There’s little to not love about Oahu’s northern coast. Not only are there so many things to do in the North Shore. It also has the best food joints, offers magical experiences, and is simply, unbelievably spectacular.
While I was a little disappointed with certain aspects of Honolulu, I was completely smitten with the North Shore. Having practically non-existent upper body strength, I thought it best to make do with just watching the surfers do their thing than joining them and ending up with a head gash. Still, I had an unforgettable visit. To me, there was nothing more incredible than taking a quick dip at Pupukea Beach, enjoying quick bites from the food trucks that litter the area, then sitting on the beach watching the towering waves.
Here are five things I loved most about Oahu’s North Shore.
The Turtles
The Hawaiian Islands are famous for turtle sightings, yes. In fact, watching turtles go about their daily routine on the beaches is one of the best things to do there. There are, however, parts of the islands where such sightings come easier and more naturally. The North Shore is one such place. Laniakea and Haleiwa are two of the most popular spots for sightings, but I didn’t see any when I was there. However, when I ventured out to lesser-known Aweoweo Beach, I was lucky enough to see two of them swimming super close to the shore.
The Waves
Surfing is one of the top things to do in the North Shore. But to be very honest, I have tried surfing and it just wouldn’t take. I decided that I actually prefer paddle boarding—it’s more relaxing, easier to do, and less of a full body workout. That said, I still found the North Shore’s impressive waves very appealing, the powerful, thundering ones as well as the smaller, whitewater ones. I could watch them all day, and fall asleep on the beach listening to them.
The Beautiful Views
The dramatic sky, the ragged coastline and the energetic blue sea… Need I say more?
The Food
Granted, food always seems so much better when enjoyed at the beach. Still, many of the food trucks and joints in the North Shore serve amazing fares, especially those that involve shrimps and prawns. In fact, eating is probably at the top of everyone’s list of things to do in the North Shore. Grab some garlic shrimp, tender brisket and shaved ice to go from the food trucks across Pupukea Beach. And enjoy some garlic & butter shrimp at Romy’s Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp. Trust me, you’ll be back for more sooner than you might think!
The Vibe
You’ll fall as much in love with North Shore’s easy way of life and its slow rhythm as its yummy prawns, its majestic turtles and its impressive breaks. You could pretty much do all the things there are to do in the North Shore and have a hectic visit, and yet still feel yourself slipping into its slow rhythm. It’s incredible, very seductive, and probably why so many people from many parts of the world have decided to move there.
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Oahu is a US destination, and yet it feels like a completely far off place thanks to its Polynesian roots that remain alive and thriving today. This uniqueness, coupled with its impressive mountains and stunning beaches, puts the island (and the rest of Hawaii for that matter) at the top of everyone’s–as pedestrian as this might sound–bucket list.
During our weeklong visit to ring in 2016, we discovered some things about Oahu that many wouldn’t know unless they’ve been there. And we thought we’d share them with you.
Below are some things you need to know about Oahu before your visit:
Boneless Chicken with Brown Gravy and Macaroni Salad at the Rainbow Drive-In (Photo: Michelle Rae)
The food is really good. Everyone who has been to Hawaii has complained about how underwhelming their local food is. As a result, we kept our expectations low. Much to our surprise, Hawaiian food is actually pretty good if you know where to go. In fact, we ate like kings during our visit. The trick is to skip the Hawaiian fast food chains and go where the locals go. Click here to see our Oahu restaurant recommendations.
Cinnamon Girl at Ward Warehouse in Honolulu (Photo: Michelle Rae)Eden in Love Boutique (Photo: Michelle Rae)
There’s plenty of shopping to be done. Hawaii may be on the expensive side, but there’s something about walking along beachfront Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu’s main shopping strip, that just gets you in the shopping mood. And it has a lot of our favorite brands – from cheap H&M and Forever21 to the more expensive Kate Spade, Tory Burch and Coach. At Ward Village, there are specialty boutiques like Cinnamon Girl and Eden in Love that sell the most adorable items! And then there are also the Walgreens stores that carry pretty much every single flavor of Mauna Loa and Hawaiian Host imaginable! Needless to say, our bags were twice as full on our trip home.
