Hawaii? Yes Please!

HAWAII

Hawaii is always magical.  With air fares as low as $149 each way from Las Vegas to Honolulu, it makes it even better. Here are my personal top ten things to do in Oahu.  These are in no particular order!  Just my favorite things there.

1.  Rent a car and drive the island.  We rented a Mustang convertible when we were there once with some fun friends.  There is just something wonderful about cruising around the island with the top down and just enjoying the beautiful island!

 Just one of our stops, looking at the beautiful island!

2.  Snorkel.  We snorkeled once at Hanauma Bay, which is both a Nature Preserve and a Marine Life Conservation District.  It is very popular and gets quite busy.  We have also snorkeled at The Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore.  Better snorkeling up there, less people, more sea life.  My kids saw sea turtles! Just don't forget the sunscreen!  Silly me, I thought it was overcast so we would be fine!  Oops!  Worst sunburn my hubby has ever had :/
 3.  Hike Diamondhead.  This volcanic tuff rewards you with a fantastic view of Oahu.  It is less than a mile up, but they recommend you take an hour and a half to 2 hours to go up and back.  There are some steep spots.  The very top has stairs that lead to a platform, great place for pics!  My kids had tons of energy this day and ran to the top.  They passed teenage boys with their CamelBaks.
4.  Go to a Luau.  Hawaiian food and Hawaiian dancers.  Need I say more?  One of our favorites was the Paradise Cove on Ko Olina.

At the Paradise Cove Luau

5.    Pearl Harbor.  I love historical things thrown into my vacation.  If I can learn or teach my kids something, it makes my vacations even better!  Don't miss this if you are in Oahu.  The USS Arizona Memorial was my favorite part.  Still gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
6.  Polynesian Cultural Center.  I may have had to drag my husband in here kicking and screaming, however, I think he eventually enjoyed himself.  The kids had fun. Plus we learned more about the Polynesian people and their ancestors.
7.  Eat at a Shrimp Truck.  My husbands favorite thing.  Fresh, delicious shrimp.  Some park randomly, some are just permanently stuck.  May be some of the best shrimp you will ever have.
8.  Buy some fresh fruit from the locals on the side of the road.  Drinking coconut milk straight from the coconut, eating fresh pineapple, all after the locals cut it up for you with their machete.  Only in Hawaii!
9.  Go hiking!  Oahu has a vast number of hiking trails, from easy to difficult.  Amazing waterfalls and scenery await you on one of these beautiful hikes!
10.  Shop!  Sorry, I couldn't resist.  I love shopping. Hawaii has some delicious chocolate macadamia nuts.  I once bought a Hawaii tote bag and filled it with boxes of chocolates for our friends at home.  Also, some friends have found some good deals on Hawaiian jewelry.

Well, there are my top ten favorite things in Oahu.  I could have made a top 20, but you will have to go there yourself and let me know what you like to do!