After high school, I had a lot of friends enter the military (that’s what happens when you grow up in the DC area) and many of those friends got stationed in amazing places. And if a friend of mine moves to a cool place you best believe I’m coming to visit. One of those places? Hawaii!
Hawaii might technically be part of the United States, but since they only became in a state in the 1950s, it’s still very much rooted in Polynesian history. Even the airport has announcements in both Hawaiian and English. In 2014, I was lucky enough to have 2 good friends stationed at Pearl Harbor and I absolutely loved spending time with them on the island of Honolulu.
Honolulu is the perfect mix of tropical paradise and city vibes. Whether you’re here to soak up the sun, dive into Hawaiian history, or eat your weight in poke bowls, Oahu’s capital has it all; from legendary beaches to historic sites and epic hikes.
Here’s what we did:
Pearl Harbor National Memorial – A must-visit for history buffs and honestly one of the best museums I’ve ever been to! The USS Arizona Memorial is a moving tribute to those who lost their lives in the 1941 attack, and the museum does an amazing job of bringing history to life. The main part of the museum is actually built in the middle of the water, over one of the fallen ships, with a glass bottom so you can still see the wreckage of the ship. You actually have to take a boat out there. Tip: Go early or book ahead—this place fills up fast!
Hike Diamond Head – If you’re up for a short but steep hike, Diamond Head offers insane panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific. It’s a 45-minute climb, but the sunrise views are totally worth it.
Waikiki Beach – The most famous beach in Hawaii, and for good reason. The waves here are perfect for beginner surfers, and the golden sand is ideal for lounging. Sure, it’s touristy, but it’s a classic Honolulu experience you can’t skip!
North Shore – If you want less crowds and bigger waves, head to North Shore Oahu. It’s world-famous for surfing, and spots like Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline are where pros take on monster waves. Even if you’re not surfing, the vibe here is chill and breathtakingly beautiful.
Eat all the food!
Honolulu has some seriously amazing food. A few must-tries:
Poke Bowls – Fresh, flavorful, and packed with tuna, salmon, or octopus. This was my first time trying poke and I’ve been hooked! Since I visited back in 2014, poke hadn’t made it’s way to the mainland yet so when it did a couple years later I was SO READY.
Loco Moco – A Hawaiian comfort food classic: rice, a burger patty, fried egg, and gravy.
Shave Ice – Think of it as the ultimate tropical dessert, best enjoyed at Matsumoto’s on the North Shore.
In all my years of traveling to different beaches, I still haven’t tried surfing yet. Unfortunately, since I visited Hawaii in the month of February, the waves were too intense for surfing so we’ll have to put it on the bucket list for next time!
Samantha Shammas, Author
A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.