Surfers at Puaena Point (Photo: Michelle Rae)
Surfing is THE way of life. Pick any beach in Oahu with good-sized but safe swells and you’re bound to find a surfer riding those waves. It’s to be expected, considering that the now internationally renowned sport originated in Polynesia and has been practiced in the Hawaiian Islands as far back as the 1700s. During your visit, why not do as the locals do? You’ll regret it if you don’t as surfing is one of the most exhilarating and liberating water sports there is. There are several local surf schools by the beach, if you haven’t done any surfing before. Not ready to stand on your board just yet? Body boarding is just as fun!
Sea turtle at Aweoweo Beach (Photo: Michelle Rae)
Don’t get too close to the turtles. These majestic animals are irresistible, but they are endangered and we should all do our part to preserve their species. Sometimes, people do not realize the difference between a simple touch and going as far as sitting on a turtle’s shell. So it’s best to just avoid getting too close altogether.
Ruins hidden in the woods (Photo: Michelle Rae)
Everything is less than 3 hours away, and yet one week is still not enough. You can pretty much drive around the island in a single day. It’s that small. But that doesn’t mean that a week is enough to explore and experience the whole island. There’s just too much to do from the busy streets of Honolulu to the quieter and more adventurous North Shore and everything in between. We stayed for a week and tried to pack in as much as we could, and we still missed a lot of stuff! Stay for two weeks or more!
Everybody drives at 35 miles an hour! When you come from a big city like LA, the island’s slow pace might be a little hard to get used to. People certainly take their time doing stuff. This includes service at restaurants and driving. So if you’re used to doing things fast, you need to bring plenty of patience with you.
Waikiki Beach is great, but you can do better. Waikiki Beach is probably the most touristy beach on the island, probably because it’s the most accessible. And while it’s nice and affords a beautiful sunset, it’s certainly not the best beach on the island. We actually visited a number of beaches during our trip and have a few favorites. Do your research before you go, and you might just find one that not a lot of people know about.
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When it comes to gorgeous beaches, the Pacific archipelago and youngest state wins. In Hawaii, you’re pretty much at the mercy of the irresistible pull of the ocean. This I can attest to, having spent a week exploring Oahu to ring in the New Year.
Like every island in Hawaii, Oahu is like a patchwork of beaches – all gorgeous, all accessible to the public (no private beaches here), all completely enticing. Still, no two beaches are alike, and I’ve come to love some more than others.
Here are, in my humble opinion, seven of the best beaches in the island of Oahu.
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay (Photo: Michelle Rae)Hanauma Bay (Photo: Michelle Rae)
The clear blue-green water of Hanauma Bay is home to a vast coral reef that shelters over 400 species of fish as well as some Green sea turtles. At $7.50 per person plus the cost of parking and snorkel sets (if you don’t own them), you can spend all day snorkeling in this volcano-formed conservation area, making it a cheap yet memorable snorkeling experience. What’s more, a large part of the bay is shallow, so it’s perfect for the not so strong swimmers.
The occasional Jellyfish or Portuguese man o’ war will sometimes stray into the bay, so keep an eye out and be careful. And don’t stand on the coral reefs – how would you feel if someone walked all over your apartment?
Ko Olina Lagoon
Ko Olina Lagoon (Photo: Michelle Rae)
It’s hard not to love everything Disney has created, so naturally I had to check out the Aulani Resort, nestled in the resort area of Ko’Olina about 30 minutes west of Honolulu. Unsurprisingly, the resort was wonderful – the rooms nice, the pools lovely and the spa incredible; but some of my best experiences were at the lagoon. Semi-protected, its tranquil water is great for families with kids, beginner paddle boarders (my son mastered paddle boarding within minutes) and young snorkelers. At the beach, beach chairs and umbrellas are readily available for convenience.
