Honolulu / What to do, Tips & More!

Hello everyone — Happy Sunday!

Oh, has it been this long?! Seems like this year is just flashing right by. I can’t believe it’s already August. We are only 5 months away from 2020, can you believe that?! — On another note, let’s get right to it. I haven’t had a chance to write about my Honolulu trip. This was such a truly memorable and refreshing trip. — Before I get into all the good stuff, I do want to advise that I did a considerable amount of planning prior to the trip and by planning I mean scheduling all activities from AM to PM. You can’t afford to be doing nothing when you have limited time. I also got some great deals and tips by planning ahead all of which I’ll share with you as you continue reading.

Now, by limited time I mean one weekend! However, we managed to explore a lot of Hawaii in just a couple days and so can you!. The flight was 16 hours which took all day Thursday going and the Monday coming back home but we had the weekend to enjoy. — I do not recommend this, the island is so beautiful and full with so many beautiful sights to see and a couple days is just not enough. Hopefully, we will be making another trip and exploring other islands as well. Hmmmm . . . .maybe Maui!

HIKING MANOA FALLS TRAIL | OAHU, HAWAII

We started our Friday bright and early. I had scheduled the hike a few weeks in advance from Trip-Adviser (Ticket’s where only $125 together) I wanted to take advantage of all the time I had while being on this beautiful island. Tip 1 – make sure you do your research since they book out fast and they only take about 14 people per trail which then get’s split into groups so the tour guide can keep track of everyone. Tip 2 – You do not need a tour guide. I noticed a ton of people going in groups by themselves. However, if you can afford it and want to learn more about the culture and history of the region then I highly recommend the guided tours. Oahu Nature Tours was awesome! Our first hike and tour was up to the Manoa Falls. This magical waterfall is 150 feet tall and the hike to get up there is approximately 1 mile (one way). The hike passes through a thriving ecosystems and feels like a true jungle with many Hawaiian plant species. Tip 3 – Wear waterproof shoes that will have good grip. It gets muddy on the trail and I slipped a few times because I wore sneakers. However, its totally worth it when you make it to the top. This hike is perfect to do in the morning, leaving the rest of your day free for more exploring or relaxing at the beach. In our case, we sent back to our hotel, got ready and went to our next destination.

DIAMOND HEAD LUAU | WAIKIKI AQUARIUM

Yes, I know this is totally a tourist thing, but if we were going to be in Hawaii for the first time, might as well right? I ended up booking this through Groupon and got a good discount which worked out great since these Luau tickets can be expensive because they include food and some drinks. Tip 4- The food is a lot and the drinks are really good so if you are planning any activities after the Luau eat accordingly. What’s not to like about a traditional Hawaiian party with island food, Hawaiian music and entertainment leading up to the Fireknife dance finale. I did my research and without a doubt, I was glad we upgraded our seats closer to the stage and first dip on food -haha. We were greeted with fresh flower lei, they had activities while waiting for everyone to arrive before starting dinner buffet/show. Overall, it’s worth doing once in your lifetime. Especially if you’re visiting Hawaii. – I took more video’s than actual pictures – Sorry guys!

| BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION |

After an eventful first day in Hawaii, I couldn’t wait for today’s events — I am a Pisces sign so being in the ocean is my thing. Before starting our day, how sweet was it to wake up to balloons and Champagne on my 28th birthday in Hawaii. Moving to New York has been a great experience but there were so many hard times. I miss my family and friends and just being in South Florida. Our day to day lives was taking a toll on me and I needed a vacation from home (If you know what I mean) — I am not here to showcase a perfect life. I want to be a real as possible. It’s never easy adjusting to a new location (trust me, I’ve done it twice now) — First New Orleans and now New York

I do feel so grateful and lucky to be able to take this trip with my love. I actually never been outside of the United States. I am also blessed to celebrate yet another birthday with him together — we have this saying that so far all my birthdays have been by the water with a sunset. Last year we went to the Florida Keys, on a boat and watched the sunset. For this year, well , you’ll see why later

Cheer’s to chasing the sunsets with you!

