The island of Hawaii offers amazing clear waters and the best surfing spots in the country. This captivating island is not only for surfers and divers, hikers, food lovers, and sight seekers are more than welcome too. My husband and I were fortunate to explore Oahu when the travel ban was lifted. I have here a list of the places and foods we loved during our stay. Let's go!
We were able to book cheap flight tickets to Oahu, Hawaii with Skyscanner. This is the platform where I compare prices from different airlines. For our accommodation, I've always relied on Booking.com to give us affordable deals on our stays. It's easier to maneuver their sites when it comes to location, nearby attractions, and activities. Also, most of our activities were booked with GROUPON, where they provide the best deals in town.
FIRST DAY
March 26, Flight, Check-in Hotel and Groceries
Flight: Hawaiian Airlines: Los Angeles to Honolulu
6 hours and 30 minutes
10 am - 1:30 pm
Price: 598 USD for two-person
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Ohia Waikiki Studio: 20-30 minutes
Lyft ride: 35-45 USD
Address: 2280 Kuhio Avenue, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
March 26 - 29, 4 days 3 nights
330 USD
Most hotels have a resort fee with Ohia Waikiki Studio the resort fee includes:
· Essential Aloha Snack Pack (1 box per room) with complimentary hand sanitizer and disposable face masks
· Complimentary coffee, iced tea, and water station in the lobby
Our studio has a balcony, stovetop, and a kitchen. Make sure to request ahead of time for a microwave, frying pan, and utensils. The suite has a great location but the service is average and you can hear the noise from the street. Breakfast is not included and most restaurants open late so we decided to get some groceries.
For groceries, 2 options: Across the street from Ohia Waikiki Suites are two small grocery stores
Dukes Lane Market and Eatery
ABC Store
Groceries: 20 USD ( breakfast items includes water, eggs, dish soap, and clementines)
We purchased ahead of time our favorite Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice for breakfast.
If you're on a budget here are Local Meal Favorites: All below 10 USD
Dukes Lane Market and Eatery:
Loco Moco
Pork Adobo
Salt and Vinegar Chicken Wings
ABC Store:
Chicken Teriyaki
Pork Adobo and Loco Moco at Dukes Lane Market and Eatery
Dinner in Marukame Udon Waikiki
1 minute walk away from Ohia Waikiki Studio
Address: 2310 Kūhiō Ave. #124, Honolulu, HI 96815
Dinner: 22 USD for two persons
SECOND DAY
March 27, Chill Day, Food Trip and Explore the beach
Waikiki Beach
Nearby Attractions
Beaches nearby:
Ohia Waikiki Studio to Waikiki Beach: 10 minutes walk
Ohia Waikiki Studio to Hilton Lagoon and Kahanamoku Beach: 25 minutes walk or 7 minutes by car
Hikes nearby:
Ohia Waikiki Studio to Diamond Head: 15 minutes by car
Ohia Waikiki Studio to Nu'uanu Pali Lookout: 20 minutes by car
Nearby Malls:
Ohia Waikiki Studio to International Market Place: 4 mins walk
Ohia Waikiki Studio to Royal Hawaiian Center: 6 mins walk
Ohia Waikiki Studio to Waikiki Beach Walk: 10 mins walk
International Market Place
Address: 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Royal Hawaiian Center
Address: 2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Waikiki Beach Walk
Address: 227 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Famous Foods to try:
Leonard's Bakery, 30 minutes walk or 7 minutes by car from Ohia Waikiki Studio
Address: 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
1 dozen malasadas puff and two malasadas: 25 USD
Ono Seafood, 28 minutes walk or 6 minutes by car from Ohia Waikiki Studio
Address: 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Two poke bowls with drinks: 20 USD
Kono's Northshore, 1 minute away from Ohia Waikiki Studio
Address: 2310 Kuhio Avenue #1-A, Honolulu, HI 96815
Two sandwiches and a smoothie: 40 USD
Paia Fish Market, across the street from Ohia Waikiki Studio
Address: 2299 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
Two fish plate: 45 USD
THIRD DAY
March 28, 8:00 am - 5 pm
Full-Day 16 Location Island Tour
Full-Day 16 Location Island Tour Including Snorkeling, Tour Guide, Snacks, and Beverages with Grand Tours Around Island
Price: 60 USD per person
We purchased our Island Tour with GROUPON: Save on activities, spas, restaurants, and events near you.
Free Pick up and Drop Off. Tour Pick-up is in front of Ross Dress for Less Outlet (2 minutes walk away from Ohia Waikiki Studio)
If you rented a car you can follow this list for the road trip. However, you'll be missing some great stories about Hawaii. Our tour guide, Jake, was an excellent storyteller, he told us the myths and legends of the places we went to, local intriguing facts, and captivating Hawaiian secrets.
1. DIAMOND HEAD LOOKOUT
2. HALONA BLOWHOLE
3. SANDY BEACH
4. MAKAPUU BEACH
5. WAIMANALO
6. MACADAMIA NUT FARM
7. CHINAMAN HEAT
8. SHRIMP TRUCKS
9. FRUIT STANDS
10. SUNSET BEACH
11. BANZAI PIPELINE
12. WAIMEA BAY
13. LANIAKEA
14. HALEIWA TOWN
15. DOLE PLANTATION
16. COFFEE FARM
Here are the places that we went on the Island Tour:
1. DIAMOND HEAD LOOKOUT - Also known as the Amelia Earhart lookout overlooking the blue ocean water.
2. HALONA BLOWHOLE: A blowhole on the island of Oahu overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
It was our lucky day as we're able to get off at Haula Beach Park where we were introduced to a Hawaiian Monk Seal. An endangered species in the Hawaiian Islands and often seen alone or in small groups, and that's where it got its name.
We also passed by the famous Koko Head, a strenuous steep hike along an abandoned railway track. If I weren't pregnant our butts will surely be up there on our first day.
3. SANDY BEACH: We drove by here as it's known for its powerful shore breaks that attract experienced surfers.
4. MAKAPUU BEACH: The easternmost point of Oahu that offers 1,000 ft long of white sand beaches. This is also the area where we're going to have our Lu'au Package with Ka Moana, a dinner, and dance entertainment on the island. We purchased our Lu'au Package for two with GROUPON: Save on activities, spas, restaurants, and events near you.
5. WAIMANALO: We passed by this beach area, more secluded and still offers Hawaii's blue waters and fine white sand. A great option if you want to be away from the crowds in Downtown Waikiki Beach.
Free Coffee Tasting and Free Macadamia Nuts Tasting6. MACADAMIA NUT FARM - Tropical Farm with good coffee and flavored selection of Macadamia Nuts. I got Kono Coffee Glazed Macadamia Nuts for 10 USD.
7. CHINAMAN HAT: Also known as Mokoli'i island. I'm not sure if I saw this basalt islet in Kane'ohe Bay. This is still found on the east side of Oahu and famous for kayakers. It got its name Chinaman Hat because of the island's shape like fisherman or a chinese merchant hat.
8. SHRIMP TRUCKS - Lunch was enjoyed at the North Shore featuring their Shrimp Trucks in the area. We ordered the Coconut Shrimp and Lemon and buttered Shrimp.
9. FRUIT STANDS - Afterward, we dropped by a local fruit stand that offers local fresh fruits and vegetables. I bought some Mango slices for 4 USD and "Turon" ( a sweet Filipino banana dessert rolled in spring roll wrapper) for 1 USD.
Just across the street from the fruit stands we went swimming at Turtle Bay. Snorkeling gears were provided. Hubby and I and my little one already swimming inside my tummy tried to check the waters but it was too murky and the waves were not helpful at all, so instead, we just dipped in the waters for a few minutes then allowed enough time to dry and changed before heading back to the bus.
10. SUNSET BEACH - Also known as the surfing mecca of Oahu. We passed by this beach as we were cruising on the North shore. It's known for hosting big wave surfing events during the winter season.
11. BANZAI PIPELINE - This is the place known for its Surfing competition, where the waters offer spectacular barreling waves. Surfing Apparel Companies have their headquarters nestled in this beach area, where they measure the waves and all those stuff.
12. WAIMEA BAY - Our bus drove by this famous bay and our bus tour guide told us the story of Eddie Aikau. A respected Hawaiian lifeguard and surfer, who in his career as a lifeguard was able to save 500 people and at the same time a popular surfer who surf the big Hawaiian surf.
13. LANIAKEA - We passed by Laniakea Beach which is also known as the Turtle Beach on the North Shore. A great spot to find green sea turtles sunbathing along the white sand beach.
14. HALEIWA TOWN - Another town we passed by and is considered a historical surf town where back in the days the sugar plantation industry supported this North Shore communities' livelihood.
15. DOLE PLANTATION - This is Oahu’s famous historical pineapple farm, which reminds me that we also have a Dole Plantation back in the Philippines. Hubby loved the pineapple ice cream, the lady gave us the wrong order instead she gave us the premium ice cream but with a big smile she gave it to me with no extra charge. My favorite is this chili hotdog with pineapple bits on its toppings, we paid less than 20 USD for both snacks.
16. COFFEE FARM - Last stop of the tour. This is Oahu’s first Coffee Visitor Farm where they roast coffees daily on-site, offer free coffee tasting, and sell awesome coffee t-shirts for souvenirs.
FOURTH DAY
March 29 Check-in Hilton and Turtle Snorkeling
Address: 2330 Kuhio Avenue, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
March 29 - April 1, 4 days 3 nights
530 USD
Our room has a city view, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a microwave, a water heater kettle, and a Keurig coffee machine. Parking fees apply and security deposit upon check-in.
The hotel is just 2 minutes walk from Ohia Waikiki Studio. It's more expensive but you can never beat the comfort and ambiance. There was a building construction nearby and we barely hear a thing, plus the bed smells fresher and the bathroom was immaculate. We wanted to pamper ourselves more for the fourth night, so we decided to go to Hilton Garden Inn.
March 29, 2 pm - 4 pm
Turtle Snorkeling Adventure with Pink Sails Waikiki
2 hours Snorkeling adventure at the Infamous Turtle Canyon with equipment, food, and beverage.
Price: 50 USD per person
We purchased our Turtle Snorkeling with GROUPON: Save on activities, spas, restaurants, and events near you.
Meet-up at the Harbor 10 minutes by car or 30 minutes walk from Hilton Garden Inn
Address: 1651 Ala Moana Blvd #600 a, Honolulu, HI 96815
Bring: Towel, sunscreen, slippers, change clothes, camera, and windbreaker jacket
After the turtle snorkeling check out nearby beach and attraction:
Hilton Lagoon and Kahanamoku Beach (1 minute away from the Harbor)
Cafe Glace at Waikiki Beach Walk (4 minutes by car or 17 minutes walk from Hilton Lagoon)
Address: Lewers Street, 227 Lewers St #115, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cookies and Cream Gelato, and Mahalo Crepe ( cheese, spinach, and bechamel sauce): 17 USD
FIFTH DAY
March 30, Couples Hawaiian Massage, Souvenir Shopping and Lu'au Dinner with Ka Moana Lu'au
We found the Dashboard Hula Girl on our last-minute souvenir shopping at the airport.
11 am Couples Hawaiian Massage
Lava Massage and Day Spa, 4 minutes by car or 23 minutes walk from Hilton Garden Inn
Address: 1750 Kalakaua Ave # 2502, Honolulu, HI 96826
Price: 130 USD for two-person
Souvenir Shopping at ABC Stores
Board shorts 25 USD
Turtle and Flower Silver Earrings 25 USD
Chocolates 12 packs 40 USD
Macadamia Nuts 8 packs 30 USD
Fridge magnet 4 pieces 20 USD
Wooden Tiki Decor 9 USD
Hula Girl 1 piece 7 USD
Turtle Stickers 4 pieces: 20 USD
Henna Tattoo for 45 USD, near Royal Hawaiian Center
March 30, 5 pm
Splash Lu'au Package for Two People with Ka Moana Lu'au
Address: 41-202 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795
Price: 216 USD
Optional: for pick-up additional 18 USD per person
We purchased our Lu'au Package for two with GROUPON: Save on activities, spas, restaurants, and events near you.
Pick-up at 4:20 pm in Hyatt Regency Waikiki (5 minutes walk from Hilton Garden Inn)
Address: 2424 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Splash Lu’au Package includes:
Deluxe shell lei
Moana Splash Seating
2 drink tickets per person
Cultural activities
Buffet dinner (served by the staff)
Admission to Sea Life Park (Up to 40 USD Value) - Can be used when the park reopens.
My husband was excited about this Lu'au night package for two. Lu'au is a traditional Hawaiian party with lots of foods and entertainment like Hawaiian music, fire dance, and stories about Hawaii presented with vibrant costumes and hula dance moves. Due to COVID restrictions, ukulele lessons, and Lei making was not included in the event. Despite that the lively music still made the night special, the Aloha spirit is still in the air.
SIXTH DAY
March 31, Chill Day, Ice Cream, Coffee, and Fun at the Beach
Hilton Lagoon and Kahanamoku Beach
Address: Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon Boardwalk, Honolulu, HI 96815
Waikiki Beach via Sheraton Waikiki
There are no private beaches in Hawaii, all the beaches are open to the public. We learned this important information during our Island Tour with Jake. So we walked to the other side of Waikiki Beach where it seems less crowded and went through the Sheraton Waikiki to the public beach area. We even thought the Hilton Lagoon was owned by Hilton and only accessible to Hinton guests, but it's open for the public.
Honolulu Coffee Company for 7 USD inside the Sheraton Waikiki
After dipping in the waters of Waikiki Beach it was time for a coffee break. The Hawaiian Kona coffee is mild, clean, and smooth to the palate. I usually prefer my coffee dark and bitter but this one was an exception, it's a nice break from my usual coffee preference.
Afterward, we went out to satisfy our sweet tooth cravings.
Hawaiian Shaved Ice Cream for 9 USD near Royal Hawaiian Center
The Hawaiian shaved ice was a refreshing treat during a hot day in Hawaii. It was just right the sweetness and the fresh fruit toppings made it tastier.
Ice Monster (Korean Shaved Ice) for 11 USD
Address: 2255 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
We tried a Korean Shaved Ice for comparison, and there's a huge difference when it comes to the shaved ice. The Korean style is finer and sweeter.
SEVENTH DAY
Flight: April 1, American Airlines: Honolulu to Los Angeles
5 hours and 30 minutes
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Price: 278 USD for two-person
Last-minute souvenir shopping at the airport
Dashboard Hula Girl 2 pieces 15 USD
Check out my travel resources: This Is How I Travel On A Budget
"Some links on this site might earn me a commission if a product/service is purchased." ^__^
1. AIRFARE
Make sure to use SKYSCANNER to check on flight tickets on your next trip.
2. ACCOMMODATION
Check out BOOKING.COM and AGODA.COM to find the best deals on hotels accommodations.
3. GROUPON DEALS
Visit GROUPON to save on activities, spas, restaurants, and events near you.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
Where am I going next?
My next adventure is hiking the easiest trail in Malibu the Topanga Lookout Trailhead, California.
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