Oahu

Originally, I had booked this trip with a friend for a first time ever visit to Hawaii. The friend couldn't make it and so the trip ended up being for fun. Flew on Southwest Airlines to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Luckily, I did the Safe Travels precheck before landing into the airport. The lines for checking was huge and somewhat chaotic. It was nice to flash the wristband and walk through the hordes to baggage claim. I definitely recommend doing the precheck if the airline has that option. For Southwest, it isn't near the gates so make sure you ask when you check your luggage the location of the precheck. 

Checked into the Hokulani Waikiki Hotel by Hilton Grand Vacations. The last time I was in Waikiki, things were barely opening up and so I was curious how things have changed with Governor Ige warning travellers away.

The hotel was empty enough that they were willing to even give me a late checkout option upon arrival. I was suprised by the offer and gladly took it. On this trip, I booked a one bedroom suite which meant I still had a full kitchen access. 

I didn't think I would rent cars on this trip but I ended up doing so because my friend wasn't here. It was also easier to catch Hui vehicles because visitor volume had fallen. Outside of the weekly vaccine protest Saturday night, Waikiki was relatively quiet. More restaurants and stores were open and reservations were needed for the smaller restaurants. I was able to find places to eat with greater ease and less lines than before summer.

Activities 

Hanauma Bay - I haven't been to this bay in over 20 years. My last memory of the Bay was a flourishing and bright coral reef. In today's times, you have to book online tickets to get into the Bay and I did find the experience less than expected. Granted, it was super early in the morning and there were rain showers happening. So not the ideal situation for snorkeling. I can look past that and found the beach and reef very much damaged and the fish less diverse. It is definitely much more commercialized and structured today than when I was younger. I wouldn't opt to go back to the Bay and would rather pay for snorkeling boat tours.

Kualoa Ranch - I had booked tickets to visit the ranch and see the movie and WWII bunker tour. Normally used for movie and TV sets such as Jurassic Park and Hawaii Five-0, the ranch also sells butcher meats and seafood grown on the ranch. I'm not much of a movie person but did enjoy touring the bunker area and seeing different side of Oahu. I did also buy some portuguese sausage to take home. Had I visited the farm earlier, I may have bought some meat to eat back in the hotel room.

Dining Islander Sake Brewery - brewery craze has reached new heights on the islands and a Japanese couple has decided to bring back sake brewing to Oahu. You can also book on Opentable for dinner, they do a preset sushi kasei or homestyle dinner (depending on the night) as well. The owner has the sweetest Tosa that hangs around.

Alley Restaurant Bar & Grill - of course, I made a pit stop at Aeia Bowl for some tasty chicken and short rib. The catering order of tasty chicken is a better deal which I brought to a friend's house while visiting. 

Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Iyasume has been blowing up. Even though they've closed a few Waikiki locations, they are also opening up new ones. The one I was eyeing is the soon to be opened Beach Walk location. The Hokulani would make it super easy to get some musubis. On this trip, I drove by Ala Moana mall and Wailiki Monarch locations. 

Roy's Waikiki - Got a late night reservation to redeem my free souffle coupon. Overall, it was a good meal but I think I would take advantage of their family platter options given the closeness to Hokulani.

Diamond Head Market & Grill - On my way from Hanauma Bay, I opted to stop at this local neighborhood spot. It's almost like a drive-in and clearly popular especially on the weekends. The grill is outside only and the market/bakery was inside. I enjoyed the haupia taro bar and scones. I didn't enjoy the pork hash entree but I think other items would be better. 

Starbucks - On one of my attempts at Kona Coffee Purveyors, I went to Starbucks to get my free drink. I've taken a real liking to the brown sugar shaken iced espresso. 

Kona Coffee Purveyors - despite being close and trying three times to get a koign amman, I was only successful in buying my favorite treats on the last day of my trip. Every other time, there were lines that would last longer than an hour and I couldn't spend the time to wait. 

Waiola Shave Ice - I visited the original location with friends on 2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826. My usual mango and lychee with macnut ice cream and mochi hit the spot. 

Il Tappo and Na Lani Sky Lounge - I was hankering for a lava flow and was able to get one from the Na Lani Sky Lounge on the top floor of the Hokulani. Il Tappo didn't know how to make one but was nice enough to do a pina colada. The italian restaurant is newish to me but it seems to be popular enough. 

Mai Tai Bar - Since my outbound flight was late afternoon and the late checkout at Hokulani left me with a 90 minute break. The Royal Hawaiian was close enough and the only open bar. I greatly enjoyed the truffle fries with my drink (definitely returning). It was nice to look out on the beach under the umbrellas and enjoy my last hour in Hawaii.