Honeymoon in Hawaii (August 7-12, 2021)
Hello, hello! This post is a small glimpse/snapshot of our AMAZING & BREATHTAKING honeymoon in Hawaii! This is Part one of our trip: the beautiful island of Oahu. We stayed a total of 5 days here and got to see, eat and do SO many things. My hope is that you can enjoy, engage, and/or be inspired by the different things that we got to do during our stay, that may hopefully benefit you in your future endeavors. So let’s get it!
Important FLIGHT TIP:
First thing’s first. The flight that I booked for us was through JetBlue. I always love flying JetBlue and wanted to rack up more points so I went with them. However, I wasn’t aware of this previously, but JetBlue actually bought out Hawaiian Airlines. Therefore, the flight that I booked ended up being operated by Hawaiian Airlines. Since I booked through JetBlue, they did not allow me to reserve my seats in advance (annoying). If I knew that this would happen, I would’ve booked our flights directly with Hawaiian Airlines (No point in calling. I called several times to try to reserve my seats, with no success). Don’t make the same mistake as me!
COVID-19:
When we went, we had to upload our COVID-19 vaccination cards onto the Hawai’i Safe Travels Program (which I think has effectively ended as of 3/25/22). You should still do your due diligence in checking the website prior to traveling to Hawai’i, as they seem to change their restrictions every few months.
Day 1 – Saturday August 7, 2021 (5PM)
Daniel K. Inouye Airport [300 Rodgers Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96819]
- We arrived at the airport at around 4PM and rented a Mustang convertible, because you just have to when on a honeymoon!
Alohilani Resort – Waikiki Beach [2490 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815]
- After leaving the airport car rental center, we drove about 20-25 mins to our hotel in Waikiki and checked in (Website).
Piggy Smalls [1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814]
- We had our first meal in Hawaii here at Piggy Smalls (check out my Yelp review HERE)
- This ended up being my FAVORITE restaurant in Hawaii hands down. They’re an Asian Fusion restaurant. I can’t stop raving about it even to this day (8 months later).. I had the honor of meeting Chef Kristene “Banchan” Moon who’s in charge of this amazing place. If you’re ever in Oahu, definitely check it out! You won’t regret it.
- Check out some of my fusion recipes that you may like here
Nearby Walmart – Waikiki
- We went to buy our own snorkel gear from a nearby Walmart (cost about $20 for 2)
Day 2 – Sunday August 8, 2021 (Morning):
7AM – Hanauma Bay
- The most BEAUTIFUL spot to snorkel in all of Hawaii. I’ve never seen anything like it. Crystal clear waters, so many different fish swimming around and an amazing view of the bay created naturally.
- You need to make reservations (which is done on a first-come-first-serve basis.. I’d check online frequently to see if any changes were made to the policy)
- Entrance fee is $25 per person plus $3 per vehicle (kids 12 and under, active military and local residents with proper ID are free)
- Things I’d suggest bringing include:
- Beach towels
- Water
- REEF-SAFE Sunscreen*** (They’re very strict on this so double check before you buy yours)
- Bag
- Paper Towels
- Snacks/Lunch (we bought some spam musubi and Ruffles from the ABC convenience store in our resort)
- Swimsuit
- Snorkel Gear (we bought our own gear from Walmart the day before, since we knew we would be snorkeling multiple times throughout our honeymoon.. otherwise, you can rent it there at the park for $20)
- Check here for more info
Day 2 (12PM – 1PM):
Quick Brunch at Moena Café [7192 Kalanianaole Hwy Ste D-101 Honolulu, HI 96825]
- We ordered the Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict & the famous Açaí bowl: DELICIOUS (see my Yelp review HERE)
Day 2 (1PM – 4PM):
1PM – Koko Crater Hike! [Koko Head, Honolulu, HI 96825]
- NOTE: This isn’t your ordinary light casual hike. It’s a pretty steep and difficult hike. We went around 1PM and luckily it wasn’t too crowded. We hiked up and down in about 2 hours (took our time and went slowly).
- Learn more about it here.
4PM – Quick stop for Shave Ice at Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha [820 W. HIND DRIVE #116, HONOLULU, HI 96821]
Day 2 (6PM Dinner):
Rainbow Drive-In [3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815]
- We ordered the Loco Moco Plate, BBQ Mix Plate, and a side of extra macaroni and gravy. That gravy is to DIE FOR! (check out my Yelp review here)
Day 2 (Evening):
Waikiki Beach
- We came back home to the hotel in time for the sunset. Waikiki Beach is conveniently located right in front of our hotel across the street. The view was absolutely stunning. You don’t see those kinds of sunsets in New York.
