In January, Derika and I went to Oahu with a couple of friends to go to the Pro Bowl and to just get some R&R. We don’t often go back to the same place twice for vacation, but as far as I am concerned any day is a good do to go to Hawaii no matter what island. I love everything about Hawaii and would jump at a chance to go. We were also living in NYC at the time, so some sun and warm weather were exactly what the doctor ordered. When we went to Oahu the first time I did not do a ton of research, so I was excited to go back with a list. Below are ten of my favorite places that we visited while we were in Oahu.
Visit Waimanalo Beach
Waimanalo Beach is hands down my favorite beach on the island. Just look at the color of the water! It is so so stunning! What I really love about this beach is that it is pretty quiet, there is always available parking, and there are a couple of cute places near by to grab food; which also makes this place a great picnic spot. If you want to have a great picnic at this beach, visit one of the two places that I have listed below.
Eat at Ono Shrimp and Steak Shack
Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack is super close to Waimanalo Beach and a great place to check out some super fresh and local Hawaiian food. It is also a great place to grab a bite to eat if you are a vegetarian.
Eat at ‘Ai Love Nalo
If you want something super healthy go to ‘Ai Love Nalo for some farm fresh and amazing vegetarian food! This place is super adorable, so you could grab food and eat it there or take it to go for a great beach picnic.
Their portions are huge and everything tasted so good, we got a couple of bowls and they were delicious.
Watch a Sunset at North Shore
The North Shore had epic waves when we were there, so this is a great place to watch surfers or to go surfing. It is also a great place to catch an amazing sunset. After the sunset go and grab dinner at the north shore food trucks near Haleiwa.
Visit the Dole Plantation
Did you know that pineapples grow out of the ground!? I had no idea this was the case before I went to the Dole Plantation. This is a very touristy stop, but go here to see all of the cute baby pineapples and then stop and get some Dole Whip.
This my friends is one of the most amazing pineapple ice cream you will ever have.
Cool Off with Shave Ice
If you are on the East side of the island go check out the World Famous Shaka Shave Ice shop. I like to stop a any place that claims to be world famous. I am also obsessed with shave ice and I have to say that this is one of the best ones that I have ever had! The portions are HUGE!
Sip on a Mai Tai and Watch a Sunset
My only regret is that I did not find out about this place sooner. I would have loved to have gone here a few more times. My advice to you is to run to the Mai Tai Bar in the Royal Hawaiian for one of the best Mai Tais of you life.
I would recommend that you make a reservation for their patio, so that you can sip on a Mai Tai and also catch a great sunset.
Eat Like a Local at a Farmer’s Market
If you are in Oahu on a Saturday or Tuesday, do yourself a favor and check out the KCC Farmer’s Market, it is the biggest one in Honolulu. I love a good farmer’s market, and if you want to get a unique taste of Oahu, this is the place to do it. We basically ate our way though the market and I do not regret it one bit. As a matter of fact, I am getting hungry just looking at these photos!
Eat ALL of the Malasadas
I am not a huge donut fan, but I fell in love with malasadas. They kind of remind me of jelly filled donuts, but they are a bit smaller and a lot more tastier. To get some of the best malasadas on the island, you should check out Leonards. This claim usually means that the line can get pretty epic, but I promise you that it worth the wait.
Try a Loco Moco Bowl
If you are wondering what the heck is a loco moco, then you should definitely try it. 😉 A basic loco moco is white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg and brown gravy.I know this sounds kind of strange. It is almost impossible to find a vegetarian version. If you really want an amazingly healthy and delicious meal go have a meal at Heavenly restaurant. This is an adorable place that have a ton of great organic and local options, and I was super excited to try their vegetarian version of the loco moco with an ice cold local beer. It was so so goooood!
That pretty much sums up my recommendations for Oahu and now I want to go back! I would like to send a little shout out to Pam and Missy for joining us on this adventure. When can we go back!?
Happy Traveling!
