Have you vacationed in Hawaii yet? The sun, the beaches, the lush greenery, the food ...What are you waiting for? It is an amazing place to visit for beautiful scenery, culture, and food. We've been several times now and I want to share some of the sites and activities we enjoy the most. For those that haven't been, it can be confusing as to where to go and what to do.
So to clear up some confusion, the island is called Oahu. Honolulu is the capital. Waikiki is the tourist area where most of the hotels, timeshare resorts, and shops are. For example, we usually do a timeshare exchange to vacation on the island of Oahu rather than stay in a hotel. Now that we got that geography out of the way, here are some tips on what to do and see.
North Shore - Get out of the touristy area of Waikiki for the day and hire a car to drive up north on the island . You'll get to see the mountains and hillsides of the island and some lush greenery. Most people picture Honolulu as either a giant beach or a big city. If you stay in Waikiki, that's about all you see. And for all you "Lost" fans, the North Shore is where they filmed quite a bit of the show. Grab a bite to eat in one of the small eateries near the beach. During the Winter (from November to February) , this is the prime surfing season and this area becomes the host to pro tournaments. The waves can be 20 feet high!
Luau - Yes, the large Hawaiian men dancing with fire next to gorgeous hula girls and more; Just like you saw on the "Brady Bunch" show. We enjoyed Germaine's Luau. We have been before and we look forward to doing it again. It's more than a show but a view into the historic culture of this island and fellow Americans, the Hawaiians. The kids will love the show, how can they not? The food on the other hand...you might want to pack some snacks for the kids, just in case. Our kids weren't big on the pig or poi.
Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial - I highly recommend this but unfortunately many visitors miss out. You must see this historic site marking the sneak attack by the Japanese on America in World War II. This is a must see; A wonderful memorial to those heroes we lost during that fight. USS Arizona is a battleship attacked by the Kamikaze planes. My tip, plan this day in advance and get your tix online. There will most certainly be a line when you show up. Don't procrastinate, it'll book up on you and your vacation will be over. I have heard this from other people. Don't visit Hawaii and miss this . Get there early when you do have tickets .
Diamond Head - This is the gorgeous view from Waikiki Beach and former site of volcanic activity. Don't worry, you can hike it . The view from the top is memorable . If you are going to do the hike, wear proper footing and sun protection . The higher you go, the sun gets stronger and hotter. After the hike there's a "Shave Ice" truck waiting for the over-heated hikers so be sure to bring some cash. This is by far not the best Shave Ice but it sure did taste delicious after a long, hot hike. A tasty place for this cold refreshing treat is Waiola Store (named after the street it's on). They blend it so nicely that it tastes "creamy" . I don't know how they do it!
Waikiki Beach - Even though it is a tourist trap, you still have to go . Make sure you stop into the many art galleries so you can see what the local artists are up to. I love this area at night . It is so alive with the shops and people and artists (spray paint art, charcoal artists, oil painters and more) on the street. And enjoy the human statues.
Aiea Loop Trail - A trail for hiking in the middle of the island at the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is a secret gem. It covers more than four and a half miles of trail. Take in views of Pearl Harbor, the Waianae Range, Diamond Head crater , and, if you have a bit of luck you just might see Honolulu.
Duke's Restaurant: Ready to eat?. Duke's is near and dear to me. I love this place. I have always found the food to be great and the service equally as good. On our first years ago staying in a timeshare exchange, we ate at Duke's on a recommendation of a friend. It's got the best location sitting right on the beach. It's a great atmosphere, wonderful fresh seafood, and really good . The fish is always so fresh and they make it different ways and the waiters always have nice suggestions on how to get the fish prepared. How about the Chilean Sea Bass with Chipotle ? Just stop in for an appetizer and some drinks, you'll love it.
Sweet Home Waimanalo - Any Fish Taco fans? . Perhaps on your way back from the North Shore, you can stop in and feast on some amazing fish tacos; Also offering great BBQ, cold drinks and smoothies. Remember this is not the city anymore so the area is more rural but don't turn away. It's an entirely different feel of the island. You'll love it.
