"Be the aloha you wish to see in the world." Growing up in Hawaii, this was always one of my favorite quotes. Hawaii has a thick culture of love, inclusion, and tranquility, and it's no wonder why those born and raised on the islands call it the "best place in the world."
From fitness to food to shows to nights out with family and friends, the Hawaiian islands are an escape for locals and visitors alike.
Having been here for 25+ years, I know the ins and outs of how to experience the grand island of O’ahu, including the insider scoop on everything from the best acai bowls to picnic spots to secret hikes to workout ideas! Enjoy your trip, and aloha! ☀ ☀ ☀
It really depends what you want to experience! If you want the “city life” experience, definitely stay in Waikiki (Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Modern Honolulu, or even Air BnB!) For more of an escape, the North Shore/Turtle Bay Resort is beautiful, definitely more of the relaxed, Hawaii vibe everyone thinks of when they imagine Hawaii.
If you stay in Waikiki, rent a car one day & drive to Haleiwa (North Shore). Go Paddle Boarding or Kayaking at Haleiwa Beach, eat lunch at Haleiwa Joe’s or Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. Drive along all the beaches, and snorkel (since the water’s so crystal clear)!
Watch the sunset at Ko Olina, then go to Roy’s Ko Olina for dinner!
Cinnamon’s in Kailua (perfect after watching the sunrise at Lanikai), Koko Head Café, Liliha Bakery
“Plate Lunches” are a staple in Hawaii! Check out Bob’s BBQ, St. Louis Drive-Inn.
Waiola Shave Ice for sure! Bubbies Ice Cream & Wing Ice Cream.
Ala Moana Shopping Center
Morning Glass Coffee, Island Vintage Coffee, Honolulu Coffee Co.
The beach! Go for a swim, run along the beach! My favorite yoga studios are Power Yoga Hawaii & Core Power Yoga.
Downtown Honolulu has some fun bars/clubs (Manifest, Nashville, M Nightclub). The Republik is also a popular music venue.
I absolutely love hiking! My favorites are Makapu’u, Koko Head, Manoa Falls, Makiki Valley Loop Trail & Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail.
Sunrise at Lanikai, or even hike up Lanikai Pillboxes to see it! Sunset at Ko Olina!
Paradise Cove has an amazing sunset luau with a show. Polynesian cultural center is also a fun day trip with the show “Ha” at the end.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe is definitely my favorite place for a picinic! It’s so beautiful & lusciously green! The Ko’olau mountains are also like no other mountain range I’ve seen before.
For some Hawaiian culture, Bishop Museum is the place to go! I don’t really go to aquariums, the ocean is our fish tank - I go snorkeling to see the real thing. My favorite snorkeling beaches are Lanikai, Yokohama & Waimanalo Beach.
Haleiwa Bowls, Diamond Head Health Bar & Tropical Tribe.
Ono Seafood, Pa’ina Café & Fresh Catch
Clothes that you feel comfortable movin’ & groovin’ in! Swimsuits, hiking clothes, fun summery dresses, shorts, sandals/flip flops, tennis shoes. That’s basically everything I bring whenever I travel home!
With a travel guide this glorious, there's only one thing to say: