Ever since we set foot on Maui and Kauai last year I’ve always known that Hawaii would hold a special place in my heart. I’ve been to many different islands, but there is a certain vibe and energy – the “aloha spirit” if you will, that just makes you feel so connected to the nature and humanity of Hawaii and it’s people

Hiking Views @ Peacock Flats

What I liked about Oahu was that everyone local was super helpful and nice. The store owners greet you with Aloha – everyone is eager to tell you something you may not know about the island. I was really surprised by how remote the North Shore of the island was. Honestly, it was the part of the island we were most looking forward to exploring – away from the buzzing city. For having over a million residents we didn’t see any on our hike at Peacock Flats, except two people with their dogs (obviously locals). Hawaii also has a great art scene and it’s easy to see where they get their inspiration. Definitely mosey into some of the art galleries on the island, such as ” The Green Room” and “Wyland Galleries” whether you are in Waikiki or North Shore – I fell in love with local artist Heather Browns work and purchased some awesome prints while I was there!

 A large Population on a Small Island = A Lot Of Crime

Don’t just take it from me, do your research and come to your own conclusions. I did my research, I knew about the notorious break ins and I’ve heard a fair share of stories from fellow travelers. You would think that by knowing this info before your trip, it would protect you from something awful happening – but it didn’t for Matthew and I. Our car was broken into, the window was shattered and all our belongings were stolen. All our gifts from shopping that day, my Canon camera and expensive art. It just takes a few minutes for these types of robberies to happen. Well, after calling the cops and never getting our items back, the police officers were telling us that this happens ALL the time. These robbers do a “smash and grab” so they leave no fingerprints.

I will however mention, that we did not let this ruin our trip and I even went and repurchased my stolen art items the next day.

Cheap, Popular, & not Overrated:

Byodo-In Temple:
47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744

Arrive early and you won’t be disappointed as you’ll practically have the entire place to yourself. Located at the Valley Of The Temples cemetery, the Byodo-In temple is a perfect replica of the original located in Kyoto, Japan. With a $5 donation fee you can explore the grounds. Read the incredible history of how the Japanese culture became a part of Hawaii. The grounds are so calming and beautiful with the mountainous back drop. Enjoy the koi fish, resident cats and black swans as you walk the grounds all living in harmony with one another.

1831 Ala Moana Blvd #201, Honolulu, HI 96815

The early bird special consists of immediate service and cheap parking. Take note, this place is not big and it gets very busy! We arrived around 7:30 a.m. and we waited a little over 5 mins or so for a table. What I really loved about this restaurant is all the food is local and they give you a map of which islands the ingredients come from – which I thought was clever! The omelets are $14 but worth it as they come with a big English muffin and a really awesome green salad. Park in the garage to get to Goofy’s then walk around. The parking garage was $8 for the first half hour than $4 for every other half hour – we spent a total of $12 for parking, but like I said, the earlier the better for this place!

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens:

45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744

100% free and loving it! The sights are amazing and when we went, there was literally nobody there and we couldn’t believe it. You feel like you are walking through Jurassic Park and it’s a wonderful alternative to Kualoa Ranch, which can be very expensive depending on the tour you choose to do. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens is an incredible nursery where you can see plants from different areas of the world, as well as native Hawaiian plants of course. I will say that I did not notice a single eucalyptus tree like the colorful ones we saw on Maui although I could’ve just missed them. The gardens are walk-able, but you can also drive to each of the separate gardens within the park and walk through the pathways. We found this place to be quite muddy (Hawaii weather is so unpredictable) but luckily there are many “foot washing stations” throughout the gardens. My favorite gardens were the Kahua Kuou Garden with epic mountain views. I would show you – but yeah my camera was stolen! Ugh, it’s the lost memories that really just bother me the most! But anyway, awesome place and so happy it was completely free.

Morning Brew

685 Auahi St #113, Honolulu, HI 96813

Advocado toast with egg and pesto!

This place quickly turned into our daily breakfast joint during our stay in Oahu. It’s the perfect little quick breakfast spot. To have a sandwich and some coffee, you’re looking at around $12 per person, not bad by Hawaii standards. The breakfast is filling and it’s good, you have to give it a try if you are staying in Honolulu.

A cutesy little historic town not far from Waimea Beach (another must do, because those swells are incredible!) and it’s also where the shrimp trucks are located. You’ll definitely want to hit up Giovanni’s Shrimp truck while you’re there. They are rumored to have the best shrimp truck and we had it and can contest to that! There also was another truck serving up crepes that looked more than delectable. Remember earlier when I told you about Hawaii’s art scene, while in Haleiwai (pronounced Hallie-A-wah) go to the Wyland Gallery there and check out the local and professional artwork.

391 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815

The very touristy beach restaurant and bar sits on the sands of Waikiki. I can’t say much about their food because we didn’t try any but I can say that the drinks we’re decent. Personally the lava flow didn’t impress me much but it’s a great atmosphere I won’t lie.