Five Essentials of a Dream Vacation on Oahu
When most people talk about their dream vacation to Hawaii, they start with the sunsets of Maui or the volcanoes on the Big Island. Some dream of the flora in Kauai. This is typical, but it undersells the most populated island in Hawaii.
Oahu is home to Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, the famed North Shore, and much more. While it's fallen out of favor with some travelers, there's reason to think Oahu is making a travel destination comeback. If you're looking to book a dream vacation to Oahu, here are five essentials.
An amazing hotel in Ko Olina
Sitting on the leeward side of the island is a resort town gem called Ko Olina. The Hawaiian translation is "Place of Joy," a fitting moniker for the cluster of hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment that sits near the end of Highway H1.
Ko Olina features many high-end hotels, including the Four Seasons, Disney's Moana-themed Aulani, and the Marriott Beach Club. There's something for every type of traveler in Ko Olina, and the hotel quality tends to be a bit higher than you'll find near Waikiki. Ko Olina also offers a slightly slower pace, allowing you to enjoy the relaxed island vibe that much more.
A convertible ride to the North Shore
The North Shore is home to Sunset Beach, the Bonsai Pipeline, and some of the world's most expensive real estate. During the winter, surfers will compete in competitions on big waves. During the summer months, the North Shore is home to calm and flat waters.
The drive there can be beautiful depending on the time of day. The North Shore features many great restaurants. Some go there to eat from food trucks, which famously serve garlic shrimp and other delicacies during the day.
A private fishing expedition out of Honolulu
Whether you're a serious fisher or not, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to fight a big fish in Hawaii's waters. Chartered boats leave out of Honolulu every morning to take out people looking for just this chance. Most boats go out in search of blue marlins and other billfish.
If you've got the budget, chartering a private boat for your family and friends is a great option. You can bring your own beer to round out the experience. As the locals will tell you, though, keep the bananas and banana-themed accessories at home. They're bad luck according to Hawaiian lore.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
A full day at the Kualoa Ranch
Have you ever watched Jurassic Park and wondered what amazing place served as the setting for the spectacular scenes? It's located right in the heart of Oahu. Kualoa Ranch is a privately owned nature preserve that serves as the staging ground for many movies, including classics like Pearl Harbor.
They offer many ways to explore the terrain, including ATV rides, zip-lining, and even a movie tour that takes you around the various sites in a big, yellow school bus. It's a gorgeous place where you can even look out at humpback whales during the fall and winter.
The full beach day experience
The best reason to go to Oahu is its collection of beaches. Whether you choose Waikiki, which is more crowded and livelier, or the more subdued beaches of Ko Olina, you can't go wrong spending a day at the beach. If you're trying to make the vacation truly special, you should rent a cabana for the day.
This will give you some shade and a place to congregate. At many resorts, these can be had for a reasonable price. In Ko Olina, it will even include full drink and food service from a server who will come around periodically. Few things are more iconic than sitting on a Hawaiian beach with a mai tai and fish tacos in hand.
If you're headed to Hawaii, make sure you do it right. The island has plenty to offer for those who are able to plan ahead. Trips there can strain the budget of the average person, so make sure you budget accordingly. If you can manage that, you might just pull off the trip of a lifetime.