Oahu Travel Guide :: Hawaiian Paradise
Hawaiian Paradise. Where the sea turtles and dolphins are friends, where you can eat Portuguese sweet bread all day long, and where island juxtaposes mountain and coast. You truly have to blink a couple of times in disbelief to comprehend what you see.
As a first-timer to the Hawaiian islands, I did my fair share of research on top things to do (other than, of course, drinking Mai Tais on the beach). Each day was packed full of activities, food and beach time.
My family and I stayed across the island from Honolulu, in the town of Kailua. We LOVED this place. Staying in Kailua was like stepping into the life of a local for a week. The pace is slower, the beaches are less crowded, and the shops are filled with neighbors. We were truly on island time.
The trip to Oahu was so enjoyable, L&L decided to compile a travel guide to spread the Hawaiian travel love.
STAY:
We stayed in a VRBO house just off of Kailua beach. The hotels aren't as plentiful as Waikiki, so it seemed like a home-stay was the way to go. If I went back, I would spend a couple of nights at the Laylow in Waikiki. It's in the middle of everything and has a rooftop bar.
DO:
Trek the Pillbox Hike (Pillbox was my favorite outdoor activity. It's a muddy path straight up the side of a mountain, hidden in a neighborhood...and the views are SPECTACULAR. Lush, green mountains on the right, bright blue waters on the left).
Snorkel at Hanauma Bay (Swimmin' with the fishies in the middle of a coral reef was also an incredible experience. Get to the park early, because they fill up QUICK and bring snacks. Snorkeling will wear you out! Although I didn't get to meet Nemo, I'm sure I waved to many of his fishie friends. P.S. The drive from Kailua to the park is KNOCKOUT gorgeous).
Wander up to Manoa Falls (WATERFALLS GALORE! This hike had a dedicated trail up to the falls. And every bit of this hike was green. Most of the path was shaded/covered with foliage, so I didn't need a hat!)
Visit Pearl Harbor (If you visit Oahu, you should visit the Pearl Harbor museum. It's forever an American memory and such a beautiful tribute to the lives lost).
Eat a Dole Whip (We made the 40-minute trek out to the Dole Plantation on a slower day. The Plantation attractions were very crowded - I wouldn't recommend buying tickets to anything but the pineapple maze! Dole Whips ARE delicious - especially after running a muck through the maze. I would only recommend the trip out here if you were a super pineapple fan or had some extra time in Hawaii).
Make a Lei (Hawaii first-timers must all attend a luau. Dancing, food activities, oh my! We had the opportunity to make a lei bracelet and dance on stage - embrace that local culture)!
EAT:
Nico's (Upscale seafood dining with great drinks. They have a location in Honolulu and Kailua).
Kono's (Hole-in-the-wall local Hawaiian food place in Kailua. Voted best place to get a milkshake on the island. I would definitely agree. Especially after a long hike).
Cinnamon's (Small restaurant in Kailua with AMAZING pancakes and even better variations of Eggs Benedict. Prepare to nap afterwards).
Nalu (Acai bowls! Health food focused - very fresh).
The Pig and the Lady (10/10 would recommend. Found in Chinatown, this small eatery will please your taste buds with their take on Asian fusion. I was VERY impressed with their dishes).
Dukes (Hula Pie. It's a mountain of ice-cream, chocolate and whipped cream. Plus, you have views of Waikiki Beach).
Kona Brewing Company (Go for some local brews after snorkeling at Hanauma Bay! It's a stone's throw away from the park and sits on the water)!
Leonard's Bakery (Stuffed. Portuguese. Sweet bread. Donuts. Technically, they're called malasadas. They taste like sugar heaven. Buy anything and everything you can get your hands on. I devoured their powdered sugar macadamia nut cookies).
Upon my return to Hawaiian paradise, I will promptly sign up for some surfing lessons, plan a hike to the top of Diamond Head, explore some local bars in Waikiki, and listen to more ukulele music. Aloha!
