The Ultimate First Time Travel Guide in Oahu, Hawaii
- Lindy-Joy
- Feb 17, 2020
- 12 min read
Updated: Apr 16, 2020
Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, and sometimes in the middle of nowhere you find yourself.
Author unknown
Several aspects of my time in Oahu were learning experiences. Up until that point in time, I had never travelled to any place quite like it. There were so many things that were different to what I had imagined it to be in my mind. If you want to hear a little more about my time in Hawaii, look here! Otherwise, if you want some valuable tips I figured out when visiting, keep reading.
THE MUST PLACES TO VISIT
Located on the Eastern Coast of Oahu, around a 40-minute drive from Waikiki, these places were surreal. If turquoise water, snorkelling, local beach houses, cute wee markets and a trip away from the busy city intrigues you, then this place is calling your name! On the drive here and through the area, the scenic nature is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Gaining a greater sense of the ‘Raw Oahu’, as I like to call it, exempt from the tourist buzz, was what I thoroughly enjoyed. It was remote and radiated the local feel. The culture of Hawaii began to come alive for me in a way I hadn’t yet experienced it before.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Drive along Oahu’s eastern coastline and Kalaniana’ole Highway with spectacular views and stop for the morning at this snorkelling hot spot. It’s incredibly busy in the afternoon, so if you can, arrive before 9 am. Continue your journey on the popular highway and stop at Halona Blowhole lookout, Waimanalo Beach and any fruit stalls on the side of the road as you drive towards Kailua Town. Indulge in the journey!
Pearl Harbour
It was quite surreal to be in the exact site where the raid on the United States naval base by the Japanese occurred several years ago on December 7th, 1941.We didn’t sign up for any tours and just popped in. There was an entire section on the site dedicated to sharing the legacy of Pearl Harbour, which felt like a tour in itself. To gain an understanding of the event and the devastating outcome of it for myself was humbling.
Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki
This whole area is filled with wonderful stores of all kinds and places to eat. This was where we spent a great chunk of our time while staying in Waikiki. If shopping and eating sound like your cup of tea, do not miss this place!
Diamond Head Trail
Just a 15-minute drive from Waikiki, this is a rewarding way you could start a day in Oahu. It was a highlight of my trip when we woke up at 6:30 am, hopped in our car heading to Diamond Head and set on our way up the mountain. Earlier is better as it is less busy and the weather is cooler. The hike offers breath-taking ocean and mountain views, that is if you make it to the top… kidding! Whatever your fitness level, I would say this hike is totally achievable. Awaiting your arrival at the bottom, the Dole Pineapple Truck. The wonderful and friendly workers were serving delicious pineapple smoothies, pineapple sorbet, fresh coconuts and more! You deserve it.
Kualoa Ranch
Jurassic Park ring a bell? This is the place it was filmed! We stopped here on our way home from Kailua and pet some horses, explored the souvenir shop, and stood in awe of the towering, rocky and lush mountains. There are tours available and they do look amazing! We were content in simply visiting. If you’re already in this area, take a look at the Macadamia Farm Outlets and buy some treats to take home. You get to try the flavours for free, enough said.
North Shore’s Halewai Town and Waimea Bay
Halewai is the epitome of surf towns. Overflowing with vibrant colours, authentic Hawaiian culture, and local flavour, I was captivated. Beyond the exciting, small township, after you’ve done some shopping and eating, drive on to the scenic Waimea Bay and jump off the renowned rock. If you wish to continue the journey a smidge further, you’ll find Laniakea Beach and Turtle bay which are well known for turtle sightings. We weren't so lucky.
Dole Plantations Pineapples
On your way home from Halewai, keep it in mind to visit this place. There's a little maze and train ride, how cute! We got there just as it was closing to sneak in our bellies the infamous creamy Pineapple Dole Whip, which is a fancy name for a pineapple sorbet ice-cream.
Surfing in Waikiki
This beach is great for beginner surfers and there are hire stalls everywhere. We got an exceptional deal of $20 US for three hours of surfboard hire - the guy even offered to give me a free lesson! Did you really stay in Hawaii if you didn’t experience what the locals do best? Hmm, I think not.
The Friday Night Fireworks in Waikiki
Crowds upon crowds make a night out of this spectacular show. Picnics, music, food, and glow sticks spread all across Waikiki Beach. I missed it. Devastated is an understatement. I was having a nap (priorities, right?) and thought finally to sprint down when the fireworks had begun, how clever of me! I met some friends on the way who were also late, but sadly, no fireworks.
The Places I Wouldn’t Go Out of My Way To Visit
Ala Moana Center
When I first got here, I thought it was the only shopping centre in Oahu. I was horrified. My experience was that it felt run down and desolate, and not the modern Island of Oahu I had imagined. Although, this is my personal review of the centre and you could decide you love it as I know others have told me they do!
Waikiki Premium Outlets
I found some Tommy Hilfiger stuff here and not much else. I wouldn’t say it's worth the paid journey as some items aren't even discounted. If you're staying for a week or so, it could be a place on your list, but if not, I wouldn’t waste your time.
