Island hopping in Hawaii - Oahu

Known as "the gathering place" or "energizing" Oahu is the most popular island of the chain, with Honolulu and Waikiki beach the regular tourist spots. 

We rented a motorcycle from Cruzin Hawaii.  Our first stop is Waikiki Beach and what a stark contrast to the calm and less populated beaches on the other islands we've already been to.  It is packed with families in January and this isn't even peak season.  This prompted us to move on to less crowded, but still beautiful beaches around the island.

 Along the east coast, we went to Kualoa Ranch and what a beautiful property and great company!  They are family owned and operated and their jaw dropping scenery has been the location for many film shoots nad weddings.  They have tours like movie tours of film locations, ziplining, horseback rides, and ATV rides.  They are also a working cattle ranch, have a piggery, grow oysters among other fruits and vegetables. You can find their beef, pork and oysters in their cafeteria.  They collaborate with the local community with events and the housing they own around their property is for rental for employees and community members.  I expect they will continue with sustainable actions for years to come. 

We rode along the north shore looking for surfers.  The famous Banzai Pipeline is here and the birthplace of surfing.  Being close to the equator means the sun sets early, around 6pm and it's quick, we stopped for gas and missed it!  It's not like Vancouver, where days are longer and we can enjoy sunsets for longer.   

One of main trails is Diamond Head, but a local told me about one that has better views and has shade for almost 80% of the way.  It's Kulioloulou ridge trail.  It's not good for families though, as it is along a ridge.  But what a great view.  And we saw a beach that we went looking for right after our descent. 

In the south, we explored Waikiki and looked for live hula shows or Chinese New Year events with no luck.  As tourists, we saw listings for events but when we looked for them, we couldn't find them.  This is a shopping, eating and nightlife spot, great for groups!  Tons of options for every budget, very lively.  There are ABC stores on every block!  There are coupon books on every block.  Lots of salespeople handing out promos.  Lots of buskers. 

We headed to Chinatown to see if there were any Chinese New Year festivities, but there were none.

The bus is an option for the Honolulu area, which means you can save money instead of getting a rental car.   And if your hotel is in Honolulu, everything is within walking distance.  Our driver said so many people make that mistake the first time they come and never use their rental car they previously booked.

Oahu is a great choice for first timers to Hawaii.  Honolulu is the hub for Hawaii.  The tourist attractions are readily accessible, there are a lot of places to see and lots of things to do, for all ages.  There's Pearl Harbour and other related historical sites, public beaches for swimming and snorkelling, shopping centres, Polynesian Cultural Centre, royal palaces, golf, etc.  So much food to eat as well, from malasadas to shrimp trucks, ramen, poke, kalua pork, plate lunch, loco moco, etc.   Tourism Hawaii does not have all inclusive resorts because they want you to go out and eat at their restaurants and go out to their entertainment venues. 

For people who want to cruise around Hawaii, The Norwegian's Pride of America is the only cruise line that has 7 day sailings!