Travel Journal: Hawaii, All About Oahu !
May/June of 2015
I had just graduated from Fort Lewis College with my bachelors in anthropology and moved back from Durango, CO to my parents home in ABQ. I was excited but also terrified on what was next. I spent the last 4 years of my life dedicated to my degree full time, now what ?
As I started working on my resume and applications, I was also helping my dad plan our big family trip that was coming up- our first time going to Hawaii ! When I say the trip we took was life changing I mean it. I always loved travel and we did some really awesome trips throughout my childhood, but Hawaii was the biggest and furthest trip I had taken at that point and it set my love of travel into high gear. It gave me time to decompress from the non-stop stress the last 4 years was and to be able to step back and reflect on what I wanted next. And also- I like many who visit Hawaii, I fell absolutely in love with this magical place.
The first step in planning any trip to Hawaii is what island, or do you visit more than one? Me and my dad did a lot of research and found that many people agreed Oahu is the island to go for a first time visit, and I would agree. It is definitely more touristy but it’s easier to get around and offers some must do attractions. Hawaii also used to be a very expensive destination to fly to and with airlines like Southwest now offering low fare, it made all flights to Hawaii much more affordable. We also learned VRBO and condo rentals were a much cheaper option for accommodation, and that is still true. Not only do you get parking usually included, but you also can get a kitchen to save on food cost and most rentals even have gear you are allowed to use like snorkels, surfboards etc. Hawaii is still a more expensive destination so the little things do add up ! If you want the all inclusive resort kind of trip you will definitely pay more. We ended up in a great condo rental literally on Waikiki Beach. The condo was lit up at night with the soft glow of the moon over the ocean and we all spent plenty of time on the Lanai (balcony) just soaking in the views.
The views alone made this condo SO worth it but it also gave us free parking (parking fees in Hawaii especially Honolulu can be very high) and a great little kitchen. Our condo also included beach towels, chairs, boogie boards and snorkel gear, all included which was so useful for activities !
The flight was an easy 6.5 hours and we found we saved money by driving to Las Vegas staying a night then getting a flight to LAX and straight to Honolulu from there. Once we landed, we made a trip to Wal Mart and stocked up on some groceries (though it still saves to make your own meals do be aware- groceries in Hawaii can be very expensive as well). Our best budget tip is to eat breakfast in the condo, make sandwiches for beach days and then try a lot of the tasty food trucks and beach side cafes - its cheaper and you discover some amazing food !
But lets dig in- what are the must do activities and reasons to visit Oahu?
Here was what we loved (do remember this was in 2015, some things have changed or there may be new places as well !):
Waimea Falls: A serendipitous travel moment (my favorite kind) we were just exploring and driving the island and followed some signs to a waterfall. This place ended up being pure magic ! Give yourself at least a few hours here and bring your suit- when there are lifeguard you can swim under the waterfall ! Waimea Falls is a 45 ft. Waterfall located in the Waimea Valley. It is also a lush botanical garden and cultural site on Oahu’s North Shore. It is very accessible with its paved trails and even has some great food options and a gift shop with locally made gifts.
Polynesian Cultural Center- This is a must - not only is it beautiful (like all of Hawaii- let’s be honest) but it is an absolutely great way to delve into Hawaiian and Polynesian Culture. I always feel that if you miss museums or places like this where you can delve into the culture and history of a place - you are not truly traveling that place. Located in Laie this place showcases various Polynesian Islands with interactive demonstrations and performances where visitors can get hands on with it. We had an amazing day here and left with memories and beautiful handcrafted souvenirs!
Sea Life Park- An education, rescue and conservation focused marine park. We learned so much about Hawaii’s unique wildlife and got to see so much of the important conservation work they do. The highlight was our swim with dolphins experience- almost 2 hours in the water with these majestic (rescued) animals getting to love on them and learn all about them. Pricing was great and it was such a learning experience I will treasure forever !
https://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/
Pearl Harbor- This is hallowed ground, and one of the most moving places I have been. A United States Naval Base and the site of the devastating surprise attack by the Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941by the Imperial Japanese Navy- the attack that led the U.S. entering into WWII. This day that changed the course of history resulted in massive damage to the U.S Pacific Fleet and the loss of over 2,400 American lives. The USS Arizona Memorial requires you watch a video and take a designated Navy boat to get to. It is humbling to stand on and deeply emotional. There is many museums, the USS Missouri, and much more to see and explore. Do not miss this piece of our nations history !
Waikiki Beach- I mean this is one of the most famous beaches in the world- and for good reason ! This beach boasts more than 4 million visitors per year and has some phenomenal views of Diamond Head, warm blue water and soft sand to relax in. The Duke of Kahanamoku statue welcomes you and it is a great beach to learn that famous Hawaiian surfing ! It is just an absolute gem and the kind of beach you picture when imagining a visit to Hawaii.
https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/things-to-do/beaches/waikiki-beach
North Shore- Oahus famous 7 mile shoreline known for some of the best surfing in the world. It is not easy to park, but it is so worth a visit! There are fruit stands with local farmers selling some of the BEST tasting tropical fruits you will ever find. There are waves bigger than I have ever seen and watching the surfers do their sport is unbelievable. There is a reason this area is famous !
https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/north-shore
Snorkeling - Now in 2025, we have snorkeled some amazing places all around the world from the Florida Keys to The Great Barrier Reef. Those were absolutely amazing and oh so worth the adventure. If I am being honest though- my favorite snorkeling in the world is still always Hawaii. From its endless options to the warm/clear water and gentle waves it has some of the easiest snorkeling right off the beach you can find. The Hawaiian Islands have so many beaches and many with naturally protected bays so you can see the stunning reefs and wildlife even if you are a beginner at snorkeling. The colors you see are pure magic!
https://www.hawaii-guide.com/oahu/activities/best-snorkeling-locations-in-oahu
These were just the biggest adventures we found on Oahu. There was so many walks and discoveries while just exploring to remember them all. When you visit any island in Hawaii you will find the famous ABC Stores (your stop for any souvenir and food needs - we were addicted to this place !), the BEST pineapple and tropical fruits you will ever taste and the Hawaiian “spirit of Aloha”. The locals seriously treat you like family and it is pure magic to step foot on any Hawaiian Island. The views, the nature, wildlife and adventure are un-matched and that’s why this is a place we will always return to. Check out our post on Maui too !!
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