GETTING AROUND
Hiring your own car
Okay, real talk. If you’re going to spend your money on anything other than food and tourist cliches, it should be on your very own car. How exciting!
Our holiday would not have been the same without hiring a car. Again, it comes down to the type of holiday you’re going after. I looked forward to days with the car. It is so nice to be in your own space, listening to your music and having some downtime between your explorations. You simply just don’t get this kind of experience on a bus or in a shuttle.
I’m not sure how much cabs would cost to the North Shore or Kailua Town, but they'd be expensive, no doubt. Hiring a car on holiday peak season is around 150 US, that's not even including the petrol refills. It’s safe to say we spent a fair sum. It was worth every penny.
Hiring it for a few days in a row means you can sometimes get a better deal per day. Bargain! We hired ours for one day, then a few days later for another three. The four days we had the car was when we did the majority of our exploring in Oahu. It is the four days in which I gained the greatest sense of what the Island was all about. It's something you simply cannot experience by bus or foot.
Plan an itinerary for each day with the car. We drove to the North Shore, along the Windward coastline beside the turquoise ocean below and visited the towns of Kailua and Lanikai. All so worth the journey.
Buses
Buses are the best way to get around Waikiki in Honolulu. The Waikiki Trolley or The Bus is the best we experienced in our time there. With The Bus you’re able to purchase all-day tickets which are approximately $5 US per person; however, you can’t do this with the Trolley. Of course, walking is just as great, but keep in mind the searing heat and you may want to preserve your energy for more important matters!
GLORIOUS FOOD
What shocked me most about Hawaii at first was indeed the food. In a large majority of the supermarkets and restaurants around our hotel area, they were limited to selling those which were greasy and processed. Not to mention, overpriced too. Sure, Hawaii is much like the entirety of America in terms of its food and fast food outlets, but I promise you, it's really not all that! It is a matter of searching for what you want and being wise about the choices you make concerning food.
Here are my personal experiences on how to save money when purchasing food and the delicious places to eat in Oahu!
You're very welcome ;)
Be Wise
Firstly, nice dining doesn’t have to come in the form of highly-priced beachside restaurants or hotels. There are plenty of affordable restaurants with great atmospheres and wide food options away from the main tourist spots. Yes, Hawaii is a popular place so expect prices to be a little higher than normal, and keep in mind your exchange rates!
A side note: if you haven’t got a massive appetite S-H-A-R-E. Most of the time we ordered two main sized meals and a side plate when eating out and shared this between the three of us. It was more than enough.
Google Map It
What worked for us was deciding where we wanted to dine before we left our accommodation. Search on Google for the best places to eat. Check if the prices are reasonable, for good reviews and if the food looks nice, then decide based on this. This will save you time instead of wandering around aimlessly searching for an affordable place to chomp. Eventually, you’ll get so hungry looking you’ll probably just settle. Way too stressful, if you ask me!
Limit the Tips
Another thing to keep in mind when you’re dining out is the tipping. In America, it's customary to tip your servers typically from 10% of the total bill price or higher. Dinner for us was the time we dined out most days. As for lunches, we would try to find places that were partially self-service or just get something for the road. By putting thought into choosing when you eat and where, this can really help you save your money. Still, don’t forget to treat yo’ self now and then.
Snacks
If you’re staying in an apartment with kitchen facilities as we did, purchasing staple foods such as eggs, toast, fruits, and cereal is super helpful. This way, you can wake up in the morning, have a quick breakfast and start the day promptly. Of course, holiday preferences differ; For us, our main interest was in seeing as much of Oahu as we could so we didn’t want anything to consume too much of our time.
I would also encourage buying snacks and keeping them in your day bag. When you’re on the go and feeling hungry, you're more likely to be drawn into whatever place that serves food if you don't have snacks handy. By being prepared with light food during the day you avoid extra, unnecessary expenses.
What you’ve been waiting for…
Best Places to Eat
WAIKIKI, HONOLULU2335 Kalakaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
A tropical-themed restaurant situated smack-dab on Waikiki beach with the best vibes I experienced yet. We discovered their breakfast buffet towards the end of our trip and ate here the morning before we flew home. If only we had known before, our tummies would’ve stretched far further than that morning alone! Everything from the bottomless filter coffee, French toast, and kind waiters was a dream. Must, must, must visit!
280 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
The vibes here are mellow and groovy. They have a splendid open dining area and often there's live music. The service, Pina Coladas and ribs here are exceptional.
2301 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
To my dismay, we only ate here twice. I would go back to America simply to visit here again. The atmosphere, food options with everything from A to Z, and of course, the cheesecake, was superb. Till we meet again!
2284 Kalakaua Ave Space E, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
They serve reasonably-priced food, offer delicious pasta and pizzas and balcony seating overlooking the lively spenders going about their daily shopping. What more could you ask for?
2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Craving some good ol’ Chinese cuisine? Care for some finger-licking ribs? Say no more.
2301 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
There are four of these food trucks and little shops scattered around Oahu island. They serve dairy-free soft-serve made from locally grown bananas. This is very popular here, but pricey too. We tested ‘The Amazon’ creation which contained an Acai and banana ice cream. As I didn’t get to taste the infamous Acai bowls here in Hawaii (I know, eek!), this was like trying two delicacies in one.
