your go-to international packing listSince I travel so much, I decided to create a giant packing list of everything you'll need for your trip internationally or for a weekend getaway. Everything on here is versatile so you can make it your own, based on when and where you are going. Do you pack the night before or the day of your trip? Or are you like me and think about it way in advance and pack a few days before? CARRY ON:
LUGGAGE:
What are your favorite things to do when traveling? I love watching movies! If I missed anything, let me know in the comments!
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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.
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