Those of us who live in Hawaii are often asked where we go on vacation – and usually with a droll smile indicating that we would have no reason to travel anywhere since we're already in paradise.

And, well, not to brag, but sure – nothing makes us happier than staycations, or vacations at home. Waikiki is a popular staycation for locals, a chance to go to The City and whoop it up like the visitors do. Marketing gal-about-the-office Jessica Pang just took a three-day, two-night romantic getaway with her boyfriend, Dean, to celebrate their first anniversary. Her dispatch, with photos:

"Last year, my boyfriend took me to my first KCCN FM100 Birthday Bash, a two-day concert of Hawaiian and Jawaiian (reggae-style) music at the outdoor Waikiki Shell. We had the time of our lives – so much so that a year later we made a staycation of it. We stayed in the modest, affordable yet very comfortable Waikiki Park Shore on the Diamond Head-end of Waikiki, a short distance from the Shell. Our room had gorgeous views (see below) and cool breezes.

We had a deal: Dean would take care of accommodations and concert tickets, and I'd get our daytime activities. Normally that would mean dragging my boyfriend along while shopping, but for our staycation, I really wanted to do something special for the both of us.

THE SPA: We visited the Hilton Hawaiian Village's Mandara Spa. Stepping onto the fourth floor of the Kalia Tower, you find a sunlit room filled with relaxed clients, with sunbathers lounging by the pool outside. After checking in with the friendly staff, we were led on individual tours of the gender-separated facilities: the lounge, sauna and whirlpool. I had reserved a couple's massage, which includes a private room with a whirlpool bath (above) and two massage tables. After a relaxing 50-minute massage, the therapists left us with a warm bubble bath, lit candles and fresh flowers for a 30-minute private soak. It couldn’t get any more relaxing and romantic. We lounged at the spa's pool for another hour after that – all of it was worth the $340 with gratuity (that was the kamaaina rate for locals). We enjoyed a beachside lunch at Tropics and wandered the resort for a while. It's huge and you can always find something to do there. We pledged that we would be back many times more.

THE CONCERT:  For those who have never been to the FM100 Birthday Bash, let me fill you in. People from all over the island, young and old, come together for two nights to share aloha and celebrate Hawaiian music. Whether it’s the new and upcoming Kolohe Kai jamming their “Pretty Little Ehu Girl” song or The Manao Company taking us back to “Drop Baby Drop,” the concert is a positive vibe. The lawn at the Waikiki Shell was filled with people dancing. Everything was just as fun as last year, but our new find was a sampler pupu platter: plate-lunch style with popcorn shrimp and marinara sauce, spicy fried noodles and fried short ribs with an ono (delicious) sauce. The first night it was a whopping $17; but the second night of the concert it was knocked down to $11. For a couple on a budget, that made us happy!

THE BIG FIND: But our best find during the staycation was The Crepe House: a tiny crepe, gelato and smoothie parlor near our hotel, across the street from Waikiki Beach at the Pacific Beach Hotel. The Crepe House has a great selection for dessert, a light lunch or a tasty breakfast. The burrito-like preparation of the crepe makes it very easy to eat – utensil free. We chose the strawberry-banana crepe with a scoop of vanilla gelato: absolutely delicious, with just the right amount of whipped cream and fresh fruit. (Pictured: Our crepe, fresh-to-order.) Topped off with a drizzle of chocolate and we were in crepe heaven."