Oahu, Hawaii

This was a last minute weekend trip I decided on to finally cross off two things on my bucket list for Hawaii: The hike up the Stairway to Heaven and the Galapagos shark cage dive. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was closed on the Big Island, so I will have to return for the lava hike in the future. I had such a lovely experience here. The locals here were so friendly and were so eager to talk to me. As little sleep as I got on my short adventure filled weekend trip, this is what I live for. 

Day 1

Touchdown in Honolulu & spam musubi and curry dinner at the Musubi Cafe iyasume in Waikiki.

Day 2

Up at 5 a.m. for the Stairway to Heaven hike. Took a $30 Lyft ride from Waikiki beach to the Moanalua Valley Trail. Ate a spam musubi on the way there. Gruesome 7 hour hike. PB&J sandwich at the summit. Read: Hike to the Stairway to Heaven. Poke and acai bowl for late lunch. People are so friendly around here. Walked along Waikiki beach and watched the sunset. Ahi Tuna tacos for dinner. Mai Tai for a nightcap at the Hideout bar.

Stairway to Heaven
Tuna and Salmon Shoyu Poke at Mauro Spot in Waikiki
IMG_9454
Acai bowl at Aloha Coffee
Sunset at Waikiki Beach
Ahi tuna tacos & guac dip with sweet potato chips
The Mai Tai is on point

Day 3

Hearty breakfast before the shark cage dive. Saw Galapagos sharks. Waves were very choppy, and was incredibly hard to hold on to the bars and not have limbs stick out and become shark food. Ocean water was uncomfortably cold. Stopped by a macadamia farm for macadamias. Picked an oyster for it’s pearl – turned out a deep lavender color. Canoe ride at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Pina Colada, along with an amazing buffet dinner show – Alii Luau Hale Aloha at the Polynesian Cultural Center. 

Eggs Benedict with Kalua at Sweet E's Cafe
Shark cage dive
Galapagos sharks
Galapagos Sharks 2
Opening up the oyster
Gorgeous deep lavender pearl that came out of the oyster I picked
Canoe ride around the Polynesian Cultural Center
Pina Colada at the luau
Amazing food and show at the luau
IMG_0333
"Ha" - The Breath of Life Show

Day 4

Flight back to LA with Hawaiian Airlines on Extra Comfort seats – so much leg room. Such a fantastic experience. Packed spam musubi for the flight (eel with egg, yellow pickle, and plum).

Spam musubi from the Musubi Cafe Iyasume
Delicious matcha covered macadamias!
Complimentary meal and snacks with Hawaiian Air

Stay wild,
Evangeline

Related articles: 

Hiking the Stairway to Heaven

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