Visiting Oahu, Hawaii
Let me start off by saying that I never anticipated loving Hawaii as much as I did. I had always been intrigued by it, but I never thought it would be much different from all the islands we have so close to us in the Caribbean. But boy, was I wrong. I’m not sure what it is about Hawaii that is so special – the people, the flowers, the weather… but wow. I already can’t wait to go back.
The flights were long, this is true. If you can swing it, a stop in LA for a night or two would probably be beneficial to help break up the travel and also to help with adjusting to the time. The first morning we were there, the kids woke up at 4:15 am, ready to rock and roll.
We also only did one island. I would have loved to do more, but we were limited on time, and we weren’t;t traveling alone. I think adding in more flights would have added a little more planning and stressing, especially with the kids. I think the kids were also at a good age to take this trip. We could talk about things they were seeing, Caleb was really excited about a lot of the nature and animals.
But you wanted the details, here they are!
Where We Stayed in Oahu
Hilton Hawaiian Village – We stayed here for two nights. It was in the center of Waikiki, so well-situated for a lot of activities. The rooms can use an update and the entire resort was very very busy. We didn’t use the pool here but people lined up third minutes before it opened so they could get spots by the pool. The check-in line was long when we first arrived – luckily we had done online check in and were able to scan our phones to get into the room. There were several restaurants and small shops, including an ABC Shop where we grabbed easy breakfast for all of us in the mornings. You can find these shops all over the island and they have pretty much anything and everything you can think of – grocery, basic meds, drinks, etc. We didn’t find it to be a terribly expensive place to pick up some necessities.
Disney’s Aulani Resort – We stayed here for 5 nights and I will probably do a post just about the resort! I will say it is a beautiful property – it’s Disney without being overwhelmingly so. The price tag is hefty, though. If you are a Disney Vacation Club Member or are willing to spend that amount, then go for it.
Where We Ate in Oahu
Tropics – This is located beachfront at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. They had a good variety of foods on the menu. We ate here after a very long day of flying, after checking in to the hotel. It was solid and service was great.
Bali Oceanfront Steakhouse – This was also located at Hilton Hawaiian Village. It was a more upscale restaurant on property and also great food.
Cheeseburger in Paradise – We ate here after mass on Easter Sunday. It was just down the street from the church. We actually used to have one of these in Miami. It was good, mostly burgers and American fare.
Stonefish Grill – This in in the North Shore area, near Halewai. We ate here after a whale watching tour where I got very seasick, so my stomach was in bad shape. I had a chowder and it was good – everyone else seemed to like their meals too!
Roy’s Ko Olina – There used to be a Roy’s restaurant in Orlando and another in Naples, and I loved it! When we saw there was one within walking distance of Aulani, we decided to go there for a nice dinner. My tip for a meal – the butterfish. Don’t even look at the menu, just get it. You won’t be disappointed.
Monkeypod – a farm-to-table restaurant across the street from Aulani. Multiple friends made this recommendation and it was every bit as good as they said it would be! We ate lunch here and I had a delicious Hawaiian pizza (oh yes, I’m one of those people who don’t mind pineapple on their pizza – don’t hate me for it).
What We Did in Oahu
We did rent a car (or rather, a miniature tour bus), and that’s how we got around the island. Most of the things we did we were able to find parking fairly easily.
Atlantis Submarine Tour – Probably one of the coolest things we’ve done. The kids loved this, and we learned so many cool things. Highly highly recommend doing this. Book this ahead of time!
Dole Plantation – The Dole plantation is cool. You get to see how they grow a lot of crops and you can take a train through the fields. The entrance of the plantation has a huge store and a spot where you can get food and yes, Dole Whip. It’s very tourist-y. You do have to take the train to see the fields, but the line was really long – we waited over an hour to get on the train. You can buy tickets there.
St. Augustine-by-the-Sea – We attended Easter morning mass here, and it was beautiful. The choir had not sung in over 2 years, and they sang for the first time that morning. I was in tears the entire mass because it was SO moving. I’d definitely recommend checking it out while you are there.
North Shore Catamaran Charters Sunset Whale Watching – Admittedly, I got really seasick on this, but it’s because I ended up under the covered part of the boat facing backwards. Had I stayed out on top, I think I would have been okay. But the water was rough. We were at the tail end of whale season, so our captain and guide told us there was a big possibility we wouldn’t spot anything. We thought we might not spot any whales, but we got so lucky and saw a pod of whales several times! Definitely a worthwhile experience.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial – The site of the attack on Pearl Harbor and what commenced the US’s official involvement in World War II. The memorial itself is incredible to see, but we also really enjoyed walking through the display of the timeline and historical events. There was so much to this whole event that I had no idea about, and I loved learning a little more of the history behind it.
Laniwai Spa – My friend Annie and I got massages at the spa at Aulani, and it was wonderful. Their spa is gorgeous, with an incredible outdoor hydrotherapy area. My massage was excellent, too.
Waimea Valley Waterfalls and Garden – We wanted a waterfall experience but knew that with four kids, we were limited on the level of intensity for the hikes required. We found this one, which has a paved walking path all the way up to the falls, as well as some really cool displays on indigenous living while you are walking. We purchased our tickets at the gate, and we walked to the falls. Since the path is paved, we did take Chloe’s stroller, which was a solid decision. Lifeguards decide whether conditions are okay for swimming at 9 am each morning, so be aware of that.
When you arrive at the falls, you will be given a life jacket if you want to enter the water, and you leave your belongings on benches outside of the falls (so limit what you take). There is also one outdoor changing room, so be aware of that!
Ka Wa’A Luau – I mean, you cannot go to Hawaii and not do a luau, right? We did the one at Aulani, and it was beautiful. The food was incredible, too. The music was beautiful, the kids got to make flower bracelets, and we had open bar. We loved this experience.
Hawaii, you were beautiful, and I cannot wait to visit again!
xoxo
