Oahu - My Favorite Hawaiian Island

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I've been to Hawaii eight times and I've been to four of the Hawaiian islands. They are all amazing but Oahu is my favorite because it has the most choices for everything, especially food. One of my favorite shows is 'Somebody Feed Phil' on Netflix. His Hawaii episode is highly recommended. 

I've been to Oahu three times and here are my recommendations: 

Sights: 

Diamond Head - this is a super popular hike on Oahu. It's actually a volcanic crater so it looks pretty cool too. Hike is easy with stairs at the end.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden - this is next to Diamond Head. During spring and summer, there are pretty flowers. The trail is pretty easy.

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden - everyone says this looks like it was part of Jurassic Park and it really does. There are multiple areas to stop and hike and tons of cool flora.

Waikiki Beach - this is the iconic beach that everyone thinks of when they think of Hawaii. This beach is also one of my favorite sunset spots in the whole world. 

Waimea Waterfall - there is an easy hike to get to the waterfall which is pretty cool.

Dole Plantation - this is super touristy but I loved it. There's a lot to learn about pineapples and the Dole Whip (creamy fruity soft serve) is worth the trip alone.

Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse - the lighthouse at the end is adorable. The hike is a good workout, it's pretty steep going up but very doable.

Eats: 

Coffee Shops - the coffee is amazing in Hawaii, every coffee shop is adorable and the coffee is delicious. My favorites include Bean About Town, ALOH Health Bar & Cafe, Kona Coffee Purveyors, Ali'i Coffee Co. 

Marugame Udon - this was across the street from our hotel. We noticed that there were lines out the door every day so we decided to try it. It was worth the wait.

Musubi - I LOVE musubis and you can get them at any convenience store or snack shop. My favorites include Musubi Cafe and Tanioka’s Seafoods and Catering.  

Senia - this is one of the restaurants I saw on 'Somebody Feed Phil.' I would say this is Asian Fusion with emphasis on seafood. The food was creative and delicious and beautifully presented.

Over Easy - this is the cutest brunch place. Look at the size of the papaya!

Nami Kaze Hawaii - this is another restaurant I saw on 'Somebody Feed Phil.' We had the brunch menu which was delightful.

Koko Head Cafe - this is a classic brunch place famous for their loco mocos. 

Eating House 1849 - this is one of the many Roy Yamaguchi's restaurants. I've been to a few of his places and they're all good. This one is an upscale Asian fusion restaurant with reinvented classics.

Opal Thai - I saw this restaurant featured on 'Diners, Drive ins and Dives' which is one of my favorite food shows and I wrote it down that I must try this. It did not disappoint. There's no menu. Opal walks around and asks what you like and then makes you dishes.

The Pig and the Lady - this is a popular Vietnamese restaurant with a contemporary twist.

Pack your bags and sunscreen and just go! 



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