6/17/2018 1 Comment the ultimate oahu bucket listAfter much thought and creativity, I made a simple Oahu bucket list, for any first timer's to Hawaii. Some of these places to see, food to eat and things to do are free and some you do have to pay. So here are the best 15 things to do on Oahu! |
musabi poke Polynesian bread Spam butter mochi taro/poi garlic or butter shrimp Hawaiian Sun juices chocolate mac nuts mochi crunch hurricane popcorn Li Hing Mui strawberry belts lilikoi POG loco moco malasadas starfruit apple bananas kalua pig fried rice saimin plate lunch Portuguese sausage lau lau papaya shave ice mahi mahi | |
1/6/2018 1 Comment
top 10 hikes on oahu
I love to hike in hawaii because everything is so pretty! these are my top 10 best trails to hike. For more DETAILS, check out ALLTRAILS.COM for great hikes anywhere.
General tips: do not hike anywhere in hawaii if it has been raining a lot. bring lots of water and bug spray. go early to beat the hot sun + crowds.
1. Kaneohe pillbox (Puu Maelieli trail)
*beginner, short
My favorite hike I have ever done!! Less than 2 miles round trip, shady, not too muddy & every corner of jungle was beautiful. It is dog friendly and perfect for any age. I recommend bringing a picnic lunch and eating it at the pillbox. I'm pretty sure I sat and watched the view for almost an hour, because it was THAT amazing.
2. Lanikai Pillbox
*intermediate, short
As you can tell I love pillboxes. This one is a more touristy + crowded hike so go early to find parking and so less people can photobomb your picture! It is dog friendly so bring lots of water for you and your dog because it is not shaded. It's kid friendly but not for youngsters. There are actually two pillboxes if you keep going farther. The palm tree views and all the cute houses in Kailua made the hike worth it.
3. koko head crater railway stairs
*advanced, short
For a decently athletic person, this hike took me about 30 mins on the way up and 15 mins on the way down. This one is for the more adventurous, athletic crowd or for someone who wants a good workout on their vacation! It is all stairs with a 360 view of the South Shore. You can see Hunama Bay, Diamond Head, Makapuu, Waimanalo, and Hawaii Kai. The views make the hike sooo worth it!
4. Hau'ula loop trail
*intermediate, short
This hike is nice because it is shaded and short. It has ocean and mountain views + the nature changes the farther you move along. It is kid and dog friendly. We used to hike this often as a family because it was not too hard and was very close.
5. manoa falls
*beginner, short
This one is well liked by tourists + locals so the trail will be well trafficked. This is a great hike for any age. It is 1.5 miles round trip with a waterfall. There are spots along the trail that have been marked to show you that movies or TV have been filmed there, such as Jurassic Park/World and Lost. There is a $5 parking fee but it is worth the hike!
6. Diamond head
*beginner, short
Everyone loves to hike this one, so it is probably the most crowded hike on the island. I loved all the stairs and tunnels, but some may not. It is a short and easy hike. It is about 2 hours round trip. The parking is limited and they have specific hours, as it is a state monument. It is not covered, so it can hot quickly. Very family friendly. Great views of Waikiki all around. And it's super cool because you are hiking a crater!
7. Crouching lion
*advanced, medium-long
This is an illegal hike so enter at your own risk! The views of this hike are unreal!! You can see the quaint town of Kaaawa and the luscious Kahana mountains + state park. Kahana Bay is always stunning and you can see why when you hike this! This is probably the hardest hike on my list and is for the adventurous, athletic crowd. Some people prefer going early to watch the sunrise.
8. laie falls
*INTERMEDIATE, Long
YOU NEED A PERMIT TO HIKE THIS. You can sign the papers at HRI in the Laie Foodland shopping center. But once you get it, plan to spend a few hours here because the falls are so fun to swim in! We left around 10 am and got back to the car at sunset. The path is not well marked and very muddy, but a local favorite. Do not bring your kids or dogs. This one of the best things to do if you are staying in Laie.
9. Makapu'u Lighthouse trail
*beginner, short
This is the easiest hike on Oahu. Definitely family and dog friendly. You can see the best views of Waimanalo beach at the end of the trail. It is all gravel paved, but not shaded. I recommend going very early to avoid crowds, get parking and not be too hot. If you are visiting during the Winter, you may see lots of whales on this hike. And if you are lucky and it is clear out, you can get glimpses of the other islands, such as Molokai and Maui, in the distance. There are tide pools by this trail that you can check out also.
10. Ehukai (sunset beach) Pillbox
*beginner, short
This can be very muddy which makes it more difficult and longer. But generally it is short and an easy hike. You get a nice breezy view of the North Shore at the summit. It is family friendly and shaded! You can park at the elementary easily. Bring your lunch to the top to sit and watch the waves. When you finish, just walk across to the beach! You can plan a super fun day on the North Shore by starting the morning off with this hike.
What's your favorite Oahu hike? I would love to hear about it in the comments down below. If you go on one of these hikes from this list, tag me (@alexa.springer) in your picture! I would love to see your fun adventures in Hawaii. Mahalo.
