Weekend in O'ahu

[FilleBelle]

I just got back from a weekend in O'ahu. It was my birthday on Saturday, so Kevin took me to Hawaii to celebrate. Neither of us had ever been and it was awesome.

Other than the fact that I had to go to Phoenix to get to Hawaii, we didn't have a problem flying standby out there or back. Plenty of space available, especially on the flights out.

We stayed at the Aqua Palms Hotel and Spa in Waikiki. I would definitely recommend it. It was within walking distance of the beach, although not on the beach itself. The staff was all extremely friendly and efficient. They were easily able to answer our questions concerning driving directions and recommended restaurants. Our room was tasteful, with a king sized bed, a couch, free internet access, a mini fridge, a microwave, a tv/dvd player, an iron and board, a coffee maker with Kona coffee grounds, the requisite shampoo/conditioner/body lotion, and a full sized balcony with lounge chairs. The pool was small, but lovely. The continental breakfast was free. In the lobby there was an Expedia.com concierge available to offer activity ideas and make reservations, if needed. The Aqua Palms was right across from one of the Hilton properties, but was only a third of the price...$90 Friday night, $100 Saturday night.

We rented mopeds on Saturday and scootered down to the southeastern point of the island to snorkel at Hanauma Bay. If you want your own transportation, definitely go the moped route. They use next to no gas and they are SO easy to park in comparison to a car. Plus, they really gave us a chance to experience the air in Hawaii. That sounds goofy, but it's different from the air in Los Angeles or Texas!



This is us at a rest stop on the way to the bay.



We bought an underwater disposable camera to take pictures while snorkeling. I haven't gotten those pictures developed yet, but the coolest thing we saw (very up close and personal) was a big sea turtle.

On Sunday we had an outstanding brunch at a neighboring hotel (the Royal Hawaiian, I think) and then went to Manoa Valley, home of what my guidebook calls the prettiest falls in Honolulu. It was a .75 mile hike to the falls, which feels a little longer because it's uphill and the path is fairly rough. The falls and the little pool at the bottom are totally worth it, though, as is the walk through the rain forest.



We ended our trip at the luau hosted by the city of Honolulu on Waikiki Beach. It is free and it happens every night. It was recommended by my guidebook because it is REAL hula, not touristy, coconut shell bra hula.



I don't have any outstanding restaurant reviews because I am a vegetarian and traditional/popular Hawaiian cuisine is absolutely not vegetarian friendly. I was definitely able to eat, just not anything super interesting.

It feels a little surreal to be back home. I can't believe I just spent the weekend in Hawaii...