Welcome to the BEST Oahu, Hawaii post of your life. 😉 In 2016, Dan and I went to Oahu for the very first time! It was magical but not having ever been there before, it was slightly overwhelming, I mean hello, it’s Hawaii. {After that trip, I did share everything we did on THIS post though!} Anyway, fast forward to March 2017 where we started discussing going again, only this time we wanted to invite our good friends Ben and Jo. Now it was them that were first timers, so to explain to them the island and how it was set up, I drew them a VERY professional and detailed map. 🙂 This trusty little map was with us for the entire vacation, was so helpful to have and we even added a few things along the way that weren’t on there before. So there you have it, the inspiration behind this post and our detailed map below….
We were very strategic in what we did and where. We didn’t want to spend a lot of time driving around so we made sure to plan our days accordingly. We would get up super early {by Hawaii’s standards} and then go go go. It may sound exhausting but once the sun went down, there wasn’t a whole lot for us to do so that’s when we would recover! And again, the time difference was definitely in our favor. 😉 And then towards the end, if there was anything we wanted to do/see/eat again, that’s when we did it. Hopefully this map and post help you do the same.
One thing that we did right when we landed was download The Shaka App. You can find it in the apple store and you will love it. It is a guided tour with GPS tracking that leads you all the way around the island on a narrated tour. There are a couple to choose from so make sure you get the Oahu edition. We stopped at a couple different places that we wouldn’t have otherwise thanks to this fun app!
Pearl Harbor: This was at the top of our “must see” list and, of course, it did not disappoint! When we went last year the boat ride out to the USS Arizona Memorial was closed due to high winds so we were so anxious to go again. The whole experience was just amazing, humbling, educational and there is a certain reverence out there that you can’t help but feel grateful. We also did the narrated Bowfin Submarine tour and that was so fun too!!! It was around $12 and worth every penny!
**TIP: Go early in the day. The crowds are smaller, the temps are cooler and the wind typically isn’t as bad. Call before you drive out there to make sure the tour is running that day. You CANNOT take any bags or purses in with you so keep that in mind as well.
Restaurant 604: Whether you hit this place up before you go into Pearl Harbor or after is completely up to you… just make sure you GO! We ended up eating here thanks to a quick YELP! search and it did not disappoint! The mac salad was perfection as were the pork nachos. There were 4 of us at lunch that day and we all loved what we got!
**TIP: We went on a Sunday afternoon and it was pretty busy, especially with it being so close to Pearl Harbor so just know there might be a wait. Also… the views of the harbors were magical! You sit right on the water!
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet: aka The Souvenir Jackpot! This place is a tourists dream! It has everything from key chains to t-shirts to ukuleles to coconut peanut butter to cell phone cases! I mean I could go on and on! We purchased every single thing for our kids from here. The prices are soooo much better than anywhere else and I never saw anything anywhere else that I couldn’t get there! Plus you know if the locals are telling you to go there, it is definitely a must!!
**TIP: Check the hours. They are only open certain days and times. Pack water. Also, you can’t really rush through, I mean you CAN but it’s not as fun! So plan to spend a few hours. And if you might just need to buy an extra suitcase while you are there…. ya know, so you can have a way to get all those fun treasures home!! 😉
Costco: Now I know what you must be thinking Costco?? But let me quickly explain… this is THE best place to get all your yummy boxes of chocolates that are perfect for gifts! They also have a delicious coconut cake that everyone raves about and sometimes it’s nice to grab a cheap bite to eat! 😉
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific : We heard so many good things about this memorial and what a cool experience it was! We will definitely check this out next time we go… because let’s be honest, there will definitely be a next time! 😉
Island Vintage Ice: Now, word on the street is this is the BEST shaved ice on the island but I cannot {read will not} choose a favorite. Ha! They were all so delicious and we went back multiple times. The location we visited the most was in Honolulu in the Royal Hawaiian Center and it did.not.disappoint.
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Waikiki Beach: Now if you are going to stay in Honolulu for very long, I highly suggest staying at one of the MANY hotels that line Waikiki Beach. You walk out and the ocean is at your feet. Just picture nightly beach walks, daily swims… It gives you that island feel that you might not get from staying in the city. Plus at any point, you are just a hop, skip and jump away from Duke’s. The yummiest dinner you will have! MMmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it!
**TIP: MAKE RESERVATIONS AT DUKES!
Leonard’s Bakery: Oh Leonard. How I wish I could have you every single day. These are the yummiest malasada’s … we came to the realization that not all malasada’s are created equal. This bakery makes them with a sugary outside and if you get them warm, they literally melt in your mouth. We definitely ate these more for breakfast but is there ever really a wrong time to eat a malasada?! 😉
Diamond Head Hike: If while you are on this side of the island you want to get in some hiking, we heard this one was amazing. We ran out of time and weren’t able to squeeze it in, but again — we heard amazing things and it’s on our list for next time!