"What are your favorite beaches?"
"What is the best place to snorkel?"
"What's a great beach for boogie boarding?"
I am often asked these questions which are so hard to answer because how could you just pick one favorite?!
So I compiled a list of my favorite beaches and why, for anyone coming to Oahu to reference and enjoy. Most are on the North Shore because they are the best beaches in the whole world. Here is your local guide to the best beaches on Oahu:
"What is the best place to snorkel?"
"What's a great beach for boogie boarding?"
I am often asked these questions which are so hard to answer because how could you just pick one favorite?!
So I compiled a list of my favorite beaches and why, for anyone coming to Oahu to reference and enjoy. Most are on the North Shore because they are the best beaches in the whole world. Here is your local guide to the best beaches on Oahu:
THe north shore
Kawela Bay (Secret Beach), Kahuku HI
Located across from a delicious, fresh fruit stand and next to Turtle Bay. So if you are staying there, you can walk to the beach anytime you would like. The resort also does kayaking and other activities at Kawela. Tons of movies and TV shows have been filmed here including Lost, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Pirates of the Caribbean, Hawaii Five-O + Blue Crush. The world's largest banyan tree, the secluded beach and local fruit stand are all picture perfect.
Located across from a delicious, fresh fruit stand and next to Turtle Bay. So if you are staying there, you can walk to the beach anytime you would like. The resort also does kayaking and other activities at Kawela. Tons of movies and TV shows have been filmed here including Lost, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Pirates of the Caribbean, Hawaii Five-O + Blue Crush. The world's largest banyan tree, the secluded beach and local fruit stand are all picture perfect.
Kokololio Beach Park (Kakelas) , Hau'ula HI
When I lived in Hauula, this was my go-to beach for many reasons. It is long so you can walk the whole stretch and take lots of pictures. On the far right end of the beach, are tide pools nicknamed, "Alligator Pond". When you go during low tide, you can sit in them + look for fish. It is a local keiki (kid) place to play. It is shady due to the large trees which can cause you to be cold or can cool down when it is too hot to be on the sand. There is a big grassy area to play on that you walk up, to get to the beach. Depending on the wave size and time of year, it's a perfect place for swimming, body surfing, boogie boarding or snorkeling.
When I lived in Hauula, this was my go-to beach for many reasons. It is long so you can walk the whole stretch and take lots of pictures. On the far right end of the beach, are tide pools nicknamed, "Alligator Pond". When you go during low tide, you can sit in them + look for fish. It is a local keiki (kid) place to play. It is shady due to the large trees which can cause you to be cold or can cool down when it is too hot to be on the sand. There is a big grassy area to play on that you walk up, to get to the beach. Depending on the wave size and time of year, it's a perfect place for swimming, body surfing, boogie boarding or snorkeling.
Hukilau + Temple Beach, Laie HI
Just like Kokololio, this beach is perfect for families. It is a great place for beginner body/boogie boarders, where the waves are medium to large depending on the season you visit. The water is always stunningly blue and the bottom of the ocean has hardly any rocks or coral. You can walk (with shoes on!) out to Goat Island during low tide. Ocasionally, you may see a turtle or two here. I recommend stopping across the street to Hukilau Cafe to eat some delicous local grinds and taking some pics of the view at the top of Laie Point. And check out the best Oahu eats here.
Hukilau beach is long and if you walk from both sides, it's actually three beaches. Hukilau is the middle stretch between Temple Beach (Laie Point side) and Malaekahana aka Castles beach (Kahuku side). Temple beach is quiet and never has waves so it is great for young kids or if you just want to float. You can snorkel and look for shells too. Castles beach is a very local beach. The bottom of the ocean is rocky and is great for beginner to intermediate long boarding.
Just like Kokololio, this beach is perfect for families. It is a great place for beginner body/boogie boarders, where the waves are medium to large depending on the season you visit. The water is always stunningly blue and the bottom of the ocean has hardly any rocks or coral. You can walk (with shoes on!) out to Goat Island during low tide. Ocasionally, you may see a turtle or two here. I recommend stopping across the street to Hukilau Cafe to eat some delicous local grinds and taking some pics of the view at the top of Laie Point. And check out the best Oahu eats here.
Hukilau beach is long and if you walk from both sides, it's actually three beaches. Hukilau is the middle stretch between Temple Beach (Laie Point side) and Malaekahana aka Castles beach (Kahuku side). Temple beach is quiet and never has waves so it is great for young kids or if you just want to float. You can snorkel and look for shells too. Castles beach is a very local beach. The bottom of the ocean is rocky and is great for beginner to intermediate long boarding.
Kahana Bay, Kahana HI
Kahana has the best backdrop for pictures! Even if you don't stop to get in the water, you have to stop and take in the views. There are a few activities you can do here. If there are waves, it is a very popular place for long boarding + body/boogie boarding. It is a nice place to paddle board or kayak when it is flat, or you can go in the river. To get an ariel view of this bay, you can hike Crouching Lion. Check out the top 10 hikes on Oahu here.
