To be honest, Hawaii was never on the top of my list of places to visit. I always thought it was overrated. But boy was I wrong. My friends Kalen and Nikki who live there were the main reason this trip was simply amazing. Thank you both for taking me exploring to all the tropical spots.
Now I get to share them with you, so turn on some Jack Johnson and begin pinning your Hawaiian adventure.
China Walls |
After passing through some residential area, you discover this tiny treasure tucked away in Hawaii Kai. Its called Koko Kai Mini Beach Park (China Walls). Once you find parking along Hanapepe Loop, be ready to cliff jump into the Pacific ocean.
- quick break
- “James, act natural.” *strikes a pose*
Kimono: Woven Heart
Swim Suit: Marysia
Koko Head Crater Trail |
This is a steep climb to the top of Koko Head Crater with over 1,000 stair steps —but felt more like 10,000 steps. Highly recommend hiking Koko Heard early in the morning before the sun hits too harsh and don’t forget some water!
- Before we realized how tough the hike would be..
- Met this cutie called “Miso” along the way.
- The trail consists of abandoned railroad ties that run along the crater’s west side to the top. Fun fact: the military used them during World War II to transport supplies to a lookout post at the summit.
The spectacular view is so worth the hike. Give yourself some time to sit, relax and enjoy the beauty God’s surrounded us with. Also, take a nice long breath before realizing you still have to hike all the way back down .. (:
Sandy Beach Park |
Oh Sandy, I love how secluded this beach is located on the Oahu south shore. It’s not as crowded as the downtown Honolulu beaches and there are also food trucks on site so that’s a win. This is the perfect place to come to after a long hike at Koko.
Any bodysurfers out there? The powerful currents and steep shorebreaks makes this one of the best beaches in Oahu for experienced bodyboarders and bodysurfers. Sandys is also known as “the beach with broken necks,” so swimmers be careful.
Couldn’t get enough of Sandys so I went back another night with a friend to a spot on the far left side that the locals call Irmas. This might be my favorite beach, ever. Thank you Brock for the little tour! x
Honolulu Zoo |
Any new place I visit, I always have to check out the local zoo. There’s a lot to do in Hawaii, but the zoo is a must. The weather was lovely for a zoo day too!
Waikiki Beach |
Just outside the zoo—literally walking distance, is Waikiki Beach. There are many activities to enjoy at Waikiki that range from surfing to sailing. This is definitely a touristy spot as Waikiki is known as one of the best beaches in the world. Most Oahu hotels are here along with many restaurants and plenty of shops.
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail |
Compared to Koko Head, Makapu’u Point is a breeze. This trail is paved with cement which helps minimize the risk of falling. There are many scenic views along the hike, including a lighthouse. Towards the top of the hike, there is a trail that you can take down to visit the tide pools. If you’re lucky, there’s also whale-watching potential!
Hungry? Here are a few of my favorite food spots:
I absolutely loved being able to walk to Island Brew Coffeehouse in the mornings. They have a variety of premium coffees and local, organic breakfast and lunch options, plus a waterfront patio. Also, how cute is the inside!?
Health Bar |
I came to Hawaii for two main reasons and one of those reasons was Açaí bowls. Health Bar had a banging Açaí bowl. Plus the cutest workers and they were so sweet!
Moku Kitchen |
Moku Kitchen was one of the nicer restaurants I visited and of course, I still got tacos.
Fresh Catch |
Another recommendation by a local friend and it was soooo good. Fresh Catch serves local-style poke, seafood, plate lunches, stews & soups. I got poke and it was delicious.
Haleiwa Bowls |
I couldn’t just have one acai bowl in Hawaii. After a fun day at North Shore, Haleiwa Bowls is the perfect pit stop to eat some acai bowls. I am still drooling over this!
Cream N Roll |
Dessert anyone? This was my first time trying rolled ice-cream and it was quite the experience. From the creation process to how they serve you, it’s lovely. Definitely satisfied my sweet tooth!
Leonard’s Bakery |
Malasadas: a Portuguese doughnut without a hole, can be found at Leonard’s Bakery. There are different coating options (Original, Cinnamon Sugar, and Li Hing) but I recommend the original flavor. SO good.
Bubbies |
Do yourself a favor and try the Mochi ice cream at Bubbies. If you’re craving ice cream but don’t necessarily want a whole scoop or bowl, Bubbies offers bite-sized ice creams wrapped in sweetened rice dough. The exterior is soft and chewy and there’s creamy slow-churned ice cream tucked inside. Some flavor options are mango, chocolate coconut, red velvet, triple chocolate, pistachio and many more.
