Hawaii has always been on my travel bucket list, and this August, I finally got to experience its magic. From the moment we landed in Honolulu, I knew this trip would be nothing short of extraordinary. We stayed at the iconic Royal Hawaiian Resort in Waikiki, and it truly lived up to its nickname, “The Pink Palace of the Pacific.”
Waikiki in August: A Beach Lover’s Paradise
August in Waikiki was a dream. The high tides brought perfect waves, and the water temperature was just right for spending hours under the sun. We lounged on the beach all day, basking in the beauty of the turquoise waters and the vibrant atmosphere.
Every morning started with a trip to the Royal Hawaiian Bakery, where we indulged in the best coffee and butter rolls. There’s something special about enjoying a fresh, buttery pastry with a rich cup of coffee while overlooking the ocean.
Exploring Waikiki: Shopping and Sailing
Waikiki’s main road is a shopper’s paradise. The upscale boutiques and designer stores were too tempting to resist, and I found myself exploring every corner of this luxury shopping district.
One of the highlights of my stay was a 1-hour Diamond Head sail on Waikiki Beach. This was a breathtaking experience where I was lucky enough to see dolphins, including playful baby dolphins, and even some turtles. It was a surreal moment that truly captured the essence of Hawaii’s natural beauty.
A Foodie’s Delight: Leonard’s Bakery and Shrimp Shack
No trip to Hawaii is complete without a visit to Leonard’s Bakery. Their Malasadas (Portuguese donuts) are legendary, and I can attest to that! My favorite flavors were the cinnamon and the cinnamon cream—absolutely divine.
For lunch, we made a stop at the Shrimp Shack, a highly recommended food truck. Their shrimp was the best I’ve ever had, and the pineapple-orange juice ice cream drink was the perfect refreshment on a hot day.
Island Adventures: From Lanai Lookout to Turtle Beach
We decided to spend a day exploring the island, starting with Lanai Lookout. The views of the southeast ocean and the rocky cliffs covered in volcanic ash were breathtaking—definitely a must-see for anyone visiting Oahu.
Next, we headed to the Halona Blowhole, where we stayed for a while to capture videos and photos of this incredible natural wonder. Although I wanted to visit the Makapu’u Tide Pools, we didn’t leave early enough, so we had to skip it due to the crowds.
We then made our way to the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden to capture “the photo” and soak in the beauty of the lush garden. After that, we stopped at Lanikai Beach for some sun and relaxation before continuing our drive.
One of the most memorable stops was Turtle Beach, where we saw the largest turtles I’ve ever encountered. The beach was teeming with these gentle giants, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling.
Surfing and Cliff Jumping: Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay
No visit to Oahu would be complete without checking out the Banzai Pipeline, famous for its massive waves. While the waves were “small” by local standards in August, they were still impressive and made for perfect surfing and sunbathing conditions.
At Waimea Bay Park, I couldn’t resist the thrill of cliff jumping off the big boulder on the beach. This seemed like a favorite spot for the locals, and it was a blast! Waimea Bay is definitely a place I’d return to for more sunbathing and swimming.
Sweet Endings: Dole Plantation and North Shore
Our day trip concluded with a visit to the Dole Plantation, where we took the train tour and indulged in the famous Dole Whip. The North Shore, with its charming vibe, was the perfect place to wind down after an adventure-packed day.
Final Days: Kualoa Ranch and Atlantis Submarine Tour
The following day, we headed to Kualoa Ranch for a 2-hour UTV raptor tour. This was an adrenaline-filled adventure, and if I could do it again, I’d definitely add the movie tour to the itinerary.
last big activity was the Atlantis Submarine Tour back in Waikiki. This was an incredible experience, diving 115 feet into the ocean and seeing Hawaiian fish, sharks, manta rays, and other ocean life. I recommend taking the first tour at 9 AM, as it’s less crowded and offers a more peaceful experience.
Aloha, Until Next Time
Hawaii was everything I dreamed it would be and more. From the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to the delicious food and unforgettable adventures, it was a trip I’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, Hawaii has it all. I can’t wait to return and explore even more of this beautiful island paradise.
Aloha!