Hawaii Guide: Oahu Island

Oahu is beyond any doubt one of my favorite islands to visit in Hawaii due to its impeccable combination of active city life and peaceful island life at the same time.  If the heart of Oahu, Honolulu, offers the buzz of modern vibes, then the northern/eastern shores contrastingly offer the allure of serene island lifestyles.  Every culture can be represented in the island so you can always find something to do all week long and all season long.  Hawaii constantly stays warm and pleasant all year round.  The average temperature during daytime is between 78F ("winter" months) - 88F (summer months).  Nighttime temperature is ranging from 65F-75F.  Long daytime with plentiful of sunshine makes Hawaii an all-season destination for tourists.  If you are seeking a rejuvenating escape, scroll down to see my takes on the places to stay, eat, and do in Oahu, HI!

Hotels:
--My top 3 hotels/resorts in Waikiki - all located in the heart of Waikiki beach & shopping centers

• Sheraton Waikiki Hotel - a modern monument with traditional Hawaiian hospitality.
• Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa - oceanfront & vintage hotel with the longest hospitality history in Waikiki (1901).
• The Royal Hawaiian Resort - "Pink Palace" of the Pacific with rich history and connection to Hawaiian cultures.

Royal Hawaiian Resort

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa

Restaurants:
--Hawaii offers an extensive range of restaurants that you can choose from according to your interest and palate.  Whether you want to splurge on top-notch contemporary cuisine or experience local flavors at popular, you can discover it all here.

--Casual Dining: (Mostly Japanese/Hawaiian Foods)

• Marukame Udon
• Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin
• Okonomiyaki Chibo
• Nana's Green Tea (Shiratama Azuki - Soft Serve Green tea)
• Hawaiian Vintage Royal Coffee

--Fine Dining: (Contemporary/American/French)

• 53 by the Sea (Contemporary)
• La Mer (French)
• Azure Restaurant (Contemporary)
• Japengo (American)

Spicy Salmon Poke Bowl served with white rice, pickled ginger, nori, tobiko,
sesame seeds, green onion, and bubu arare (crispy puffed rice pellets).

Pork Tenderloin Katsu Curry served with rice, miso soup,
pickled ginger, and crunchy cabbage salad.

Rib-eye Steak and Grilled Ahi served with rice,
miso soup, and mixed green salad.

Kake Udon and tempura, mushrooms, and soft boiled egg.

Filet Mignon served with
grilled shrimps and roasted brussels sprouts.

Hamachi and Ikura with ponzu sauce

Scallop Butter Yaki topped with sweet chili glaze
and black tobiko

Coconut Crème Brulée with toffee

Beef tartar and Aquitaine Caviar

Hana Maki

Foie Gras Torchon with pineapple chutney

Activities:
--From beach activities such as surfing, kayaking, and hiking to nightlife fun such as karaoke bars and jazz clubs, here are my must-do lists:

• KCC Farmer's Market
• Hiking Trails: Diamond Head, Kaena Point Trail
• Northshore beaches
• Jet skiing and water skiing: H20 Sports Hawaii, Hawaii Sports Center
• Biking: West Kaulana Trail, Kaena Point Trail
• Helicopter: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
• Dole Plantation
• Pearl Harbor
• Shopping: Waikiki DFS Duty-Free, Alamoana Shopping Center
• Polynesian Culture Center

On my way to Diamond Head hiking trail

On top of Diamond Head

I hope you find this first post of 2017 helpful!  It is my true honor to share my travel discoveries for you.  And if you ever visit Hawaii and try any one of my recommendations, do tell!  Wish your 2017 is off to a fresh start so far!
xoxo,

♥ The Rosemary Life ♥

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