Island Vintage Shave Ice [2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815]
- After sunset, we strolled into town and hopped on the long line for the famous Island Vintage Shave Ice. It’s basically located in the Royal Hawaiian Center.
- We ordered the Heavenly Lilikoi + the Super Island (check out my Yelp review HERE)
Day 3 – Monday August 9, 2021 (Morning):
Kualoa Ranch Hawaii [49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744]
- We started our day early the next morning at Kualoa Ranch at 7:30AM (our reservation was for the 8:30AM – 2 Hour ATV Raptor, which you can purchase online here)
- You typically have to book the reservations at least 2 months out in order to get the preferred day/time. We paid about $289 for 2 people. Money WELL SPENT. You get an awesome experience and amazing views from the grounds where many action movies were shot (including Jurassic World).
- NOTE: Be prepared for a pretty bumpy and dirty ride. We had to spend a good 5-10 minutes in the restroom, washing the dirt off our faces and arms/legs. It was pretty bad that I had to buy a new shirt from the shop to wear for the day.
Day 3 (11AM)
Giant Swing [53-936 Kamehameha Highway Hauula, Oahu]
- If you’re out in this part of the Island (after Kualoa Ranch), make a quick pitstop for one of the most picturesque, instagrammable spots ever in Hawaii. Just trust me and check this place out. (There are a few swings around the area, so choose whichever one you see first that meets your eye). It may seem like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but it’s real I promise!
Day 3 (1PM):
Kono’s [131 Hekili St #102, Kailua, HI 96734]
- Next, we took a nice 40-45 minute drive down along the coast to Kailua, where we ate at this place called Kono’s. It had great reviews so I wanted to check it out. Let me tell you.. it was so good, we had to buy a few bottles of their hot sauce to bring back home to our friends and family. We ordered the BBQ Pork Bomber, the “Old School” Sandwich (Kalua Pig, Guava BBQ, Grilled Onions), and the Kalua Pig Nachos (Kalua Pig, Guava BBQ, Onions, Tomato, Cheese, Sour cream, Jalapeño, Cilantro). Yummmy!
Chadlou’s Coffee Roasters [45 Hoolai St Suite B, Kailua, HI 96734]
- Then, we went to a nearby local coffee shop, called Chadlou’s Coffee Roasters. I met the nicest baristas ever, Matt & Gabe. They recommended that I try their Ko Hana Rum Barrel brew, so I did. It tasted smooth and delicious. We enjoyed our coffees outside on their patio before heading out to go hiking. Definitely check them out & support their business!
Day 3 (3:45PM – 4:45PM):
Lanikai Pillbox Hike [265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734]
- You have to find parking nearby (I’d suggest parking in the lot around the corner by the beach and then walking up the hill to the hiking trail entrance)
- This hike is not too daunting. I’d say it’s intermediate level. Beautiful views from up top, once you make it to the pillbox lookout (more info here)
Day 3 (Dinner):
Marugame Udon [2310 Kūhiō Ave. #124, Honolulu, HI 96815]
- We came back home to our hotel after a long day of driving and activities. We wanted to go try the famous Marugame Udon. But after hearing from our friends and family who’ve went that the wait time is usually 2-3 hours for a table, we decided to just DoorDash it. I’m so happy we did this because we got to enjoy our meal on our balcony with an amazing view and got to wash up & rest while we waited for the food to be delivered.
- My thoughts on the udon? I thought the broth was good. The egg and toppings were okay. But it was overall, just a bit underwhelming for me (maybe because it was takeout?). The Spam Musubis were very salty. I’d recommend DoorDashing it for everyone who wants to try this place, instead of waiting on line forever.
Day 4 – Tuesday August 10, 2021 (Morning):
Island Vintage Coffee [2301 Kalakaua Ave #C215, Honolulu, HI 96815]
- Coffee is always a MUST to start off our day. For me? A nice Americano or black coffee. For my wife? Anything sweet & aesthetically pleasing (aka Hawaiian Honey Latte). That latte was surprisingly pretty good, even for me (and I don’t really like things too sweet).
- The Açaí bowl was awesome! Man.. I can only dream of having another bite of that delicious bowl of heaven. We also ordered a half papaya, which was nice and fresh.
Ono Seafood [747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816]
- Hands down one of the best and freshest poke bowls I’ve ever tasted in my life! I ordered the Hawaiian Style Ahi and it was AMAZING. I wish I could’ve tried all the other menu items as well. But we had to save our stomachs for later.
Coconut stand [48-277-48-343 Kamehameha Hwy Kaneohe, HI 96744]
- Make a quick pitstop along the way to Polynesian Cultural Center to try some fresh Coconut juice & pineapples (they only sell whole pineapples, so beware when you buy it for only 2 people.. we had to throw out most of it, but it tasted it pretty fresh and delish!)
