I wanted to share a few highlights from our trip to Oahu last spring. I took an incredible number of images and have chosen a few from our favorite spots. I didn’t include many of Waikiki Beach as many of you are familiar with it and I thought I’d highlight some other areas.We saw quite a bit of the island during our short visit but there is so much more to see and so much history to discover. If you have any favorite spots here please share them in the comments section so we can explore them next time!
XO Leanne
Pali Lookout
Makapu’u Point, Oahu
Diamond Head Trail and Lighthouse-hike to the top for amazing views.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is fantastic for snorkeling and such a visually gorgeous place. The bay was created by volcanic explosions in the Hanauma crater that created the tuff surrounding the bay. Tip:there are many great places to snorkel on Oahu that aren’t so touristy but if you do want to check out Hanauma you can get there by bus or if you drive get there early on a weekday so you can find parking.
Oahu’s North Shore-Banzai Pipeline Beach
Hawaii’s State Art Museum in Honolulu is worth a visit and easy to get to by public transit from Waikiki. It’s a short walk to Iolani Palace and City Hall from here. I recommend taking public transit through the outskirts of Waikiki and into Honolulu or to Pearl Harbor to see for yourself the disparity that exists just streets beyond the luxury resorts. Poverty, addiction and homelessness are widely apparent and huge tent cities are a common sight. Read more here
Honolulu observations around the State Art Museum, Oahu City Hall, Chinatown and downtown.
On the way to Waimea Valley-this area is incredibly lush with breathtaking views. You can also visit Waimea Falls Park and do the easy hike to the falls and don’t miss the farmers market near the botanical gardens.
Oahu’s North Shore is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been and although we visited the island on a very busy time of year both days we headed to this area it was very quiet. We walked the shores of gorgeous beaches like Sandy Beach and Banzai Pipeline with only a handful of other people there-except for Turtle beach which was busy both times but still worth seeing. Quaint farm stands dot the side of the road and heading farther north on Kamehameha Highway towards Kahuku you can visit the famous shrimp trucks and food stands. We visited Giovanni’s and it was worth the wait in line. Huge fresh shrimp with garlic butter enjoyed at simple communal picnic tables made for meeting others and sharing stories. Tip: if it’s your first time to Oahu,like it was for us you may want to do a tour of the island first and then when you rent a car you will know exactly where you want to head back to. The guides were so friendly,humorous and helpful on the Circle Tour and once you’ve had that overview it’s easy to get around yourself by car.
Makapu’u Point
Diamond Head as seen from Waikiki Beach
USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor
Sunsets are incredible pretty much everywhere in my opinion and bring both locals and tourists together. Tip: If you want to dine beachfront for sunset in Waikiki make reservations well in advance of your trip. Next time around we plan to visit Kauai and the incredible Napali Coast. If you have any tips for visiting Kauai leave them in the comments section below,thanks!