Island Tour with Spaniards and new OnePlus One

One of my favorite things to do when I am back in Hawaii is to drive around the island.  However on this trip it was a little different... it was with Spaniards! HAHA.

Long story short, I met 2 Spanish guys (who are on vacation) and next thing you know - I'm giving them an island tour with their rented convertible.  #awesomesauce.

**All photos taken with +OnePlus One** for all the mobile nerds!

Our tour had many stops, from lookouts, hikes, food, food (and more food), even playing in the waves and yes - me and my Spanglish at its best... 

Shoutout to new friends +Javier G +Jesus Burriana.

This is one of my favorite mini-hikes... it's perfect for a jog, a brisk walk... did I mention the view?  Always breezy, this hike is awesome if you have an hour to spare and do something outdoors.

This may look a little crazy, but its one of my favorite things to eat.  Imagine, you just finished swimming, you're starving and thirsty and you have about $3.00.  Or you're on your way to work, you're hungry, you're running late, you need to be able to eat and drive!  Well, Spam musubi is just for you... It's the perfect combination of childhood nostalgia, salty goodness and size!

I know this is going to sound crazy, but my favorite thing about Hawaii (Oahu in particular) is the view of the mountains... Yes, I know there are beautiful beaches and such, but for me the mountain here in Hawaii are unique and just #awesomesauce

+OnePlus One Selfie!  #oneplus #summershots

After snorkeling - I introduced the guys the plate lunch... #nomnomnom

BBQ short ribs, chicken katsu and mahi mahi... 

Garlic shrimp - guess from where?!  #onolicious

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: 

http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos 

Mahalo for reading. Until next time.

TravelTalk - Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii - Day 2

Today was a relaxing day after day 1 and apparently taking photos became a forgotten task.

I think I got home around 9ish... After stopping by McDonald's for breakfast.

Then I went to lunch with my Hawaii parents, haha, I wish I took a photo so you can see the family resemblance.  (I left my phone at home to charge).

I was suppose to nap, but I was pretty caffeined out by drinking too much ice tea, so I went to kahala mall and even went to Ala Moana Beach Park.

I went to Goodwill, looking for a costume for this Sundays Coconut Chase.

Just went back to HK, got an iPod touch with a gift card I had...

Meh. Haha.

CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time

 

TravelTalk - Oahu, Hawaii - Day 1

My first full day back home in Oahu was quite busy!  My day started off with breakfast with my friend Maura (see pictures below)...

From there, I got a duplicate of my license (since I lost my original), it took only 5 minutes and $6.00.  I love the Satellite City Hall in Hawaii Kai - rarely a line, especially after the 1st morning rush. 

Next stop was hanging out with 2 Spaniards who were visiting from Couchsurfing, so I was going to Hanauma Bay anyways, so I took them along and gave them a little tour as well.  Many of the pictures below are from Hanauma Bay...  After snorkeling, we went to Costco - the cheapest place for a meal anywhere in the United States - $1.50 for a hotdog and a drink (unlimited refills!! hhahaaa).  Maya and Aubrey met me at Costco and then we went to Kahala mall for sushi (yes, back to back meals. hhahahaaha).  A lot of talking story, catching up! After eating and walking and talking and laughing and laughing, we went to Hula's - which had an open mic night and it was surprisingly good with good musicians.  Yeah.. let's just say after that the drinks came, we went to 6?! or more different bars, ran into friends at different places in Waikiki - shoutouts to Hollis and Nathan!

Well, to living the dream.  Haha, I should record more videos - post your ideas in the comment section...

All pictures taken with HTC One X+ and Samsung Galaxy Note II


CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS HERE: http://www.youtube.com/user/hawaiiinsomniac/videos

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time

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.

Busy Busy!

BUSY BUSY

Sorry I haven't posted in a while...

My dad came to visit. It was his first time to Hawaii.

Trip was short and sweet!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.