Traveling to Hawaii

A sunny day in middle of May I went on a trip with my travelpartner in crime to the US. First out was a Califronia roadtrip, then Hawaii and it all ended in New York. After almost a week in sunny California we couldn’t wait going to Hawaii. We tried once before but that Hawaii vacation ended up being a Mexico vacation. Now we were not going to give up. With the luck at our side this time we made it out to Honolulu. My friend with Untied and me with Alaskan. I have only been flying with Alaskan a few times before and it is a really good airline for US standards. Their wifi was super fast and also included. So before the afternoon had started mission was completed. Me and my friend were reunited at Hawaii. With 12 hours time difference from Europe I would say that splitting the trip to two is the best to avoid too massive jet lag.

Honolulu beach

As dreamy as I could remember Honolulu beach was when we walked down there. It’s not huge or the best beach on the island but an iconic place that needs to be visited. it’s almost always some mild waves to enjoy and for water sport enthusiasts and those who want to tick off their bucket list item to surf at Hawaii there are a lot of possibilities.

Running

In Hawaii running is very popular. Both trail running and at the street. We headed out every morning for a run. I have a favorite park I like to run in while being there just across Ala Moana shopping center. It feels like Central Park. Happy people and great views at the ocean. One day we also did a sightseeing run along the canals which was great. Honolulu marathon held in December every year I know is on many runners bucket list. Also mine.

Hawaii food

Poke bowls and açaí bowls are fantastic here so instead of eating dry toasts at our hotel we grabbed every day new bowls after our run to eat the beach. We found our favorite place The Sunrise shack straight away also serving Hawaii coffee. Then we were ready for adventures.

Hanauma bay state park

I wanted to show my friend Hanauma bay state park so one day we took the bus there. The bus network at Oahu is working well if you complement it with Über drives it is a good way to save some USDs. Rental cars are ridiculous and expensive compared to mainland USA so we decided to try this one day before we would go for a rental car pay it and forget about the cost. But the bus took us all over the island where we wanted so all good.

Hanauma park had changed its rules after Covid now only a limited amount of people could walk in every day and you had to purchase your ticket weeks in advance. Sad. So we did not got in. But we did not ended up crying there we were at Hawaii and started to explore the area by foot and walked along the coast watching the waves and volcanic landscape at some places looking like a Jurassic park movie.

Hawaii vibes

The Hawaii vibe is a bit hard to describe for people who has not been there but it is truly one of the few places I have visited which feels very remote, modern and unique. It’s a special island vibe. People are relaxed. It feels well maintained everywhere and like a big spa for the soul. there is plenty things to do on the island outside of Honolulu and I will share my favorite finds in another post. I would say it is not cheap but not unaffordable expensive in comparison to what you get. If you wish to have the complete American vacation experience all major hotel chains offer hotels with all inclusive. I prefer to stay away from that so we stayed at an international chain with perfect location just across the street from Waikiki beach.

Diamond head hike

Last day of our six ones spent on Oahu we had put our alarms on early. We had a mission to hike to the top of Diamond head and see the sunrise from there. It was though a close call that we did not got to do it. Also to access Diamond head, the Vulcans crater near Honolulu, you now needed to make a reservation. But the entrance staff at the gate could not resist to let two blonde Swedes into the park their very last day of their trip so we made it to the top. Got to see beautiful views over the ocean and had a great start of the day until we almost ran back to have one very last one of our favorite breakfast bowls. Lesson to note before a Hawaii trip: always check if your activity needs to be booked. There is no room for spontaneous ones anymore.

Started to dream about Hawaii again an who knows is 2025 is the year I will return?! It’s a long trip from Europe but worth it. Have you been to the island?

/ Pernilla that loves Hawaii trips