Hawaii Highlights
Slight hiatus, sorry guys! So over Christmas break, I was extremely blessed to be able to go to Hawaii and the best part is - I spent $11.20 for my flights... round trip. My cousins were the main reasons I went, I crashed at their place, making lodging one less expense in my budget. Because of flyer miles and connections I was able to cut out two of the biggest expenses when traveling! All I had to pay for was what I desired to do while I was there. Here are some of my favorite finds and adventures!
SHARK CAGE DIVING
This is such an adrenaline rush! The earlier you go the clearer. Make sure you call and book this on the first day of your trip because of the wind and other finicky weather related problems that could cause the tour to be cancelled. The sooner you schedule the better chance you have to reschedule. If you do not have a vehicle on the island, then ask for shuttle times. Warning: you go far out so if you get sea sick, good luck - It's worth it. You get 30 minutes in the water, and you are allowed to bring your personal GoPro BTW: sharks are attracted to the battery in the GoPro, they WILL come up and bump it to check it out and see what it is.
Cost: $85 (With student/military discount)
SKY DIVING
I never thought in a million years I would do this. It's one of those situations where you always tell yourself and other people that you would love to do it and then one day you actually book it without really thinking it through or thinking you would actually do it... Your adrenaline starts pumping when you get in the car just to drive there... I was so numb by the time I arrived that I just did it, and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. If it's your first jump pay for the footage, it's worth it! If you do have the desire to go skydiving then I TOTALLY suggest that you do this somewhere with a view. I jumped out over the north end of O'ahu and the view was breath taking. Tip: book online for an additional discount & use your student/military ID on top of that. Also, they encourage you to tip your videographer and instructor.
Cost: $150 (tandem jump with student/military discount) + $210 (video & photo combo)
MANOA FALLS
It was a beautiful and simple 1.6 mile hike round trip. Anyone can do this and the reward is breathtaking! Of course, there were restrictions where you weren't "supposed" to cross the roped off area, but there's no "real" rules in Hawaii so we did it anyways, and it was worth it! The water was so cold that it took your breath away.
Cost: $5 for parking
PELE’S CHAIR & ALLEN DAVIS
This is a faint trail off the beaten path, right off of the Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline. The
Cost: $0
KOKO HEAD HIKE
It's often called "Natures Stairmaster" and I know why. This is THAT hike where at the beginning you think it couldn't be as hard as it seems... But then it is. You find yourself asking "who's idea was this" multiple times in your head and then eventually start to verbalize it to strangers begging them to carry you back down on their backs... That was me. The hike encompasses 1,048 stairs/railroad ties to the top of the 1,208 ft tall crater. It shoots straight up the hillside after the first 500 moderate stairs, after that... It's a climb. The earlier you start this hike, the better. If there's an overcast on a particular day of your trip, take advantage of the Koko head hike. There's not much shade, and it gets HOT quick. On a clear day you can see all three islands and the other side of Koko crater. This isn't a hike - it's a workout. There's a part of the trail where the tracks turn into a bridge with no bottom so it can be scary and steep, so no shame if you're like me and get on all fours and start crawling... If you start breathing heavy (more than you already were) and think you're going to fall backwards, then there's an alternate route to the right of the tracks to get past the bridge. Once you make it to the top (if you do) the view is breathtaking (if you have any breath left) it overlooks Hanauma Bay and you have the feeling that you're going to blow off, but of course - it's worth it!
Cost: $0
LAGOONS
Obviously the waves in Hawaii are huge, especially on the north end of O'ahu! So Lagoons are a good option if you just want to float around and take a dip, or if you have small children. Don't run when it starts to sprinkle because it's common. Many people scurry to pack up and leave when it starts to rain, but it's a mist and it's gone in less than 5 minutes, don't be that person. This is obviously why Hawaii is know for its rainbows.
Cost: $0
LUAU
These are slightly cheesy, but it's a must for your first time in Hawaii! You get a taste of the culture while meeting tons of international travelers. It's a popular tourist attraction. Many locals enjoy coming to these because they love engaging with the visitors. You'll learn a ton about the culture, the different dances and foods. Also, don't be afraid to go up on stage and learn a thing or two (and/or...
Cost: $78 under 21 the “Junior” package, adults $88
DOLE PLANTATION
I LOVE pineapple, so stopping by the Dole Plantation was a MUST & the perfect pit-stop on the way to Waimea Bay beach! The best pineapple I've ever had!
Cost: $8 Ice-cream
PEARL HARBOR
You can't go to Hawaii without going to the Pearl Harbor Memorial. You are allowed to bring your camera, however, no book-bags or purses so put what you need in your pockets! They do a 30 minute video about the attack on Pearl Harbor, this experience is amazing and extremely informative.
Cost: $0
MAKAPU'U LOOKOUT
It's located just off Kalanianaole Highway on the southeastern tip of O'ahu! It's an amazing view overlooking the sea cliffs! Don't miss this! Make a stop at Lanikai beach!
Cost: $0
WAKIKI BEACH WALK
The comforts of LA in Hawaii, everything you need from home is here, it's a popular tourist attraction due to the top shelf shops, resorts and the variety of restaurants. It's a nice place to walk around in the evenings and to grab a bite to eat! One thing I didn't realize was the poverty level in Hawaii, there are homeless people everywhere and even more in Wakiki.
Cost: depends on where you eat & what you buy.
