I feel that I've been SO blessed, that even with all the hustle and bustle of being a busy dental student, I get so many opportunities to travel, explore and experience new things. I honestly thought that my social life would come to a complete end because of school and I would be consumed with nothing but schoolwork and responsibilities. Boy was I wrong.
After completing what was supposed to be one of the hardest quarters in our dental school career, I was fortunate enough to spend my spring break in Oahu, Hawaii! Seriously... NOTHING could've been better. We spent 4 beautiful days on this island, journeying from coast to coast, snorkeling, hiking, cliff jumping, eating, tanning and relaxing. Words can't even begin to describe how thankful I am to spend these past few days in such an amazing place with such an amazing group of people!
I really can't hold my excitement and gratitude that I really just had to share it all with you. Here's a bucket list of things to do in Oahu and a few tips that I found to be helpful -if you were to ever plan a trip there! This was the first time I went without doing all the normal, touristy things that you usually do with your family -and I mean we still did touristy things, but some of these were places/things a lot of the locals enjoy too.
1. Rent a car -- it's the easiest and best way to get around from place to place. Without having a car, you're just going to be bound to tour buses and the high fares that they charge. I would recommend renting from Dollar or Thrifty if you're under 25, it should be only an additional $10/day for the young renters fee.
2. Go to North Shore -- Waikiki area is a very touristy area, it's nice and all... But you don't get to see Hawaii for its true nature. Spend a day in North Shore, you won't regret it! It's about an hour drive from Waikiki and here are a few places I would recommend going to:
Beaches:
-Laniakea Turtle Beach: There's live turtles on the beach AND the water is beyond clear. SO
BEAUTIFUL
Laniakea Turtle Beach
-Waimea Bay Beach Park: This place is known for their cliff, where EVERYONE jumps off
of. It's scary and thrilling all at the same time... So worth it!
Food:
-Giovanni's shrimp truck: Garlic-y and buttery shrimp, yum.
-Dole Plantation: 2 words... Dole. Whip.
-Matsumoto Shaved Ice: Green Tea Bowl, #win
3. Go hiking -- There are so many hiking trails all within the general vicinity of the Waikiki area. While there are some that require a little more stamina and endurance, there are others that are more scenic and generally shorter/easier.
-Diamond Head: This is really popular and it's actually a big touristy hike. There is a $5 fee
per car (for parking) or $1 fee per person (if walking). This hike was about 0.8 miles, all
uphill but relatively easy and the roads are paved for the most part.
-Kalihi Ice Ponds: This was a nice and scenic hike to the waterfall and ice ponds themselves.
Only thing is that it's kind of difficult to get down to the waterfall -it's literally, all downhill!
But there are ropes that you can hold onto, which makes it easier! OH and one word of
caution... use bug spray, LOTS OF IT!
-Koko Head: This was the hardest trail I've ever done! But it was also the most rewarding.
There's said to be a 1,050 steps that take you straight up the mountain. Honestly, even though
I was dying, it was so worth it. The view was amazing and literally to die for.
Top of Koko Head Trail
4. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay -- If you've never been, I would highly, highly recommend coming here! This was probably the highlight of my trip. It's a nature preserve so the area is very well kept and there are so many beautiful and colorful fish just swimming around you. It's gorgeous and so much fun. The fee is $7.50/person to get in and there are snorkel gear rentals for about $12. If you want, you can also buy some snorkel gear at the ABC stores -I got mine for $12.99 and I was able to use them at multiple beaches rather than just rent once!
5. EAT A LOT -- I have a huge list of places to eat at or things to try so take it as you will!
-Leonard's bakery: Portugese donuts (malasadas)
-Ono Seafood: Poki with a free soda!
-Waiola Shaved Ice: Try their Azuki bowls or their ice cream bowls
-Marukame Udon: Super cheap, try their curry udon
-Home Bar and Grill: Kimchee fried rice is to die for -seriously!
-Boots and Kimo's: Banana pancakes with homemade macadamia nut sauce, SO GOOD.
-Goofy's Cafe: Love the decor/menu layout and the food is even better! Try the acai
bowl with tropical fruit or the Loco Moco (gravy for dayssssss)
-Rainbow's Drive-In: Hawaiian food at its best, try the mix plate (mahi, beef and chicken)
Acai bowl with tropical fruits at Goofy's Cafe
6. Check out these other places -- Here are some other spots to check out, to shop or just venture around!
-Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki: This is a beautiful hotel with a bunch of cute little shops. If
you continue to scope out the area, you'll find that they're connected to the beach and it's really
breathtaking. You'll get the whole resort-y feeling, without spending a fortune on actually
staying in one.
-Ala Moana Shopping Center and Food Court: Huge shopping center with a huge food court.
There's literally food from every culture/ethnicity in there, check it out!
-Don Quijote Market: Great place to grab some snacks or food before heading out to the beach
or hike. They have little shops that sell bento boxes/spam musubis and stuff!
OK, that was a lot to take in, I know, but overall I hope this was a helpful guide :)
Happy travels,
Theresa
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