Travel - Oahu, Hawaii

TOP RIGHT: north shore, TOP RIGHT: hale'iwa bowls, MIDDLE LEFT: leonards, MIDDLE RIGHT & BOTTOM RIGHT: lanikai beach

BEST ISLAND. Bold, but I'm saying it with my chest. I've been to Oahu FOUR times in ONE YEAR - here are some of the favorites I've accumulated! *in bold are my all time, top top recs!

FAVORITE BEACHES:

first of all, you can't go wrong. BUT here are some of the special ones...

• LANIKAI on the east side with the most turquoise, beautiful, calm waters

• BANZAI PIPELINE on the north shore, known for big waves (you might want to leave them to the professional surfers)

• WAIMEA BAY BEACH on the north shore, more swimmable waves for all swim levels

• WAIKIKI great for an iconic sunset view, prepare for crowds!

• PUPUKEA on the north shore is ideal for snorkeling or family swim! It's a protected from the waved lagoon with crystal clear waters

• HALONA BLOWHOLE LOOKOUT (viewpoint and beach you can climb down to) on the east side of the island with cliff jumping if you're feeling spicy

• CHINA WALLS isn't necessarily a beach but it is the most special space for a sunset and swimming - without the sand!

FAVORITE FOOD:

again - if it's poke, seafood, acai bowl, musubi...you can't go wrong

• FOODLAND POKE - not only is it fresh af, but you won't find cheaper poke!

• 711 FOR SPAM MUSUBI & SPICY AHI ROLL is cheap but will knock your socks off!

• MAKUA BANANA BREAD on the north shore and listen... you will not find better banana bread!

• MATSUMOTO SHAVE ICE - also on the north shore and a must when in Hawaii. I recommend adding ice cream and condensed milk!

• GIOVANNIS SHRIMP TRUCK again, north shore but here's the thing - the north shore is known for garlic shrimp (there are shrimp farms) so you truly will not find a more fresh option!

• DA BALD GUY for seared ahi poke

• ADELA'S COUNTRY EATERY is churning out pasta that will give italians a run for their money. I got the taro pasta with coconut cream sauce, mushrooms, and shimp (a top rated option) - plus the lady (auntie) running the register is the sweetest.

• LEONARDS MALASADAS are all over the island and a MUST when you visit. Such a beautifully fried ball of dough. Why don't we have them on the main island!?

• SUNRISE SHACK for a delicious açaí bowl!

• HALE’IWA BOWLS is on the north shore and NOT KIDDING has the best acai bowl I've ever had. No matter which you order - make sure you add chia pudding!

• TANIOKA’S SEAFOOD AND CATERING (POKE & MUSUBI) on the west side (kinda by the airport) offers one of the best 'fresh off the boat' poke bowls and spam musubi I've ever had - make sure you order it with hot sushi rice and go to Honolulu Market down the street for a sweet manapua before you leave!

• FIVE STAR POKE (WAIKIKI) more amazing poke!

• K.BAY BROS FISH AND ICE for another poke favorite!

• RAMEN NAKAMURA (WAIKIKI) such a fun authentic ramen experience, but bring your appetite and when they say spicy, they MEAN IT!

• KAHUKU FARMS (NORTH SHORE) for farm to table fresh as can be acai bowls and my favorite - half papaya with vanilla ice cream on top.

• MITCH'S FISH MARKET (by airport) is AS FRESH as it can possibly get. Say hi to the photo of Obama for me (yes, hes been there!) and plan for a pricy but worth it sushi experience!

• GINZA BAIRIN TONKATSU (WAIKIKI) you wont find better katsu - and 10/10 you neeed to get the pork tenderloin katsu sandwich. *I still have dreams about it

• Ry's poke (north shore) was featured on Netflix and after trying it - I'm not surprised. Another spot with outstanding service as well!

• Ani's Bake shop for butter cream rolls and haupia pie

• Kamehameha Bakery for poi donuts!

FAVORITE COFFEE:

I don't think you can go wrong with coffee on the islands - I haven't had a bad cup a joe yet!

• COFFEE GALLERY (north shore)

• ISLAND VINTAGE COFFEE (north shore)

• CHADLOUS COFFEE ROASTERS (kailua)

• MORNING BREW (kailua)

• KONA COFFEE (waikiki)

• KALAPAWAI MARKET (lots of locations)

• Holoholo (kailua)

• TURTLE BAY RESORT (north shore) for the most incredible views and pretty good coffee too!

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES:

besides hanging by the beach, of course! but you can do that AND an activity a day!

• MAKAPU’U LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL is a paved trail hike on the east side - amazing views and not too challenging

• CHINA WALLS for sunset

• PILLBOX HIKE for sunrise

• KOKO CRATER TRAIL is such a fun challenge climbing what feels like an endless staircase) - plan this for late afternoon pro tip and grab poke from foodland, eating it at sunset at China Walls!!!

• HANAUMA BAY is stunning! You do need to make a resi 2 days ahead of time at 7am - $25 a person but its a beautiful beach with incredible snorkeling

• MANOA FALLS TRAIL (skip and go to LULUMAHU FALLS instead!)

• HIKE DIAMOND HEAD at sunrise (plan ahead and make reservation)

• DRIVE UP TO THE NORTHSHORE FOR A DAY starting with coffee and a acai bowl (island vintage and hale'iwa) hanging at the beach for a couple of hours (waimea if there is parking or go farther north to Ke lki beach) then go farther north for garlic shrimp and watch the sunset at turtle bay OR sunset beach). If you have time, grab some banana bread (if they're still open) from Makua on your way back!

TOP LEFT: china walls at sunset TOP RIGHT: lulumahu falls

BOTTOM RIGHT: taniokas BOTTOM RIGHT: north shore