Dreams just got real. I asked my host parents if I can get another week off. They said yes and so I used the chance travelling to Hawaii with one of my best friends! Here are the top things to do in Hawaii.
We, Jessica and me, booked a flight to Honolulu. It is the capital of the main Island O’ahu. The flight was from Oakland/California to Honolulu/Hawaii and back. The price was about 600 dollars for a roundtrip. I decided to book it from Oakland International airport because flights are usually cheaper from Oakland. (Usually we fly from SFO because we only live 10 min away from it – but in this case Oakland was better). Here are the top things to Do in Hawaii:
Waikiki Beach
Arrival at Honolulu International Airport. We took a bus to our Hotel, checked in and went directly to the world famous Waikiki Beach, which was only a two min walk away from our hotel. It was an amazing day at the beach… the weather was perfect, huge waves, turquoise blue sea and white sand beach. Later on that day we decided to rent a car for the whole week.
Drive around the Island
On day two we decided to take our car to drive around the Island. We got up around 8am, ate some delicious banana pancakes at our hotel and then jumped in the car. We stopped at a lot of different places around the Island. Our first stop was Lanikai beach.
It is not only described as “most beautiful” of all Oahu beaches, but Lanikai Beach ranks as one of the best beaches in the world. Surrounded by endless miles of calm tranquil aqua blue waters, it’s hard to look at it these special windward ocean waters without getting an urge to jump right in. After that we drove to Hanauma Bay. And the best part of it… you can swim with sea turtles at Hanauma Bay. Lanikai Beach is the most beautiful beach I have ever sen in my entire life.
Take a precise look at the picture to see the two big stones, which mark the Lanikai Beach:
Hike up Diamond Head
Hiking in Hawaii – a top things to do in Hawaii – do not miss out the great chance to see more about the country.On the second day of our Hawaii vacation we got up very very early. It was 5am when the alarm went on, we ate breakfast and then went downstairs to meet our hotel tour guide who led us up to the top of Diamond Head.
Diamond Head is the name of a volcanic tuff cone on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.
On the top of Diamond Head you have amazing views to the Waikīkī neighborhood and the Pacific sea. The hike up to Diamond Head was about 2 hours. It depends on how fast you wanna walk.
Try out Surfing
Do you think surfing is hard? With a lot of practise everyone can turn into a Surfer! Our hotel offered us free surfboards, we borrowed them for a whole day and then went surfing to Waikiki Beach. It was a very sunny day, the water temperature was pretty good and we had good waves.
Swimming with Sharks
Today was a crazy day! My friend Jessica, from Austria, and me decided to go swimming with sharks. Yes! Swimming sharks! We drove by car very early in the morning to North Shore, then took a 2 hours boat ride until we arrived at THE cage. Great adventure jumping into the floating cage as you watch the sharks circling the boat. After 45 min swimming with the sharks we were done. It was an amazing experience.
Cliff Jumping
After that we drove to a very cool cliff jumping spot named Waimea Bay. We were there right before sunset which was beautiful. If you are not afraid you can climb up the cliff and then jump in the water. After our thrilling cliff jumping experiences and other fun activities we watched the sunset.
Dead Mans Catwalk
Best day ever!!! On our last day Jess and me hiked up the Dead Mans Catwalk. This hike takes about 30 minutes to make it to the top going at a normal hiking rate. On the top we literally had the best view of our entire life.
Directions
To get to this hike, drive to the end of Kamehameha until you see the wooden gate and park your car on the side of the street not blocking a driveway or hydrant. This is a private community so be respectful of that. Once you have parked, climb over the fence and follow the paved path up the mountain. You will arrive at a fence. Follow the dirt path to the right of the fence it will take you back to the paved path, continue until you reach the second fence. At the second fence go to the right to see an amazing view of the island! To get to the catwalk go through the opening in the second fence, follow the paved path past all the electrical boxes with graffiti and just past the white gate is the catwalk!
Other cool spots:
- Koko Crater
- Sandy Beach
- Secret Beach
- Kualoa Ranch, Star ranch, only open till 3pm, 30 dollars per person
- Sunset beach
- Waterfalls, you can find the best waterfalls on other islands like Maui or Big Island
- Luau, Hawaiian Fiesta
So this was my amazing Hawaii vacation.. and all I know is that I definitely wanna travel there again. I also to check out all the other Islands. I hope that you liked my top things to do in Hawaii. If you know any other cools spots, than please let me know. Are you interested in travelling to other US states? Then try out the California Roadtrip as well.
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