OAHU SUBMARINE SCOOTER ADVENTURE | OAUH, HI

Oh my goodness, IF you go to Hawaii, this is by far a MUST! Originally, I wanted to go Kayaking with Kailua Beach Adventures (Definitely recommend even though I didn’t get to do it) Kailua beach is beautiful – but… Ryan doesn’t know how to swim and Kaiula Beach Adventures said “all participants must be able to swim” therefor, we couldn’t do it — Which I am glad due to heavy winds that specific weekend when we were in Hawaii. Instead, I remember one of my friends went to Hawaii and did this submarine Scooter so I said let’s give it a try, best part, you didn’t have to know how to swim. — Sorry babe! lol. This was just so much fun and cool to be inside a mini submarine scooter, underwater, watching the turtles — yesss, I got to see turtles — and fish all around. I was so ecstatic. This is a 2-hour tour and you cruise past Diamond Head Crater through Maunalua Bay. Tip 5- bring a sweater depending what time of the year you go, it gets windy on deck and the water can be a little cold. You get to ride your own self-propelled, electric underwater scooter, Relax on the boat’s deck or go snorkeling. They have wetsuit top, snorkel gear, equipment, snacks and drinks provided. This was actually inexpensive also, I got a Groupon deal, I believe $125 for both of us. We did purchase the pictures and video at the end for $40. Like I said, totally worth it. — We look funny in the pictures LOL — Also, shout out to my honey, he was such a trooper for doing this with me even though he can’t swim <3

SUNSET DINING & JAZZ CRUISE | STAR OF HONOLULU

“Chasing The Sunset”

I couldn’t think of a better way to spend our afternoon with dinner, drinks, Jazz and views! Star of Honolulu cruise is true luxury, from the Captain’s top deck welcome reception to the 7-course dinner and super premium beverages served to our private table. Stroll along panoramic walkways, taking in the stunning sunset and city light views to dancing the night away to live Jazz entertainment from some of Oahu’s top artists. — Although we didn’t do any dancing really lol. Indeed an unforgettable night with my love.

Since we were celebrating my birthday, we went all out but this is expensive all together. Now, Star of Honolulu does offer different options. If watching the sunset and sailing is all you really want then try their buffet, casual or deluxe for a lower price.

There are so many options in Honolulu, especially Top of Waikiki. We didn’t end up eating there but the local’s – which by the way, are all nice and friendliest – said this has amazing view’s since’s it’s the only revolving restaurant with breathtaking sunset views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the Honolulu city lights. I will have to try next time I go back!

NOVICTOR OAHU HELICOPTER TOUR | HONOLULU, HI

I couldn’t believe we had one more day in Hawaii. I wish I could have stayed much longer. Mostly because we spend all of Thursday flying and we only had half of Monday before catching our flight back home. Originally, on Sunday I wanted to spend around the hotel relaxing BUT the night prior our hotel gave us a big discount on taking a helicopter ride. I mean why not right?……. wrong! Our helicopter ride got postponed to Monday due to the weather. We were being hopeful that it wouldn’t get cancelled once again and thankfully, it did not. I do admit, I was a little terrified. I am better at flying in planes now that I am older but due to the heavy winds that weekend — the helicopter was shaking like CRAZY! Haha!. I still push through and I am glad I did! We got some amazing pictures with the “Open door” option during our ride and got to meet some amazing friends along the way — Shout out to Paula & her friend from Cali <3

We got to see the following sights;

Waikiki Skyline
Surf Beaches
Diamond Head
Makapu’u Lighthouse
Windward Coast
Lanikai Beach
Ko’olau Mountains
Kaneohe Bay
Chinaman’s Hat
Ka’a’awa Valley
Sacred Falls
North Shore
Banzai Pipeline
Waimea Bay
Dole Plantation
Pearl Harbor
USS Arizona Memorial

As stated before guys, we did get a nice discount from our hotel but this is a pretty large penny. If you can splurge, I say totally go for it, it was worth it — haha! Just see the pictures below.

