Hawaii - Oahu

I have to admit, Oahu was much more like the typical Hawai’i I expected.

Sticker shock was very real here - expensive prices for sure. I had been advised to get a rental car, and planning what I wanted to see and do with public transportation options, I decided it was the best option. A bit mixed on spending money on both high priced accommodation and a car had me looking at other options. I used Turo, an app similar to AirBnB but for cars, with a deal I found on GroupOn, and opted for two nights in a hostel and two nights camping. 

Walking around Waikiki, the streets are lined with tiki torches alongside Channel, Gucci, and Macy’s. It’s an odd mix of American commercialism and attempt at island flavor. I even stumbled upon a Hulu dancing show as I followed the crowds do a weekly Friday night fireworks show on the beach (hey, I have to live up the tourist bit sometimes!)

For a bit of nature, one morning I woke to hike to the top of Diamond Head to watch the sunrise. Definitely not alone in my plans, the trail was packed with people. Adventuring to the north side of the island provided less crowded experiences, with my campsite on the beach allowing for nightly stargazing and morning sunrise over the ocean. Sounds ideal, but to be honest, I fell asleep on the beach and my face was attacked my mosquitos. What are you going to do?!

I spent a morning at Pearl Harbor, learning about this hugely influential navy base and the attack that finally drove the USA to join World War II. It’s shocking to consider now how the attack came as such a surprise - with the Japanese force crossing such far distances without detection to destroy and damage the majority of American vessels. Admission to the Arizona Memorial is free, but you need to get a reservation ticket either online or walk-in at the visitor center. With your ticket, you watch a documentary on the history and take a boat ride to and from the memorial. You also have access to a well curated museum - but if you want to see other battleships and the Aviation Museum, you need to purchase a ticket.

Not to leave Hawai’i without a little more time in the water, I went to Hanauma Bay to snorkel and relax on the beach. The Bay is a protected marine ecosystem, complete with an entry fee and video warning visitors on reef safe sunscreen and how to aid in conservation of the reef and what types of fish live there.

I can’t state enough how good the food on both islands were. Already a fan of kahlua pork from Aloha Shack in Reno, I was excited to eat more of that and poke bowls and laulau and mac salad…and just food in general. SO. GOOD.

And now I head back to Australia on a tourist visa to explore Tasmania (my last Australian state!) and visit some friends before figuring out the next adventure destination. Aloha and Mahola!