Holly & Adrian Take On The World: Hawaii

So, our first week of travelling has come and gone already. The first stop on our trip has been Hawaii. More specifically Oahu.

Both myself and Adrian never really considered coming to Hawaii until almost last minute. It was just not a place that really stood out to either of us. Then we figured we might like a relax for a week before the real madness of travelling the globe kicked in. Hawaii felt like a good option.

We said goodbye to our families last Thursday evening Australian time, we boarded a plane and arrived in Oahu early Thursday morning. Initial impressions were that it was hot, pretty, but very touristy. Both of us were not sure what the coming week would be like.

After checking in to the Polynesian Beach hostel, which by the way is was clean, comfortable and by US standards, relatively inexpensive, we took a swim in the ever clear and warm aqua water. It was glorious after a long flight and the humidity we were experiencing. Joining us later that afternoon, was Adrian’s sister Alison and her partner Suzanne. After catching up at Hard Rock Café (the girls favorite restaurant), we had a rough plan for the week.

The list of activities went like this. Adrian, Alison and Suzanne checked out Honolulu Zoo. We went to a Luau, hired a car and went to Manoa Falls, Kualoa Ranch, and Haunama Bay, hiked to the top of Diamond Head Crater, and drove completely around the island checking out the amazing sights and beaches, like Pipeline. Also, a trip to Oahu would not be complete without exploring Pearl Harbor and taking a dip in the aqua blue beach everyday.

Waikiki

Haunama Bay

Kualoa Ranch

Each experience and sight had their own charm, however, some were a little more enjoyable than others. We soon learnt very quickly that the Luau we went on at Paradise Beach, was very cheesy and geared toward families with children. The whole experience felt like a scene out of Dirty Dancing. You know the one where Baby and her family are doing all the activities at Kellerman’s resort they’re staying at. The good things about it though, were our guide, the delicious food and the Polynesian dancing and fire show.

Kualoa Ranch

The bunker at Kualoa Ranch

We did find though that once you got away from Waikiki and hoards of tourists (although keep in mind, tourists are quite thick everywhere on this small island), Oahu had some gorgeous sights. Manoa Falls was gorgeous, as was the hike to get to them. You kind of felt like you were in the Amazon as it was so dense and green.

From Manoa, we went and did the Kualoa Ranch tour. Future travelers be warned! Book well in advance for this tour as it sells out exceptionally quick. We originally wanted to do the quad bike version of the tour, but it was sold out. Although expensive, more expensive than we would have liked, it was totally worth it. Not only did we get to see amazing mountains and coast line, we also got to see the locations of where Jurassic Park, Lost and many more films were shot. A fun and unbelievably beautiful place to visit.

Haunama Bay

On the way to Manoa Falls

The falls

Suzanne, Alison and Adrian on
the way to the Falls

Me trekking to the falls

Haunama Bay. What we learnt here. It is a massive tourist hot spot and they like to charge you for it! Gorgeous blue water and abundance of tropical fish and coral, draw the crowds (as it did us). It was exceptionally pretty and we are definitely glad we did it. But, a tip – go there first thing. It opens at 6am and this is when you are most likely to see turtles. Also if possible, do not hire snorkel gear from there. Take it with you if possible as it is likely to be cheaper. We paid $20 US each for a snorkel, goggles and flippers. We later discovered our hostel had that for free.

We would also strongly recommend hiring a car for a couple of days. It made getting to some the afore mentioned places easier and allowed us to see coastline and beaches we wouldn’t have been able to easily see otherwise. The surf is definitely rougher and bigger on the North side of the island and the beaches are less crowded. One such beach is Banzai beach, the home of the infamous Pipeline break. Although it was very large surf and there is no way either of us would go out there, it is unfortunately not the season for the huge waves, apparently that is in winter. It was still so cool to have seen it.

The view from Daimond Head Crater

For an amazing hike, super close to the center of Waikiki, definitely check out Diamond Head Crater. As well as sighting a mongoose or three (Hawaii’s cane toad), you will see amazingly beautiful views of Waikiki and surrounds, as well as the inside of the crater. It’s only $1 US and although stairs can be tiring, it’s a great and not too challenging hike (depending on your fitness levels of course).

Lastly we ate and drank at a few places such as, Hard Rock Café and The Cheesecake Factory, however, our favorite place to eat and drink at was a place by the name of Lulu’s. Good food, good beer, reasonable prices and great service.

Overall Oahu was great. Touristy – the Gold Coast in Queensland, on steroids to be exact. But, great fun nonetheless. We would certainly consider coming back in the future, but would be more likely to visit Maui or Kauai as it feels like it would be a more authentic experience.

For information on Pearl Harbor, please check out the next blog post which is coming in the next few days.

Holly.