Travel Diaries: Oahu Hawaii

Tantalus Lookout

Every traveler has that one destination that whispers to them, a reminder to experience its beauty firsthand. For me, that destination is Hawaii. A tropical hot spot with crystal blue waters, sandy beaches, lush mountains, mouth dropping waterfalls, and rewarding hikes all wrapped up in a place where I don’t require a passport. With my birthday approaching, I thought why not? I finally booked my trip to this tropical oasis that is our 50th state in honor of my birthday.

The "Shortest Long-Distance Trip"

This birthday trip which I termed the "shortest long-distance trip," left me a bit disappointed. So many obstacles blocked me from experiencing more of Oahu, but I did leave with newfound insights that will help me plan a better follow-up trip. Despite the conflicts and challenges that made this trip shorter than I had hoped, what I did do and experienced was a taste of what I know will be a great trip in the future. Let’s get to the trip.

Aloha Ohau!

Being in Hawaii felt like a dream come true. We decided to go to the island of Oahu. The vibrant colors, the soothing sound of crashing waves, and the warm embrace of the tropical sun painted a picturesque backdrop. The morning walks at 6 am along the beach while watching the sunrise was the best treats.

Day 1

6 AM: We walked to Waikiki Beach around 6 am to catch the sunrise BUT the sun doesn’t rise on Waikiki Beach. However, watching the sky get brighter as I strolled the beach was relaxing. While breakfast may not have been an option at the hotel, the nearby bakery shop filled the void with a tempting selection of malasadas – from the classic malasada to unique twists like mango and Ube.

11 AM: After a quick stop to secure our vehicle from Avis, our next stop was to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. Amongst the selection were items like wooden turtles, Tiki statues, and surf boards key chains.  I finally spotted a ukulele vendor and got a soprano version, my piece of Oahu to take back home. So happy!

4 PM: We headed to the Royal Hawaiian to find something to eat and we decided on Raising Cane. I have seen it in other cities but never had it. Today I was in the mood for chicken tenders and now I'm hooked! It could have be the jet lag that kicked in because I was exhausted and had to grab some zzz's back at the hotel. We were in for the rest of the day.

Day 2

4 AM: I got up again at 4 am so I made the best of it and prepped for the day. I took a nap until 6 am and walked to the beach again. I was there just to listen to crashing waves and to try out my drone for the first time on a trip. The less people around the more comfortable I feel flying it.

8 AM: After about an hour on the beach we ate breakfast at Eggs’n Things. The wait was 55 mins at 8 am, however the line moved fast and we were seated after about 30 mins. Bae and I both ate the same thing we would have eaten in Atlanta, so no special Hawaiian breakfast today.

11 AM: Bae had been taking it light due to an injured ankle that happened 10 days before our trip. We had to pass on all the hikes, however we did visit Coral Crater Adventure Park in Kapolei to drive ATVs booked through our hotel. Not my thing. I was cleaning dirt from my braids for 4 days straight but Bae had a blast!

4 PM: Our guide suggested going to White Plains Beach nearby. While it was a nice beach it was more for surfers. You can even rent surf boards from the shop there. We didn't stay long. Grabbed Raising Cane again because they are everywhere and we retreated to our hotel.

Day 3

8 AM: On our last day in Oahu we were up and at it. We ate at Eggs’n Things at the Saratoga location and it was a short 10 min wait. I spilled my pineapple honey sauce all over my dress. Thankfully I packed a change of clothing that day.

10 AM: First stop: Leonard's Bakery for their famous malasadas. I got the original custard, original guava , and caramel filled malasada pastries. They were so good that Bae ate them before I could snap a photo.

11 AM: Next stop: Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden and it’s free. I felt like I was in a Hawaiian oasis. It was magical and did I mention free! After driving to the end of the path we hopped out to take a few photos and take in the views.

1 PM: Next on our list: Tantalus Lookout. We pulled over to the side of the road so I could get my drone out. I got some good footage and we proceeded up the mountain. It was a breathtaking view! You can see all of Honolulu and more and it’s free!

3 PM: On to the beach, Waimanalo Beach to

be precise. That view!!! That drive is unreal! The views of the Pacific Ocean, the crashing waves, and the beautiful mountain you are driving on is stunning. One tip for Waimanalo Beach is to get there early for the sun light. Because the mountain is so enormous you will lose light early in the day. It is very windy there as well. I was able to get a bit of footage there, but time got the best of me and we lost light quickly as the wind started getting rough.

6 PM: Back to the hotel and Bae got us food. We packed because we have the first flight out tomorrow morning.

*One valuable lesson I learned from this trip was the importance of thorough research and planning, especially when time is limited. To make the most of a short stay, I suggest you enlist the help of third-party experts like photographers and travel guides. Their expertise will improve your experience and add a layer of depth to your trip, eliminating you missing out on any hidden gems.

Oahu invited me to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and embrace the island pace of life.

Thank you Oahu

XOXO

*Check Out My Oahu PostCard for more photos!