Experiencing Hawaii is a special treasure and we are grateful the island offers its beauty, people and culture.
Hawaii offers consistent weather throughout the year - summer months from May to October are mid 80s and winter season is November to April with high 70s temperatures.
You can literally plan anything in/outdoor and not have it be an issue.
We find being outdoors is the best way to enjoy the amazing climate on the island of Oahu.
Local Living Activities:
Beach BBQ
Stand Up Paddle
Snorkel
Hike
Eat
Beach BBQ
It's hard to be at the local beach without seeing large families gathered under white tents with trays of food for a beach day, ONLY to smell the savory aroma of grilled food in the air.
It's a perfect situation at the beach - swim during the afternoon and enjoy a grilled dinner.
We love grilling by the beach! Because we really enjoy our small yakitori grill bought from Donki aka Don Quijote - a one stop shop Japanese retailer.
Don Quijote
801 Kaheka St
Honolulu, HI 96814
It's typical to barbecue near the beach but NOT on the beach. We are usually posted between the road and beach, near the sidewalk.
Stand Up Paddle
A Stand up paddle board is one of the best ways to cruise around the ocean.
You can either stand or sit on the board and paddle your way around.
And if you're lucky enough, you'll catch a few Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles pop their heads above the water. We like to paddle at Ala Moana Beach, as a beginner paddler because the waves allow you to go back and forth.
Ala Moana Beach Park
1201 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814
Don't forget to grab a dry bag to put your essentials in. AND hydrate! The sun is no joke on the island.
ALWAYS Remember! Safety first!
Don't forget to attach the board to your ankle and make sure you are confident in the water. Ocean waves and island breeze can be strong. We should know.
Because we tipped over into the water from a strong island breeze! AND one of us had dry clothes on!! 🤣
Lesson learned.
Snorkel
Being able to explore the island through the coral reef system has been phenomenal.
Each area of the island has its own vegetation and it's been pretty neat to witness.
We have the usual spots on the North Shore that we love - Waimea Bay Beach and Shark's Cove.
Shark's Cove is great for beginners, typically during summer months the waves are calm. The marine life in the cove allows for tropical species by just wading in the tide pool.
Do be careful as it is surrounded by lava rocks, you can hurt yourself badly if not paying attention, either swimming or walking. It's sharp!
Waimea Bay Beach
61-31 Kamehameha Hwy
Haleiwa, HI 96712
Shark's Cove
Haleiwa, HI 96712
A sunset view of Sharks cove and a greeting at the bottom of the cove from a fellow snorkel friend.
Again, when the ocean conditions permit and the waves are calm, safely snorkel Waimea Bay Beach. Snorkeling at this location is located to the left of the beach - there is a 30 foot cliff people jump off into the ocean and and reef among that area to explore.
We've been able to see manta rays swimming laps and sea turtles munching on the rocks. They are all so cute!
P.S. Bring your own snorkel mask and flippers!
Greetings from the snorkel pit.
Hike
There are two large mountain ranges on the island of Oahu - Ko'olau and Waianae.
Both provide ample hiking trails from moderate waterfall views to advance ridge trails.
We choose moderate to intermediate trails to explore the lush jungles of the island.
Mostly due to our love for the Hurricane Tevas - they are the best footwear for splashing through water and moderate dirt trails.
A family-friendly hike for a waterfall view is the Manoa Falls Trail - it's a popular trail and has a moderate incline being a solid 1.7 miles roundtrip. And when you're in the thick of it, don't forget the bug spray.
Manoa Falls Trail Parking Lot (the trail begins from the parking lot)
3737 Manoa Rd
Honolulu, HI 96822
It's been a dry season, so the waterfall is lacking.
A bit of bamboo on the Manoa Falls trail.
Afterwards grab a snack in the building to top off your hard work.
Another moderate trail is the Aiea Loop Trail. It is a total of 4.9 miles and gives scenic views of Halawa Valley.
Aiea Loop Trail (within the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area)
Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area
99-1849 Aiea Heights Dr
Aiea, HI 96701
View of the H3 Highway.
Don't forget to brush off the debris on your shoes when leaving the trail.
Eat
Probably our favorite thing to do on the island is dining.
The island hosts various cultural backgrounds and its shown in the food served throughout the island.
We enjoy the local food on Oahu - it's definitely a treat.
There are a lot of poke shops that have their own signature flavors. We really enjoyed this Spicy Thai Chili Basil Poke from The Hibachi in Kailua.
The Hibachi
515 Kailua Rd
Kailua, HI 96734
This is a typical lunch plate, two sides and a meat/fish. Mochiko chicken with a scoop of rice and mac salad. Location forgotten.
Lilikoi is a Hawaiian fruit - yellow passionfruit. The ingredient is used in various ways either in a dish or drink.
And we are crazy over this mai tai with Lilikoi foam from Moku Kitchen - Kaka'ako. It is superb!!
Moku Kitchen
660 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96813
Sun, water, eat and repeat!
Which activity do you enjoy doing on the island?
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