See you in paradise. Aloha, my friends!
So to clear up some confusion, the island is called Oahu. Honolulu is the capital. Waikiki is the tourist area where most of the hotels, timeshare resorts, and shops are. For example, we usually do a timeshare exchange to vacation on the island of Oahu rather than stay in a hotel. Now that we got that geography out of the way, here are some tips on what to do and see.
North Shore - Get out of the touristy area of Waikiki for the day and hire a car to drive up north on the island . You'll get to see the mountains and hillsides of the island and some lush greenery. Most people picture Honolulu as either a giant beach or a big city. If you stay in Waikiki, that's about all you see. And for all you "Lost" fans, the North Shore is where they filmed quite a bit of the show. Grab a bite to eat in one of the small eateries near the beach. During the Winter (from November to February) , this is the prime surfing season and this area becomes the host to pro tournaments. The waves can be 20 feet high!
Luau - Yes, the large Hawaiian men dancing with fire next to gorgeous hula girls and more; Just like you saw on the "Brady Bunch" show. We enjoyed Germaine's Luau. We have been before and we look forward to doing it again. It's more than a show but a view into the historic culture of this island and fellow Americans, the Hawaiians. The kids will love the show, how can they not? The food on the other hand...you might want to pack some snacks for the kids, just in case. Our kids weren't big on the pig or poi.
Pearl Harbor and Arizona Memorial - I highly recommend this but unfortunately many visitors miss out. You must see this historic site marking the sneak attack by the Japanese on America in World War II. This is a must see; A wonderful memorial to those heroes we lost during that fight. USS Arizona is a battleship attacked by the Kamikaze planes. My tip, plan this day in advance and get your tix online. There will most certainly be a line when you show up. Don't procrastinate, it'll book up on you and your vacation will be over. I have heard this from other people. Don't visit Hawaii and miss this . Get there early when you do have tickets .
Diamond Head - This is the gorgeous view from Waikiki Beach and former site of volcanic activity. Don't worry, you can hike it . The view from the top is memorable . If you are going to do the hike, wear proper footing and sun protection . The higher you go, the sun gets stronger and hotter. After the hike there's a "Shave Ice" truck waiting for the over-heated hikers so be sure to bring some cash. This is by far not the best Shave Ice but it sure did taste delicious after a long, hot hike. A tasty place for this cold refreshing treat is Waiola Store (named after the street it's on). They blend it so nicely that it tastes "creamy" . I don't know how they do it!
Waikiki Beach - Even though it is a tourist trap, you still have to go . Make sure you stop into the many art galleries so you can see what the local artists are up to. I love this area at night . It is so alive with the shops and people and artists (spray paint art, charcoal artists, oil painters and more) on the street. And enjoy the human statues.
Aiea Loop Trail - A trail for hiking in the middle of the island at the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area is a secret gem. It covers more than four and a half miles of trail. Take in views of Pearl Harbor, the Waianae Range, Diamond Head crater , and, if you have a bit of luck you just might see Honolulu.
Duke's Restaurant: Ready to eat?. Duke's is near and dear to me. I love this place. I have always found the food to be great and the service equally as good. On our first years ago staying in a timeshare exchange, we ate at Duke's on a recommendation of a friend. It's got the best location sitting right on the beach. It's a great atmosphere, wonderful fresh seafood, and really good . The fish is always so fresh and they make it different ways and the waiters always have nice suggestions on how to get the fish prepared. How about the Chilean Sea Bass with Chipotle ? Just stop in for an appetizer and some drinks, you'll love it.
Sweet Home Waimanalo - Any Fish Taco fans? . Perhaps on your way back from the North Shore, you can stop in and feast on some amazing fish tacos; Also offering great BBQ, cold drinks and smoothies. Remember this is not the city anymore so the area is more rural but don't turn away. It's an entirely different feel of the island. You'll love it.
See you in paradise. Aloha, my friends!
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