Island of Oahu

Never get tired of the view from my lanai. We may not have four seasons, may not have trees that change colors in the Autumn but we have beautiful sunsets, sunrises, rainbows, warm waters, gorgeous beaches and Aloha all year round. Lucky we live Hawaii.

This Island that I'm so blessed to call it my hood!Growing up I've constantly compared with what the mainland and how much we don't have instead of seeing what we really have and it's quite a stunner!Weather alone makes all my far away besties envious with each posts of our beautiful beaches and rainbow skies even on overcast days with a bit of patience it shall all pass for a great rest of your day. On this visit I've spent the afternoon in a certain part of Waikiki as part of my "daycation" is what I call whenever I need an escape and with just steps away I've enjoyed a Poke Bowl, a scoop of Ice Cream, picked up some cool stickers while chilling on some rocking chairs to take it all in.The views of Diamond Head and our beautiful blue ocean is a vibe I now has me feeling free and hope you enjoy these pics as it's just a fraction of what this fabulous place I call home has to offer.Aloha!

When you're stuck in a foreign country with no way to get home cuz of overbooked flights do what you gotta do.

It's horrible, don't come here!Lol, just kidding! It's frigging amazing all around. Just be sure to be as respectful of the island proper, its inhabitants (people, animals, and plants), and when you wear sunscreen, get the reef friendly version and put it on 15 minutes before sun, but for sure before water exposure. You don't want to burn, but also, you don't want to kill what's left of our reefs.Get out of Waikīkī! It's cool n all, but there's so much else to see! For example, Waimea botanical garden and waterfall, or Hoʻomaluhia gardens...Leave Mānoa Falls alone for a bit...it's overcrowded, as is Lanikai beach. There's so much to do, just go out n get in it!

The Wild Orange.Enjoy classic cocktails?Know your spirits?Cool enough to impress a bartender in the know?A coveted but guarded phone number.A reservation.A softdrink vending machine.A coin.A welcome.Manga encased in resin bartop.A wall of lit backglass of vintage pinball machines.Solid bass of Japanese hip-hop.Incredibly skilled bartenders.The VesperThe Moscow MuleThe MartinezThe Little ItalyThe PenicillinThe SidecarAmaroVodkaGinScotchJapanese WhiskeyBourbonRyeMezcalRumA custom cocktail of two kinds of bourbon, a rye, house made infused syrup and bitters, sage, rosemary, in a glass scented by cinnamon smoke.All $15.Vegan.Kalbi marinated mushrooms.Spicy mushroom poke.An industry chill spot.No reservation?No invite?Not from the 808?No entry.Disclose the location.Disclose the number.86'ed.Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies.Worth seeking out? ABSOLUTELY. One of the top speakeasy experience in Hawaii.Note: This is intended to be a teaser for my yeeps and will be removed shortly

Hawaii is made up 8 main islands. However, we you think of Hawaii, you think of Oahu. This is the main island that tourist go to. This is where you will find most of the resorts and beaches. Some of the island's top attractions include Wikiki Beach, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, Atlantis Submarines, the North Shore, Ala Moana Center (Mall), the Dole Plantation, the Byodo-In Temple and Sea Life Park. The island is home to and has a base for every branch of service. There are tons of military discounts available for our vets. There are also lots of luaus to experience and a few water falls to see.I recommend checking out Kaula Ranch while you are there. It is a bit of a drive from the tourist area, but well worth it. It is where most of the movies on the island are filmed and they offer various tours of the grounds.The island does not have any active volcanoes, but is home to Diamond Head park, which is also a must see.For the adventurers, there is swimming with sharks (with and without a cage), swimming with dolphins, helicopter rides and sky diving. I did a HALO dive while I was there.This island is home to the State's capital, Honolulu and has tons of history including the Iolani Palace, another must see, to truly learn the history of the island.The nightlife is off the charts. I sang live band karaoke while I was there and the Halloween celebrations are epic. If you come here and cant find something to do, then there is probably something wrong with you.Traffic here can get ridiculous and if you are riding a bike on the street, you are talking your life in your own hand. Be carful walking too. The island has good public transit coverage and is serviced by cabs and ride shares, so you can get around without a car pretty easy. They also have bike sharing kiosk, but I warned you about bikes on the island already.I love this island. It is gorgeous. A true paradise. I spent a lot of time here and enjoyed every minute. There is always something to do, they have delicious food and the nicest people. The island is much busier than the other islands and has a lot more to offer, with respect to activities, shows and events. Yes, it is a bit on the pricer side, but worth every penny.

