I recently took a trip to beautiful island of Oahu. My husband’s family grew up there, and some still live there so we were able to visit.
I had a really amazing time trying to experience and eat my way around the Island 🙂
Experiences
Polynesian Cultural Center
The PCC let’s you learn about island cultures (Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand, etc.) in such a fun and engaging way. My favorite thing was watching the incredible Samoan fire-dancing and drinking out of pineapples.
How PCC stole my heart
Kualoa Range
We went on a raptor tour of the Kualoa range that was really amazing. The Kualoa range is recognizable even if you haven’t been there, because it has been filmed in 50 First Dates, Jumanji, Jurassic Park, etc. When we went it was pouring rain…which made for a very memorable experience!
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Pearl Harbor
If you are on Oahu hands down I think you should go on a tour of Pearl Harbor. We went on a bus tour which was amazing, because of all the history and stories. Ferrying out to the US Arizona was a very humbling experience. You end up being right on top of the ship, and can see the oil leaking out which is crazy to me! Side note: I think that Arizona is shutdown right now, because they found a leak in the memorial. Very grateful that I was able to see it when I did.
Food
Ted’s Bakery plate lunches
Ted’s Bakery is amazing. They have a ton of different pies and baked treats (Chantilly cake, Haupia pie, dobash cake). My favorite thing from them was the teriyaki beef plate lunches though. Plate lunches are huge in Hawaii! You can find them every where. Plate lunches are made up of protein (teriyaki beef, chicken, kalua pork), macaroni salad, and rice, YUM!
Outside of Ted’s
Chantilly
Chantilly is something I’ve never heard of before travelling to Hawaii! You will find it on cakes, cream puffs, etc. My favorite chantilly cake was found at The Willows. It is similar to a German chocolate cake with no coconut, and covered in chopped nuts.
Chantilly cake from Ted’s Bakery
Shave Ice
If you are in Hawaii shave ice is a must! My favorite place was Matsumoto’s in Haleiwa. The flavors were on point. Also, we met Matsumoto and he is a super cool dude! Haleiwa is a must see too. It’s a very cool surfer town with fun shops and great food.
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I can’t wait to get back to Oahu. It is such a beautiful and unique place.
Mahalo for reading!
Links for you!
Polynesian Cultural Center
Kualoa Ranch
Ted’s Bakery
Matsumoto’s
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