To travel is to take a journey into yourself. – Danny Kaye

This has been a wild ride. We knew going into this that it would be a different adventure, but an opportunity nonetheless. After spending a few days in the hospital, we took the opportunity to explore the island as much as we could as we waited on the flight back to South Korea.

Trippler has definitely helped with that! With every booked flight, there has been a delay or cancellation. It’s somewhat frustrating not knowing a definite timeline, but we’re trying to make the best of it.

It’s been hard to get around with my limited abilities at the moment. Starting out, I was weak and tired easily, which makes sense since I’ve been in the hospital for about a month. My strength and stamina are improving with each day and allow us to explore even more. My only complaint is that I can’t get in the water! I so want to swim in the pool and go snorkeling!

Things to Do

Dole Plantation

The first stop we made was at the Dole Plantation. We had a fun time getting out and getting a Dole Whip. I, on the other hand, had a Pineapple Float just so I could get a souvenir cup!

     

Diamond Head Lighthouse

I love lighthouses. I used to collect them. I still have a few, but most are gone due to the numerous moves. When I saw this attraction on the list of things to see, I was determined to go! It was hard with the condition of my foot to actually hike to the lighthouse. Thankfully, my husband grabbed this picture for me!

     

Bishop Museum

We love history and learning about cultures. We decided to visit the Bishop Museum to do just that. There is so much information to consume about Hawaii and its people and history. I would recommend visiting the museum first to learn about many of the other sites on the island, but more importantly understand the people!

     

North Shore Beaches

We decided to leave Waikiki and head to the North Shore for a bit more laid-back environment. There are several beaches that make up this area.  It refers to the north-facing coastal area of Oʻahu between Kaʻena Point and Kahuku. I enjoyed the view, the calm breeze, and the sound of the waves. My husband and our oldest enjoyed getting into the water and having fun!

   

Bellows Air Station

My husband has made numerous friends during his career with the US Air Force. He tends to know people everywhere! Luckily, Hawaii was no different! One of his fellow airmen offered up their cabin at Bellows Air Station for the day. It was great. Again, my husband and oldest enjoyed the beach and the water. I enjoyed the cabin. I opened the doors to listen to the waves while binge-watching a murder documentary. As much as I enjoyed the show, I’d rather have been in the water!

Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace symbolizes a period in Hawaiian history when King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, governed the Hawaiian Kingdom. In addition to pleasant recollections of big parties and hula performances, the Palace complex has tragic memories of Liliuokalani’s coup and incarceration. Since the collapse of the Hawaiian Monarchy, the Palace has seen several renovations, since it formerly served as the Capitol for almost eight decades until being decommissioned and restored to its full splendor in the 1970s. It’s worth seeing if you have the time. Once again, visiting the Bishop Museum really helped understand the history prior to visiting the palace!

Queen Emma’s Summer Palace

Queen Emma Summer Palace or Hnaiakamalama was the mountain getaway of Queen Emma of Hawaii, her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son Prince Albert Edward from 1857 until 1885. Queen Emma acquired the residence from her uncle, John Young II, son of John Young I, a royal counselor. The residence, located in the coolness of Nu’uanu Valley, served as a refuge for the royal family from the severe heat of Honolulu. This house reminds me a lot of New Orleans with its large shuttered doorways that let the airflow throughout the house.

Washington Place

Washington Place is very reminiscent of southern architecture. Captain John Dominis, an American merchant, began construction of Washington Place in 1841 as his own mansion. At the time, Hawaii was an autonomous nation controlled by KauikeaouliKing Kamehameha III, the son of Kamehameha the Great. Washington Place is arguably best known as the residence of Queen Lili’uokalani, who came there in 1862 as the young bride of the captain’s son, John Owen Dominis. It would be her house for the next 55 years.

China Walls

China Walls is hidden in what seems to be a Hawaiian suburb. This is a great location for viewing the sunset and cliff diving. Locals and visitors alike may be seen sunbathing, cliff jumping, or enjoying the view. Jumping from these cliffs is not recommended for new swimmers or the timid, since the waves may change abruptly, making it difficult to climb back up the rocks if you miss your timing. Again, my husband and my oldest are adventure seekers and took to cliff diving. My daughter said she forgot how to sim for a second!