Kahana has the best backdrop for pictures! Even if you don't stop to get in the water, you have to stop and take in the views. There are a few activities you can do here. If there are waves, it is a very popular place for long boarding + body/boogie boarding. It is a nice place to paddle board or kayak when it is flat, or you can go in the river. To get an ariel view of this bay, you can hike Crouching Lion. Check out the top 10 hikes on Oahu here.
Makao Beach (Swing Beach), Hau'ula HI No one is really sure what the name of this beach is, although Google Maps says it is called Makao Beach. I added the location on the right, so you can find it easier. I used to live across from it, so I have a lot of pictures from here. You have probably seen it all over Instagram, with the swings and fallen palm tree, so I nickname it the Instagram beach, which is why I included it on the list. It is more of a place to sit and look for turtles, take a short walk or snap some photos, rather than play in the water. |
Sharks Cove, Pupukea HI
The prime snorkeling spot on the North Shore! Hours of fun await you here to explore all the tide pools and see all the fish you want for FREE! Conveniently located across from yummy food trucks. If you happen to not find one that interests you, keep driving north and you will see more on your way. I recommend swimming here in the late afternoon, grabbing dinner from the trucks and then sitting back on the sand to watch the always fantastic sunset!
The prime snorkeling spot on the North Shore! Hours of fun await you here to explore all the tide pools and see all the fish you want for FREE! Conveniently located across from yummy food trucks. If you happen to not find one that interests you, keep driving north and you will see more on your way. I recommend swimming here in the late afternoon, grabbing dinner from the trucks and then sitting back on the sand to watch the always fantastic sunset!
Three Tables, Pupukea HI
This is the beach right after Sharks Cove, and it is a hidden gem. I LOVE Three Tables. Every time I go it is sunny + clear and I spend the whole day there. It is great for snorkeling and keiki (kid) bodysurfing. It is usually on the flatter side and when there are no waves and it is low tide, you can paddle out to the "three tables". This is another great beach for any age.
This is the beach right after Sharks Cove, and it is a hidden gem. I LOVE Three Tables. Every time I go it is sunny + clear and I spend the whole day there. It is great for snorkeling and keiki (kid) bodysurfing. It is usually on the flatter side and when there are no waves and it is low tide, you can paddle out to the "three tables". This is another great beach for any age.
Sunset + Pipeline + Waimea Bay
How could you come to Hawaii and not stop at the three most iconic beaches ever?! In the summer you can swim, float and snorkel at any of these. But in the winter, you can watch the surfers and surf competitions. Of course, you can jump off the rock at Waimea, but only if the lifeguards say it's okay.
How could you come to Hawaii and not stop at the three most iconic beaches ever?! In the summer you can swim, float and snorkel at any of these. But in the winter, you can watch the surfers and surf competitions. Of course, you can jump off the rock at Waimea, but only if the lifeguards say it's okay.
Laniakea + Haleiwa Beach Park
These are the best turtle stops on the island. You can take pictures with them here, as these are not beaches to lay out on or swim in. They can be really large and lay on the sand or float in the shallow water. Read up on sea turtle safety to help protect them and to prevent any harm before you get near the sea animals.
These are the best turtle stops on the island. You can take pictures with them here, as these are not beaches to lay out on or swim in. They can be really large and lay on the sand or float in the shallow water. Read up on sea turtle safety to help protect them and to prevent any harm before you get near the sea animals.
The east shore
Kailua + Waimanalo
If you are looking for white, sandy beaches and flat, beautiful blue ocean, then the East side is for you. Lanikai, Kailua and Waimanalo are the prettiest, but most crowded beaches on the island. If you are staying in this area, I recommend walking or renting bikes everywhere. There is so much to do in the Kailua area. Lots of shopping, eating, hiking and water activities to enjoy so you will never be bored!
If you are looking for white, sandy beaches and flat, beautiful blue ocean, then the East side is for you. Lanikai, Kailua and Waimanalo are the prettiest, but most crowded beaches on the island. If you are staying in this area, I recommend walking or renting bikes everywhere. There is so much to do in the Kailua area. Lots of shopping, eating, hiking and water activities to enjoy so you will never be bored!
THe south shore
I am not often in town (Honolulu), but when I am for appointments or grocery shopping, I try and stop at the beach. These are the TOP 5 BEACHES on the South side:
Electric Beach- perfect for snorkling, deep sea diving and swimming with dolphins
Sandy's- the beach that is famous for the amazing waves for body/boogie baording
Hunama Bay- the best (and my favorite) snorkeling on Oahu + it is a natural reserve so you have to pay to enter
Queen's- my favorite beach in Waikiki! Beautiful + warm + sunny
Waikiki- iconic, fun, & stunning during the day and night
Electric Beach- perfect for snorkling, deep sea diving and swimming with dolphins
Sandy's- the beach that is famous for the amazing waves for body/boogie baording
Hunama Bay- the best (and my favorite) snorkeling on Oahu + it is a natural reserve so you have to pay to enter
Queen's- my favorite beach in Waikiki! Beautiful + warm + sunny
Waikiki- iconic, fun, & stunning during the day and night
Follow me on Instagram (@alexannephotos) to see more island life!
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