Welcome to the mesmerizing island of Oahu, a tropical paradise nestled in the center of the Hawaiian islands.
From its hundreds of beaches, towering mountain peaks, and bountiful hiking paths to its bustling centers and unique events, Oahu offers a range of experiences that will leave any traveler speechless. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of riding epic waves on the North Shore, exploring the beautiful beaches in the small towns, or immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of Honolulu, this island has something for everyone. The island of Oahu truly shows the spirit of aloha and is sure to be a phenomenal location for a tropical getaway.
In June, I had the exciting opportunity to travel to Oahu alongside my brother to see some family who recently moved there. I had been to Oahu once before, but didn’t remember much and was looking forward to a relaxing vacation.
Not knowing much about what I was going to be doing for the next week, I got into my uncle’s car at the airport after a long and boring five-hour flight and was surprised to see a loud bustling city, exactly what I was trying to escape. But as the vacation progressed, I realized and appreciated how much the island of Oahu has to offer. Even in our quick one-week vacation, my brother and I were able to do many activities that left memories that will last a lifetime.
One of my favorite excursions that we went on was riding the Maita’i Catamaran, a big catamaran that surfaces the clear blue water along the Oahu coast. Located on Waikiki Beach, it is a perfect and an easy location for anyone staying in the many hotels nearby.
As I entered the boat, I wasn’t expecting much, really only what my aunt and cousin who had done it before had told me, which was that it was a choppy ride into the middle of the ocean for an hour and a half. But as we began to drift further out and the waves got bigger, I got more excited.
The staff aided in that excitement and was a ton of fun with a lot of energy, making the ride enjoyable for everyone. The staff offered drinks to all the guests, and we put the sail up and were on our way. Music was playing and everyone was enjoying meeting people from all around the world. Throughout the ride, we were able to see the tall buildings on the Waikiki shore along with some turtles and fish swimming beneath the catamaran. You could also sit wherever you want, so sitting on the edge, my brother and I got soaked, which added some excitement.
Afterward, we walked about five minutes to a fun lunch spot called The Steak Shack. It had flavorful and well-seasoned steak and chicken plates that came with salad and rice on the side. Something that I found interesting about the food in Hawaii is how every meat plate comes with plain sushi rice and mixed greens with nothing on it. Luckily, the restaurant had a sweet and tangy sauce that I poured all over the meat, lettuce, and rice, which brought my taste buds a Hawaiian feeling. It’s also a great spot after the boat because of its seating on the beach. Just be prepared to wait a little bit as everything is made to order.
A little hidden spot that doesn’t get as much love as deserved is Kailua Beach. This beach may have been my favorite. It is about a 30-minute drive from Honolulu, and, with amazing views, lengthy waterfalls, and scenic lookouts along the highway, the trip is unlike any other before you have even arrived. Similar to most beaches along the Hawaii coastline, the water is clear and warm and you can even spot turtles if you get lucky. The beach is spread out and the waves are perfect to swim in. The sand is super smooth and not too far away are take-out food spots so you can bring back lunch and sit on the sand. My brother, cousin, and I went to the Sunrise Shack, a popular Acai place just about a 10-minute walk away. It had refreshing and unique bowls that we all devoured, but there were other foods on the menu as well, such as avocado toast and sandwiches.
Finally, it’s hard to forget about Waikiki. Waikiki is full of shopping, restaurants, and attractions for everyone. There are many nice resorts along the beach and tons of the well-known Hawaiian convenience stores, the ABC Store, so you can get everything that you need to make your trip more enjoyable. Waikiki is also a great spot to take a walk after dinner or get some ice cream or shaved ice and the zoo is also close by.
Right at the end of Waikiki is Diamond Head Peak, which is extremely popular for its marvelous hikes and must-see views. After a very humid and uncomfortable beginning of the hike with my family, the feeling that I got when I reached the top as I could see all of Honolulu was unmatchable, and the viewpoints were all amazing spots for pictures. Luckily for us, there was also a little bit of classic Hawaii mist blowing against our faces, which made reaching the top feel so much more rewarding and worth the struggle that we faced at the start.
After the week came to a close, I was really able to reflect on how great of a place Oahu is. While there definitely are some problems — such as unpredictable weather, dangerously high UV levels, and some expensive meals — the beauty of the nature and island really shines through and makes Oahu a great place for a family vacation.
–July 16, 2023–
