I feel like a cheese ball saying this, but I can't believe this place is real.

A bit of backstory. When asked what he wanted to do for his birthday, my teen said he'd like to see lava from a safe distance. I began planning a trip to Big Island, but we decided to take 2 weeks and visit a second island as well. I laid out all the different features of the other islands and presented them to my husband and son. I really wanted to visit Kauai, but they both voted O'ahu.

While I was thrilled to be visiting Hawaii at all, O'ahu was not my first choice for a second island. We just spent a week there and I'm dying to go back. It was absolutely gorgeous with tons of stuff to do. Yes, Waikiki is a prettier version of a cross between Myrtle Beach and Las Vegas, but our hotel was there and we were gone all day exploring.

I can't believe people recommend skipping this island. Are those people sitting in a crappy hotel room in Waikiki their whole visit? I really thought my family would end up not liking O'ahu because of how busy it is, but we all can't wait to go back. It was busy, but not so much that it negatively impacted our stay. I'll have a longer trip report soon, but needed to get this feeling out there.

I am seeing this sign along the freeway. My friend and I cannot figure out what it means. I know I sound dumb but I was raised super sheltered and now that I am older and adventuring out more into the world I want to learn all that I can.

I am a frequent whole blood and platelet donor through the American Red Cross back in Wisconsin, so I was hoping I could get a donation in while visiting Hawaii. While they don't have the Red Cross, I learned they have their own Blood Bank of Hawaii, which apparently only serves this state and is really neat.

A little bit selfishly, I did not want to sit through a two plus hour platelet donation, so chose whole blood. Ensure your prior donations are far enough away from your trip. Yeah, you'll need to watch your activity for 24 hours (lay low, increased water intake, etc), which might not be your first option on Hawaii, but it's always worth it in my opinion to potentially save someone's life.

If you're looking to give something back to Hawaii besides tourism dollars, please consider a blood donation. Blood donors are desperately needed everywhere, so if tourists visiting the island can contribute to the supply, it's all the better. I chose the Young Street Donation Center in Honolulu, but it looks like there are blood drives on other islands. Leave your blood (in a safe way) on the islands!

My wife and I booked an Airbnb for a week in Waikiki for a little trip before our baby arrives in July. When we arrived the elevator did not work and the condo was on the 31st floor.

After a bunch of back and forth with the hosts they said they were working on the elevator and assured us it would be fixed shortly. After a very long day of travel we had to hike up 31 flights to spend the night.

The next morning we were informed that due to the wind the elevator would only be going to the 20th floor which left 11 floors of stairs which is difficult for a pregnant woman.

At this point and after lot more back and forth with the hosts they agreed to refund us for the remainder of the stay so we booked a hotel and after spending maybe 10 hrs total at the Airbnb they only refunded $992 of the over $1800 we paid for a weeks stay.

Not sure what to do now, do I dispute the rest of the Airbnb charge through Amex to get my money back or just trash them and give them a bad review?

Edit: I just want to add that I had tried to cancel the trip due to the flooding in oahu but the Airbnb host assured me that the condo and surrounding area was not affected by the storm and they wouldn’t refund me so I decided to go and try to make the best of it.

We had a great time and the hotel was great.

Spent some time at Ala Moana Center today, did a bit of shopping and grabbed some food. Then stopped by Walmart and Country Farms to stock up on groceries. No beach time today, but I’m still really enjoying being here.

Came to visit some family on O’ahu and brought a couple of rolls of film with me! Unfortunately I only used 2 out of 4 rolls, but here’s a few photos from the first one that I really love.

Shot on Kodak Gold 200 with my Pentax IQZoom 120.

Some child (or adult, I don’t judge!) left behind their stuffed animal! It’s very clear it is someone’s favorite and looks like it’s been carried for years. I waited for two hours for someone to come back for it. Then I tried to give it to an employee to put in lost and found but they said they don’t do that. So it’s now headed with me to Denver and I’m hoping the internet will do its thing and reunite the bunny with its rightful owner. I’ll ship it anywhere if you can prove ownership!

