Oahu, Hawaii: Our Travel Highlights
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Sooo I’m finally writing about our 2019 trip to Oahu. 😅 Now that travel has resumed in the healthier parts of the world, it seemed like a good time to jump back into this half-written draft I’ve had for ever.
Oahu lives rent-free in mine and Kushal’s minds, let me tell you why. 💗 I had read everywhere that of all of Hawaii’s islands, Oahu’s the most crowded and commercialized, lacking some of that secluded tropical island magic. But for me, admittedly a Big City girl, an island that combines the urban-ness of a cosmopolitan city with a beach paradise isn’t just magic, it’s Big Magic! Honolulu's a beachfront skyscaper city and oh, there's also a volcanic crater to hike on the other side and secluded North Shore beaches 40 minutes away and a 400-acre tropical garden nestled under a majestic mountain range nearby? What?!
Hence, the true story of me running an Oahu job search on the flight home.
Oahu's the second Hawaiian island we visited after Maui and before the Big Island, and while we LOVED the two bigger islands’ dramatic landscapes, Oahu felt comfortable like home and a killer vacation combined into one. Read below for the highlights from our five day itinerary. Pro tip: Highly recommend planning for the 6 meals/day you'll need to go through the food list, they are all a MUST.
THINGS TO DO
Day 1
Diamond Head
Out of the airport and into the crater! Because we landed early and had time before we could check in to our Airbnb in Waikiki, we drove straight to the famous volcanic tuff cone formation nearby that is Diamond Head. While we only chose to drive to the lookout point and hang out at the smoothie cart on site, Diamond Head is most popular for the hiking trail climbing up the crater for panoramic views of Waikiki and the south shore. It’s on our list for next time, although I will probably hit up that smoothie cart again then because how often does one get to sip a little something in a volcanic crater?! 💯
Day 2
1. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on our first full day, we set about a tour of the southeast of the island.
Stop 1 on the tour was a hidden paradise that not even all of the Insta-hype hadn’t prepared us for! Acres upon acres of tropical flora and fauna nestled in the shadows of the Ko’olau mountain range, it truly felt like we were lost in Jurassic Park… in the best kind of way. Hands down, this was my favorite place on Oahu!
At the foot of the aforementioned Ko’olau mountains is the Valley of the Temples, where this most serene Japanese temple lives. We were probably here for a total of 15 minutes, but it was the most restful 15 minutes we had had in a long time. Highly recommend a stop here, even if quick!
Ohh the soft sands of Lanikai Beach! Easily the best beach on Oahu, as declared by tourists like us and locals alike, this half mile stretch of perfect white sand in Kailua feels like a secret despite its renown. Perfect for wading in the clear turquoise waters or snorkeling (second best only to Hanauma Bay on the southeastern tip of Oahu), we could have spent all day here! If not short on time like us, make sure to do the Lanikai Pillbox Hike overlooking the beach. PSA: Because it isn’t a beach park, there aren’t any restrooms here.
A short drive from Lanikai beach on the eastern most point of the island is the 1.5 mile easy trail that gets you breathtaking views like below! Grab a bottle of water and a blanket before you head out, because you’ll want a scenic sit-down at the top. 😍
Swim suit: c/o Adore Me | Pants: Old (similar here) | Hat: old Hat Attack (similar here) | Sandals: Tkees
Are you even on an island vacation if the day doesn’t end with a beach sunset? Waikiki has so much nightlife to offer, with more amazing food and drinks and shopping than one could ask for! You’ll find our Waikiki eats when you scroll below, so for this bit, I’ll just suggest a walk along Waikiki beach, the free Friday fireworks display at 7:45 PM by the Hilton Hawaiian Village that you can catch pretty much anywhere near it and a stroll through the streets downtown for some fun souvenirs.👌🏽
Day 3
When in Honolulu! The beautiful grounds of this national historic landmark are worth a see as the only official residence of royalty within the Unites States. The Palace was home to the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs- King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, in the late 1800s. If there’s time, take a little walking tour in the area around the palace as it’s peppered with other historical and government sites. 🙂
jumpsuit: old Francesca’s (similar here) | scarf: thrifted | earrings: old (similar here) | Bag: thrifted | Sandals: thrifted (Similar here)
2. Pearl Harbor National Memorial
About 15 minutes from downtown Honolulu in Central Oahu is Pearl Harbor, the history-altering site of a surprise attack by the Japanese that plunged the US into World War II. An immersive experience for visitors, it is today a location for five Memorial attractions that allow for education and reflection both. Thousands of lives were lost as a consequence of the attack on Pearl Harbor and it was a sobering experience to put ourselves in their shoes, even if for a short while. Be sure to check the website for rules to enter, as Pearl Harbor is still an active naval base and certain objects including cameras are not allowed.
