Aloha Oahu, Hawaii
Also useful when you get a lot of vowels in Scrabble if place names permitted…
“Aloha is more than a word here, it’s a way of being, of love, peace, compassion, and an understanding of respect..” We were sitting eating lunch at these rather fantastic food trucks on Oahu, en route to the North Shore, watching two cars each gesturing for the other to go first. Very un-London.
Flying into Honolulu and out again a few days later to LA enticed the decision to stay on Oahu - plenty to see including the busy and renowned Waikiki beach, the Surf-pinnacle that is the North Shore - and plenty of bonuses along the way. Oahu was indeed a great choice although I did hear from locals and travellers alike that the different appeals of the other islands were just as worthy and opened up much debate! But all that means is I will be back.
So where to begin.. for me checking into somewhere wonderful - the Queen Kapiolani Hotel towards the far end of the beach it was spectacularly situated with views from the rooftop bar and pool across to Diamond Head, another Oahu icon looming out of the landscape. Vibrant and arty, colourful surfboards adorn the walls, the coffee shop by reception serving up a much needed iced and caffeinated delight after my flight from Boston via Dallas - friendly staff and a room with a view, it was nearing dinner time so instead of sitting and potentially crashing, the thoughts of Garlic and Chilli Shrimps beckoned - and a short walk amongst the surfers ashore for the evening found a wonderful spot, served with rice and the freshest pineapple (itself pretty amazing) the shrimps were plentiful - and if you’re from the UK like me, think a plate piled high with Jumbo Prawns - not a handful of tiny ones, how London must disappoint seafood lovers!
Being so close to Waikiki was iconic, sunrise, sunsets, surfboards and silhouettes - and a stroll in the evening to one of the many bars and restaurants a great way to soak up the atmosphere, fire-eaters, Hawaiian guitar players and hula girls distracted, but colourful cocktails beckoned.
So what were the best things to do and how to decide! It was tough!
Go check the amazing Street Art. The trendy district past Ala Moana - Kaka’ako - is wonderful to explore and it’s not just local artists either. In February each year, artists from across the USA and the world descend on Honolulu to participate in POW! WOW! Hawaii. It’s a gathering that celebrates culture, music and art, and new jaw-dropping murals can appear covering this epitome of cool neighbourhood. You can see many of these murals from years’ past, and more, and dive into https://saltatkakaako.com/merchants/ for fab drinks and eats.
See the North Shore and the rest of the island! Iconic for surfing, the waves are impressive at various points of the year and you can see skills and competitions a plenty
Do a Lu’ au - a wonderful experience with buffet, music and dancing by a beach setting! Various options and places, it does feel a must-do evening.
We loved the foodie tour from Oahu Photo Tours, also bookable through Get Your Guide. From breakfast - through Poke Bowls and Street food, garlic prawns and wow, Malasadas, the Portuguese doughnuts are to die for! Thoroughly stuffed at the end, the 3 of us had to head back to the hotel for a cocktail and chill by the views…
Visit the Dolê Pineapple Plantation! Or at least try a Pineapple Whip!
Feeling energetic? The hike up to the top of the Diamond Head Crater is relatively easy and can be done in a morning - we suggest go early! Great views at the top and great before it gets too hot..Diamond Head on Trip Advisor
Glass bottomed boats abound, you can be lucky and see all sorts of sea life too.
Or just sit and enjoy the early morning surfers from Waikiki beach…
Check out some of the activities above on Get Your Guide, it’s always been a great way for me to connect with local guides and knowledge, and has rarely disappointed!