Friday, January 04, 2013

TravelTalk - Top 10 Things to do in Oahu - Part I

Alright, well a couple of you have really REALLY expressed some interest in Hawaii, so since I have some downtime before I go running... here are my top 10 things to do in Oahu.

Note: these are in random order and these are just off the top of my head - 
so I might update this if I think of something... 

This list is geared towards first time visitors of Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands.

All of these photos are MINE. Taken by me - not professionally.  Some were taken by a phone, some by a camera.  =]

#1 - Hanauma Bay
This is the #1 tourist destination of Oahu - and for great reason, it is a great place to relax on the beach, do some snorkeling (for beginners to advanced)!

If you're going to go to Hanauma Bay - don't go with the tour bus - just take the city bus and get there early before the tourist scare them all away (water is slightly cooler in the AM) and you will have to watch a 15 minute safety video.  If you're in Oahu, and there is a "full moon" you can go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay at night! Just check their site: (CLICK HERE)

Here is my BFF Lovella modeling in front of Hanauma Bay.

#2 - Diamond Head - It's about a nice 20-30 minute hike (no cell phone reception - so don't even try it!)
Bring a nice camera and be ready to be amazed at the sites you will see.  =]



#3 - Get Wet - Hawaiian style!

I know you do not plan to go all the way to Hawaii without getting wet.
So besides just entering the water - you have TONS of options!!

#3a - Banana Boat Ride 
If you have a group of 4-6 people this is FUN!  Basically a banana looking contraption is tied to a boat - the boat whips around the marina and tries to throw you off!  



UPDATE - Here is a video us me on this Banana Boat Ride!


#3b - Go Scuba diving 
If you plan to dive in the future - Hawaii is the perfect place to get certified! 
Let me know if you're interested and I'll hook you up!  =]



#3c - Do a triathlon
For you active peoples - there are many races that happen all year round - just go to a local running store and pick up a magazine - it will have ALL of the events happening on ALL the islands. Everything from Sprint Triathlons, biathlons, regular triathlons, swimming events, running events, cycling events, paddling events, etc.



#3d - Sunbathe 
While there are many places to go sunbathing or tanning, one of my favorite places to go is Ala Moana Beach Park - right across from Ala Moana Mall! So once you're done with the beach - walk or drive to the mall to eat, shop, etc!!


Modeling my speedos.  =P
#3e - Look the water.

Some people may have a phobia of the water - in that case - drive around the island and be in AWE of the various colors that our Hawaiian water will mystify you with.




#3f - Go Parasailing!



There are many more ways to get "wet" in Hawaii - from surfing, canoeing, stand-up paddling, etc!
So... Here are 3 awesome things to do in Oahu and there are 1,000s more - everything water related, beach related, yes - there is even shopping - everything from Outlet stores, huge malls, (we have 3 Apple stores on the island), Swapmeet (you shop at the stadium!)

If you've read all the way to the bottom... Here is an awesome TIP!

Make sure you land DURING THE DAY!
This is a photo I took with my phone before landing!
Make sure you have a WINDOW seat!


Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

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