O'ahu aka: Oahu

• Rent a car
• Don’t try to cram too much stuff into each day

After reading about the award winning (seriously?) bus system we opted to see the island by bus. The first day was nearly a disaster. Once we picked up TheBus Map and Guide Book things went a bit smoother, but as it was I believe we spent an average of an hour or more a day waiting for buses and deciphering routes and another 2-3 hours a day riding on buses.

Pick a few things you want to do and dedicate whole days to them. Trying to see and do a whole island’s activities in a few days just isn’t going to work. Most attractions close up around 4 and no matter how well you plan everything just feels rushed and you can’t really DO the things, just look at them.

Go to an original local chain restaurant of Hawaii called Zippy’s. The food is so good.

The best week of my life! It was so relaxing. Everything is different there – even the smell of the air. Go there with good friends and you can’t go wrong.

two years hawaii

Except for Waikiki, which is like Lloret de Mar in Spain, Oahu is incredibly beautiful. The snorkling is okay, but on the contrary to what the tour guides tell you, its not the most beautiful in the world. Malaysia and Bonaire both are far more beautiful. you get to swim with sharks though, that was fun ;)

I was born and raised in Lanikai, O’ahu. My mother was raised at the end of Waikiki. MUST HAVES: shaved ice (rainbow), dim sum from Char Hung Sut, Plate Lunch from Rainbows drive-in, Zip-Pack from Zippy’s, Malasadas from Leonards. VISIT: Cultural Center, Bishop Museum, Frank Delima, Waikiki Beach or more secluded Lanikai beach. September is Aloha Festival. AWESOME LOCAL BLOCK PARTY! MUSIC: Cazimero Brothers, Makaha Sons, Israel Kamakawiwoole, Keali’i Reichel, Genoa Keawe, Kapena.

Its definitely not my favorite of the Hawaiian islands, but if you find yourself traveling here you will still be in paradise. The North shore is as calm as warm bathwater in the summer!

I think Oahu is going to be fabulous! I can’t wait to go in November!

Going in November to turn 25 and put all of 24 behind me.

I lived here for 4 1/2 years. It’s boring to live here, but nice to visit I guess.