Oahu, Hawaii - The Anti-Tourist Guide

I just returned from Hawaii. The trip there wasn't bad—I didn't feel very tired. This was mostly because I took some helpful steps, like packing well in advance, staying hydrated, and sleeping on the plane. However, coming home has been more challenging.

I've been exhausted all week. I've been tough on myself for not being as productive, but I've realized that productivity largely depends on how the body feels.

No matter how motivated I am, it doesn't amount to much if my body isn't in top shape.

Now, let's dive into why I'm feeling so exhausted…

I absolutely loved my Hawaii trip! I spent over a week in Oahu, one of the more popular islands and home to Honolulu. While it's easy to get stuck in tourist traps, I've got some insider tips to show you the real Oahu. Trust me, you're in for a treat!

In this guide, I'll focus exclusively on Oahu. There's so much to do on this single island that a week barely scratches the surface.

Let's explore the Anti-Tourist Guide to Oahu.

First, check out the North Shore. When you're in Oahu, you should visit this area to see what Hawaii is really like. The North Shore has many great beaches. At Laniakea Beach, you can see big turtles. I saw one that was so big, I thought it was a rock at first! If you want to see a pretty sunset, go to Sunset Beach Park.

While making a trip up there, be sure to visit Haleiwa, a historic Hawaiian town, and get shave ice at Matsumoto. Shave ice is similar to Italian ice, but with more consistent flavoring throughout. It's often served with ice cream and red beans. I know it sounds like an odd combination, but it's delicious!

Toa Luau- There are many luau experiences in Hawaii, but this one is truly authentic. You'll enjoy genuine dancing from a family-run business focused on preserving their culture. I checked out other luaus on the island (I'm a bit of a weirdo with FOMO), and this was by far the best.

If you like hiking, Oahu is perfect for you. The Diamond Head State Monument (reservation needed) offers great views of the island. Manoa Falls has a sacred history and a cool waterfall at the end (but bring plenty of bug spray). There's also Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, where you can view exotic plants from around the world while enjoying beautiful scenery.

But wait, there are more beaches! On the eastern side of the island, there's Kailua Beach, considered one of the world's best by National Geographic and TripAdvisor. Then there's Lanikai Beach, which translates to "Heavenly Sea." And don't forget Hanauma Bay, a great spot for snorkeling. Note that Hanauma Bay requires a reservation. Due to past over-tourism, they have strict rules and don't make exceptions. For example, I saw a family with small children get turned away because the mother missed the reservation time by a few minutes while her kids were sleeping in the car.

Iolani Palace - Before I went to Hawaii, I heard some locals talking about splitting from the United States. At first, I thought it was crazy talk. But as I learned more about Hawaii's history, I started to get it. Hawaii used to be its own country. The U.S. took it over, partly to have a military base near Asia. 

Does that sound like something you've heard before? 🤔

Iolani Palace is special because it's the only royal palace in America. You can visit it quickly and look around at your own speed.

Guidelines for Oahu

Be mindful of time zones - There's a 6-hour difference between the East Coast and Hawaii. An 8 PM show in Hawaii is actually 2 AM Eastern Time. Factor this into your planning. Even as a night owl, I felt the time difference's impact.

Rent a car - A rental car is crucial. Many of Oahu's best sights are far from tourist hubs. While you might Uber there, getting back can be tricky. Check if your accommodation charges for daily parking.

Prepare for high prices - Brace yourself for expense. Hawaii imports much of its food due to overtourism and agricultural land misuse. Even basics like bananas can be costly.

Choose your sunscreen wisely - Protect Hawaii's delicate coral reefs by using mineral-based sunscreen. Conventional synthetic-based sunscreens can harm the marine ecosystem. Specifically, avoid products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Diverse culinary scene - Oahu boasts a wide array of Asian cuisine, thanks to tourists from Japan and other Asian countries. Being in the middle of the Pacific, seafood naturally plays a starring role in local dishes. While the options might differ from your usual fare back home, embrace this chance to explore new flavors and expand your palate.

I had an absolute blast on my Oahu adventure and can't recommend Oahu, Hawaii enough for your bucket list. 

The best part? 

You can often snag great flight deals, making this tropical paradise more accessible than you might think. So why wait? Start planning your Hawaiian getaway today!

Keep traveling,

Andrew

What would you do first when you get to Oahu?

Cocktail of the Week

The Death in the Gulf Stream cocktail was invented in the United States and is believed to have been created by the famous American writer Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway was known for enjoying this cocktail at his favorite bar in Key West, Florida.

Recipe:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 0.5 oz falernum

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, lime juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, and falernum to the shaker.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel or twist.

Random Travel Thought

Hiking pants are getting super stylish. Give them a try. 

Follow me on Instagram.

The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com: This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner: An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing: I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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