Aweoweo Beach
Sea turtle at Aweoweo Beach (Photo: Michelle Rae)Sea turtle at Aweoweo Beach (Photo: Michelle Rae)Aweoweo Beach (Photo: Michelle Rae)
Looking for turtles in Oahu’s legendary North Shore? While Laniakea and Haleiwa are more famous, I prefer the lesser-known Aweoweo Beach, especially for turtle sightings. This stretch of sand in Waialua is not just beautiful, it’s also less crowded, quiet and mostly tourist-free – this means you’re less likely to deal with people more interested in taking selfies with the turtles than actually living the moment.
Please stay at least 6 feet from the turtles. They’re not there for your amusement.
Also in the North Shore across the street from a roadside gathering of food trucks (another must-stop while in Oahu) is Pupukea Beach. It’s home to Sharks Cove, which stays relatively uncrowded what with nearby Waimea Bay drawing most of the traffic, where you can snorkel in relatively calm waters. The marine life isn’t as diverse as in Hanauma Bay, but it’s free and the water is warm and shallow.
Grab some garlic shrimp, tender brisket and shaved ice to go from the food trucks across the street, and find a nice, quiet spot at the beach. Don’t forget your flippers if you’re snorkeling, Sharks Cove is pretty rocky.
Puaena Point Beach
Surfers at Puaena Point Beach (Photo: Michelle Rae)Puaena Point Beach (Photo: Michelle Rae)
Show off your beach bod and rub elbows with surfers and model-types at Haleiwa Beach’s neighboring Puaena Point Beach. Thanks to its great yet small waves, this is where newbie surfers go to learn the craft and practice. But you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy this spot; sometimes it’s enough to just stay on solid ground and watch all the action.
Puaena Point Beach has some pretty stunning photo opportunities too, so bring a camera and snap a few.
Yes, it’s extremely touristy. But there’s a good reason why people flock to Waikiki. Actually, there are a few. It’s easily accessible, first of all, so if you’re staying in or near Honolulu’s main tourist strip – Kalakaua Ave – a day at the beach is just a few minutes’ walk away from your hotel. Second, it’s got some great waves for surfing as well as a semi-protected area (Kuhio Beach Park) for shallow waters. And third, it has some of the best sunsets in Honolulu. Pack a picnic, head out in the afternoon and stay to enjoy the setting sun.
Stay at Park Shore Waikiki across the street from Kuhio Beach Park. The family-friendly hotel not only provides complimentary use of beach towels and beach chairs, it also boasts guest rooms with a stunning, unobstructed view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.
It’s one of Oahu’s most popular beaches, which means that it can get pretty crowded, but Lanikai is still one of our favorite swimming spots in Oahu. We cannot get enough of its calm, shallow waters and soft, fine sand, both of which make up for the fact that finding a parking spot can be a pain. While this is far from being a surfing spot, it’s perfect for paddle boarding or simply floating around on a swim tube.
(Originally published on Huffington Post)
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Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is definitely a paradise.
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It may be a small island, but Puerto Rico is arguably one of the most beautiful and lush destinations in the Caribbean that afford diversity in attractions and activities. You can go hiking in a tropical rainforest one minute and exploring the old forts of a historic coastal city the next, and still have plenty of time to squeeze a little bit of R&R in a private island.
Here are ten of the best activities you absolutely have to do when visiting Puerto Rico.
Explore the Rainforest, Muddy Hiking Trails and All
Waterfalls at El Yunque National Forest | Photo: Michelle RaeWaterfalls at El Yunque National Forest | Photo: Michelle Rae
El Yunque (http://www.fs.usda.gov/elyunque) is the only tropic rainforest in the United States, and it just so happens to be in Puerto Rico. But don’t let its title intimidate you – it has a plethora of attractions that even the kids will find easily accessible. Start by visiting the roadside La Coca Waterfalls (but do be careful on those slippery rocks) then climb the Yokahu Tower for its sweeping views of the forest and the coast and then take a trail, the muddier the better, to one of the forest’s more hidden attractions.
Tip: Pack a picnic basket, plenty of water and your best hiking shoes.
