Oahu Travel Guide
Date Traveled: June/July/August 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016
Oahu Travel Guide
Overview
Hawaii is one of my favorite places on this planet. The people are so genuine and kind. I hate to say that there are bad people too, as you will have to watch for crime being a tourist. Never leave anything showing in you car or your window will most likely get smashed. I’ve never had any troubles, so you should be okay as long as you’re smart about it. Always keep valuables on you, never leave them in the car especially at a tourist destination. The islands have world class hiking, diving, surfing, and kiteboarding. It can be expensive, but it’s also very affordable if you do it right. The grocery stores can be hit or miss expensive wise, try to pick up a rewards card if they’ll let you. There are decently priced hostels for backpackers to lavish expensive beach rentals or resorts if that’s what your into. Generally, the west side of Oahu has been known as a rougher side and off-limits to tourists. It has gotten better in the past years, but be aware you risk of being robbed increases in this area. Also, in terms of surfing only surf the west side if you have a local paddling out with you. Of all the times I’ve visited Oahu I only recently have started visiting the west side because of safety precautions. The rest of the island is much more tourist friendly!
Culture
Hawaiian culture and history is one of the reasons it’s my favorite of the 50 states. There’s this thing called the Aloha spirit, mainlanders you should try it sometime! Imagine driving and merge lanes working as they should because people will let you in. People in the Hawaiian Islands are always so kind and loving, the Aloha spirit has a lot to do with why. the Hawaiian’s also have a lot of respect for their lands, from not encouraging further development to preserve its natural beauty to doing whatever necessary to preserve their oceans and sea-life. It’s a beautiful culture very different from the mainland, even though it is a state it can feel like another country (just Americanized).
Hawaii has quite a history, so let’s go over a few big names you’ll see out there:
King Kamehameha- Kamehameha I founded the Kingdom of Hawaii. He was the beginning of the Kamehameha Dynasty from 1795 to 1872ish. The dynasty went from Kamehameha I to Kamehameha V. On Oahu, the main coastal road circling the island is the Kamehameha (Kam) highway.
Queen Kapi’olani- She was married to King Kalakaua (second marriage). She refused to speak anything but Hawaiian even though she was raised to understand English. She developed the Kapi’olani Maternity Home which has survived through the years and has been renamed the Kapi’olani Medical Center.
Queen Lili’uokalani- She was the sister of King Kalakaua. She assumed power around 1891. She was the last Queen in power when the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown in 1893.
Hawaii does have its own language and some of those words are still commonly used on the islands! Here are some words to know before goingL
Aloha- Hello or goodbye
Mahalo- Thank you
Ohana- Family
Keiki- Children
Honu- Turtle
Ono/Onolicious- Delicious
Wahine- Women
Kane- Men
Hale- Home
Moana- Ocean
Poi- Taro root paste/local food
Mauka- to the mountains
Makai- to the sea
‘Aina- Land (in particular ancestrial Hawaiian land)
Cuisine
Opal Thai, I can confidently say is my favorite restaurant in the world for Thai food. I dream about his food. We started going to him while he was a food truck, and he quickly became a mandatory part of summer. I’m getting hungry just writing this and thinking about the food here. Unless you seriously know your Thai food, you will not be allowed to order for yourself and honestly that’s a good thing. After you go through the menu he does eventually let you choose. This restaurant will open up you Thai food world, I used to only order Pad Thai and now I crave all sorts of Thai dishes. This is a DO NOT MISS place. I regret your trip for you already if you didn’t take the time to stop. Here’s some recommendations I have of my favorites from the menu: Appetizer- Mushroom radish cakes (don’t think just eat) and/or fried tofu (or chicken wings) with basil, Main- Tomato pineapple curry with sticky rice or drunken noodles, by the way, he does expect you to share your dishes with your entire party.
This is a vegan cafe, and it’s appropriate for non-vegans too! It started as a small cafe in the back of a health food store and was so popular they opened a full restaurant! They serve sandwiches with a side of delicious steamed kale (my favorite is 3 little birds), burritos, salads, acai bowls, and more. Just looking for a snack? Try the avocado toast! They also have kombucha on tap, make juices, and smoothies. This is a great choice if you’re looking for delicious food that also makes you feel good. It’s also a good place to take non-vegans who don’t believe vegan food can be delicious!
This is another essential stop. Shave ice is everywhere in Hawaii and this spot has been open since 1951. They just recently remodeled and made their system much more efficient, but you should still be prepared to wait in a long line (it’ll move faster than you think). I usually try to go right for when they open to avoid the line. If you haven’t had shave ice, you’ve got to try it sometime while in Hawaii! Be careful though, it’s quite a sugar rush so maybe go for a small cone. When you order your shave ice make sure to get ice cream on the bottom and sweetened condensed milk on top, yum!
If you don’t want to stay at Turtle Bay (why would you when you can rent a house on the beach..), but want a relaxing day by the pool, go to the Turtle Bay Resort and hang out for the day! You can still get almost all the perks of being a guest, just don’t draw too much attention to yourself. Hang Ten cafe is located right next to their pool so you can order drinks and food, go for a swim, listen to live music in the evening and watch a beautiful sunset. Sometimes they have fire dancers too, if you’re looking for some cheesy Hawaiian tourist action. Transition to Surfer: The Bar in the evening. It’s just inside the main entrance to the hotel to the right. They also serve food and alcohol (different selection from outside). Sometimes there is a cover if a band is playing, which I think is possibly avoided if you’re in there before it starts but I’m not certain. This bar can be packed on a good night, not the most amazing nightlife, but it is something for the North Shore!
