Oahu, Hawaii
Arrived in Hawaii on the heels of a major tropical storm and hurricane season that had soaked the islands throughout August and September.
Thankfully the damage was minimal and the islands, which are normally dry this time of year, were lush and green from the rains. While tropical systems still passed through on a daily basis, I was blessed with sunshine and clear waters throughout my island hopping.
First stop: Oahu
While Oahu was definitely the most touristy of the three islands I visited on this trip (Oahu, Maui and Kauai), there was also plenty to do and see- from sea turtles, to Jurassic Park scenes, pristine beaches and lavish resorts- it was a fun place to spend a few days at the start of my trip.
Hanauma Bay State Park coral reefs
snorkelers enjoying the coral reefs
Volcanic rock formations at Makapuʻu Lookout
view of Makapu'u Beach from a nearby overlook
entering the tunnel off highway 61 near the Nu’uanu Pali overlook
beautiful volcanic landscapes, epic 1000-foot waterfalls rushing down each ‘groove’ in the mountain
saw countless rainbows in HI, living up to it’s reputation as the rainbow state
The legendary “Dole Whip” (lip-puckering pineapple soft-serve)
baby piña at the Dole Plantation, so cute and pink!
crowds gathering in the rain at Laniakea Beach to watch the sea turtles wake from their daily nap and head back out to sea
Switchbacking trail up the Diamond Head crater
View of Wilhelmina Rise from Diamond Head
Diamond Head Lighthouse
Views of Waikiki Beach from Diamond Head
Waikiki Beach
The beautiful Royal Hawaiian Hotel
so pretty in pink
Exquisite “Green Island” shaved ice at Island Vintage Shave Ice (matcha green tea, yuzu, frozen yogurt, mochi, azuki bean, strawberry and snow cap)
Byodo-In Buddhist Temple, a replica of an 11th Century Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan at the Valley of the Temples
the most fabulous rooster I’ve ever seen
beautiful black swans
the definition of ‘teeming’
Oahu Guide
EATS
The Pig and the Lady - Vietnamese and amazing craft cocktails
Island Vintage Shave Ice - pricey yet opulent shaved ice sundaes
Seven Brothers - artery clogging, delicious burgers
Dole Plantation - eat a Dole Whip, see where pineapples are born
Poke - no recommendations here because I forgot to take note (sorry friends!). I just looked up “poke” and had it for breakfast, lunch & dinner
SIGHTS
Diamond Head State Monument - strenuous hike up the crater with epic views (go early to avoid the crowds!)
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail - great casual hike
Makapu'u Tide Pools - beautiful spot to explore tide pools
Valley of the Temples - lovely temples against a volcanic backdrop
Kualoa Regional Park - Jurassic Park film location, nice beach, adventure tours, epic scenery
Nu’Uanu Pali - scenic overlook of the beautiful mountain valley off 61
Laniakea Beach - sea turtle beach
Hanauma Bay - amazing spot for snorkeling, don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen!
Waikiki Beach - tourist hotspot, but I enjoyed spending an afternoon resort-hopping and enjoying the perfectly manicured beach