Hawaii
A low budget quick trip to paradise in Hawaii!
Hawaii is a place, which everybody probably have heard about: surfing, beaches, volcanoes, diving, sunsets and variety of tropical cocktails… Hawaii… This is a place you have to have a look, and have an impression about.
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I have decided to plan my trip several months ahead to get the best deal of price and quality. Even though, many hotels and flights have already been unavailable, what means, if you are looking for any specific dates and places to stay, the earlier you start planning, the better for you! Round trip flight would appear being around $398 from San Francisco with Virgin America airlines, which was a good price, as it have been growing dramatically closer to the date. Searching around places to stay, and looking the surroundings as well, I understood, that for me it was the way more important where the place is located! Ocean front facilities or a least located near the beach was my priority. I booked a private room in Hostelling International (price for four nights including taxes was around $290). Therefore, overall, I spent around $700 to get to Hawaii and stay there for 5 days. Cheap for Hawaii, isn’t it?
Now, let me talk about my feelings and impression of Hawaii, including some hints, which I would like to share with all newcomers. We arrived in the morning, around 11 am. What can I say? Hawaiian land is gorgeous, as from the airport it even smells different… smells sweet… smells freedom… Everything around is so green and beautiful, so, the first thought came to my mind was… “How happy should be the people, living on this wonderful piece of land”.
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As for transportation, taking Uber/Lyft from airport to Waikiki beach appeared to be in a range of $30, whereby alternative of the city bus for $2,5 seemed more attractive. Comfortable bus, equipped with air conditioning brought us to Waikiki beach in 45 minutes. The closer we were coming to Waikiki, the more surprisingly fancy the place was. Many skyscrapers, which is a big surprise, as I was expected to see something more reminding condo instead. Diversity of restaurants was impressive, but we decided to start with something we are familiar with and went to Denny’s. We had a nice breakfast and got some energy for the day.
At the Hostelling International, no early check in was possible, so it only encouraged us to check the beach, while there was some time. Waikiki beach was beautiful: Warm Ocean, white sand, attractive green mountains landscape and many people. Later on I discovered better places, from my point of view, but still, Waikiki beach is certainly nice place to go! After the beach, around 3 pm, we could have checked in; everything was good, but not Air conditioning available, besides the fan, which is not super helpful in such weather conditions. Initially it made me disappointed; however, I would say it probably kept me away from becoming sick, as it is Hawaii and ocean is everywhere, what makes you be always wet and actually fan is more practical and healthy decision.
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Trying to find a nice place for first Hawaiian dinner, I was trying to ask locals what they would recommend. We have obtained recommendations to some nearby restaurants, oceanfront, with beautiful lights and live music at night. Dukes was one of the most popular, and it was not very far, so we walk for several minutes to get there. It was a huge line at the host desk and super crowded inside, so we were hungry and did not want to wait. We climbed upstairs, where two other restaurants were located. We looked at both menus and picked the Steakhouse. We got the table with wonderful ocean view, where we were enjoying good food and cocktails. I would say, probably all the restaurants located at the beach are nice and enjoyable. Prices might be high, so, remember, you are in Hawaii, be ready to spend around $100-$200 for a nice dinner in a nice place.
Next day we did rent a car, as there were so many places to see and five days only. First point occurred to be a Diamond Head State Monument. This destination was not far, so did not take us a lot of time to get there. Initially, the top of the mountain and its route seem long and hard, but then we were told it would practically take about 1,5 hour to get up and down, including all stops for pictures. I would say going up was hard, as it contained many stairs as well as hilly rock to climb up. It opened for us all the view on Waikiki and its surroundings and was extremely beautiful. It worth every single step we climbed up. Our second destination appeared to be the Hanauma Bay. Honestly saying, I had zero intention to pay $7,5 to enter the beach, as beach is everywhere in Hawaii, so I could have gone to another place for free… I thought… However, if you have a chance to go there – do not hesitate to pay! This is a snorkeling paradise. Corral riffs and variety of spices are waiting for you there to dive together! Range price for snorkeling equipment for $15-$25, where you can either bring yours, or rent – which is convenient as well. Snorkeling will take all your day, following different fish and waves. Unfortunately, we had many other spots to have a look at, so we left for a new destination.
