Oahu Adventures

Steve "Shanghai" Brown

At the tail end of pandemic restrictions, we headed to Oahu - forced to use the credit for a trip we had to cancel in 2020 when Hawaii completely shut down tourism. It was worth the wait.

Diamond Head, Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, O‘ahu, Waimea Valley, Shark’s Cove, Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Haleiwa, The Byodo-In Temple, Uahi Island Grill, Makapu’u Beach Park, Makapuʻu Lookout, Halona Blowhole Lookout, Halona Beach Cove, Japanese Fishing Shrine（Umi Mamori Jizo）, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Hanauma Bay, Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design, Summit of Diamond Head Crater, Diamond Head State Monument, Royal Lobster

  • Diamond Head in Honolulu, United States

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  • Aloha Stadium Swap Meet in Honolulu, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      We always enjoy swap meets wherever we go. They can provide fantastic local culture. This one does, though you have to look for it as it is massive and has a lot of stuff haole visitors wouldn't be interested in. But, if you want to find Hawaiian-made aloha shirts for only $16 (don't get the Hawaiian-designed, Chinese-made ones - but hidden amongst all of those, there is the real deal), stunningly beautiful locally grown flowers (a local widow grows them and they're gorgeous), and a range of souvenirs that don't cost an arm and a leg (there's always the ABC Stores!), then the swap meet is a fun option. Go early, avoid the heat, and if you miss it this time, it's okay. It's fun, but not mandatory.

  • O‘ahu, United States

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  • Waimea Valley in Haleiwa, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      There's a good farmers market here (mostly stuff to eat, but that's not so bad, eh?), shops, more food, AND a whole nature preserve. It costs, but it's a beautiful spot to wander and enjoy. Definitely a place we'll return to again.

  • Shark’s Cove in Haleiwa, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      A popular place for snorkeling (one of very few on Oahu). We were there at low tide, and found that not very conducive to snorkeling, especially when we found we could just go out, sit on a rock, and watch all kinds of fish swimming by. A nice stop, but often crowded. Parking Tip: Parking fills up quick at the Shark's Cove park, but there is another park segment just to the south where it's easier to find parking, and it's a very short walk to the cove from there. Pay Attention Tip: During whale season (December to May) you can often catch a glimpse of the kohola, or humpback whale off the coast here. We were entertained for quite a while by watching a number of whales do whalefully frolicky things like slapping their tails and spouting. It was incredible how many haoles just walked right by and didn't notice the show, but we loved seeing them in action.

  • Giovanni's Shrimp Truck in Haleiwa, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      Kind of a must-stop for hungry wanderers on the North Shore. Giovanni's is a - pardon me - THE - food truck visitors must seek out on Oahu. Their scampi plate is piled high with tasty garlicky shrimp, locally sourced, of course. They're located in a food truck park of sorts, so if shrimp ain't your thing, or you want to add to that pile o' shrimp, you've got plenty of choices. Don't let the yellow jackets steal your shrimp!

  • Haleiwa, United States

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  • The Byodo-In Temple, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      Sure, you want to go to a cemetery while visiting Oahu, no? Of course, you do. And there are so many to see! But for visitors to Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, there is a treat - the Byodo-in Temple, an authentic Buddhist temple at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains that commemorates the long history of Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. Maybe you just need a little quiet contemplation after partying so much in Waikiki? Maybe it's a misty morning and you want a little touch of Japan on your journey. Maybe you need to ring the temple bell to have your prayers heard? Whatever it is, this is a great stop to take in a little zen.

  • Uahi Island Grill in Kailua, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      Not a bad place for a lunch or dinner and drinks. Not exceptional, either.

  • Makapu’u Beach Park, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      Always be on the lookout when parking in the parks on Oahu. Plenty of broken glass to remind you that someone is often around waiting to break into your car.

  • Makapuʻu Lookout, United States

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  • Halona Blowhole Lookout in Honolulu, United States

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  • Halona Beach Cove, United States

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  • Japanese Fishing Shrine（Umi Mamori Jizo） in Honolulu, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      Beautiful shrine and great views of the coastline from here!

  • Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in Honolulu, United States

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  • Hanauma Bay in Honolulu, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      Oahu is not known for its snorkeling, with one exception - Hanauma Bay. Having been over-fished and over-touristed, the bay is now a protected preserve, and I'm glad for that. If you love snorkeling like I do, this is a must. But, there is a catch. With the increased pressure put on the bay by its popularity with us snorkelers, you must now make reservations. This is a little tricky. You can only make reservations two days in advance, so no advance planning is possible. Then, you have to make reservations online, with timed slots available starting (if I recall correctly) at 7 a.m. Snorkeling is best in the morning, so if you care about that, or want the most time at the bay possible, then try to reserve your spot right when reservations open, or you will be disappointed. There is immense competition for the most desirable time slots. It's expensive to come here, though locals get a hefty discount. I'm pretty sure it was a local who stole my snorkel gear here, making the haole price even more expensive. There are lockers you can rent for valuables (thank God I had my wallet and iPhone in the locker or they would have been gone too), and you can rent snorkel gear, which comes in handy after yours have been stolen. Out in the bay, which is why we come here, there are plenty of fish, and I absolutely loved following them around for hours. Around noon, the water begins to get crowded a bit, and after seeing more haoles than fish for a while, we decided to move on. If you want to hang out though, there is a food vendor here that appears to be decent, and a gift shop where you can buy things like a book with all the fish you can see in the bay. We saw a remarkable variety here, but for future snorkeling trips, the big island of Hawaii and Maui (even Kauai) are better choices.

  • Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design in Honolulu, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      We wanted to go here, but unfortunately, if you want to tour this museum home, you must make online reservations well in advance. Hopefully, next time!

  • Summit of Diamond Head Crater in Honolulu, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      See my comments for the state park here. This is a must-do Oahu activity, but come early to avoid the crowds - and an extra-long walk when the parking lot fills up.

  • Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      Great hike to the summit of Diamond Head with magnificent views. Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the heat as a lot of the trail is in direct sun. Plus, you'll avoid the parking problems and crowds that increase as the day goes along. The food truck and pineapple stand provides a great cool reward for your hiking efforts - a fresh fruit acai bowl in a half-pineapple. There are picnic tables to enjoy that, or just fresh cut pineapple slices, after your hike. A visit here is a must-do Oahu activity!

  • Royal Lobster in Honolulu, United States

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    • sunrunnermedia

      It's just a tiny place, in the basement stairwell of a big building off the main drag. And it's awesome! Sweet people and the absolute best lobster bisque ever (splurge and get the lobster chunks included), made from lobster broth and poured into your bowl at your table. This is an overlooked treasure in Waikiki.