THE MODERN HONOLULU HOTEL | Wakiki Beach Resort

Let’s talk about luxury! – Definitely the place I wanted to spend waking up every morning with such beautiful views. The reason I decided to go with this hotel was due to getting a free night since we got a bundle deal while booking the flights. I was not disappointed at all. We got the Partial Ocean View Room, king size bed with plenty of space for the both of us. Upon arrival we were greeted with complimentary beverages, we had breakfast, lunch and drinks a couple times at their “GROVE Restaurant + Bar”. — This is also their main pool for adults and kids — They have “The Modern Pool Bar” for Adults only located at the hotel’s upper pool deck. We went to their “Addiction Honolulu Night Club the Saturday night of my birthday after dinner. The staff was so friendly — We had an amazing time.

The hotel overlooks the stunning Ala Wai harbor for the most convenient of ocean excursions. South of the marina, the Holomoana walkway connects THE MODERN HONOLULU Sunrise Pool to Duke’s Lagoon, Duke Kahanamoku Beach and the ever-popular Waikiki Beach just within walking distance. This hotel is just two minutes from world-class shopping at the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

We spend Sunday — after our helicopter flight got cancelled — enjoying the resort and all the amenities. We also had no idea there was a festival that same weekend. We got a grand finale with front row seats to watch the magical fireworks in honor of the “26th Annual Honolulu Festival” which takes place every year in the beginning of March.

Tips & More!

Last — I want to go over some spots we missed out on due to our short time there but totally worth checking out — hoping I can go back soon!

The Lanikai Pillbox Hike, also popularly known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is one of the most picturesque and pleasant Oahu hiking trails.  This intermediate hike rises just above beautiful Lanikai Beach, rewarding hikers with some of the best vistas of Oahu’s windward side. — This was on my to-do list IF we would have gone kayaking in Lanikai beach.

Lanikai Beach Oahu Hawaii is a destination all unto itself.  It is not onlydescribed as “most beautiful”of all Oahu beaches, but Lanikai Beach ranks as one of the best beaches in the world.  Surrounded by endless miles of calm tranquil aqua blue waters. — This is a MUST for me next time. I can’t believe I didn’t make it but there’s always a next time 😉

Kailua Beach Adventures; Twin Islands Guided Kayak Tour – Kayakers will walk the kayaks to the beach on carts and set out for the Mokulua Island sea-bird sanctuaries, upon landing on the islands deserted beach, embark on an eco-tour and tide-pool hike to Queen’s Bath. Next, paddle through Lanikai Beach’s turquoise waters, go snorkeling and enjoy a hand made deli sandwich, complete with drinks and healthy snacks. Guests will have a chance to kayak surf if conditions permit, explore the beaches or go for a swim. — Doesn’t think sound Amazing? hahaha

The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, also known as the Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline, is the second most popular of all the Oahu hiking trails, next to the Diamond Head Hike.  This easy to moderate summit trail is definitelyone of the most memorable, with stunning views overlooking Makapuu Beach, Koko Head, the windward coast, and Molokai & Lanai neighboring islands. — Paula (Hey Hey!) said this was a great drive to the lighthouse. IF only I met you sooner we could have all gone together!

Diamond Head Crater Hiking Tour; From the summit of Diamond Head Crater, Hawaii’s volcanic formations, endless ocean, and lush mountains all come into striking perspective. On this hike from Waikiki, see nature at its most awe-inspiring and learn about its geological and cultural context from your knowledgeable guide. — This is one of the most popular hikes in Hawaii!

I mean I can go on and on, there really is so much to see and explore. — I do want to recommend you rent a car. We ended up Ubering since we were close to everything we needed BUT let me tell you, that definitely adds up. both Uber and Lyft are a pretty penny over there. We also miss out on a lot of cool sights to see because we didn’t rent a car and ubering there would have been ridiculous. —If you plan to sight see, rent a car!

Thank you for Readying!!