Amber

Hawaii is a great place to visit!  Whether you are coming for the first time, or just haven’t been back for a while, here is a list of things to do and see that I personally recommend (the list also includes places you’d find on normal Hawaii lists that I wouldn’t say are “musts”, but are part of what makes Hawaii, Hawaii)!

Food:

• Zippys – This restaurant is everywhere on Oahu and is kind of like our In and Out (it’s only in Hawaii).  It’s nothing special when compared to all other restaurants in Hawaii, but it’s one of the major things you miss when you leave.  They are most known for their chili, which you can even get beanless.  Add cheese, grill the onions, and MAKE SURE YOU EAT IT ON RICE!
• Curry House – This is actually a well known franchise from Japan, and not the same one you might find in California.  Large selection of curry toppings and extremely affordable.
• Big City Diner – Large portions of food and a nice selection of what people in Hawaii typically eat.
• North Shore Shrimp Trucks – There are many shrimp trucks on the way to the North Shore, so this is not for one in particular.  Most people like trying all of them and make an adventure out of it.  *I don’t personally eat shrimp, so I can’t say if they are good, but I know this is a must if you like shrimp at all*
• Matsumoto’s Shaved Ice – Typically thought of as being the best shaved ice (snow cone) on the island.  Tackle this one if you do the around the island trip as it’s in the middle of nowhere.
• Leonard’s Malasadas – Malasadas are a Portuguese type of donut.  Other than Hawaii, I have no idea where you would get something like this.
• Makinochaya – Best all you can eat sushi buffet.  You order your own sushi, but there is still a buffet line to go through if you don’t want to wait.  They don’t only have sushi and you can order other Japanese food as part of the buffet as well.

Beaches:

• Sherwoods – By far my favorite beach on the island.  Bright blue water, super fine sand, lots of shade.  Great place to boogie board.
  • CAUTION – If you are a weak swimmer, the waves here are a constant 1-3 feet.  There is also a strong undertow, which is why this beach is so exciting.  Also, pay attention to signs about portuguese man of war (a type of jellyfish).  If these guys are out, there is a chance you might get stung.  Have you ever seen the Friends episode where they have to pee on each other?
  • Larger Caution – This beach has no security and has been known as being a location for foreigner hate crimes where locals will break into your car and hide your goods in the woods (they play Robin Hood, hence the name of the beach).  They know this by looking at licence plates and breaking into rental cars.  Just don’t keep ANY valuables in your car!
• Kailua Beach – Also extremely fine sand, but with no waves!  This is a great beach if you’re not a good swimmer, or if you want to try wind surfing.  I think you can rent a wind surf board for $30, just remember to ask for the Kama’aina discount (if you can say it, they usually don’t ask for ID).
• Hanauma Bay – A large bay where you can snorkel and see a lot of fish.  If you swim on the left side of the bay, you may spot some green sea turtles.  You can rent equipment if you don’t have any, and I believe it’s $5 admission for non residents.
• Waikiki Beach – You’ll probably end up here anyway since it’s right next to the hotels.  This is a great place to learn how to surf.  The waves are small and the boards are big.  Maybe $20 with the Kama’aina discount.  Lots of rocks on the bottom though…
• North Shore – Known for it’s large waves, it’s very tame in the summer.  Maybe you’ll even be able to say you swam here…
• Waimea Falls – Close to Waimea Falls Park.  There is a large rock  maybe 40 feet or more tall that locals like to jump off into the sea.  Try it if you dare.
• Ko’olina – Maybe Oahu’s most beautiful beach, but that’s probably because it’s man-made…It’s in the middle of nowhere, which could make it a great place to relax and get away from it all.
• Amber’s Gung Gung’s House – Stay until Monday and we’ll probably go to this house to go kayaking over the pristene and shallow Kaneohe lagoon.

Other things, touristy and not:

• Diamond Head Crater Hike – The easiest hike on the island, very touristy.  It has an amazing view when you get to the top.
• Dole Cannery – Come here to get all of your pineapple cravings out of the way.  Inside the park is a giant hedge maze in the shape of a pineapple where you can race people to see who’s the fastest.
• Trip Around the Island – Set aside an entire day to travel around the island, mostly on Kamehameha Hwy.  Good idea of doing this if you plan on going to the North Shore.
• Pali Lookout – Close to Amber’s house, this lookout is a natural ledge where ancient Hawaiian battles took place.  Great views and wind so strong, it has been known to save people who attempted jumping off the ledge for suicide.
• Ala Moana Shopping Center – Hawaii’s biggest and probably best place to go shopping.  Sure you can do this back in the Mainland, but where else are you going to find 5% sales tax?
• International Market Place – A flea market type place in Waikiki where you can go to get all of your touristy gifts to bring back home such as puka shell necklaces, postcards, magnets, coconuts, shirts, etc.  Many of the vendors are open to bargaining here.
• Jack Ass Ginger – Hike to a small fresh water lake.  Go swimming here and use tree vines to propel yourself into the middle.
• Bishop Museum  – Hawaii’s only museum which has not only the normal sciency stuff, but also a lot on Hawaiian history including how the Hawaiians originally got to Hawaii and how they lived, etc.
• Iolani Palace – Hawaii’s central palace for royalty back when we weren’t part of America (that’s rigth, Hawaii is the 50th state!).