I was recently asked what we did in Hawaii and how I decided what to do. So, I decided to spotlight our trip and how I "built" it. I plan on doing this with future adventures as well to give you a sneak pick into the madness in my head that helps me plan our vacations.
Itinerary: 6 Days on Oahu, Hawaii
Who: Just the grown ups (2)
When: November 2017 (our 5 year wedding anniversary)
Details:
Day 1: We flew out on Delta midday using our reward points, so we arrived around 3:30 local time. We rented our
sweet ride, and were off. Roads were busy so we decided to head straight for our accommodations. Sure, I had planned for us to go to Diamond Head, but I'm really good at over planning, and being okay with dropping stuff(usually). We used
AirBNB after quite an adventure. It was a great location in the Financial District of Honolulu. We loved it. There is a 3 hour time difference and we had also just switched off of daylight savings so it felt like 4 hours, so we were hungry and ready for some sleep. We pulled up YELP (which I always use) and found a pizza place(Brick Fire Tavern) within walking distance. They had the best breadstick dipping sauce, and it was free when we checked in on YELP. The rest of the night we watched cabletv because we don't have it at home. We love watching Chopped on Food Network if you're curious.
Day 2: We woke up early and refreshed, ready for the day. We spent all of this day at Pearl Harbor. It was such a fun way to start Hawaii. Arizona, Missouri, Aviation Museum, and the Bowfin. All of it!!! I had purchased our "Passport" tickets on the government website before hand. When we arrived they switched our Arizona time(which is assigned) to an earlier time, which we appreciated. In the late afternoon we hit up the local
Costco(because that's the best thing to do) for snacks, and souvenirs. After that we decided to go to the local movie theater to see Thor. (Listen, it's much easier to see a movie while on vacation knowing that you don't have to worry about your kid.) We hadn't planned on going to the movie, but it was awesome. It was also totally overpriced compared to theaters at home, but it was "part of the experience". For dinner we went to a local Hawaiian restaurant. It was super tasty, and completely local.
Day 3: Finally after only seeing the ocean from afar, we got ourselves to Hanauama Bay for a day of snorkeling. This place was educational, and super fun. So many reefs and fish to see. I recommend this for anyone. Whether you're with your kids or just on a romantic couples trip, this place is amazing. We tested out our new full face snorkels and had a great time. The one huge bummer of this days was losing one of my diamond ears. These earrings never fall out, except for this day of course. My husband lovingly refers to me as Marie Antoinette now because WHO WEARS DIAMONDS TO GO SNORKELING? We tried our first shave ice of Hawaii at Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha. (This one was my favorite of all we tried while on the island) Our evening was one not to be missed. We drove ourselves over to Aulani for dinner. I've been so excited to go here because of my obvious love of Disney, but I was not about to fork over fistfuls of cash to stay here. We had dinner at their character dinner called Menehune Mischief. The food was okay, but you eat here for the characters. I had read so many reviews and wasn't disappointed because I knew what to expect. We also got to walk around the resort and see the cool pools and bay for hotel guests. It was comforting to know that I wasn't missing anything crazy by not staying there. Eating dinner included free valet for 4 hours, and that was exactly enough time.
Day 4: We had an early morning start. We were up at 5:15 for an early morning
dive north. And, when I say dive...I mean with SHARKS. I knew that while we were in Hawaii we had to swim with sharks. I set out researching companies long before I booked any. I wanted a company who would give us a great experience, and keep us safe. I also wanted a company who could handle a girl who always gets sea sick. I'm a certified scuba diver, and I throw up at least once every trip. I know I have a problem with the sea, but I don't let it keep me away(I'll keep the rest of the details for another post.) I had read that the water was super "wavy", so I wanted a company who could help a girl out. North Shore Adventures had great reviews and I had also talked with a friend who has used them in the past. It did not disappoint. I completely stand beside the other great reviews. If there is interest in the details of this trip, I can do that later. I certainly got sick, and they took great care of me. The experience was amazing, and I recommend this to anyone who wants to brave it and swim with sharks. I had packed this day, so even though I wasn't feeling
well....we had more to see and do. We had a little brunch at a local burrito shop called Kono's. This place was amazing, even on a sick stomach. We then headed for the Dole Plantation. I had read so many reviews stating that it is a simple tourist trap. I completely agree and I have no intentions of returning, BUT I think if you've never been to Hawaii you should still go. Do the train ride, that's it. Everything else was mediocre. We then headed back to the North Shore where we spent some time on the beach, ate Matsumoto's Shave Ice(a close 2nd in my opinion), and bought some Coconut Peanut Butter at North Shore Goodies. This stuff is magical, and if I have any friends heading to Hawaii, I would like to put my request in now for more of this stuff. We also hit up Giovanni's Shrimp Truck(the famed shrimp truck) and although I would die(allergic) if I imbibe, Paul loved it. As busy as this day was, we still got back to our place before 6, where we both passed out for the night.
Day 5: After an awesome night sleep we were up early again and ready to head up north again. This time to the LDS temple, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. I had been anticipating this day because I had heard so many great things about the PCC. After reading so many reviews, and talking with friends I decided to purchase the VIP Prime package. This meant that we had access to a group guide, prime seating for the night time show Ha, and we got a fancy dinner that included crab and prime rib. My husband loved it!!! Having a personal guide throughout the day was super helpful because we didn't have to miss shows or walk around lost all day long. I wish we had another day there, but now I have a great excuse to go back. Our guide Marty from the Philippines was hilarious, and helpful. His dream (at the age of 20ish) is to come to Salt Lake City. It was humbling to hear his desire to VISIT a place I get to call home, all while he's "stuck" for the next few years in what I would consider paradise. I know I live in a great state, but it was a great reminder to "love where you are".
Day 6: Our final day on the island was planned as a chill day, so we made it so. We woke up at a reasonable time and headed for the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. It's worth checking out if you are looking for a bargain, or last minute gift ideas. We went on a Sunday so there were also tons of locals. It's a hoarders dream. So much STUFF. Paul picked out an awesome dress for me, and we got a few souvenirs. Luckily we got there so early that we had great parking and were in and out within 2 hours. We spent the remainder of the day at Magic Island. It's a perfect little bay where locals and tourists can just chill. The waves aren't too big, and you can keep a close eye on your kids. I really started to miss our little buddy watching all of the kids play. We ate more Shave Ice and just chilled. At the end of the day we headed to Diamond Head for dinner. We ate at the local favorite Rainbow Drive-In. I thought it was the perfect Sunday night dinner, especially before a flight. It was full of Hawaiian comfort food. Tasty and delicious. We attempted to get Shave Ice one more time from another favorite, but after driving there and feeling like we were in Downtown Manhattan, we just left and headed for the airport. Once at the airport we relaxed, charged our phones, and prepared for the direct red eye flight home.
It was an amazing trip. One that I had planned for a year. It was the perfect combination of educational, adventurous, and relaxing. I'm so glad that we have plans to return, except this time we bring Buddy, spend more time at the beach, and make more time at the PCC. I also want to "hop" to another island. I'm taking suggestions now.....
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