Stay at El Conquistador Resort, For a Day or Two or However Long You Want
El Conquistador Resort | Photo: Michelle RaeEl Conquistador Resort | Photo: Michelle Rae
Even non resort-loving travelers will LOVE this piece of paradise located only about 15 minutes away from the town of Fajardo. El Conquistador (http://www.elconresort.com/) will capture any traveler’s heart, families with kids especially, what with its stunning location at the top of a cliff, its waterpark that comes with lovely views of both the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, as well as its private island, Palomino, which comes with its own sandbar that made movie history. Looking to sample the island’s traditional dishes? The resort makes a point of not only integrating the Puerto Rican way of cooking but also adding local dishes on the menus.
Tip: Allocate an entire day on Palomino Island, as there are many things to do there, including snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, and horseback riding.
Kayak Through a Mangrove Forest to a Bioluminescent Bay, in Darkness
Kayaks in Las Croabas | Photo: Michelle Rae
You’ll love navigating your tandem kayaks through a mangrove channel, in darkness, to see the dinoflagellates perform one of nature’s miracles. Drive to Las Croabas where kayak tour agency Yokahu Kayak Trips (https://www.facebook.com/YokahuKayak/) will take you on this guided adventure into Laguna Grande, one of Puerto Rico’s three bio bays where you’ll witness firsthand the water light up and sparkle when disturbed. In the bay, stop and listen as your guides tell you about how these fascinating microorganisms work and the efforts being done to preserve their dying ecosystem.
Tip: Go on a moonless summer night for brighter illumination. And don’t be afraid to slosh you hand in the water to see it sparkle.
See Old San Juan, from its Massive Forts to its Adorable Houses
San Cristobal in Old San Juan | Photo: Michelle UySan Cristobal in Old San Juan | Photo: Michelle UySan Cristobal in Old San Juan | Photo: Michelle UyOld San Juan from San Cristobal | Photo: Michelle Rae
With a hint of European flair, a touch of culture, and a dash of history, Old San Juan is an incredible and picturesque city to explore, even with kids in tow. Walk the blue cobblestone streets, taking your time, and discover how the port city was once an important stronghold in the Caribbean. Start at the Capitol and the Plaza de la Barandilla across the street and work your way to Fort San Felipe del Morro and its neighboring cemetery, stopping at Fort San Cristobal along the way. Then head inland to visit Hotel El Convento, Catedral San Juan Bautista, La Fortaleza, and Parque Las Palomas and its old chapel.
Old San Juan | Photo: Michelle RaeOld San Juan | Photo: Michelle RaeOld San Juan | Photo: Michelle RaeLa Fortaleza at Christmas Time | Photo: Michelle RaeCatedral San Juan Bautista | Photo: Michelle Rae
Tips: Bring plenty of water on this walking tour, and do take your time exploring the forts. And remember to bring your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Zip Line at ToroVerde, Even if You’re Afraid of Heights
Zip line at ToroVerde | Photo: Michelle RaeZip line at ToroVerde | Photo: Michelle Rae
Those who suffer from mild to moderate acrophobia need not worry. Zip lining on one of the world’s longest single run line (4.745 feet) may be a little unnerving at first, but when you’re on it zipping over the beautiful valley below belly down like a bird, it’s the best feeling in the world. At ToroVerde (http://www.toroverdepr.com/) ecological park, you’ll be walking and soaring over trees, streams and rivers like there’s no tomorrow. And you’re gonna want to do it all over again. Young kids (8 and over) can participate too, thanks to the park’s kid-friendly Bull Maze rope course, which features suspension bridges, monkey bars and rope nets.
Tip: Allot an entire day for this excursion.
Feast on the Local Cuisine, Devil (and Diet) May Care
Local food | Photo: Michelle RaeLocal food | Photo: Michelle Rae
Sampling the local dishes is perhaps one of the best ways to truly experience a destination, and Puerto Rico has plenty of those. Dishes that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy are served at most restaurants on the island, even in the new area of San Juan, so they’re not hard to find. Some of the dishes the whole family must try are arroz mamposteao or arroz con gandules, mofongo, brandade and pasteles. The island is also known for its roast pork as well as its Latino-style grilled steak served with chimichurri. Must try restaurants include Café Puerto Rico and The Parrot Club in Old San Juan, the French-inspired Cocina Abierta (http://www.cocinaabierta.com/home), which serves one of the best mofongos (Duck Confit Stuffed Mofongo) in San Juan, and Chops Steakhouse at El Conquistador Resort.
