HAWAII
Hawaii was on our list for many years, we really don't know what took us so long to get here! You have six islands here to choose from, Oahu has Hawaii's biggest city and capital, Honolulu, home to the magnificent and world-renowned Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor's WWII memorials.
Lost with my love will mainly focus on our trips itinerary to Hawaii, which for this trip was to Honolulu and Waikiki beach, along with a hike up Diamond head volcano. We will most certainly be back to visit the other islands in the near future!
It begins!
Boise Idaho, to Honolulu via Seattle. It was our first time on Hawaiian airlines and must say we were very impressed! They are a real stand out among most of the competition. From the tropical decor inside to the extremely attentive and friendly service, it was one of our favorite ever airline experiences. Highly recommended!
Honolulu
After getting "leighed" at the airport it was time to get this trip started! Some of our research told us that you can take a bus pretty much anywhere on this island, so off we went to our hotel at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The tropically colorful lush gardens and landscapes were such a nice way to be greeted, especially the aromas from one of Lorie's favorite plants, the beautiful Night-blooming jasmine. After spending the best part of our first day just walking around the nearby Waikiki beach streets and shops, we were treated to an awesome firework display right at our hotel! They have this every Friday night on the grounds of the hotel. Harbor Pub pizza was really good to top off our night! The next day we picked up a couple of float mattresses from an ABC store (They are everywhere,) they even fill them up for you. Headed to Waikiki and picked up a couple of loungers and an umbrella for some people watching and beach fun. We especially enjoyed walking along the beach and exploring the different hotels along the way. not to mention a lot of different happy hours here!
Mai Tai cocktails of course, and having them at Duke's Barefoot Bar, and The Outrigger Reef made them even more special. Our favorite and not to be missed local joint was the Honolulu tavern. Great owners, and food/drinks. Easy hop on and hop off trolley can get you around here as well. We also rented a catamaran from Manukaiguy, which was a lot of fun, with just enough
of a breeze.
Hike up to diamond head was quite vigorous but very rewarding! After many steep steps, and a very cool walk through a 95% pitch-black cave, we were treated with this view below! Roy's Waikiki was our dinner choice for the evening. They are a small chain restaurant, but we have always wanted to try them. Highly recommend the braised short ribs. Memorable!
No trip to the North Shore of Oahu is complete without a quick stop to see the sea turtles at Laniakea Beach. The turtles usually swim close to shore munching on seaweed in the morning and bask in the sun on the sand in the afternoon. Just west of Haleiwa Town has become very popular with tourists and locals alike, and sea turtles are an endangered species and are protected under federal law. So please do not interact with them.
Shaved ice! Locals enjoy this treat any time of the day and usually, everyone has their favorite spot. Shaved ice was introduced to Hawaii via Japanese plantation immigrants and is simply made by shaving down a block of ice, putting the “snow” into a bowl or cone, and topping with colorful syrups. Matsumoto's in Haleiwa is world famous for their dessert and people queue in a long line any time of the day. Flavors include mango, lychee, and li hing mui, a salty dried plum syrup. You can also get a scoop of ice cream along with sweet azuki beans, and soft rice balls called mochi.
Our last noteworthy adventure was Hula time! Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Waikiki hosts a troupe of hula dancers performing a show on Kuhio Beach at sunset. The show starts with the traditional blowing of a conch shell and lighting of torches around the stage. Groups perform different styles of hula dance and are accompanied by a group of musicians. People line the beach around the stage and layout on the grass.
The isle of Kauai is our destination the next time in Hawaii. Known as the hiking island with beautiful waterfalls! Can't wait! Come back often for updates to this page, for all our travel tips!