Great, now I’m craving this…need one in FL asap!
Hanauma Bay |
Formed within a volcanic cone, Hanauma Bay offers a pristine marine ecosystem. It is the perfect spot to go snorkeling at!
What to Bring:
• $7.50 (park entrance fee)
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Snorkeling gear, we rented it here: Island Divers
North Shore |
If I could only choose one spot to go back to, it would be North Shore. This was everything you think of when you think of Hawaii. From the Pipeline House to the crystal blue water, I could never get enough.
Dole Plantation |
On the way back from North Shore, we stopped at the Dole Plantation, because you can’t go to Hawaii and not visit the historic pineapple plantation!?
There’s a lot of options in their shop for all you Pineapple lovers!
Diamond Head |
Rose: “To the stars.”
With breathtaking views overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head is a must. The trail takes you to the edge of a 300,000 year-old crater. The hike isn’t that long in terms of distance, but parts of the trail are over uneven rock, and the 99 steps near the end of the hike are quite steep. If you plan on hiking, try to get there early, as parking fills up quickly.
Time: about 1.5 hours to complete
Entrance Fee: $5.00 per car or $1 per person
Neat Fact: The US military used Diamond Head as a post for preventing attacks against Honolulu.
And there you have it folks, all my favorite spots in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hopefully now you have an idea of some places you can visit! Leave comments on any questions you have and I’ll be happy to get back to you xo
Locations |
China Walls
Koko Head Crater Trail
Sandy Beach Park
Honolulu Zoo
Waikiki Beach
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
Hanauma Bay
North Shore
Dole Plantation
Diamond Head
Food |
Island Brew Coffeehouse
Da Cove Health Bar
Moku Kitchen
Fresh Catch
Haleiwa Bowls
Cream N Roll
Leonard’s Bakery
Bubbies
Clothes |
Floral Embroidered Kimono (discount code: katzvoyage20)
White Knitted Poncho (discount code: katsvoyage20)
Black Broadway Bikini
L.A. Gear Colorblocked Anorak
Honey Tee
Yellow Triangle-Bikini Top
Oh my, so many gorgeous beaches and stunning views! The Sandy Beach Park looks awesome (although named as “the beach with broken necks” makes it a bit creepy) and that acai bowl looks so yum! You look so pretty in every picture, girl!
The pics are absolutely stunning! I’ve always wanted to travel to Hawaii; it’s on my bucket list. Thanks for the great tips. The Health Bar looks great (and vegan-friendly!)
Definitely on my bucket list! I can’t wait to visit! Those pictures look absolutely amazing and the view of the water is breathtaking!
This looks like it would be such an amazing trip! All of these photos are so very beautiful.
Looks like you had an amazing time! I’ll definitely put these places on my list to see when I go to Hawaii!
Wow !! Lovely article and A M A Z I N G pictures !! It confirms why Hawaï is definitely on my bucket list !! ✨
Xx
I love the photography and the landscape. it looks like yous had a blast <3 Hawaii is a breathtaking place
aw thanks, yes so fun :)!
Headed to Hawaii at the end of July and hope that I can check out some of these spots!
Yes let me know if you do! 🙂
Take me there RN! Looks like you had an absolute blast!
hahah yes definitely :)!!
Looks like an epic trip! Reminds me of my trip to Hawaii.Dole plantation was such a treat.
oh nice, when did you go!? 🙂
Looks like a great trip! Love the photos
it totally was, and thank you:)!
Your photos are breathtaking! When I travel, I always love to find local places, they’re just so much better than everywhere else. Hawaii has never been on my “to-visit” list but now, I just might have to add it.
same here Alexis! and yes you deff should :)!
Woow! Hawaii is a dream, its top of my travel wishlist, and this pictures are absolutely gorgeous.
it is a dream! and thanks!!
Wow, what beautiful pictures and what a great trip! I hope to visit Hawaii someday. It looks fantastic.
definitely should! 😀
What a beautiful area! I would love to come here!
you should! 🙂
This looks so fun!!
Hawaii is a great holiday spot. Been awhile for me, time to go back and take it all in again!
I always had the thought, too, that Hawaii shouldn’t be on my list of places to visit. BUT….look at these photos! Looks like a super-fun trip! Gorgeous!
yes definitely one of the best trips, glad i went :)!!
it was and thank you, Patricia :)!!
What fantastic images from a fabulous Hawaiian vacation! They remind me of my trips there with family and friends. Now that summer has arrived it’s the perfect time for another Hawaiian adventure!