Kona Brewing Co. is a great stop in Hawaii Kai. They obviously have good beer, as they have Kona Brewing on tap and their mixed drinks are solid too! While this is just typical better than average bar food it is a good stop after a hike or day out in the area. It’s also right on the water. The big reason why I eat here though, Bubbies is in the same plaza (see below).
Bubbies (Hawaii Kai)
Have you ever heard of mochi ice cream? Bubbies is an ice cream store that sells about 20 (maybe more) flavors of mochi and oh my goodness it is incredible. The store is all the way in Hawaii Kai, quite a trek from the North Shore, but definitely worth a stop if you’re anywhere near the area. Try going for a hike in the area and stopping by Bubbies after! It’s a great post hike reward and there are tons of beautiful hikes in the Hawaii Kai area. My favorite flavor? Lilikoi (Passionfruit) the burst of flavor is like no other.
After some kiteboarding in Kailua, definitely make a stop here for some fantastic shave ice. Their flavors are delicious! Make sure to get some ice cream on the bottom!
Tucked away at the beginning of the Waikiki area in the shipping district is Uncles and a few other seafood restaurants. Uncles is a great spot for some fresh seafood. While it has gone downhill over the years, it’s still pretty great.
I haven’t actually eaten here yet because Uncle’s is our go-to, but from what I hear Uncle’s is fading and Nico’s is stealing the show. The two restaurants are across the parking lot from each other and have very similar menu’s, I would assume a similar food quality too. I would recommend going and choosing the restaurant with the shorter line.
If you’re on the North Shore, you have got to stop here. Especially if you have a sweet tooth. I’ve had a variety of their pastries and all are amazing! My favorites are the lilikoi or haupia (coconut) filled pastry. Sometimes a malasada (donut). They also do a great breakfast and serve lunch plates here. Oh. Before I forget because I was dreaming of pastries, for all the pie lovers out there, try what Ted’s is actually famous for, the chocolate haupia pie! You won’t regret it.
Excursions
North Shore
What isn’t there to like about the North Shore AKA Seven Mile Miracle?! Gorgeous sunsets. Epic surf (winter). Great people. Dreamy food (if you go to the right places). If I could pick a place to live, it would be here, in fact even though I don’t it’s the place I consider home. Nothing beats the tropical breeze, surfing surrounded by turtles and clear reef, or kiting over the reefs. Then top off the day with Opal’s.. heaven.
Here are some places to check out:
Hale’iwa Town (Matsumotos, Opal Thai, Beet Box)
Lani’s (surf and turtles)
Chun’s (summer surf)
Waimea Bay and Valley (park at the valley and go in later, it has a waterfall you can swim in!)
Shark’s Cove (snorkeling)
Sunset Beach, Pipeline (gotta see where the magic happens!)
Turtle Bay (for those who prefer resort type things: food, surf lessons, horseback riding, pool)
Kailua/Lanikai
One the most stunning parts of the island! Kailua bay is a known kiteboarding/windsurfing spot. It’s nice for beginners because even though it’s deep water it’s a bay so you won’t get lost at sea. This is a beautiful area, as you emerge from the H3 you will look around like you came out on another planet, especially if the clouds are hanging low. It looks a bit like Jurassic Park. I recommend finding a spot to watch the sunrise with the mokes (the two pictured islands).
Check out:
Kailua Beach Park
Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Hidden beaches within the neighborhood
The Local Hawaii for a shave ice!
Waikiki Survival
The one place I can’t stand on Oahu is Waikiki. I usually end up there at some point, but only strategically. If you go in the afternoon forget it, traffic is horrendous and pedestrians are everywhere. Oh the beaches, water, and surf breaks are also all packed by that point as well. So here’s my guide to surviving Waikiki:
Leave early (but make sure to be cautious of morning traffic entering the city)
If it’s lunch time stop at Uncles or Nicos
Stop at Point Panic (body surfing, also entrance to Ala Moana surf breaks like Kewalo’s)
Go into Waikiki, if you want to walk around park at the Pacific Beach hotel (pretty easy, not cheap but nothing is)
Go for an outrigger canoe ride (if you chose to walk around)
Check out the Royal Hawaiian (maybe grab a drink, they serve drinks in pineapples here)
Continue driving around the Diamond Head area and get out
Food will be very expensive and not all that great so I would only eat if you’re desperate.
Island Drive
This is my favorite tour! A great way to spend the day, especially if your legs are jello from an intense hike the day before. This tour starts from Hale’iwa. Check out:
Waimea Bay (Heiau around here)
Turtle Bay
La’ie (rock shaped like O) not sure what’s so special about this but tourists love it, turn left at Anemoku St, then right
Kahana area
Chinaman’s Hat (by Kualoa Ranch)
Then you end up in Kailua/Lanikai, can end or continue the tour to the Hawaii Kai area just follow the coastal road