Instead of heading back directly from Melbourne to San Francisco, I decided to take a stopover in Honolulu because the flight cost would have been the same either way. Also, I had never been to Hawaii so this was one of the reason I was compelled to stay here for few days. In fact, this turned out to be a good decision since I ended up recovering from jet lag.
I was staying in Waikiki, which was a good base but way too touristy for me. Watching sunrise and sunset from my apartment definitely felt like a relaxing vacation. Dining out at restaurants with a view wasn’t cheap so I opted to take out dinner from small restaurants on side streets and head to the beach with the best unobtrusive view.
The 9-foot bronze Statue of Olympic champion and father of international surfing, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, is one of the main highlights in Waikiki.
A priest conducting a ceremony to light the torches by Duke’s statue.
After spending time at the beach watching surfers, checking out the local boutiques, and lounging at The Moana historic hotel, I wanted to see more of the island, so I hired a private guide to take me around.
Julie, my Hawaiian guide, grew up on this island and was the perfect person to take me around as she shared stories about her family, their customs and way of life on the Oahu island.
Julie picked me up from my apartment and our first stop was at the local bakery, where I had the delicious blueberry cream cheese scone.
You will notice a high number of second or third generation Asian population on this island, it’s because their ancestors had come to Hawaii to work as laborers on Sugar Plantation. Julies’s grandfather came here from Philippine to work on the plantation as well.
Since the land price have skyrocketed in Hawaii, the Hawaiian Home Lands program allows native Hawaiian (any descendant of not less than one-half part of the blood of the races inhabiting the Hawaiian Islands previous to 1778) to lease land. We did drive buy one of the Homesteads.
Kaimana Beach is where the locals like to hangout on weekends with their family. It’s a nice 15-20 mins walk from Waikiki beach.
The views from the Diamond Head Lookout were stunning.
Our drive through Kahala Avenue, gave a glimpse into the luxury living in those vast mansions.
The coastal drive was definitely the best way to appreciate this island.
The view from Halona Blow Hole was spectacular and it is named blow hole, because water blows from the hole in the rocks. Duh! Was a very cool experience to see it in action. Also, known as the Eternity beach, after the movie, “From here to Eternity,” where the love scene was filmed. There is a cave hole in the rock and you can walk through it to the other side of the rock, unless you’re claustrophobic this might not be the best option for you.
Makapuʻu is the extreme eastern end of the Island. The combination of blue waters, black rocks and green fauna With the Rabbit island in the backdrop makes it a picturesque spot.
The rabbit island does resemble the shape of a rabbit but it got its name due to the fact that rabbits were raised on this island to feed the plantation workers.
Sandy beach is Obama’s favorite beach because just like the locals, he loves to bodysurf here. It’s also famous for broken necks, because if you get caught in the wrong spot on a wave, it’ll suck you up and over and slam you into the water. Ouch!!
As we drove up the Pali Highway through tall trees and dense forests to get to the lookout, the city disappeared and the tranquil beauty of Hawaii’s natural landscape emerged. Pali Hill, Pali means cliff, this is where the bloodiest battles of the Kings happened in 1795. King Kamehameha I won the struggle that finally united Oahu under his rule. This fierce battle claimed hundreds of soldiers’ lives, many of which were forced off of the Pali’s sheer cliffs. You can admire the best panoramic views of the sheer Koolau cliffs and lush Windward Coast, but be weary of the strong winds that might want to force you off the cliff.
The Amida Buddha, Valley of the Temples is a replica of the Byodo-In temple in Uji, Japan.
The main structure houses the two-ton Buddha statue. The Amida Buddha represents the infinite life and light surrounding all beings.
The energy at this temple and gardens was so powerful and peaceful, so we spent quite some time meditating in the gardens.
Near the temple, is the Memorial Park and Cemetery, Julie informed me that her Mom and Dad has been laid to rest here. I asked, if she wanted to park the car and pay her respects to them. She was in tears and so grateful that I would allow her to do this on the tour.
Later, during our drive she shared about her Mom’s passing a year ago and how hard it has been for her. I learned that my simple act of compassion which didn’t cost me a dime had made someone’s heart lighter. A stranger I hardly knew was sharing her feelings without any fear. I was glad to be there with an open heart.
By now, we were super hungry, so we stopped at Kahuku Food Trucks area, I had a veggie meal with Kombucha, while the chickens were prancing all around me hoping that I’ll drop some food for them.
Later, we stopped at the Fruit Stalls, to taste various local fruits.
At Sunset Beach Park, I was lucky to see professional surfers competing to be selected for championship games.
Waimea Bay Beach Park is Julie’s favorite because her family likes to come here for surfing.
As we were leaving the beach, I got to see the complete Rainbow.
A visit to Hawaii is not complete, unless you have visited a Macadamia nut farm. We went to the “North Shore Macadamia Nut Farm,” and got to sample all of their flavorful nuts. I ended up buying couple of bags as gifts and to munch on. The coconut caramel flavored Macadamia nut was my fave.
It was cool to drive through few of the remaining Pineapple farms. Since land is so valuable, most farms have been turned into golf clubs and resorts.
It was time for us to head back to Waikiki and there was no way to escape the rush hour traffic. Since we were heading towards Honolulu and not the other way, it was not as bad. Since downtown area is super expensive to live in, most people live outside and have to endure hours in traffic to get back home.
After spending an amazing day with Julie without being rushed, I learned so much about the island, it’s people and have made a new local friend.
I spent the next day, just relaxing and catching up on my sleep before heading home.
Tip – You can take the local bus from the airport to Waikiki Hotels for $3 (cash) rather than spending $30 for Uber or taxi ride.
Carla Burgess
December 30, 2019 at 5:36 pmMilesh, thank you for sharing your adventures. I love how your experience is attainable for anyone that enjoys travel but does not have an unlimited budget and, does not want to have the typical tourist experience. Your personal interaction with Julie truly touched my heart. And that speaks volumes to what a beautiful soul and spirit you have.