Last summer, I hopped on a plane and flew off to the majestic isle of Oahu, Hawaii for 7 short, albeit amazing, days of late night laughs, conversations with strangers, morning beach walks, crazy adventures, and moments spent in beautiful places I had only dreamed of traveling to before.
Upon landing, I (obviously) hit the beach. Those rumors you heard about Hawaiian beaches? They’re all 100% true – mainland beaches have nothing on the beaches here! Oahu boasts warm water and beautiful views, carefree and relaxed locals, oh, and did I mention how stunning the sunsets are?
The best thing about exploring a foreign city is the element of discovery. With no specific destination in mind, the traveler is forced to wander and simply absorb the local flavor. When in Oahu, do as the locals, and be sure to head on over to the North Shore to do something wild! There’s a cliff on Waimea Bay where many of the locals go cliff-diving, and you can watch the daredevils jump (or even do flips) off of the cliff. If you’re hungry, stop by Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck to get a true taste of the Hawaiian life style. Make sure to save room for dessert though; Matsumoto’s shaved ice is to die for!
One of the best activities to do here on the island is to go snorkeling. Get in touch with your inner mermaid and explore the depths of the ocean. Hanauma Bay offers one of the best views as well as a wonderful place to view sea life.
No trip to Oahu is complete without a hike to the esteemed Diamond Head. Be sure to bring plenty of water and your best hiking shoes. This hike offers beautiful views all around the island, and if you get there early, you may even be able to see the sunrise.
Remember that with every place traveled to, comes adventure and memories that will last a life time. Be sure to take lots of pictures and don’t be afraid to try something new!