Is it humanly possible to resist this tasty Pineapple experience? Asking for a friend. 😬 We had such a fun time at this famous attraction riding the Pineapple Express, strolling the plantation gardens and treating ourselves to Dole Whip (duh.) on a hot Hawaiian day! What used to be John Dole’s small fruit stand in 1899 is now a family friendly theme park of sorts, and no matter the age, what’s not to like about a fruity sugar rush? 🍍
Days 4, 5 & 6 on the North Shore
Shifting base for a slower paced second half, we booked ourselves 2 nights in an Airbnb on the North Shore. The North Shore is a 17-mile stretch of coast from Kahuku on the east to Ka’ena Point on the west, known as much for its iconic surf in the winter as its sleepy sandy beaches in the summer. Sunset Beach, The Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay- three world renowned surfing breaks- are all here. If surfing isn’t your priority, it’s an idyllic beach paradise with the quintessential Hawaiian spirit, great food and sunsets to die for. We spent our days here happy as clams, beach hopping and sampling an array of meals we still reminisce about often. 🤗
PSA: If driving northward along the east coast of Oahu, plan to make a pitstop at Kualoa Ranch. If you find it familiar, it’s likely because the movie Jurassic Park was shot here, among a multitude of other film and show productions! It’s now a private nature reserve with a range of activities like ATV rides, ziplining, horse riding and even a movie tour, but even without a day-long itinerary, it’s a stunning place to take a breather at.
Our first evening on the North Shore was spent at one of its most secluded beaches, Kawela Bay. A curved stretch of coastline with calm waters, this serene beach offers all of the beauty of neighboring Turtle Bay Resort’s private beaches without the price-tag. We settled in on the soft sands just as the sky was coloring, only wishing for the colorful dream of a sunset that we were eventually treated to! 🤩
A note if you find yourself here- When walking to and from the parking lot, keep an eye out for a very famous banyan tree! A board marks the ancient branched beauty as featured in famous productions like Lost and Pirates of the Caribbean.🎬
Coverup: old francesca’s (love this knit piece!) | belt bag: old free people (similar here) | Hat: thrifted
2. Sunset Beach
Pronouncing our last full day as a beach day, we booked it straight to a stretch of sand in the sun at the spacious surfers mecca that is Sunset Beach. Going off-season, we didn't face much crowding at all, but I’m told it can get busy here!
Swim suit: c/o Adore Me
3. Waimea Bay
Another popular destination for surfers and beach-goers alike, Waimea Bay is crowded for good reason. The beautiful blue water invites swimmers, the jagged rocks jutting into the bay make for a lively diving hubbub and the frequently sorbet-ed sunsets draw out picnic blankets aplenty. Although I arrived with a book in hand, I may have abandoned it fairly quickly to join in the vibrant beach scene.💃🏽
tee: old H&M (similar here) | Dress: thrifted dress worn as a skirt
4. Hale’iwa
On our final morning on the island, a last acai bowl prompted us to brisk walk through the colorful and quiet town of Hale’iwa. A place for surfers to fuel up or rest and an artists hub, this old sugar plantation town is the cultural center of the North Shore and a charming stop for a souvenir or two. 🥰
crop top: old lulu’s (similar here) | shorts: old american eagle | shades: thrifted | bag: old H&M (Similar here)| sandals: tkees
Where We Ate
Waikiki + Honolulu
Musubi Cafe Iyasume - the spam musubi is a must!
Halekulani- Killer drinks and a luau 🥰
Maguro Brothers- the best poké we had on the island! So good we went back twice.🙈
Hawaiian Crown- one of many bomb acai bowls we had on the trip.
Helena’s Hawaiian Plate- traditional home-cooked meal plates.👏
Leonard’s Bakery- Their specialty is Portuguese donuts or Malasadas- get a couple or many! The custard filled one was my personal fave.🤤
The North Shore
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck- THE famous garlic shrimp! Be prepared to wait 1-2 hours. It’s so good!
Ted’s Bakery- Amazing breakfast and brunch- the Haupia Custard is a must!
Sunrise Shack- The IG famous yellow shack makes for the best barefoot smoothie runs from Sunset Beach 🥳
Banzai Bowls- Hard to find an acai bowl that isn’t killer on Oahu, but this one topped our list!
Matsumoto Shave Ice- A Hale’iwa establishment with a line out the door most of the time. Loved the vibe and the shave ice!
Elsewhere on the Island
Local Boy Sushi in Kaneohe- we loved all of the rolls we tried!
Ressie Kusina (now Cafe Ilocos)- stumbled upon this gem of a filipino restaurant while hangrily driving through Kaneohe; the management seems to have changed now, so recent reviews may serve better.
At: The SUNRISE Shack
At: Hawaiian Crown
At: Matsumoto Shave ice
AT: Halekulani
AT: Halekulani | Dress: old Love Kuza
Hope you enjoyed this little diary of our Oahu itinerary! It’s an island I would go back to in a heartbeat.🥲
Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead!
XO Sushmitha :)