KAILUA, NORTH EAST1020 Keolu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
The workers here were lovely and kind. Although it wasn’t a very fancy lunch spot, it was perfect for a quick lunch and some shelter from the scorching sun. I cannot stress enough how divine and generous the Chicken Katsu meal I ate was. They offer traditional Hawaiian and Japanese dishes that are mouth-watering.
629 Kailua Rd Ste 100, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
You can find this supermarket almost anywhere on Oahu, but I think this particular one deserves a shout out! Not only is it a food store, it has a section dedicated to a self-service deli of fresh foods, a bar, and a seating area. Don’t go expecting 5-star service, but the waiters there were always friendly and helpful nonetheless. As well as the Deli, they served fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza slices. Grab some nibbles and go watch the sunset at a nearby beach!
HALEWAI TOWN, NORTH SHORE66-472 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
If you like shrimps bursting with flavour, don't dare question visiting this place. Even if you don’t like seafood, try it anyways. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised. The Garlic and Lemon Shrimp had me drooling! They are especially popular in this area of Oahu and I’m assuming after tasting it, the best you’ll ever find.
66-437 Kamehameha Hwy #104, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
We went here for breakfast before heading to Waimea Bay. It’s a vegetarian cafe with delicious and healthy food options. I especially loved the Raw Cacao and Banana Smoothie.
BEVERAGES
Cocktails
Happy hour beverages, needn’t I say more? Save your dollars and do try the traditional Hawaiian cocktail, ‘Mai Tai’. A bit strong for my liking, but who’s to say you won’t like it?
Coffee
I admit I have a love for caffeine worthy of concern. I definitely missed my New Zealand coffee as from my experience, reasonably priced coffee worthy of inhalation does not come easy in Oahu. In terms of locations, Starbucks is more about the hype and not actually the quality of the coffee. If you drink coffee regularly, it would be a good idea to budget it into your holiday expenses so you don't feel like your donating all your money to your addiction.
Here for a good time, not a long time…
Kuhio Avenue Mall Entrance - International Marketplace, 2330 Kalakaua Ave #160, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
This was the most rewarding discovery I’ve made in a long time. This coffee and pastry shop in the International Marketplace in Waikiki was about the best it gets. Sure, it’s prices are inhumane but the coffee, worth every sip.
They offer the famous Hawaiian Kona Coffee from the actual suppliers and have pastries that are just about as beautiful.
One day we visited there twice within a period of five hours for both a coffee and croissant each time. If this doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what else I can do.
ESSENTIALS TO PACK
Loose, comfortable shorts for exploring
Sleeved T-shirts - as great as singlets can be, I wish I’d brought more of these.
Comfy flip-flops for walking
Throw-overs - T-shirts, dresses, jumpsuits, especially handy for the beach.
Lots of swimsuits - bikinis, board shorts, bring lots!
Beach towel
Beach umbrella and small fold-up chairs - if you’re planning to chill on the beach all day, consider bringing these! Surprisingly, they’re not as burdensome as you’d think. Maybe that’s just because my Dad carried it the whole time though (hehe). You can hire these on the main beaches too, but once again, expensive.
Beach shoes, snorkels, flippers - these are great for snorkelling excursions and saves you spending more money and waiting in lines for hire. We brought some from home and found them super handy.
Portable Chargers - you’re constantly travelling and taking pictures, don’t see why you wouldn’t find one of these treasures helpful!
THE LOCALS
The people of Hawaii have a unique aura about them that I find so alluring. They’re friendly, generous and welcoming. It was clear that when you showed interest in who they were and their culture, they really opened up to you.
At the bottom of Diamond Head after our tramp, I asked one of the locals (picture below) if I could take his photo in the pineapple shack he was working in. He then, in turn, asked me questions of where I was from, asked me for a photo and gave me a FREE coconut. Best coconut I'd ever tasted! What's more, is that he gave us a discount to one of his friend's restaurants close by where we were staying. Unfortunately, I never got his name, but thank you to him for his kindness, that doesn’t ever go unnoticed!
The second encounter was our bus driver (selfie below). I greeted him as we got onto the vehicle and we kept chatting throughout the ride. Out of the blue, he handed me free all-day bus passes for my Mum, Dad and myself. He said that us showing him kindness had made his day. I was so surprised and humbled that the simple act of acknowledging someone could make such a difference in their world. He said if we could spread that same kindness to others then it was worth giving us the passes. A few days later we caught a bus with him again and how could I possibly pass up the opportunity to get a selfie with the guy? Well, I just couldn’t. What a wonderful human!
Intentionally giving others the time of day to show genuine interest in them means you can learn so much more about the places you travel and the true heart behind them.
After all, what is a destination without the people that have made it what it is?
Overall, I would say the essence of this trip for me was spontaneity. We got a feel of the island and would let it guide us into what our next day would look like. Live on the spur-of-the-moment and stop at little gems along the way on your travels. Get a taste for all the sides of Oahu from the North Shore, tourist areas, shops, surf, to the secluded beaches and so on.
Enjoy your travels!
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