North beaches are considered the best beaches on Oahu Island. They are the most clean and less crowded, what keeps their flora and fauna safe and free. Before leaving for Hawaii, most of my friends have mentioned this to be the first spot I will have to go to. Famous sea turtles are mostly seen on the north beach. Thus, the hotspot of sea turtles is pretty crowded, and tourists are non-stop taking pictures of two sleeping turtles, chilling at the beach. We came up to have a quick look. Turtles were very sweet, they were pretty big and active, but I was mostly attracted by one little boy, average age 12-14. As we later figured it out, that little one is volunteer, he was standing there to make sure everybody following the rules and does not harm the animals. The responsibility and will to take care of turtles impressed me dramatically and I got a wish to go and shake that little hand, saying “Thank You! People like you are important!” It was getting close to the night and we returned home.
Next day in the morning, we took our car and went to see Manoa Waterfall. it was around 8 in the morning, so when we arrived, nobody was meeting us near the entrance. We saw the note we had to pay $5 for parking, however, no parking attendant was due to that moment. We dropped the car on the parking slot (with $5 ready to be paid afterwards). Way to the waterfall was wild! It was rainy, dirty and humid on that territory. We became dirty in 10 minutes, climbing up to the fall. After reaching the destination I understood – I have never been so close! The views have captured my breath and my mind… I was hypnotized… I fell in love…
Where can you go next, would you ask? It was hard to decide if I was ready to go anywhere in this world, but we went to see Pearl Harbor… Driving around green Hawaiian mountains brought me back to life, so I could have started enjoying the surroundings again. At Pearl Harbor, we have decided to see Missouri Battleship. Missouri was just amazing! There are no words to describe it! It is huge and so equipped, so while walking around it did seem to me there was the other city there. The battleship has everything to live, starting from variety of kitchens preparing main entrees and deserts, nice rooms to live in, doctors on board, fire department, library, post office, conference hall and many others details, you have to see in order to understand what impressed me so much! The day was hot and after finishing the excursion, we are on the way back at Panda Express (very nice Chinese food) and returned to the beach to enjoy the views and its warm Ocean.
Last days were the most hard. We were trying to get souvenirs for all our family and friends. There were still several destinations we would be happy to see, but I consider, when you come to Hawaii there should be time (at least couple days) just to relax on the beach. In order to switch beaches as big adventure travelers we went to the Magic Island. Magic Island is a popular spot for scuba diving, where we also did not lose our chance to dive. As for me diving was pretty scary, but the views it opens for you are incredible! These views captured our attention and all day we spend swimming and diving, trying to enjoy that wonderful opportunity we had.
In order to finalize such an amazing trip with some nice dinner we decided to go to the restaurant, called Top of Waikiki. Let me just say it was perfect from the beginning to the end! We made reservation, asked for the best table with a sunset view. We got the bottle of French Champagne, delicious steak and salmon, adding an unbelievable chocolate dessert with a candle on the side to make a wish. The only wish I had that moment was “To return to Hawaii”.
I would not say my story is a perfect guidance for amateur travelers. Hawaii has the way more places to visit, but, unfortunately, there was not so much time available for me that time, so I could have limit myself to the most popular spots to see. Just keep in mind – if you planning to go to Hawaii (But you should go for sure as this place is paradise) at least spend their 10 days to enjoy fully the Oahu and its wealth. Hawaii is very beautiful and friendly place! Place, where your body and soul live in harmony and peace. This is a peace of paradise for me; I already miss and want to see it back.
Written by: All Star Travel guest travel writer.