Day 4 (12:45PM – 9PM)
Polynesian Cultural Center [55-370 Kamehameha Hwy Laie, Hawaii 96762]
- You HAVE to book a package here if you’re visiting Oahu. Wow. Just wow. I was amazed at how well they set everything up. I’d recommend booking one of the Luau packages (I wasn’t able to get one for that day.. so I’d definitely book well in advance!).
- We had the Gateway Buffet experience for 2 (which cost about $140 per person). It included:
- Self-guided experience through 6 island villages
- Gateway Buffet dinner with live music
- Silver level seating at “HA: Breath of Life” evening show
- They say it opens at 12:45PM, but I’d suggest arriving a little earlier to get first dibs on every attraction/show. Pro Tip: You don’t need to be on a guided tour.. you can just visit the different villages on your own and enjoy! (You won’t be able to visit/experience every single island, so aim on hitting atleast 3).
- We visited Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and Hawaii. In my opinion, Tonga & Samoa were the best ones! You definitely should make those two a priority.
- “Ha: Breath of Life” evening show was exactly how it’s described: BREATHtaking. I mean sheesh. It’s like we were in an outdoor live Broadway show. We absolutely loved it.
Day 5 – Wednesday, August 11, 2021 (North Shore Oahu):
Green World Coffee Farm [71-101 Kamehameha Hwy Wahiawa, HI 96786]
- Nice little coffee shop on the way to North Shore from Waikiki. I got their Iced Americano and my wife had the Iced Coffee Cooler (which tasted like Haagen Daasz Coffee Ice Cream). They have a nice souvenir shop inside the store as well where you can buy little knick-knacks and small packaged coffee beans of your favorite blend. Overall, a MUST STOP place that I support. (Check out my Yelp review HERE)
Dole Plantation [64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786]
- We stopped by Dole Plantation Farm after having some coffee at Green World. It was literally right down the street (less than 5 minute drive). It was a nice little tour around the farm. We learned a lot of things about where the famous canned Dole Pineapples come from and the history behind it.
- Pro Tip: The express train tour ($13 for adults) isn’t really that fun, unless you have kids. For children, it’s $11 for admission. You also have to wait on line for at least 30-45 minutes after buying your tickets, depending on how early you arrived on site. I’d skip it if I were you. Just do the Plantation Garden Tour ($7.75 for adults) or the Garden Maze Tour (which we didn’t get to do).
- The Dole Whip Ice Cream is definitely a must try though!
Jenny’s Shrimp Truck [66-532 Kamehameha Hwy Haleiwa, HI 96712]
- Originally, the plan was to go to Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, but it was closed on Wednesday’s. Thus, we tried the next best thing in the area: Jenny’s. It was nothing short of excellent! The garlic shrimp was top notch and it tasted so fresh and tasty. I devoured it in minutes! Haha (Check out my Yelp review HERE)
Matsumoto’s Shave Ice [66-111 Kamehameha Hwy Haleiwa, HI 96712]
- Extremely overrated in my opinion. It may attract hundreds of tourists everyday because of the many great reviews, but I honestly don’t get it. You wait on a ridiculously long line for a subpar shave ice. The only saving grace is that it’s very cheap, it’s perfect on a scorching hot day and it’s the only shave ice joint in town. Other than that, I’d say it’s a pretty mediocre dessert shop (Check out my Yelp review for more details)
Day 5 (cont’d):
Shark’s Cove [Haleiwa, HI 96712]
- This is one of the best places to snorkel in Oahu! The water is so clear and calm. There’s a nice, closed off area where we can snorkel freely and see all different kinds of beautiful fish! My wife was so excited and happy that we got to do this. (You definitely need to pack your beach gear for this trip; swimsuit, beach towels, change of clothes, etc).
Sunset Beach Park [Pupukea, HI 96712]
- We picked up a couple of fish tacos and some more garlic shrimp from a nearby food truck park and then walked to the Sunset Beach Park to watch the beautiful sunset on our last night in Oahu. It was simply gorgeous. Oh and don’t forget to buy some fresh pineapple freezes to drink at the beach! Cheers!
Island Vintage Coffee
- We drove back just in time to get another Açaí Bowl before heading to Maui the next morning.
This concludes Part one of our Honeymoon in Hawaii. We will DEFINITELY be coming back to Oahu someday. There are so many things that we didn’t get to do and some local foodie spots that we didn’t get to try: like Helena’s Hawaiian Food. For now, this’ll have to do. Hope you enjoyed my post and stay tuned for more! Yummmy!
