Last summer before school was back in session, I made my first trip to Hawaii to visit my brother and his wife stationed at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii. I had no idea how much the Island of Oahu had to offer for tourists. Before my visit, I figured it was mostly resort life starting with a lei wrapped around your neck, a lu'au, and lying out by the water. But, I don't typically travel that way. I like to get the most out of any trip I take by staying active.
Just an FYI, a few local foods to check out are spam musubi, moco loco, poke, and the mac salad. These will be easy to locate as they are advertised or sold at many restaurants or convenience stores.
I stayed on Oahu for about a week, and stayed very busy each day, early in the morning until late at night. Once you get over jet lag, here is a list of things to do, and places to eat on your visit to the Island of Oahu.
Activities:
1. Places to Hike
A trip to Hawaii should definitely include a hike even if it's just to check out the beautiful landscape. A pretty low-key hike before sunrise, the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail, leads to an amazing view of the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse. Be sure to make it to the top to watch the sunrise over the water. From this spot, you can view the Maui and Molokai Islands, with the possibility of seeing whales. Another great hike, the Kaiwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox) trail, begins by pulling yourself up a rope to tread a steep incline to the top. On the way up are a couple more pillboxes to check out. The pillboxes were originally constructed as WW2 lookouts.
2. Hawaii State Art Museum
This free museum includes so many different pieces of art. If you love visiting local art museums, this one won't disappoint. This is also a great activity to do to rest from the heat of the summer. If you get hungry while you're in this area, keep your eye out for So Fat Hawaiian Food Catering food truck. They've got a mix of different Hawaiian foods to try.
3. Rent a Boat
Renting a boat for a half or full day to take out to a sandbar is quite the experience. Bring snorkeling gear to watch the fish swimming above the sandbar, or go a little past the bar to try to spot huge sea turtles swimming around. Based on experience, wear plenty of suntan lotion.
4. Swap Meet at the Aloha Stadium
This is a large flea market at the Aloha Stadium. Be prepared to walk the entire stadium. Keep this place in mind for one of the best places to stock up on souvenirs. There is also some really good food to check out. My favorite was the pizza stuffed bread.
5. Pearl Harbor Tour
I think most people that visit this Island try to go out to the Pearl Harbor historic site. Be prepared for an emotional visit as you read stories about the events that transpired on this island during the war.
6. Byodo-In Temple/ Valley of the Temples Memorial Center
This temple is a great place for silence and tranquility to remember loved ones. There is a bon-sho sacred bell to chime, and the water is full of koi fish. You can also purchase food to feed the fish. I was extremely lucky to visit the temple on the day of the Obon festival. During the festival, there are local food and beverage vendors, Bon Dancing (they'll teach you the dances), Taiko drumming, and a chance to customize a lantern for any loved ones you've lost. At night the lanterns are placed in the water to sail away. This event was in August of last year so if you're interested, check out the website for the next one.
7. Dole Plantation
Although you can find dole whip in different places around the U.S., there's nothing quite like getting it right from the dole plantation. I did the plantation garden tour for a walk around the eight different gardens, as well as the pineapple express train tour. This train tour is a must-do to go further out to see what they grow, and a history of the plantation.
8. Lanikai Beach
Lanikai Beach is a great place to stop for a chance to swim and lay out if you're looking to relax. From this beach, you can see the Mokalua Islands, referred to as "The Mokes". Be mindful of small jellyfish. Keep some jellyfish sting relief spray nearby just in case.
9. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Get here early!!! If you do, you can bypass the video and get free admission. But you have to get there before 7 a.m. Bring snorkeling gear, and apply reef-safe suntan lotion. This is an experience to swim above the reef with an opportunity to see all kinds of fish and undersea critters. While I was sitting on the beach, a monk seal popped up for a visit. Pack lightly because there is a long walk up a hill to get back to the parking lot.
10. Waikiki Beach
The Waikiki beach area is probably where most people end up staying while they're visiting Oahu. This place has the beach, shops, hotels, restaurants, music, and more. I got some great pictures while walking, and picked up the last of my souvenirs.
Food:
1. Kona Brewing Co
Located in Koko Marina Center is this restaurant and brewing co. Although you can find their beers in other U.S. states, you'll get more options here. Also, they've got food. I got the sliders which come out on purple sweet taro rolls.
2. Leonard's Bakery
Be prepared to wait in a line for this special treat. Malasada's are a Portugese donut. These are so good with or without filling. They're also best if you eat them while they're still warm.
3. Lu'au
Everyone that visits Hawaii should go to a Lu'au. What's better than food, drinks, and a show. Chief's luau at Wet and Wild has an amazing show that includes a lu'au buffet feast, and a shell lei. Before the show starts, there are some activities to check out including a headband weaving instruction, spear throwing, temporary tattoos, and fire-making.
4. Cinnamon's Restaurant
This is a great place to choose for a brunch spot. They have most of the traditional breakfast items, and the pancakes are huge and delicious. Guava flavoring is widely used around the Island, and added to one of the pancake combinations at this restaurant.
5. Fresh Catch
You'll want to visit this restaurant more than once. I came here to try a poke bowl, which was so good. An interesting thing on the menu is the Dorito salad. Get this salad! You'll be pleasantly surprised by how good it is. My suggestion for this place is to order different items on the menu to try.
6. Steak Rave
There isn't a link I can include for this restaurant, but you can google it to get an idea. This place is located in a convenient store, but was one of the best meals I had. Be sure to order the Korean BBQ steak and chicken mix. They have a sauce at the counter that I recommend pouring over your food.
7. Giovanni's food truck
If you head out to the North Shore, stop by for lunch at this place. The lemon butter shrimp or shrimp scampi is one of their signature plates to order. To add a little more flavor, squirt the juice from the lemons on the shrimp and rice. There are other food trucks around if you're looking for fresh fruit, coffee, or something different to eat.
8. Sunrise Shack
While out on the North Shore, stop by this place to try a smoothie, bullet coffee, or açai bowl. They have a little seating area to the side to enjoy your treat before you head out to the beach or other activities. My suggestion is the monkey bowl or blue dream bowl.
9. Lanikai Juice
Located in Kailua Town Center is the best place to get an açai bowl. You can stand back and watch the process as they make smoothies, bowls, and juices. My mom went back to this place several times. My suggestion for this place is the açai monkey bowl, add honey.
10. Gen Korean BBQ House
Located in Ala Moana Center (also a great place to check out), is a Korean BBQ restaurant. Be prepared to cook for yourself, and eat a lot. This is all you can eat with a 2-hour limit. You choose the meat, seafood, or vegetable from the menu, cook it, eat it, and request more food to cook. The catch is that you have to eat everything you order or you're charged more for it.
This list doesn't even begin to describe an experience on Oahu. I felt depressed for about 2 weeks after I got home. I just wanted to continue to live the island life. Dream of better times to come, and put this island on your list of places to go for an amazing getaway for summer break.
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