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Travel guide: O'ahu, Hawaii
Find out why this Pacific paradise should top your travel list.
By Natalie Bahadur
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WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
The North Shore
Cross your fingers and hope for one (just one!) stormy day and check out The North Shore. This area is renowned for its massive waves (sometimes swelling as high as 40 feet), which attract surfers from around the globe. Even if you're not a daredevil surfer yourself, it's incredible to watch these gutsy athletes take on Mother Nature. Across from Sunset Beach you'll find Ted's Bakery. Stop at this deli/bakery for a bite to eat. Keep it simple with a juicy burger and fries or try something more interesting like the bento box with chicken, beef or mahi mahi. But don't leave without trying their signature chocolate haupia cream pie! If you've got room after lunch, swing by Matsumoto's Shave Ice for a tasty snow cone over vanilla ice cream. The lineup is bound to be out the door and around the corner but it's worth the wait!
For more information, check out matsumotoshaveice.com.
The Dole Plantation
Situated in central O'ahu, about halfway between Waikiki Beach and The North Shore is The Dole Plantation. Exactly as you might expect, this tourist trap features everything related to Dole (yes, Dole the pineapple people!) – from T-shirts and toys to gifts and golf gear.
Pearl Harbor
Did you know that (as of the time of publication) there are only 25 living Pearl Harbor veterans? Five of these veterans volunteer regularly at the USS Arizona Memorial. Pearl Harbor is just west of Honolulu and the USS Arizona memorial there straddles the sunken hull of the battleship, which is visible just below the surface of the water. The memorial marks the final resting place of the approximately 1,100 soldiers who died there on December 7, 1941. It's open to the public and admission is free. It's a somber but special tribute.
Diamond Head
Don't fight the jet lag! If you're unable to sleep and wake up in the wee hours of the morning, you should take the opportunity to hike Diamond Head, on the east coast of Waikiki. Diamond Head is perhaps one of the world's most famous volcanic craters. The trail is 1 ¾ miles and the hike itself is moderate in intensity. There's no shade along the mostly-paved path so go in the early morning to avoid both the intense sun and the crowds. And don't forget to bring water. The reward at the top is a breathtaking view of Honolulu. On a clear day, people say you can even see Pearl Harbor in the distance. The hike itself is invigorating and the view is worth every step! Parking is $5 or just $1 a head if you're a walk-in.
Your tour guide
An avid traveler, Natalie Bahadur is a contributor to ElleCanada.com and the editor of StyleAtHome.com.
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