Tip: For those who don’t eat meat, many restaurants serve delicious seafood and vegetarian options.
Explore New San Juan, Especially the Street Art Scene
Street art in San Juan | Photo: Michelle RaeStreet art in San Juan | Photo: Michelle RaeStreet art in San Juan | Photo: Michelle Rae
Surprisingly, Puerto Rico has some of the best urban and street art scenes in the Americas, if not the world; and a visit in San Juan is not completely without exploring Santurce, home to city’s vibrant and thriving street art movement. Spend an hour or two discovering the district’s murals and sculptures on walls, under bridges and on the streets. Start on Fernandez Juncos Avenue near Hospital Pavia Santure.
Tip: Go in the morning or early afternoon.
Visit the Children’s Museum in Carolina, and Go on a Boat Ride
Boat at Museo del Nino Carolina | Photo: Michelle Rae
The Museo del Nino de Carolina (http://www.museodelninocarolina.com/), whose aim is to encourage kids to discover and pursue their passion (or passions) as early as possible, isn’t like any other children’s museum. Besides its interactive, kid-friendly exhibits on math, science, arts & crafts, theater and more, it also boasts a mini zoo, where kids can witness firsthand the hatching of duck and chicken eggs if they’re lucky, a go kart track, a boating tour of the nearby mangrove channel where they can see wild iguanas, birds and alligators relaxing on tree branches, and a real commercial plane that visitors can board and explore.
Tip: While ducks and chicken roam free, teach the kids not to chase them or attempt to disturb their nests. Wear long pants and apply bug spray generously before going on the boat ride.
Drive to the Smaller Towns, or Just Drive
Local restaurant in Piñones | Photo: Michelle RaeBeach in Piñones | Photo: Michelle RaeBeach in Piñones | Photo: Michelle Rae
Beautiful small towns that mostly slip under the tourist radar are an easy drive away from Puerto Rico’s cities and resort areas, so rent a car, round up the gang and make that drive. Just less than an hour from San Juan and you’ll already find yourselves in small towns that draw surfers, foodies and locals. Keep an eye out of quiet, kid-friendly beaches, idyllic scenes worthy of a stop, local restaurants and maybe a small town fiesta.
Tip: Many roads and towns – even parts of the El Yunque rainforest – in Puerto Rico have good cellphone reception so it’s impossible to get lost.
Swim, Of Course
Palomino Island | Photo: Michelle RaeBeach on Palomino Island | Photo: Michelle Rae
Warm waters, lovely stretches of beach and lots of natural barriers that break the massive waves far from shore make Puerto Rico’s beaches some of the best places in the Caribbean to swim in. Go to a beach near San Juan or at the resort you’re staying or to an off-the-beaten path one in a small town, slather on some sunscreen and just spend an entire day there. You’ll regret it, if you don’t. And on the northern part of the island, the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic so you’ll even have an opportunity to enjoy both.
Tip: El Conquistador’s Palomino Island has an islet called Palominito where a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides was filmed. It’s a lovely spot, especially if you’re looking for quiet and isolated.
El Conquistador Resort. 1000 El Conquistador Ave, Fajardo | 787 863 1000 | www.elconresort.com
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Yes, there are the serene beaches lined with colorful reefs, the lush forests, that nice tropical island vibe, those British colonial historical sites, and that unbelievable Jamaican cuisine that make Jamaica every bit irresistible to families looking for that relaxing and unassuming Caribbean getaway. But here are even more reasons for you to stop putting off your Jamaican vacation and scratch it off your family bucket list this summer.
