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For this post, I’m going to take y’all on a few different adventures around the island – which is honestly more true to what this experience actually was. Since one of our girlfriends, Angela, had grown up on Oahu, we spent a lot of time on our trip exploring some of her favorite places on the island. Today, I’m going to give you one of those tours, from the best malasadas to palaces and temples to what I know you’ve all been waiting for – gorgeous beaches, lava rocks, and sea turtles. Today, we’re going to do it all.

First up, malasadas. This is essentially fried donut heaven, covered in sugar. And omg, are they good. I’d been honestly craving them since my last time visiting my Tutu on the Big Island some years ago, and these from Leonard’s did not disappoint.

The Iolani Palace was just so neat because it was a reminder of the rich history of the islands. Hawai’i used to be governed by kings and queens ruling in dynasties, and that’s something that mainland Americans often choose to forget. In fact, Hawai’i only became a U.S. state in the late 1950s.
In any case, the landscape in front of the palace is full of majestic old trees. For scale, it would probably take at least six or seven people touching fingers in order to hug this enormous tree.

Then, we ventured over to Hawaiian memorial park mortuary at Valley of the Temples. From beautiful monuments to elaborate koi ponds, this place was honestly just so cool and so full of history.

And of course, the beaches. Lava rocks, sand, turquoise waves, sea turtles… leave me here forever.

A few of the beaches we explored were Lanikai Beach, Waimea Bay, Kailua Beach Park, and a little sandy strip off the beaten path that the locals called “Secret Beach.” Grab yourself a piña colada and enjoy.

You’ve made it through a day of exploring Hawai’i like a local. Aloha.

If you missed the previous posts in this series, find them here: Day 1, Day 2, Day 4, Day 5