I simply received again from an unbelievable four-day journey to Waikiki on the island of Oahu with my youngest son, Jonah, and let me inform you — should you’re searching for the proper mix of rest, journey, and wonderful meals, Waikiki is the place it’s at. Oh, and did I point out Jonah turned 18 whereas we had been there? Nothing like a milestone birthday in paradise, proper? Right here’s the rundown of how we lived our greatest lives in Waikiki — from sport fishing and infinity swimming pools to ukulele classes and (in all probability an excessive amount of) shaved ice.
The place We Stayed: Sheraton Waikiki
We stayed on the Sheraton Waikiki, and actually, I might need to maneuver in completely. The placement? Perfection. Proper on the seashore, strolling distance to every thing. We solely needed to seize an Uber to and from the airport — which implies extra time for the necessary stuff, like mai tais and seashore lounging.
The resort itself is every thing you’d anticipate from a top-tier Hawaiian resort. We kicked issues off with a free ukulele lesson (as a result of when in Hawaii…), then sizzling tubbed like execs and even realized to make a flower bracelet — which, by the best way, is less complicated than it appears to be like. One of many highlights? Renting a non-public cabana on the adults-only infinity pool. Floating in that pool with ocean views and drink service? That’s what trip desires are fabricated from.
The rooms are comfortable. Every room has a espresso maker with Hawaiian espresso and a tea kettle, a Japanese bathroom, and a balcony.
Sports activities Fishing
Turning 18 is a giant deal, so we determined to go massive with a deep-sea fishing journey with Aloha Charters LLC — and it was epic. Our information, Jerry, was incredible — the sort of man who is aware of all the perfect spots and makes you’re feeling such as you’ve been buddies without end. Jonah reeled in a mahi mahi (cue the proud mother second), and I one way or the other managed to catch a marlin. Nonetheless unsure how that occurred, however I’m taking the win.
Should you’ve by no means been sport fishing in Hawaii, put it in your checklist. There’s nothing like the frenzy of hooking a giant one whereas surrounded by that deep blue Pacific water. And the look on Jonah’s face when he pulled in his catch? Priceless.
The place We Ate (As a result of Meals is Half the Enjoyable)
We didn’t simply eat effectively — we ate like royalty. Waikiki is a meals lover’s paradise, and we did our greatest to style all of it:
🍽️ Dinners
- Duke’s – A basic spot, proper on the seashore. Fish tacos and mai tais whereas the solar units? Sure, please. Plus, if it’s your birthday you get a free dessert.
- Rumfire – Stylish with a killer ocean view. Their cocktails alone are well worth the go to. Completely satisfied hours begins at 4 PM with some good drink offers. I had steak and Jonah had a hamburger. We had the Japanese fried rooster for an appetizer and it was insanely good.
- Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin – Should you’re craving Japanese, this place nails it. The crispy pork cutlet was next-level.
- Depraved Maine Lobster – As a result of generally you simply want a lobster roll (or two).
We additionally had dinner at Monkey Pod one night time and I don’t suggest it. That’s how we ended up at Depraved Maine Lobster within the meals courtroom subsequent to our resort.
🍦 Desserts
- Baskin Robbins – Not your typical Baskin Robbins — they’ve shaved ice! Extremely suggest the tropical flavors. We had one on-site at our resort so we took it again to our cabana.
- Island Classic Shaved Ice – Palms down the perfect shaved ice we had. The distinction between theirs and plenty of others is that it’s served with smooth serve vanilla ice cream, popping boba, and mochi. Get the lilikoi and thank me later.
🍤 Lunches
- Giovanni Shrimp – The garlic shrimp? Legendary, and now you shouldn’t have to enterprise all the best way to the North Shore simply to get some. They’ve a small location in Waikiki.
- Excessive Tea on the Veranda at Moana Surfrider – This was such a deal with! Fancy little sandwiches, scones, and tea overlooking the seashore — very posh, very scrumptious. You may improve your tea so as to add a burger or a mimosa flight.
🍳 Breakfasts
- Dawn Shack – The açai bowls had been refreshing and ideal for beginning a seashore day. There may be little or no seating right here. It’s mainly seize and go.
Dawn Shack picture by Meagan Wristen
- Kai Market – All of the breakfast classics, plus tropical fruits galore and glorious views. Jonah had the steak and eggs which should have been good as a result of he demolished them. I had the vegan eggs benedict which had been scrumptious. We additionally tried the Portuguese sausage since we’d by no means had any earlier than.
Different Highlights
Between all of the consuming and fishing, we managed to absorb some good seashore time. Waikiki Seashore is precisely as lovely as you’d anticipate — golden sand, turquoise water, and simply sufficient waves to make issues enjoyable with out scaring off the children (or mothers). We spent quite a lot of time strolling alongside the seashore and exploring the outlets close by. You possibly can actually spend a complete day wandering round with out ever losing interest.
Why Waikiki is the Good Spot
This journey had every thing: a little bit journey, quite a lot of rest, and a few severely good eats. The Sheraton Waikiki was the proper residence base, and the walkability made every thing really easy. Jonah’s 18th birthday was one for the books — catching a mahi mahi, consuming his weight in shrimp, and absorbing the Hawaiian solar.
Should you’re planning a visit to Waikiki, take notes — sport fishing, infinity swimming pools, and excessive tea would possibly simply be the profitable combo you didn’t know you wanted. Aloha! 🌺
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