Oh, this all looks so wonderful!!!! It’s been a while since I’ve been to Hawaii, I guess it’s time to put it back on the list. Thanks 🙂
I was just in Hawaii, I wish I had known about these spots! Such pretty places!
I’m with you, Hawaii has never been my top pick of places to go, but I’ve always said that I would love to go. The views look absolutely breathtaking. My parents are actually in the midst of planning a trip for our family to go to Hawaii sometime next year so I am showing this to my mom!
I have always thought Hawaii was overrated too! I’ve been seeing so many great posts about it lately though, that I’m totally reconsidering. I’m looking for a spot to go for our honeymoon, so I’m going to consider it!
it would be a perfect honeymoon spot <3
Hawaii is at the top of my bucket list! I hope I can make it there some day.
Hope you can too:)!
Oh my gosh! You are totally having me want to fly to Hawaii right now!! So cute
Do it :))!
Love Hawaii. Your photos are gorgeous! Have you checked out SantaBarbaraSwim.Com 👙☀️ limited time
Thank you!
I have never been to Hawaii and thanks for sharing. I shall include this in my travel bucket list. Love these pictures, make me wanted to fly there soon to try out the hiking and jumping into the water.
Of course, yes you definitely should 🙂
So many stunning beaches and amazing views. I really need to add Hawaii to my bucket list. The food also looks delicious. Great pics
Your Hawaii picture makes me want to go there npw!Sandy beach I have heard is amazing.These pictures came alive
Aww, Miso is so cute!!! A Shiba Inu, maybe?
And that black bikini is awesome. I’m always in the market for a good bikini.
Hawaii is on my bucket list.
yes!! the bikini comfy too 🙂
Your photos are amazing! It feels like we were right there with you. The photo of the dessert looks delicious.
aw thank you:) yes it was so yummy !
I haven’t been to Hawaii but Wow! With this post you surely get all the awesome and stunning place in one scope. This will surely be on our bucket list. Thank you for this post.
Aw of course, yes totally bucket list worthy !:)
We visited Hawaii in November,
Big Island and Oahu!
Oh, Hawaii is definitely on my list. However, it is not in a top spot. Sure, I would love to visit and eat some fresh pineapple, but my travel-lust urges me to dream farther away!
That is a fab itinerary. The beaches look so stunning. The perfect way to relax after a morning awing at the animals at the zoo. Hawaii has never been high on my list of places to visit but this post is certainly inspiring.
I’m glad Katie!! Hope you get to visit one day 💛
I love love your photos! Unlike you, Hawaii is one of my dream destinations, but maybe because I’m from Europe and it seems so exotic. Love your bikini too, it’s gorgeous and so flattering. I really hope I get to visit Hawaii and these places one of these days!
Ah it looks epic! Love seeing an area from a locals point of view.
Those are some gorgeous pictures. We have had Hawaii on our list for awhile. We had a trip planned once but something came up and we had to cancel (of all the trips!!).
These are great pics! Very inspiring post. The beach looks amazing.
What a stunning trip! Hawaii is on my list of places to visit one day!! Looks like you guys had an amazing time!
The color of the sea is something I cannot describe. Your photo are really nice. Well done.
Wow very nice images! Love it all. The beaches look so stunning. With this post you surely get all the awesome and stunning place in one scope. This will surely be on our bucket list. Thank you for this post.
I definitely pinned this for the future. This looks amazing and you did a great detailed review of some amazing spots love all the foodie recommendations!
Wow, looking at your photos, looks like Hawaii is a great spot in Summer. I love to soak in waters. Only that I am afraid of cliff diving. How brave of you!
My cousin migrated to Hawaii for some years now. She’s been sending me pictures of her travel around Hawaii and they all look fun. Maybe, I could visit them too and see Hawaii myself.
Breath-taking scenery and some very cool spots. My sister lives in Hawaii. Might have to plan a trip now lol. Thanks for sharing your beautiful experience.
I have been on that crater trail. But it was so very long ago. Looks like you were having a blast. And you look stunning as always. Thanks for all the interesting places you showed us. I will have to go and visit some of them next time I am out in Hawaii.
Wow! Looks like you guys had soo much fun. I love the photos and you guys are perfect human beings in bikini!
Gorgeous photos – looks like you had a great time. I would love to visit Hawaii sometime.
I’d love to visit Hawaii one day! It looks so pretty there and clearly there are many local cool spots to hand out. I love your photos too, I’m very jealous!