Courtesy Visit Jamaica
Awesome Activities for the Whole Family… Including the Grandparents
From cultural tours to interacting with marine life to horseback riding, Jamaica has an assortment of offerings to suite every member of the family! Hire a tour operator to guide you on a hiking, bicycling or ATV tour, go horseback riding or water tubing, or go on a catamaran cruise around the island. Visit marine park Dolphin Cove and interact with friendly dolphins, stingrays and even sharks! Explore the island’s beautiful natural attractions like the cascading Dunn’s River Falls or the dense rainforest of Mystic Mountain. Then later, learn about the island’s history by visiting sites like the Green Grotto Caves and the Historic Falmouth.
Courtesy Hilton Rose Hall
Cool Down and Splash Around in a Water Park
Handy when you have kids in tow, water parks are among the most popular kid-friendly attractions in the Caribbean. And in Jamaica, it’s no different. Cool down and splash around with the kids at one of the island’s several water parks, including the Sugar Mill Falls Water Park, the largest one in Jamaica. Located at Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, Sugar Mill Falls is great for both kids and adults, featuring waterfalls, lagoons, a 280-foot water slide, a jungle garden, terraced pools and a lazy river. And when you’re ready to relax, do it in style in a private cabana with your very own butler.
Courtesy Half Moon Resort
Accommodations to Fit Big Families
Multigenerational groups can rest easy and quite comfortably, with Jamaica’s fantastic selection of hotels and resorts that can accommodate large groups effortlessly. Several properties on the island have villas, manors and suites that feature several bedrooms to allow families to spread out. Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay has private villas with up to 7 bedrooms – kids can have their own rooms too, while Beaches Negril has suites that can accommodate up to 12 people! For an even more luxurious all-inclusive stay, Sea Island Villa is a 6,000-square-foot, six bedroom property that comes with its own staff (cook, butler, housekeepers, and night watchman) so you won’t have to worry about a thing!
Courtesy Visit Jamaica
“Meet the People” Program
For an educational and cultural experience that allows travelers, especially kids, to really immerse themselves in the island’s tradition, customs and way of life, Jamaica’s “Meet the People” program is a once in a lifetime opportunity that every visitor needs to take advantage of. The program allows individuals or families to meet and spend time with as well as engage in different local activities such as hiking and visiting a school or church with a local who shares their interests, making their Jamaican experience a more unique one. Best of all, it’s completely free!
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On the western side of the Caribbean, 940 miles from Cuba, is the Riviera Maya – a little piece of paradise where lush, green cliffs decorated with stunning ruins of a once great civilization meet fine, powdery sand and warm, Caribbean blue waters. A coastal corridor south of Cancun, the region is a definite tourist enclave; yet during the slow season when most people are distracted with their usual routines, here – where the simple yet continually vibrant local life is more apparent than the big resorts (that entice vacationers and promise luxuries but at a steep price) it coexists with – is where a weary soul can find respite.
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I am scribbling this on a ruled notepad in the warm confines of our bedroom in our Glassell Park apartment. It has gotten very hot here in Los Angeles as of late and I’ve been hoping and hoping for a quiet retreat. Perhaps miles and miles on the long stretch of asphalt and then on a small patch of dirt in the alpine woods. Maybe a little cool dip in a river up in the mountains.
Unfortunately, the electronic display of our bank account is a bringer of bad news and a bittersweet reminder of all the travels we’ve done in the last few months. It is telling me now that we will have to stay put for a little while; not a very comforting advice to a wanderer such as myself.
I still consider myself one of the lucky ones, however, as I listen to the cars speed past our building, almost like a symphony, constant and with purpose, to be living in a city as blue and as golden as this. An hour or two in any direction and I am transported to magical places. Always. Whether it be the stillness of the mountains or the ruggedness of the desert. It’s as if the forces of nature around the city are in perfect synergy, working together to make it one of the best places in the world to live in.
Yesterday, I just witnessed one of the most spectacular sunsets of my life, just less than an hour’s drive away. And it was just exactly what I needed, to lubricate my tightening gears. It may be a while before I could go anywhere again but Los Angeles will always be here for me, humming its usual neverending optical song, however bad my case of wanderlust gets.
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stray with rae 