Courtesy of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Photo by Tor Johnson.
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Every time I travel, I take work with me. It’s the only way I can fit my love for jetsetting into my busy schedule. Luckily, I’m one of those people who enjoy checking email on the beach or in coffee shops.
If you’ve ever turned a pool cabana into your office or joined a Zoom call from a hotel lobby, you’ve engaged in a growing trend called “bleisure.”
Global trends experts Jacob Stand and Miriam Rayman of The Future Laboratory coined the term “bleisure” in their 2009 biannual trend report to describe the popular phenomenon of combining business and leisure travel. Especially popular with millennials—but also embraced by Generation X—bleisure has become a way to find better work-life balance and make the most of business trips.
Bleisure is becoming more popular every year. According to a 2022–2023 bleisure travel market forecast conducted by Allied Market Research, the global bleisure market is projected to reach $731.4 billion by 2032—up 8.9% from $315.3 billion in 2022. Business travelers are increasingly rearranging their schedules to include sightseeing, activities and downtime that allow them to connect with the places they’re visiting—instead of heading straight back to the office.
Have a business trip to Oʻahu coming up?
Consider turning it into a “bizcation” by adding a few days of bleisure.
Which Oʻahu bleisure itinerary is best for me?
If your business takes you to Oʻahu, chances are it will be in town—either at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center or in downtown Honolulu. These itineraries offer bleisure suggestions near both. All recommendations are within walking distance, so you won’t need to rent a car. You can book a shuttle from the airport to your hotel.
Courtesy of Shutterstock. Photo by Vitalii Matokha.
#1 Bleisure Near the Convention Center
Check into the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra
Ala Moana Hotel is the closest hotel to the Hawaiʻi Convention Center—located right across the street. It’s also ideal for bleisure, just a five-minute walk from the beach and next door to the world’s largest open-air shopping mall. This hotel also features a beautiful pool and a fitness center with steam and sauna rooms.
Dine with a view at The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood, located on the 36th floor of the hotel. They’re famous for their happy hour, so arrive early to beat the line. After dinner, head to Pint + Jigger for cocktails. Owner Dave Newman is a James Beard Award-nominated mixologist known across Hawaiʻi and the U.S. for his hospitality, extensive selection of craft beer and whiskey, and inventive takes on classic cocktails. Try the Prime Thyme or the Talventi if you need a pick me up.
Take a break at Ala Moana Beach Park
Go for a stroll, ride a bike, take a surf lesson, swim, stand-up paddleboard or play tennis—there’s plenty to do at Ala Moana Beach Park and its adjoining Magic Island. The reef-protected waters are calm for swimming, while the surf just beyond the reef is a favorite amongst local surfers. There’s a large sandy beach, plus acres of grass for sunbathing and picnicking.
Hungry? Head to Foodland Farms across the street at the base of Ala Moana Center. Grab poke, salt and vinegar chicken wings, bento boxes and more.
Ala Moana Beach. Courtesy of Shutterstock. Photo by Theodore Trimmer.
Shop, Eat, Drink and Get a Massage at Ala Moana Center
From luxury brands to casual fashion, Ala Moana Center offers hundreds of stores in an open-air mall steps from the beach. For a meal with an ocean view, stop at Ruscello on the lanai for a salad, burger or pasta. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, Sxy Szechuan serves chili-spiked ribs, dumplings and hot and sour soup. For dessert, I love Jejubing Dessert Cafe for Korean-style shave ice. Island Vintage Coffee and The Sunrise Shack, located on the lower level near the food court, serve smoothies, açaí bowls and coffee drinks, all made with high-quality ingredients.
Need a break? Massage Palace, also on the lower level, offers excellent foot and body massages at affordable prices. No reservation needed. (It’s one of my favorite spots on the island for a massage!)
Pint + Jigger, or a “beer and a shot,” is owner Dave Newman’s go-to drink. His bar, located inside The Ala Moana Hotel, combines craft beer and craft cocktails under one roof. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
#2 Bleisure Downtown
Check into AC Hotel Honolulu
If your business brings you downtown, the AC Hotel is one of the best accommodation options. Conveniently located between Chinatown and the Capitol District, it’s within walking distance of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, ʻIolani Palace, Honolulu Hale (City Hall), Hawaiʻi Theatre, Capitol Modern (State of Hawaiʻi Museum of Art), galleries, shopping, nightlife and many of Honolulu’s top restaurants.
The hotel is also home to The Dotted Line, a popular spot for power lunches and dinners, and Yours Truly, a basement-level speakeasy known for some of the most creative cocktails in town.
Meet your colleagues at AC Hotel’s power lunch/dinner restaurant, The Dotted Line. Photo courtesy of The Dotted Line.
Frequent Remote Work–Friendly Coffee Shops
Need a break from working in your hotel room? Chinatown offers several laptop-friendly coffee shops with free Wi-Fi. Just like at home, be respectful of the space—plan to purchase at least one item per hour you spend working.
Hello Again has cozy desks with outlets. Try the Cardamom Rose Latte or the Iced Mood Ring. PŌʻAI by Pono Potions is known for house-made syrups crafted from local ingredients. Co-owner Peter Hessler, a former bartender, brings a mixologist’s touch to every drink. Order the Pauahi Latte with caramelized mac nuts, and grab a slice of banana-ʻulu bread from ʻUlu & Kalo Bakery at the register. Like a splash of bourbon in your morning coffee? Check out Manifest, which transforms from café by day to music venue and cocktail bar by night. It has ample seating, espresso drinks and a full bar—ideal for an afternoon escape. Finally, Drip Studio – the mecca of specialty coffee in the neighborhood – is where you should go if you like a good pour over. Drip also offers its own brand of matcha, house-made pastries, a lunch menu and nonalcoholic coffee cocktails.
Take a Shopping Break or Go on a Tour of Chinatown
Be sure to wander through the produce, meat and fish markets in Chinatown. Around the intersection of Maunakea and North Hotel streets, you’ll find tiny bakeries, dim sum spots, noodle shops and unique gift stores. You can also take a Chinatown Food Tour where you’ll learn the rich culture of the neighborhood while sampling locally grown fruit, poke, dumplings, manapua and more.
For hand-printed aloha shirts, visit Hawaiian-owned Sig on Smith (open Fridays only) or Roberta Oaks. Plant and jewelry lovers should stop by Ginger 13, while vintage seekers will enjoy Single Double. For artisanal leather goods, check out Hook & Hide.
Before heading off to bed. Cap the evening off with a whimsical cocktail at Yours Truly. Photo courtesy of Yours Truly.
Eat + Drink
Just a few blocks from AC Hotel, you’ll find a world of great dining options. Fête and its sister bakery Mille Fête, co-owned by James Beard Award–winning chef Robynne Maiʻi, serve up classic dishes done exceptionally well in a friendly, casual setting. For inventive Italian-Asian dishes, head to Giovedi—named Best New Restaurant this year by Honolulu Magazine and Bon Appétit (you may even see me working here on Saturday nights).
Pizza Mamo is a must for Detroit-style pizza, and their sister restaurant, The Daley, located just around the corner, serves up crave-worthy smashburgers and fries. Don’t skip the chocolate chip cookie for dessert.
For spicy, hand-pulled biangbiang noodles and addictive chicken wings, try Youpo Noodles. And if you’re in the mood for Thai, Sing Sing Thai Street Food has some of the best on island. That’s because the chef and co-owner trained in home kitchens across Thailand.
Why work at home, when you can work from anywhere in the world? Photo courtesy of AC Hotel Honolulu.
