In November, 2009 I traveled to Oahu for the wedding of a dear friend from college. Her father is from Oahu, so we definitely received the inside scoop.
Several highlights include:
Accommodations:
Ko Olina
The Ihilani
http://www.ihilani.com/
This fancy-schmancy hotel and spa is a JW Marriott, and is beautiful. Naturally, the food in the hotel restaurant was overpriced, but that was to be expected. However, we did a mani/pedi brunch at the Ihilani's spa and ordered some food - think fresh fruit and muffins - feeding 8 girls brunch for $80, not bad at all!
The hotel has 2 Hammerhead Sharks that swim around, adding to the hotel's tropical ambiance. The private beach and relaxing atmosphere were wonderful.
The Resort is also just a brief walk away from the fun-filled Paradise Cove. http://www.paradisecove.com/
This venue offers its visitors a traditional Hawaiian luau, you are greeted to music and Mai Tais. Before dinner the guests have various island crafts, our group's favorite happened to be the lei hairpiece!
Our next stop during our visit to Oahu was to get back close to the action: Waikiki!
Accommodations:
The Outrigger Waikiki
http://www.outriggerwaikiki.com/
This hotel could not have been more perfect for a bunch of young, easy-going travellers! The Outrigger is reasonably priced - in November we paid $160/ night & you are close to everything! The rooms are not deluxe suites, but they are big enough to fit 3 ladies and 4 large suitcases, but more importantly – it can hold enough people for an impromptu Pog-tini party!
During our stay in Waikiki, we hit the beach, drank plenty of Lava Flows *(if you go to Hawaii, just ask for one & thank me later!).
We also trekked over to Hanauma Bay.
http://www.hanaumabayhawaii.com/
This is not your typical beach, this is a nature preserve that houses many different types of fish & if you are lucky and stay out snorkeling long enough - you can also catch a glimpse of some Sea Turtles!
*One recommendation, if you are not a comfortable swimmer, but really want to snorkel is to take a boogie board to float on! The snorkel gear can be a lot to get used to as it is, let alone moving around the water efficiently AND taking in all the amazing sites, so grab a boogie board to float on, and call it a day!
I could go on and on about things to do on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, but these were just some of the "must-do" activities on my list.
Feel free to add your own recommendations & please check out the restaurants section of this blog to view my Oahu recommendations!
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