Aloha 🌸
Aloha, fellow wanderlusters! 🌺 Just wrapped up an unforgettable week in Honolulu, and I can't wait to share all the juicy details with you. From renting a car to exploring stunning beaches, indulging in mouth-watering meals, and soaking in the vibrant local culture, Honolulu has been nothing short of magical.
Renting a Car with Enterprise 🚗
First things first, we rented a car from Enterprise to give us the freedom to explore the island at our own pace. The process was seamless, and the customer service was top-notch. Having a car allowed us to discover hidden gems and visit popular spots without any hassle. The cost break down to rent a car for five days with my discount was $470 we were upgraded to an suv!
Beach Hopping Bliss 🏖️
Honolulu's beaches are nothing short of paradise. We spent our days beach-hopping, we did skip the famous Waikiki Beach due to overcrowding and went to the serene Lanikai Beach and a few local beaches. Each spot had its own unique charm, and the crystal-clear waters were perfect for swimming. We had a Picnic at one of the beaches and even grabbed a coconut from a local stand. Don't forget to bring your sunscreen and a good book to soak up the sun!
Rooming with My Mother-in-Law 📺
Disclaimer: I won’t mention the hotel in this post due to various issues. Cost $1,980 breakfast was included as an amenity due to Ambassador status. Value (2x$48 per day)
Sharing a hotel room with my mother-in-law was an experience in itself. She's a firecracker and loves to binge-watch British television at night. Gregory and her got to relax on the patio enjoying the view and drinking wine after long days of adventure. A little family bonding never hurt anyone! I laughed every time I heard “Gregory move this shit before I fall”
Culinary Delights 🍽️
Foodies, you're in for a treat! We had some incredible meals during our stay:
- **The Crab Boil**: If you're a seafood lover, this place is a must-visit. For those that love oysters this place is 👌🏾 probably the meatiest I’ve ever had. We feasted on succulent lobster, shrimp, muscles and corn on the cob. The flavors were out of this world!
- **Duke's Waikiki**: A beachfront gem with a laid-back vibe. We enjoyed delicious sticky wings, calamari and refreshing cocktails while watching the sunset. Pure bliss.
- **Ruth's Chris Steak House**: For a more upscale dining experience, Ruth's Chris did not disappoint. Della and Gregory each said the steak was cooked to perfection, topped with garlic butter while I enjoyed the succulent seabass with roasted sweet potatoes.
Tourist Attractions Galore 🌺
No trip to Honolulu is complete without hitting up the top tourist attractions:
- Pearl Harbor: A humbling and educational experience. We toured the USS Arizona Memorial and learned about the significant events of World War II.
-Diamond Head: The hike up Diamond Head is too challenging for elders so we drove to the lookout point to get Della’s picture. The panoramic views of the island from the top are absolutely breathtaking.
We also visited the Queens palace and the Temple.
We did various activities, night walks and shopped during our stay. Of course we had to do a pick up of the famous Honolulu cookies to bring back to our family. 🙈
Sailboat Cruise to End the Trip ⛵
To cap off our incredible week, we went on a sailboat cruise. The gentle sway of the boat, the cool ocean breeze, and the stunning views of the coastline made for a perfect end to our vacation. We even saw fly fish playing in the water!
Priority Lounge Perks ✈️
Before heading back home, we made use of the Priority Lounge at the airport. It was a lifesaver! Comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, and high-speed Wi-Fi made our wait so much more pleasant. If you can, I highly recommend using the lounge to relax and recharge before your flight.
(Perk of American Express Platinum)
Mahalo for following along on my Honolulu adventure! Whether you're planning your own trip or just dreaming of paradise, I hope this guide inspires you to explore and embrace all that this beautiful island has to offer. Until next time, travel well and stay curious! 🌺✨
