Dear readers,
Is been a while since my last posting due to switching job and busy preparing for tis holiday season. Can you even believe December is coming soon?! Anyways, I have finally taken some time to show you guys my recent trip to Oahu, Hawaii. Hawaii is made up by over 100 of islands with 8 major islands. Oahu is the 3rd largest island and it is the most populated island in Hawaii. Hawaii is a major tourist destination and Honolulu situated on the island of Oahu, this island serve as the main gateway to Hawaii and also major International gateway into the United States. Of course, there is the famous Waikiki Beach situated in the beachfront neighborhood of Honolulu :) Now you get a little bit of intro of where exactly I was spending my time in Hawaii...
AHH... Hawaii is truly a paradise. Everyone just seems to be so friendly and happy all the time! Maybe it is the sunshine, maybe is the food, the islanders lifestyles are all pretty chill and laid-back! This is actually my second time visiting Oahu and also my very first destination I ever repeat. My first time to Oahu was actually a HS graduation gift 4 years ago, so it is even more meaningful to me when I get to revisit this paradise as my College graduation gifts 4 years later.
I personally love travel package gift, because it is precious time you spent to create unforgettable memories and stories to tell that will last you life time. And every time you visit a new place, you create a whole new meaning about the trip and yourself. It is just an awesome gift and I'm very blessed for it.
Typically, my usual vacation agenda would consists tons of activities, planning and checklists of places I wanted to see. But I wanted to do something different this time, so instead I didn't plan anything at all. I am just going to plan with the "mood", so whatever I am feeling that day will decide what my plans are going to be.
We had already explored Oahu and completed lots of touristy thing on our prior trip to Honolulu with a rental car. It is actually a really cool and convenient way to circle the island and checking out some beautiful local beaches. If you have not been to Hawaii, you might want to consider renting a car or with travel agency.
Since we already know we don't want a rental car, we booked a hotel right in the heart of Waikiki, we stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki. This hotel is situated on the beach, with private access to the beach, and right behind Royal Hawaiian, short walking distance to everywhere, perfect location! And this beautiful hotel featuring infinity pool overlooking sunset, a grand luxury stays experience.
Daily plan:
Woke up each day, head to the beach or morning swim at the infiniti pool, Yelped a nice lunch, walk around, take a long nap, swim more, watch the sunset, grab a nice dinner and repeat. Love lazy vacation where doing absolutely nothing is doing something.
Last minute call:
But on the 4th day, we decided to make a last minute call when we woke up to sign up for a snorkeling adventure at Hanauma preserved bay. This is definitely a must-do when you're on Oahu. So I found a few great recommendation on Yelp, called it and booked it! They arranged a pick up at your hotel and dropped you right off after the adventure. $19 per person including gears and transportation! Just a short drive out of the city brings you to the rim of this dormant volcano that pushed up out of the ocean a million years ago. One of its sides collapsed and the interior was filled by the ocean forming this picturesque lagoon filled with thousands of fish and other marine creatures. The bay is absolutely gorgeous. I was surprised at the amount of fish in the clear blue waters despite hosting over a million visitors per year. There are brilliantly-colored fish swimming among the coral reef, some even in large schools that sweep along the current right next to you. My only advise to you, put lots of sunscreen on your back and bring some bands-aid.
Car Rental:
HAWAII 23
It is all based on word of mouth and I am referring this awesome transportation to you!A friend of mine had used HAWAII 23 dozens of time and never once disappointed. She had taken many others airport transfer and finally found her "designated" ride in Hawaii. Hawaii 23 deserved 5 stars because not only they are always on time, the driver called prior to let you know they are coming. They Introduce themselves right at the beginning, whom they are speaking to! These locals are so welcoming and informative about Hawaii, the culture, the food, the activities. Anything I asked, they answers with MORE suggestion ! I will never forget the Hawaiian music in the background, it gets all of us pumped up when we just freshly landed in Hawaii. Pick up is direct from Airport to Hotel/ Hotel to airport. They did not pick up anyone else for only $23 each way for 2 people!!! Add $7 per additional person.
Food:
So I posted some food pictures on it, and looking at the picture definitely makes me hungry... I won't go onto too much details on food, Yelp has already done the job for me and I'm lovin’ it. But I still wanted to chip in my 2 cents where must-go-eat places.
1) ONO SEAFOOD - HANDS DOWN THE BEST AHI POKE IN HONOLULU.
2) Ramen Nakamura
3) Marukame Udon
4) Hawaiian Shaved Ice
Shopping in Hawaii is also on the top of the list, but I didn't get shopping done and given my time there was spent under the sun and listening to Hawaiian music. They do have all the fancy-schmancy luxury boutiques and stores packed with tourists. If you do love shopping and beaches, Oahu has it all for you.
Hawaii was a perfect vacation to end my summer 2014. I hope you enjoyed. Bon Voyage!
xx
Vivienne
