In paradise I lei...🌺Part 1
Hawaii has always been one my favorite tropical destinations. I find visiting the islands as therapeutic as listening to music or walking under a moonlit night. I had been fortunate to have been to three of its most popular and visited islands – Oahu, Maui and The Big Island. And if you ask which one is my favorite, my answer will be all three of them. Each one is just different. I will tell you why.
Oahu is the most famous and most visited Hawaiian island, home to the capital Honolulu where the famed Waikiki Beach is situated. The city of Honolulu is as metropolitan as any other large city in the mainland. High rise commercial buildings, ultramodern shopping malls featuring premier designer goods, multiple specialty stores and a large variety of fine dining and casual restaurants can be found everywhere in the island. But despite its urban features, you know you’re not in any typical city because the aloha spirit is very much felt around. It’s both contemporary and laid back at the same time, a perfect collaboration of city and countryside living. One minute you’re walking at a world class shopping mall, the next you’re on a beach lounging on the sand. How cool can that be? Only in Honolulu, right?
Honolulu is the site to the historical Pearl Harbor, a US naval base that was a witness to one of the most pivotal moments in US history, a devastating attack by the Japanese forces in December of 1941. The strike was without a warning and killed more than 2,400 Americans. The base has since been turned into a national memorial museum open to residents and tourists free of charge. The USS Arizona Memorial was built over the remains of the sunken battleship with the same name and is the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crewmen killed during the attack. Tickets (no fee) are required to enter and advance reservations are strongly recommended.
One of Oahu’s most prominent landmark is the Diamond Head Crater. History says the crater was formed some 400,000 years ago during a single fiery explosion. Diamond Head is not a volcano in itself, rather a crater of the Koʻolau Volcano. To reach the summit one has to take a strenuous 0.8 mile hike that elevates to 560 feet and climb 3 sets of very steep stairs totaling to 225 steps. Don’t despair, because you will be rewarded with an incredible view of Honolulu and the southern shoreline. Be sure to pack with plenty of water, some light snacks, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Appropriate clothing and a good pair of hiking or walking shoes are highly suggested. Remember, this is not an easy hike so plan ahead and make sure your body is up for the challenge.
A notable symbol of Hawaii is pineapple. If you’re thrilled for a complete pineapple experience, then head on to the Dole Pineapple Plantation. The place offers fun and enjoyable activities for the whole family that include a pineapple express train tour, a plantation garden tour, and a pineapple garden maze. There’s also a country store offering a wide variety of pineapple goods, souvenirs, food and refreshment. You can even buy fresh pineapples to take home.
An Oahu jewel and a top-notch favorite is Hanauma Bay. It features a pristine beach and a sandy coast surrounded by greenery and flora, ideal for swimming, picnics and lounging. Its name was formed by combining two Hawaiian words, "hana" which means bay and "uma" which means curved, depicting its crescent shape. On average, 3,000 visitors flock in this beautiful location, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in the island.
And now, the highly popular Waikiki Beach, which in my opinion is actually overrated and too busy. People go because it’s iconic and hyped and it’s within reach from their hotels. In reality, it’s regular and there’s nothing significantly remarkable about it, if what you have in mind is a gorgeous and relaxing beach with breathtaking views. Most likely its popularity emerged from its world class accommodations and the commercial area surrounding it, like beachfront dining, bars and cafes. Having said this, I still recommend going if only to get a taste of Honolulu’s most coveted landmark.
Luau is an old Hawaiian tradition that is meant to bring together visitors and residents by way of a festivity, featuring live music, hula dancing, lei making, Samoan fire dancing and a buffet dinner that usually includes a kalua pig (pig cooked in an underground grill) and mai tais. The history of luau dates back hundreds of years ago and back then were more formal and focused on traditions and ceremonies rather than entertainment. I would try this at least once for the experience.
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