My Favorite Things about Hawaii

When my sister Bonnie invited me to join her on a trip to Honolulu, I knew this is my chance to finally visit the beautiful islands I've heard so much about. The five days and four nights flew by, and I loved every minute of it!

Here’s a list of my favorite things during my adventure around the O'ahu Island.

• Macadamia nut pancakes. Our first meal in Hawaii! We waited almost two hours to get into Boots & Kimo’s but it was worth the wait!
• Shave ice. We ate shaved ice every day, no matter what time it was. My favorite flavor combination was li-hing mui and pineapple from Island Snow. It was so refreshing in the hot weather!

Shave ice from Island Snow

• Paradise Cove Luau. Luau was one of few must-dos. I wanted to get an “authentic” cultural event with food and hula dances. Not only did I experience that, I also tried my hand at Polynesian bowling and spear throwing, made my own flower lei and head piece, as well as watched demonstrations of traditional tree climbing, coconut breaking and fishing. To top it all off, the guys were hot!
• Time difference. Hawaii is three hours behind Seattle, so it allowed me to sleep in and still make the most of the day and night!
• Pineapple sherbet. Super delicious from the Dole Plantation.



Pineapples really don't grow on trees!

• Pearl Harbor. Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, the site of the attack that took the lives of many and changed the world forever was a sobering one and I'm thankful for the men and women that serve and protect our country every day.
• The hike up to see Rabbit Island. The hike wasn’t very steep or very far, but exercise is the farthest thing from my mind while on vacation. It was worth it when I finally got to the top and saw the dark blue water, clear skies and Rabbit Island in the near distance.

The view from Makapuu Point, I think.

• Secluded beaches. We stayed near the Waikiki Beach and it was crowded with people and littered with garbage. When Bonnie’s friend, Audrey, took us to a secluded, but public, beach in the North Shore area, it felt we had our own private paradise!
• Poke bowl. I don’t like tuna, spicy, or onions. But raw tuna mixed with spices, oil and raw onions over rice was absolutely delicious. The fish was so fresh, it melted in my mouth!

Poke Bowl from Omo Seafood, a hole in the wall!

• Friends. While memories may fade (i.e. Jme’s college graduation party), true friendships never do. Mahalo Jan, Jme, Nicole and Audrey for the laughs, Hawaii foodie tour, and new memories!

Right to left: Jme, Jan, Me, Nicole, Bonnie.

More pictures from our trip to Hawaii here.