highly condensed business area, many executives never find reason to leave the general vicinity. You'll have no trouble navigating this new territory. Thankfully, you won't have trouble finding somewhere to sit down and take a moment to recoup, either. Fort Street Mall cuts down the middle of the business district. A wide, open space with no cars whatsoever, you can amble along until you find an eatery that catches your interest.
With Chinatown so close, you can take the opportunity to do a bit of sightseeing as well. Locals will love to meet you there for lunch. You can choose between long-time Chinatown establishments for dim sum or one of the new, avant garde restaurants that transform Chinatown into a hopping night spot when darkness falls. New favorites include Lucky Belly, with its adventurous take on ramen, and The Pig & the Lady's reinvention of Vietnamese cuisine.
The Convention Center
Sitting not far from the downtown area, you may recognize the Convention Center from the popular TV show Lost--where it stood in for the Sydney airport. A large, glass structure made of intricate geometries, you'll have a hard time missing it. Several main roads converge nearby the Convention Center. Kapiolani Boulevard leads down to Ala Moana Shopping Center, while Kalakaua Avenue travels back into Waikiki.
With Ala Moana so close on hand, you'll have your pick of familiar chain restaurants. The more adventurous eater can invite a group to enjoy some traditional Korean barbecue at one of the many yakiniku joints dotting Kapiolani Boulevard. Meanwhile, The Hard Rock Cafe lies just across the street from the Convention Center.
Remember to Relax
Many business professionals find themselves shocked by the Hawaii dress code. Island-style formality includes slacks and an Aloha shirt for the fellows, though it remains somewhat unchanged for the ladies. In either case, you won't find blazers or ties outside of a court room, and maybe not even there. Dress appropriately, but know what to expect from your local peers.
