Oahu, Hawaii- 2021

Back to Hawaii!

Hawaii is one of those destinations that never fails to deliver paradise-like experiences. Our 2021 trip brought new adventures, flavors, and moments that reminded us why this place is so magical. From breathtaking landmarks to underwater adventures, here’s a recap of our journey, with a sprinkle of fun facts about the Aloha State!

©️victoriaam

Diamond Head, Round Two

We started our trip with a hike up Diamond Head, also known as Lē’ahi in Hawaiian. This volcanic crater, formed over 300,000 years ago, offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. The trail is a popular 1.6-mile round trip and is considered a moderate hike, with its final steep climb rewarding hikers with breathtaking vistas.

This time around, we ended our hike with a sweet treat, Dole pineapple smoothies from the shack at the base of the crater. Nothing beats the tropical taste of pineapple after a morning of exploring.

Btw I took this same exact photo and pose a few years prior! Go back a few blog posts to check it out!

©️victoriaam

A Feast for the Senses

The food on this trip was even better than our last visit. We sipped on Maui dragon fruit seltzers, which paired perfectly with the tropical vibe, and stopped by the Dole Plantation farm for fresh pineapple treats. The plantation is one of the island’s top attractions and home to the world’s largest maze.

Fun Fact: Hawaii produces about one-third of the world’s commercial pineapples, and the Dole Plantation is a cornerstone of the state’s pineapple history.

Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Tour

Snorkeling at Turtle Canyon was a highlight of the trip. Located just offshore from Waikiki, this reef is a haven for Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). These gentle creatures swam gracefully among the coral and colorful fish, making it feel like we were part of their world.

What was cool about this that all 10 of us were able to book the same tour. We all were able to experience the sea turtles and reefs at once. One of the best tours I have been on!

Exploring Landmarks

We dedicated part of our trip to exploring some of Oahu’s most iconic landmarks.

The Amelia Earhart Lookout: This scenic spot, perched near Diamond Head, is dedicated to the aviation pioneer who famously stopped in Hawaii during her groundbreaking flights. The views here are postcard-worthy, showcasing the island’s coastline. Or the Tantalus lookout where upside down rainbows can be found! Take a look at this photo I took, can you spot the upside down rainbow?

The Byodo-In Temple: Nestled in the Valley of the Temples, this serene Buddhist temple is a replica of a 900-year-old Japanese temple. The lush surroundings and koi ponds made it a peaceful retreat.

 Pearl Harbor Memorial: Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial was a poignant experience. This site, which honors the 2,403 lives lost during the attack on December 7, 1941, is both somber and awe-inspiring.

Relaxation at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

Back at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, we spent the afternoon kayaking in the calm, turquoise lagoon. The resort’s lagoon is a perfect spot for water activities, offering a more serene alternative to the ocean waves.

Exploring Jurassic Park Filming Locations

And, as a cherry on top, we explored some iconic filming locations from Jurassic Park!

One of the most exciting parts of this trip was visiting Kualoa Ranch, the iconic filming location for Jurassic Park and countless other Hollywood blockbusters. This private nature reserve features sprawling green valleys, towering cliffs, and lush forests that are straight out of a movie scene.

We walked through some of the areas where the famous dinosaur chase sequences were filmed and even stood in the exact spots where key moments from the movie took place. Seeing the dramatic landscapes in person was like stepping into Jurassic Park itself!

Fun Fact: Kualoa Ranch is not just a filming locationn’s it’s a 4,000-acre working cattle ranch that also offers ATV tours, horseback riding, and ziplining adventures

Aloha Stadium Market

On our final day, we visited the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet and Marketplace. This open-air market is a treasure trove of local crafts, souvenirs, and street food. We tried various island delicacies and brought home a few handcrafted keepsakes to remember the trip.

A Rainbow Goodbye

Hawaii saved the best for last, with multiple rainbows gracing the sky on our final day. Rainbows are a common sight in Hawaii, earning it the nickname The Rainbow State.