Before I write my journal on my itineraries from the last vacation, let me make a list of new things that I did on the island, things revisited and would likely to do on the next trip back.
It is my 3rd trip to Oahu and seems that I can't get enough of the island.
Why do I keep coming back?
The island has all the criteria of items that I look forward whenever on vacation. It has an eternal close to perfect weather, it does rain from time to time but it is still warm enough to don a raincoat. It has gorgeous beaches. You have a choice between the child friendly Ko'Olina or Lanikai, the surf friendly Waikiki or the snorkel friendly Hanauma Bay or Pupukea. All locations have easy access either by car or bus. Don't even get me started with the food. A large number of the populations in Hawaii are Asians and they all live in harmony. Food is a fusion of each culture. Expect to find reasonable plates of meat, rice and macaroni salad. To me that is satisfying enough. They have a laid back approach. Everyone seems not to be in a hurry but things run efficiently. If you scale back a bit and go with the flow, you will know what I am talking about. Life is so simple. The simplicity of it all what makes me envious to the locals who live there. Granted that the expensive living conditions on the island, life there can be simple if you want it to be.
Things revisited:
It is my 3rd trip to Oahu and seems that I can't get enough of the island.
Why do I keep coming back?
The island has all the criteria of items that I look forward whenever on vacation. It has an eternal close to perfect weather, it does rain from time to time but it is still warm enough to don a raincoat. It has gorgeous beaches. You have a choice between the child friendly Ko'Olina or Lanikai, the surf friendly Waikiki or the snorkel friendly Hanauma Bay or Pupukea. All locations have easy access either by car or bus. Don't even get me started with the food. A large number of the populations in Hawaii are Asians and they all live in harmony. Food is a fusion of each culture. Expect to find reasonable plates of meat, rice and macaroni salad. To me that is satisfying enough. They have a laid back approach. Everyone seems not to be in a hurry but things run efficiently. If you scale back a bit and go with the flow, you will know what I am talking about. Life is so simple. The simplicity of it all what makes me envious to the locals who live there. Granted that the expensive living conditions on the island, life there can be simple if you want it to be.
Things revisited:
- Surfing – The real kind! I took surfing lessons the first time I visited. We enjoyed it so much that we vowed to do it again. It has simple instructions but I am afraid to go alone. The second instructions were very helpful that I am confident on renting my own board to go by myself. If I can help it, I'd rather go with a buddy.
- Shave Ice – If you are driving around the island, make sure to go on pit stops for a shaved ice break. It is made of crushed ice with sweet flavored syrup of your choice. The average price is $2, you can't beat that. Matsumoto in North Shore is worth a mention.
From Corner Turn - Eggs N' things – This is one location that is flocked with tourists and locals. They have moved to a bigger location but it is still a long wait for a table. Expect a 45 minute wait for a table but service is fast. Did I mention they have memorable food? Try either the crepes or my favorite corned beef hash with rice and egg. Add it with homemade salsa and it is a little piece of heaven.
- Lanikai Beach – I need to show this small enclave of sand on the residential Lanikai. It didn't fail up to expectations. By the way, my favorite $10 million house is still on the block. It must be waiting for me. Yeah right!
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- Papa Ole's – This is a well recommended food stop on your way to the North Shore. It has one of the most memorable hamburger bites I have in years. Like Matsumoto, this will be a must stop for me on the next trip.
- North Shore – This area and its beaches has warmed up on me. It has balmy waters, less tourist and lots of sand. I also made a stupid move on jumping off a cliff. It was an adrenaline rush that felt I was hazed on my flanks. The next day I had one big junk of a bruise.
- Curry House – It is found in the food court on Ala Moana Mall. I gave it a try since I am looking for something new for cheap. The lines on the counter usually wraps around with locals so it must be good. It turned up that it is very good. It is Japanese curry so it is mild spicy.
- Kualoa Ranch – This place have been used on countless of movies. It also has a long list of activities if you stayed the whole day. I might try the horse back riding through the ranch, it looks like fun.
- Kahuku Shrimps – You don't need to go to the shrimp trucks to get those. I went to a nearby Chinatown seafood store and got fresh shrimps that are still jumping when scooped. If you don't want the hassle of cooking them then Kahuku Shrimp trucks are your best bet.
From Corner Turn
New found things:
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| From Corner Turn |
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