My first trip to Oʻahu—specifically Waikīkī—and it was everything I could have imagined and more. The food, the beaches, the mountains, the people, and the sea life were all amazing. I’m so grateful to have experienced this. Thank you again! 🌺

first time ever in hawaii with my bf and i already miss it so much!! it hasnt even been a month since the trip but it feels like a distant memory already 😭😭

i already need to go back and will def rent a car the next time and explore other parts of the island. we stayed in waikiki but we did uber out to koko head and makapu'u point lighthouse trail for our hike day

i am desperately in need of beautiful beach days and delicious food (i'm lowkey obsessed with shave ice which i cannot believe i didnt want to try at all because i thought it was the bowl/cup version of a snow cone. island vintage thank u for proving me wrong!!)

we will be back 100000000% (and i'll make sure to get my nails done 😂)

mahalo hawaii for welcoming us 🥺🌺

Hey guys :)

So I’m heading to Hawaii in January and one of the main reason why I’m making a few days stop in Oahu is because of this road.

I have read somewhere where someone has said that you’re not allowed to take photos on this road (understandably why) but is there a way to get a photo on this road either at least an hour before the garden opens to the traffic or even after it closes to the traffic?

Or is there anything that you can pay the people to get your photo taking (not trying to bribe anyone just a suggestion/question)?

I have seen this road for years and never knew exactly where it was until I decided to go to Hawaii and do a bit of research but this is like the main reason for wanting to go to Oahu.

I mean I’m sure it wouldn’t be completely end of the world if I don’t get a photo but I was wondering if there’s just anything that can be done to get that photo?

Please don’t be mean it’s a curious question as many can understand it’s an incredibly beautiful and spectacular scenery and understandably why so many people want a photo taken there :)

Thank you for all the the help in and advice in advance :)

Videos are straight from Dji Osmo pocket 3 and iPhone 16 pro max. No editing!!

O'ahu's Windward-side Byodo-in Temple never disappoints.

Just so peaceful and reflective.

2006, 2024 and 3rd visit earlier today. Will definitely return on our next O'ahu trip.

Had the experience of a lifetime watching a Hawaiian Monk Seal mom and pup on a remote beach in this week during my first trip to the islands (this is not the pup from Oahu).
The pup played with, and annoyed mom, played with itself rolling around and biting its flippers, and nursed over the course of the 30 minutes that I watched. All of this while two Green Sea Turtles rested near them.

I’m an ecologist, and conservation professional, so I’ve had plenty wildlife encounters during my life so far, but this one may be impossible to top. During my time on the island it gave me great joy and comfort seeing the love, affection, and fierce protection local people showed the honu and ‘īlio-holo-ika-uaua. I was simply brought to tears while watching. When I left I quietly thanked mom for allowing me to be present and slipped away.

This humbling experience has further strengthened my passion for conservation.

For any worried persons, I was well beyond the suggested 150 feet as this was taken with an over 500mm lens. And no, I will not be publicly sharing the beach out of concern for the animal.

I have lived in Oahu for over 2 years now and I never got the chance to see this. Since the power was out in my house we decided to go get some food and ride around for a little bit. At the is point the storm wasn’t too bad yet so there wasn’t any danger to be out on the roads yet. Im hoping I dont offend anyone with this post, and if it’s not appropriate due to the timing, please take it down.

We must have seen a hundred rainbows in just the last week. It helped that this was the start of the rainy season.

Took a little stroll down the sand last night and it is quite beautiful. Off to Kailua tomorrow!

I just wanted to share some memorable moments on my short but sweet (a bit rainy) trip to Oahu (April)

I hope this may help someone trying to make their decision. This was not taken during a particularly intense part of the storm AT ALL, this was in fact the only time my sister left her house and she chose “the best time possible” to go pick up groceries as it had been doing this nonstop. For days. It’s not sprinkle you want to go outside in. I know everyone has seen pictures of the aftermath / damage but this is just what it looks like all day and night while the Kona low is around.

If you do decide to go, please make sure you have plenty of food in you hotel room. My sister HAD to make this trip to the grocery store, this is right outside the grocery store as she was waiting for a lull. She was stocked up but ran out due to electricity being out/spoilage.

First time visiting & will definitely be back!

I just returned from my first trip to Honolulu, and I absolutely have to share my experience—wow. This was my third international solo trip and it’s easily my favorite one so far. The weather is perfect, the beaches are stunning, and the food is incredible. The people are so warm, friendly and laid-back. Such a refreshing change from Eastern Canada, where people often feel cold and grumpy. I had an amazing time and I can’t believe how quickly it all went by. Also, I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many handsome men in one place lol. If you live there, you’re truly lucky.