Ko Olina: One thing we heard a lot about was the military beaches! We wish we would have had more info about them and how to get in and on them but one beach we tried out and really liked was a little Lagoon right next to Disney Aulani. It was definitely more family friendly which would be awesome with kids. You could paddle board right there and it wasn’t too deep either. We didn’t end up staying too long but we liked the area and I am glad we experienced it.
HEADING OVER TO THE NORTH SHORE—
Hukilau Cafe: This local joint can be found nestled in the middle of a random neighborhood and is exactly as you would imagine. A total ma and pa place complete with paper plates, filling your own water and I’m pretty sure it’s cash only! But guys. The food is to die for. From the banana pancakes to the Hukilau Special, you can’t do wrong and we loved everything we ordered. However, if you don’t love a good whole-in-the-wall dive, this place probably isn’t for you.
**TIP: Get here early! One of the benefits for us with the time difference is that we were up and out before the crowds. When we got there at opening, we walked right in but the line was definitely long when we left.
Polynesian Cultural Center: Now because we did this last time, we opted not to do it again. Plus we weren’t willing to give up a WHOLE day for it. That’s right a full day! Because for us, if we are going to pay that to get in, we are staying! I DO think everyone should experience it once but that’s about it. Once. 😉
Seven Brother’s Burgers: Seriously so good. I just can’t even with the food there. Just. ALL. So. Good. Guys. You just can’t go wrong. The staff was the bomb dot com too. But for reals… That is all. Just GO!
The Dole Plantation : The Dole Plantation is smack dab in the middle of the island. It is so cute and very interesting. You MUST experience a dole whip. #obviously and the souvenir shop is the best! We didn’t do the big tour but it was fun to walk around and just experience the whole place! It’s super fun and VERY family friendly!
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Paddle Boarding on the Haleiwa River: This was one of the funnest things we did! Although it took a little practice we loved it. It was very affordable and took about an hour.
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Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: If you like delicious garlic shrimp, then you are going to love Giovanni’s. We got there around closing time and were so glad we made it because they close at 5! The shrimp platter was to die for. We did have to look for the truck but you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it. Just so so good!
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Sharks Cove: This was our favorite place to snorkel. The water was clear, not too rough and the sea life was awesome!
Matsumoto’s Shave Ice: Word on the street this is the best shave ice and I must admit, it’s pretty dang good. We had it at least twice… just make sure you add ice cream and the milk. The Matsumoto’s Combination was perfection!
Waimea Falls Park: While this is sometimes called a “hike”, I would have to say it’s more like a leisurely stroll through a botanical garden. It is incredible though, about a mile long and at the end is an even more incredible waterfall! They have spots to set your stuff and life jackets are provided so that you can swim in and up to the waterfall. It was pretty crowded the day we went but it ended up clearing out and we were really able to enjoy the water.
TIPS**: Wear your suit so you can swim, for sure pack water and if you can, take a couple bucks to tip the lifeguards at the waterfall. 😉
Haleiwa Bowls: We happened onto this little food truck thanks to a random Instagram search but HOLY HANNAH. It might have been my favorite meal from the entire trip. It was such a refreshing and delicious change from all the heavy and salty foods. {which were all amazing too by the way} It was just a very much needed, healthy treat. For real. I still dream about this tasty little bowl of deliciousness.
TIPS**: Follow them on Instagram so you know where they are. At. All. Times.
Waimea Cliffs: “A big black monolith sticking up to approximately seven meters out of the sand and water on the left edge of the bay (facing the water from shore). I promised you some Hawaii extreme activities, and most of those revolve around the rock. Your introduction to cliff jumping/diving should probably begin here. This is the Goldilocks cliff jump – not too high and not too low. It’s approximately twice as high, and several times more thrilling, than the rock at Sharks Cove. But it’s just a little more than half as high, and significantly less scary, than the rock at Kapena Falls. It’s just high enough to seem a little intimidating without really threatening any serious danger.” {Info from HERE} On the last day we were there, both our hubbies jumped and loved it! However with anything like this, there is definitely risk so proceed with caution. 😉
Sunset Beach: This beach definitely lived up to it’s name. It is directly across the street from all of the food trucks and is for sure worth a visit! We loved this “Over the Rainbow Eats” and “The Elephant Food Truck”.
Ted’s Bakery: When you land at 5 a.m. Hawaii time, breakfast is definitely in order and so our very first stop was Ted’s Bakery. We both got huge breakfast plates but a box of the warm GLAZED malasada’s would be just fine too! Seriously to die for. And we maaaay have gone here another 4-5 times. #maybe
LDS Laie Temple: This temple is gorgeous. Anyone is welcome to walk around the outside grounds and go into the visitors center. We loved our time here and highly recommend at least experiencing it for just a few minutes.
Well, there you have it! I hope you have found at least a couple new ideas, restaurants, and things to do!
Aloha…. until next time Oahu.