Living on the Big Island of Hawaii, there are times when you get a fever. Unfortunately, with this kind of fever, there is not enough cowbell in the world to help you.
“Island Fever,” is real, and when it strikes, it can strike bad. Sometimes you just need to get off the island and do something different.
Now depending on how bad you have it, sometimes the quickest and easiest thing to do is hop a flight to Oahu and immerse yourself in a totally separate Hawaiian experience.
Each Island is truly its own, and all have their own unique feel and atmosphere. There is so much to do and see on the beautiful Island of Oahu, which means “Gathering Place,” we figured we would tackle the island in waves and just concentrate on the boisterous Honolulu area during our visit.
Take a Hike….Literally
If you are bringing your kids to Hawaii, chances are that means sand and ocean. However, if you are looking for something a little different, something that your kids will enjoy and give them something to remember, try a family hike up Diamond Head.
Diamond Head is part of the Ko’olau Range of volcanoes that began erupting over 2.6 million years ago. A single eruption around 300,000 years ago created a crater, which is visible from the trail in the park. The crater encompasses 350 acres, and stands at an elevation of 762 feet above sea level. Diamond Head allows you to hike the edge of a volcano safely, and yes, your little ones will be able to do it most of it on their own.
The Trail itself was built in 1908, and scales the inside slope of the crater for 0.8 miles. It is a switchback trail with the mountain on one side and a railing on the other. There are parts that are steep, and near the top are stairs through a lighted 225-foot tunnel, which was a favorite of our kids. Once at the top, you’re going to have beautiful panoramic views of Oahu, the famous Diamond Head Lighthouse, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean which in the winter time might include passing humpbacks.
The real beauty is doing something different with your family, and getting out and experiencing nature together. Also, the pictures you get from it will far outweigh any complaints you hear on your way up.
Refuel With Some Sugar
If your kids made it all the way up, and you didn’t have to carry them too far, reward them with a treat and stop into the world famous Honolulu Cookie Co. The sample cookies are divine, we couldn’t resist them, and couldn’t decide on our favorite…so we bought ALL of them! Your kids will love getting to sample all of them, and trying to figure out what their favorite is.
The packaging is unique and cool and these treats make a perfect Hawaiian Souvenir for all of your friends when you get home. You can choose any or all of the delicious options like: Lemon, White Chocolate Dipped Kona Coffee (Malaika’s personal fav), Butter Macadamia, Chocolate Dipped Macadamia, or Chocolate Chip Macadamia, and many more.
Our mouths are watering just thinking about them.
Spend Some Time At An Art Gallery
One of our absolute favorites (which was also a surprise) was going to the Tabora Art Gallery.
In the cozy Beach Walk section of the island, you will find this collection of world class artists among quaint shops, bars, and restaurants. We were walking back to our hotel after having the most wonderful day and stopped into the gallery as a wind down for the night. We did not expect to be utterly captivated by so many of the pieces.
The Tabora Gallery showcases the art of several local and internationally collected artists. Oil, acrylic, aluminum, glass, ceramic, bronze, marble. Beauty and luxury mixed together to create a one of a kind experience.
Wind Down & Get Off The Beaten Path
So you’ve went up and down Waikiki Beach, had a Mai Tai or two, spent some time shopping with the better half, and had some time in the waves with the kids trying to get someone up on that long board you rented. You’re are now probably exhausted, and looking to recharge your batteries somewhere. If you can sneak away for a bit, get off the beaten path away from all the hustle and bustle, and go somewhere that locals go to, Arnolds Beach Bar.
Although the name is misleading (there is no beach) what it lacks in sand makes up for itself with your ideal tiki bar décor. The prices are a lot more wallet friendly, and if you’re lucky to be there at the right time, you can even enjoy some live music.
A dive bar for sure, but a cool dive bar, half the fun is just trying to find the place. Tucked away down an alley, (look for the tiki outside) this is the type of place you’re guaranteed to have a lot of good conversation (locals and tourists alike), and can enjoy a fine happy hour before going out for the evening. It does tend to get a bit crowded, mainly due to lack of space, however, all the more reason to strike up a conversation with the person next to you.
Grab yourself a Mai Tai or a Blue Hawaiian, kick back, throw your shaka up, and take a minute to soak it all in. You are now in Hawaii, at a Tiki Bar, drinking like a local – Cheers to you!
Enjoy your travels when you are on Oahu, but make sure to treat the people and the land with respect while you are there – A Hui Hou!
