An insider's guide to San Diego

The San Diego skyline. Picture / Thinkstock

Guy Kaho'ohanohano is a native of Honolulu and has been a flight attendant for Hawaiian Airlines for 14 years. He travels to San Diego multiple times a year with his wife and children where the majority of their family live. Here, he shares his insider's tips with us.

What do you love the most about San Diego?
My family and I absolutely love the sunny weather and beaches in San Diego. Similar to Honolulu, you get the best of both worlds with the city life and beach life.

What's the one thing you can't miss?
You definitely need to visit the San Diego Zoo. It is one of the city's top highlights. The zoo houses more than 3,700 animals of more than 600 different species and subspecies.

What's San Diego's best kept secret?
I am a surfer so my best kept city secret is definitely Imperial Beach, where I love to hit the waves when I'm in town. If you're not a surfer, it is perfect for sweeping views of Los Coronados Islands and evening sunsets.

What's the hot spot locals are going to right now?
Stone Brewing Co. at Liberty Station is a very popular spot where locals hang out. They have one of the best IPA beers - the Stygian Descent Barrel Aged Black IPA. It's a must-try if you're a fan of IPA beer.

Best hotel?
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is an award-winning five-star resort that was voted as one of the world's best hotels. It's set in 45 acres of gardens and olive groves, which makes you feel miles away from the hustle and bustle, but is still really handy to the city. My wife and I definitely like to splurge and stay here to pamper ourselves when we deserve it!

Best place to eat?
Being so close to Mexico, San Diego is definitely one of the best places to find delicious and authentic Mexican food. My favourite is Lolita's Taco Shop where the portions are huge and it's great value for money.

Best nightlife tip?

The Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego's playground with lots of dining, entertainment and shopping options day or night. I love to bar hop with friends and family when I'm in the area.

Union Kitchen & Tap

is worth a visit if you're looking to experience inventive American cuisine. Follow it up with a visit to

Noble Experiment

for incredible cocktails. It's a well hidden spot, you have to text the number on their website to reserve a seat at the bar but their concoctions are definitely worth seeking out.

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant Guy Kaho'ohanohano.

Best tip for San Diego International Airport?

If you fly into San Diego and would like to go to Mexico, there is an airport public bus in front of each terminal that you can hop on for just $5.

Hawaiian Airlines flies three times a week from Auckland to Honolulu offering connections to six neighbour islands. In addition, Hawaiian Airlines flies to 11 great US destinations including New York with convenient connections via Honolulu. Visit hawaiianairlines.co.nz or ph (09) 977 2227.

- VIVA