I simply received again from an unimaginable four-day journey to Waikiki on the island of Oahu with my youngest son, Jonah, and let me let you know — for those who’re in search of the proper mix of leisure, journey, and superb meals, Waikiki is the place it’s at. Oh, and did I point out Jonah turned 18 whereas we had been there? Nothing like a milestone birthday in paradise, proper? Right here’s the rundown of how we lived our greatest lives in Waikiki — from sport fishing and infinity swimming pools to ukulele classes and (in all probability an excessive amount of) shaved ice.
The place We Stayed: Sheraton Waikiki
We stayed on the Sheraton Waikiki, and truthfully, I may need to maneuver in completely. The situation? Perfection. Proper on the seaside, strolling distance to all the things. We solely needed to seize an Uber to and from the airport — which suggests extra time for the essential stuff, like mai tais and seaside lounging.
The lodge itself is all the things you’d anticipate from a top-tier Hawaiian resort. We kicked issues off with a free ukulele lesson (as a result of when in Hawaii…), then scorching tubbed like execs and even discovered to make a flower bracelet — which, by the way in which, is less complicated than it seems. One of many highlights? Renting a personal cabana on the adults-only infinity pool. Floating in that pool with ocean views and drink service? That’s what trip goals are manufactured from.
The rooms are cozy. Every room has a espresso maker with Hawaiian espresso and a tea kettle, a Japanese bathroom, and a balcony.
Sports activities Fishing
Turning 18 is a giant deal, so we determined to go huge with a deep-sea fishing journey with Aloha Charters LLC — and it was epic. Our information, Jerry, was unbelievable — the sort of man who is aware of all the most effective spots and makes you are feeling such as you’ve been pals perpetually. Jonah reeled in a mahi mahi (cue the proud mother second), and I in some way managed to catch a marlin. Nonetheless unsure how that occurred, however I’m taking the win.
If you happen to’ve by no means been sport fishing in Hawaii, put it in your listing. There’s nothing like the frenzy of hooking a giant one whereas surrounded by that deep blue Pacific water. And the look on Jonah’s face when he pulled in his catch? Priceless.
The place We Ate (As a result of Meals is Half the Enjoyable)
We didn’t simply eat nicely — we ate like royalty. Waikiki is a meals lover’s paradise, and we did our greatest to style all of it:
🍽️ Dinners
- Duke’s – A traditional spot, proper on the seaside. Fish tacos and mai tais whereas the solar units? Sure, please. Plus, if it’s your birthday you get a free dessert.
- Rumfire – Fashionable with a killer ocean view. Their cocktails alone are well worth the go to. Glad hours begins at 4 PM with some good drink offers. I had steak and Jonah had a hamburger. We had the Japanese fried rooster for an appetizer and it was insanely good.
- Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin – If you happen to’re craving Japanese, this place nails it. The crispy pork cutlet was next-level.
- Depraved Maine Lobster – As a result of generally you simply want a lobster roll (or two).
We additionally had dinner at Monkey Pod one night time and I don’t suggest it. That’s how we ended up at Depraved Maine Lobster within the meals court docket subsequent to our lodge.
🍦 Desserts
- Baskin Robbins – Not your typical Baskin Robbins — they’ve shaved ice! Extremely suggest the tropical flavors. We had one on-site at our lodge so we took it again to our cabana.
- Island Classic Shaved Ice – Palms down the most effective shaved ice we had. The distinction between theirs and lots of others is that it’s served with mushy serve vanilla ice cream, popping boba, and mochi. Get the lilikoi and thank me later.
🍤 Lunches
- Giovanni Shrimp – The garlic shrimp? Legendary, and now you wouldn’t have to enterprise all the way in which to the North Shore simply to get some. They’ve a small location in Waikiki.
- Excessive Tea on the Veranda at Moana Surfrider – This was such a deal with! Fancy little sandwiches, scones, and tea overlooking the seaside — very posh, very scrumptious. You may improve your tea so as to add a burger or a mimosa flight.
🍳 Breakfasts
- Dawn Shack – The açai bowls had been refreshing and ideal for beginning a seaside day. There may be little or no seating right here. It’s mainly seize and go.
Dawn Shack picture by Meagan Wristen
- Kai Market – All of the breakfast classics, plus tropical fruits galore and glorious views. Jonah had the steak and eggs which will need to have been good as a result of he demolished them. I had the vegan eggs benedict which had been scrumptious. We additionally tried the Portuguese sausage since we’d by no means had any earlier than.
Different Highlights
Between all of the consuming and fishing, we managed to take in some good seaside time. Waikiki Seaside is strictly as stunning as you’d anticipate — golden sand, turquoise water, and simply sufficient waves to make issues enjoyable with out scaring off the children (or mothers). We spent a number of time strolling alongside the seaside and exploring the retailers close by. You might actually spend an entire day wandering round with out ever losing interest.
Why Waikiki is the Excellent Spot
This journey had all the things: a bit journey, a number of leisure, and a few significantly good eats. The Sheraton Waikiki was the proper house base, and the walkability made all the things really easy. Jonah’s 18th birthday was one for the books — catching a mahi mahi, consuming his weight in shrimp, and absorbing the Hawaiian solar.
If you happen to’re planning a visit to Waikiki, take notes — sport fishing, infinity swimming pools, and excessive tea would possibly simply be the profitable combo you didn’t know you wanted. Aloha! 🌺
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