When it comes to going to a new place, I’m an over-preparer. My friends know of my color-coded spreadsheets and fervent to-do lists as I attempt to do everything possible in a limited amount of time.
Recently, I’ve been learning that there are some times I can’t really prepare for; I just have to go with it. Two weeks ago, when my mom invited me to join her in Honolulu for her work trip (which meant an expensed hotel and rental car for five days), I knew this was one of those times. So six (!) days later, I set off to Honolulu with literally zero idea of what I was going to do – and it was the best Valentine’s Day weekend I’ve spent.
Visiting Hawaii means being outside. A lot. Like all the time. It’s an escape from the office life, so take every advantage you can to explore – food, hikes, water sports (so many water sports!). When I wasn’t in the 80-degree ocean swimming/snorkeling/scuba diving/surfing, I was exploring the various vista points of Oahu, running an 8-mile race up the coastline (a last-minute and worthy decision) or stuffing my face with poke or acai bowls or malasadas or sushi or….more on that in a bit.
Turns out, I didn’t really have to plan anything for Hawaii; things happened when they happened, in true island form. Every moment was an opportunity to relish the laidback culture and natural beauty and do things as they came. And I ended up doing a lot!
Use my Google map and guide below for recommendations on where to eat and what to do. I have some more photos on Instagram as well!
Tips to know for Honolulu | Oahu | Hawaii:
- A lot of places are // cash-only // so take out some before you leave. There aren’t any large banks in Hawaii and you don’t want to get hit with ATM fees.
- Be prepared for island weather – // warm + humid. // There is what I call ambient rain – light drizzling that occurs on and off throughout the day.
- Bring bug spray – you’ll need it for some of the hikes. // Sunscreen = duh. //
- Hikes are best done in the mornings // before noon //, so it’s not too hot. Bring lots of water and // panorama photograph //everything.
- Rent a car! There is so much to do, you’ll need a set of wheels to take you around.
A quick food glossary:
- Pitaya = Dragon fruit (amazing in acai bowls)
- Lilikoi = Passionfruit (good ice cream flavor)
- Haupia = Coconut
- Poke = Raw fish (usually tuna) dish marinated in soy sauce, chili, sesame, and various sauces served with rice
Where to Eat:
Waikiki:
[slideshow_deploy id=’8733′]
Doraku Sushi { Solid sushi with a good happy hour. Garlic teriyaki edamame are addicting }
Ramen Nakamura { Tiny, super authentic spot – they even accept yen! Order the ramen combo of oxtail ramen, gyoza, and pork belly rice. Cash only }
Jinroku { Excellent Japanese food in a live cooking setting. Okonomiyaki and calamari are the best I’ve had outside of Japan }
Honolulu:
[slideshow_deploy id=’8737′]
Shokudo { Japanese restaurant with local flair; crispy rice sushi, mocha cheese gratin, and honey toast dessert are a must }
Leonard’s Bakery { A pilgrimage to try their malasadas – Portugese doughnuts. The original is amazing, as is the haupia custard. Cash only }
Diamond Head Cove Health Bar { I came here almost everyday to get their acai bowls and seared ahi tuna + eggs. The best healthy breakfast on the island hands down }
Lee’s Bakery { If you happen to be up at 6am and in Chinatown, get an adzuki bean-filled pineapple bun fresh out of the oven. Cash only }
Fresh Catch { Deli style place with tons of poke varieties. Spicy ahi and the ahi sandwich were killer }
East Oahu:
[slideshow_deploy id=’8746′]
Bubbies { Known for mochi ice cream! Tons of flavors; my favorites were sakura, lilikoi, and pistachio }
Koko Head Café { Hawaiian diner, low key and delicious. The cornflake French toast comes with bacon and frosted flake gelato and yes, I ate gelato at 7:30 in the morning }
North Shore:
[slideshow_deploy id=’8752′]
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck { Don’t go to any other shrimp truck; lines here are long for a reason. Get the scampi with a side of hot sauce. They also have a spicy shrimp entrée but it’s basically like eating death so consider yourself warned }
Matsumoto Shave Ice { The Ichiban special is everything – mango shave ice, vanilla ice cream, adzuki beans, and mochi }
What to Do:
Hikes:
[slideshow_deploy id=’8758′]
Manoa Falls { Easy, 1.5 flat hike that feels like you’re walking through Jurassic Park. Bring a swimsuit }
Diamond Head { Good hike that goes up 760 feet. It’s a short distance but pretty steep, so bring water }
Koko Crater { Definitely more workout than hike. It’s 1,048 steps straight up to the top of the mountain – you’ll need to be in decent shape to do this. Fantastic, albeit windy view of the island }
Water Thangz:
Hanauma Bay {Snorkeling! Rent gear here for $20, but they don’t provide towels }
Aaron’s Dive Shop { For those who scuba, book your dives here; they’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you to some great dive spots. I went down about 40 feet and saw turtles and a lot of the Finding Nemo crew. My favorite was seeing a Buddha statue completely covered in marine life! }
Surf Lessons { You can walk up to any stall on the beach and book a private or semi-private lesson. The best deals will include a 2-hour lesson for $60 or so. Let it be known that I am NOT a great surfer, but when I’m falling in 80-degree water, I can’t complain }
Beaches:
[slideshow_deploy id=’8764′]
Laniakea Beach { aka Turtle Beach. Peak season is summertime, but you can usually see a few massive sea turtles basking here in the late afternoon }
Sunset Beach { Aptly named, as it’s the best place to watch the sunset. The sand is pristine! Bring a picnic, but clean up after yourself before you leave! }
dixya | food, pleasure, and health says
living vicariously through these photossssss. instead of studying for an exam i need to take in 2 hours! .
Shikha says
Girl I’ve done nothing today at work,so I totally get that.
Alexa says
Yum! I miss malasadas so much! How did you make that super cool map?
Shikha says
Just Google maps, super easy!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Ahh so many memories of Honolulu! We loved Giovanni’s and all of the shave ice places! Nothing cools you off better really! 😀
Shikha says
Totally agree. It’s been really hot in SF this week and I’m craving some shave ice.