Hi, friends! I’m back today with a recap of our trip to Oahu, Hawai’i!
Oahu is one of the most beautiful places I have ever traveled to. Derek and I spent the majority of our honeymoon there, and it was absolutely gorgeous. From its warm, pleasant climate to the freshest food and breathtaking views, our stay in Oahu made for an unforgettable getaway.
Where We Stayed. It’s no secret that we are a Disney family, so we decided to stay at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa. It’s a short ride from the airport and located on the beaches of Ko Olina. The resort is absolutely beautiful! We were greeted upon arrival with fresh leis and fruit-infused water and immediately introduced to the culture and spirit of Hawaii. Our room had an ocean view (the best to wake up to), the coziest bed, a luxurious bath, and Hawaiian accents (with a few Disney surprises) – which made for a very comfortable and relaxing stay. We enjoyed breakfast each morning at the Ulu Cafe which offers classic breakfast entrees and grab-and-go options. We loved having fresh pineapple here, too! The food really does taste different in Hawaii – it’s all just so fresh and so good. There’s beauty around every corner of the resort. There are several pools to choose from, but we spent most of our pool time at the Wailana Pool which is reserved for guests 18 and older – serene with a bit of privacy, plus you can order from the poolside bar – I loved their delicious salads, and a new cocktail favorite for me, the passion colada. We spent a few lazy days at the resort on the beach or at the pool or walking along the lagoon. One of the highlights of our stay would have to be the couples massage at Laniwai, the first ever spa designed by Disney Imagineers, and it was incredible! From the moment we checked in, it became the most tranquil experience of our week. The amenities are like no other, and I highly recommend immersing yourself in all that Laniwai has to offer. We especially enjoyed the outdoor hydrotherapy garden (it’s the only one in Oahu!), and our massages were so relaxing. Truly a worthwhile experience.
What to Do. Oahu has so much to offer, everything from adventure to shopping to history. Here are just a few ideas for you to consider:
- Visit the Falls and Haleiwa Town. We headed to the North shore one day to the falls at Kualoa. This part of the island has mountainous, valley views that are so worth the trip. Side note: several movies were filmed here, too. We had Cokes and grilled cheese sandwiches at the little cafe at the foot of the falls, then headed to Haleiwa. Haleiwa is a cute, little town with shops, restaurants, and galleries; and you’ll see more of the locals here, too. I also enjoyed taking in the neighborhood sights and homes along the way.
- Check out the Dole Pineapple Plantation. So this may be a bit touristy, but still so fun, especially for a pineapple-obsessed girl like myself. We took the garden tour, got to see where the pineapples are grown, and left with a vintage-style Hawaiian ornament to hang on our Christmas tree.
- Try paddle boarding or surfing. I actually gave paddle boarding a try, and it was so much fun! More work and muscle required than I realized, and you need to have good balance, but a good time. I felt like a local. Ha!
- Shop. Hawaii offers great shopping and unique finds, so make the most of it. We were also sure to check out the local ABC store that others had told us about. It’s like a giant, local convenience store!
- Explore. Aulani offers onsite car rental, and we took advantage of it to explore the island. We also lucked out in getting a red BMW convertible! You can head to Pearl Harbor, visit Waikiki, check out the local gardens or hiking trails, hang with turtles at Hanauma Bay, or go on a dolphin excursion! There are so many options to consider.
While planning our trip, I remembered my grandmother telling me Hawaii was part of one of the best trips of her life, and now I see why. To anyone considering a vacation to Hawaii, I highly recommend Oahu.