The Covid Pandemic brought our worlds to a stop! Do not pass go as we lived in sheltered conditions, social distancing, mask wearing, temperature checking, and the list goes on.... so my update illustrates what life is like now post pandemic to our city and Island of OahuIf you are visiting our fine state and Island of Oahu, please first check with Hawaii's Safe Travel Program which outlines the do's and the dont's. This will make a difference and save you much heartache and anxiety. The information you get from Safe Travels will make your journey into the State seamless and you won't miss a beat. Hotel and rent a car rates are through the roof (but it's that way regardless of where in the United States you travel to)Our eateries adhere to the social distancing rules so service might be a bit slow but the quality of the food and service is not waivered. Be sure to make a reservation for dining as reservations, while once only recommended has become a commonality in dining out.Check the hiking locations and other visitor attractions as their rules have changed as well. Some have limited visiting hours and some have fees so check before heading out.A couple things that haven't changed is the friendly folk, hospitality, great weather, beautiful views and sunsets and don't forget the rainbows.Hawaii No Ka Oi!

O'ahu: "The Gathering Place"There is no doubt that some of the most beautiful sunset scenes are located here in O'ahu. The beaches are warm and inviting and because of this they are always crowded. For the most part Hawaiian folks are friendly, easy going and totally laid back.I was fortunate to live in this island for 3 years during my 'tween years. I attended schools in Moanalua Elementary and Intermediate (now changed to Middle) School. I am now a Cali girl but it's always nice to revisit the islands. Back then we were able to drive around da island in 4 hours... when I was young living here I remember that we would always be at the beach. Our church would always schedule a Saturday picnic at Hanauma Bay and for fund raising we would set up a section outside a grocery store parking lot and sell huli-huli chicken. LoL! Such was my life who wasn't old enough to drive then.I've been back a few times since then (3 other times) and I totally enjoyed each visit as a tourist! I think the only places I've been to back then was Sea Life Park and Paradise Park (closed down). Each time we came back I would add adventures to my memory bank: Polynesian Cultural Center, U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Dole Pineapple Plantation, plenty of sightseeing activities... we attended a couple of luaus, dipped in some of the most beautiful beaches (Lanikai was my favorite), went around the island and eat, eat, eat to our heart's content: Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Matsumoto's shave ice, Rai Rai Ramen, Ichiriki's, Side Street Inn, Leonard's malasadas, and recently, Liliha Bakery, Zippy's and Olay's Thai-Lao Cuisine. You will notice that many businesses will have a sign that says "E Komo Mai" (this means welcome). I just wanna let you know that "Mahalo" does not mean garbage bins... most of the public trash bins would say MAHALO on the outside. This just means THANK YOU for keeping Hawaii clean. LoL There's more than just the beaches here. Embrace the culture, the hospitality, and respect the legends. There are many fascinating stories of Hawaiian mythology. Everything is considered "alive" on the island. Whether you are traveling with your Ohana or your Ku'uipo... mālama and enjoy!... and don't forget da Swap Meet! A hui hou!Review #2269

I fell in love with paradise! Loved it so much, didn't want to leave. And after leaving, Been having withdrawals and cravings for green hills, pineapple, beautiful vegetation, rainbows, and gorgeous blue n green ocean water scenes. I feel like Oahu, is an intro to paradise. For anyone who believes in an afterlife my goodness. This island is so heavenly. My review will offer ideas to tourist. Must visit while in Oahu -1) Dole plantation -eat dole whip, do the train ride tour, and grab a fresh pineapple juice. 2) Leonard's bakery for malasadas. Yessss get the filled ones. I loved custard and banana (monthly flavor). 3) Cafe Morey's -fried rice with fry egg on top, and must try the honu pancakes-with fruit and banana brûlée.4) walk the Waikiki area -avoid if you don't like crowds. (Shopping/ocean) 5) drive along the coast -pit stops at viewpoints, lots of pics. But, really take in the fresh air, the beautiful nature views. Enjoy it! Take it all in. I am missing all the green mountains, pineapples, beautiful ocean, super kind chill people. I can't wait to go back.

Woohoo! For my 1,000th review, I thought I'd review the island I call home, Oahu. I was born in Hong Kong and moved to Hawaii when I was three. I couldn't have asked for a better place to grow up.Hawaii is truly a melting pot. You can find all nationalities here. Along with that comes all the different foods, haha. You know I wasn't about to leave that out. Personally, I'm addicted to Asian foods. I love dim sum and sushi. Coming in second would be Hawaiian. I can never get enough of squid luau, poke, and laulau.The island is beautiful and so is the weather. You get nice weather all year round. It hovers around the mid 80's to mid 90's. When you hit the beach, the water is a clear, sparkling turquoise blue. The crime rate is low and the police are actually helpful.There's no place in the world I'd rather be, maybe except Hong Kong. Hong Kong has exceptional food and shopping, two things that I live for. That's for another review, though.