Every time I hear the name Hawaii, ‘Tropical Paradise’ is the only word and visual that evokes inside me. Especially as I was looking at planning a honeymoon trip to the lovely Hawaiian islands, 8 of them each having something special to offer. When I was planning my visit to these heavenly islands it was so difficult to choose from which islands to visit. Surfing on Oahu, to the wonders of Maui, to the beauty of Honolulu, or explore the hidden wonders on Lanai. All of them without a doubt consisted of beautiful beaches, amazing wildernesses, monstrous waterfalls, excellent diving, and world-class waves. I choose to make my halt at the island of Honolulu first.
Nestled in between rugged cliffs to the north and beaches to the south on the island of Oahu, somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean was Hawaii’s largest city Honolulu. Just upon arrival I was already all ecstatic about how the airplane landed on the foot of the island overlooking the shore.
We checked in at our hotel on the Waikiki beach, yes that’s the place to be when in Hawaii. After relaxing ourselves a bit we were all ready to explore the serene aqua blue beaches of Waikiki.
We strolled around the evening soaking our feet in water and enjoying the sunset overlooking the Diamond Head.
Occupying a long stretch of the coast on the south shore of Honolulu, is the famous area of town known as Waikiki. Strolling the streets by the sea with high rise hotels and resorts that line the beach was the perfect way to spend the evening.
In the park nearby the Hawaiian hula was happening and that definitely caught my attention. Yes I too learned some moves from the famous Hawaiian hula and it was an absolute experience to learn and dance with the locals.
Later next day we ventured outdoors to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island, yes hiking our way up to Diamond Head is one of the best things to do in Honolulu.
The iconic former volcano stands proud at the far eastern side of Waikiki, and is often an emblem of visiting Honolulu. Yes the site here was the perfect backdrop to complete the beach photos. However as we ascended further the view just kept getting better at each step.
It took us around about 20 – 30 minutes to reach the summit. At first the trail is easy, and then suddenly there were series of switchbacks, passing through a military tunnel, going up a few flights of stairs, and emerging through a bunker.
The views of Honolulu from here are great! With the wind so strong we caught the most perfect view of the whole of island from here. (We are glad we dint leave our camera back home). Truly among the most beautiful and best of Oahu sights.
Most of the hotels offer free shuttle services to the downtown and we took advantage of the same and decided to spend the evening exploring the downtown. We took a short stop at the Iolani Palace, a historical landmark built in 1879 by King Kalakaua in an effort to make Hawaii become more prestigious and more recognized as a nation throughout the world.
But my heart was still at the beach and the downtown did not appeal me much and making my way back to the waters I decided to spend some more time at the shacks and gazebos outside our hotel.
Next day we had another day planned at the beach this time on the very east side of Honolulu at Hanauma Bay, one of the most famous places on the entire island for snorkeling. Sighting this bay, sunken into a crater with a gorgeous stretch of golden sand, is a nature reserve and marine sanctuary.
The adventure that unfolded at this crater was however different than yesterday. Within a short 5 minute hike to the bottom of the crater we were in the cool clear water.
As a person who travels to eat, food is always a part of my list. And Hawaii was a treat for a person of my food palette who loves pineapples. Yes a destination where I tried every single preparation of this fruit. From cocktails, to desserts, to some entrees.
One just cannot miss or leave the island without trying any of this! Like the taste of this yummy pineapple cake dessert still makes mine and my husbands mouth splurge.
When I say this was one trip that had my soul wanderlusting its because where else do you get a chance to get married in a Hawaiian style. Yes that’s why this was one of the top pick for our honeymoon too.
The morning started with a sweet small ceremony by the beach. The ceremony is called ‘Ho‘i hou ke aloha’ which means ‘fall in love all over again’.
The ceremony involved sprinkling of the holy ocean water and ended with a kiss.
This is what made the trip to this exquisite island so worth it! Now I can truly say that I left my heart back in Hawaii ☺
Cannot Miss:
• Swim and dive in the aquamarine blue waters
• Stroll around the Waikiki beach in the evening
• Learn the Hawaiian Hula
• Try as many as Hawaiian Pineapple dishes
• Doesn’t matter how long you’ve been married for, get married again in the Hawaiian style
GlobeTrotting365Days: Honolulu, Hawaii 5th April 2016