Ford Island

On my list of things to see here, Pearl Harbor was definitely on the list! Many films, such as In Harm’s Way starring John Wayne and Tora, have been produced on Ford Island, making it a center for the production of movies. Ford Island has been known as Rabbit Island, Marn’s Island, Little Goats Island, and Mokuumaume, among others. Moku’ume’ume is a Hawaiian name that translates to “Island of Attraction.” It is among the most frequented of Hawaii’s tiny islands since it was the epicenter of the 1941 assault.

Places to Eat

I apologize. I don’t have many photos of our meals! We were too ready to eat!

Waikiki Brewing Company

Waikiki Brewing Company was within walking distance of our hotel. It was my first meal in Hawaii post-hospital stay. I have to as that it was really good! The drinks were a little strong, but the food was amazing. I personally had the coconut shrimp and onion rings. I was craving them for days!

Rainbow Drive-In

The Rainbow Drive-In was recommended to us. We had it for lunch one day. It has your classic drive-in favorites, burgers, dogs, fries, and ice cream. My husband ordered Shoyu Chicken. He was the only one who took a picture of his food!

Duke’s Waikiki

When researching places to eat, this was a must on our list. Duke’s Waikiki did not disappoint. The restaurant is named after Duke Kahanamoku, who grew up swimming, surfing, canoeing, and bodysurfing in Waikiki. In 1929, Duke surfed a massive wave for 1 1/8 miles in Waikiki, arguably the longest ride in modern times. We enjoyed steak and coconut shrimp, followed by their famous Hula Pie.  It was very decadent with macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted nuts, and whipped cream. Be sure to make reservations! There’s always a wait!

     

Lappert’s Hawaii

Lappart’s was another venue that was recommended to us. It was a long wait, so be prepared to wait. You can save time by calling in an order or ordering online. (Wish we had known this!)

Leonard’s Bakery

Another recommendation! My husband left one morning to go to Leonard’s Bakery for some malasadas, Portuguese doughnuts. He got cinnamon, custard, and dobash (chocolate). All were so good, but the dobash tasted just like a homemade chocolate pie!

Poke Waikiki

My husband has been trying to get me to try a poke bowl. I don’t know what I thought it was, but it was definitely not what I imagined! My first attempt was Poke Waikiki. It was so good! I had Ahi and Chicken bowl with all the toppings except tomatoes. (I’m allergic.) It definitely sparked a craving!

Jorge’s Tacos & Cerviche

I had been craving fish tacos since we left the states. After visiting North Shore beaches, we decided to grab some Mexican at Jorge’s Tacos & Cerviche. My husband and I ordered Ahi tacos and beer-battered tacos. They were so good. I had never had Ahi tacos before, but they were amazing! The restaurant was very laid back and the staff was very nice!

Alejandro’s

Another Mexican restaurant! Alejandro’s is a neighborhood Mexican joint and it is totally legit! The beans were super fresh and the carnitas was on point! They were flavorful and juicy, yet crispy! This small establishment features live music and specialty drinks. It’s not to be overlooked!

Boston’s Pizza Hawaii Kai

I did not eat here, but I heard about it! Boston’s Pizza Hawaii Kai totally impressed my family. You order the pizza by the slice and the slices are huge!

Hale Koa’s Barefoot Bar

We met up with some friends at the Barefoot Bar at the Hale Koa Hotel. It is the ideal area for hotel guests, qualified users, and sponsored visitors to unwind while enjoying their favorite drinks. The bar is situated on the gorgeous Ilima Lawn with convenient access to Waikiki Beach. It is a relaxed setting for a refreshing drink, such as their Mai Tai, Lava Flow, or other tropical specialties, with ocean and Diamond Head views. We grabbed snacks from nearby vendors and enjoyed good conversation. I had the Lava Flow and it was amazing!

CJ’s New York Style Deli

I have not had a good Reuben since I left Idaho. I typically judge a place based on their Reubens! CJ’s New York-Style Deli did not let me down! They were out of onion rings so we settled with calamari and chili cheese fries for starters. I had the Corned Beef Reuben with sweet potato fries. Also pictured is a Pina Colada with a raspberry swirl. It was, by far, the best drink I’ve had on the island.

     

A Hui Hou Kākou!!!!