The Circle Island Tour - Oahu

My version of the Circle Island Tour.  This is just a fun and scenic tour from Waikiki, down the windward coast, to North Shore and back down on the freeway.  It is possible to see all the mentioned sites in the same day if need be, though I'd suggest splitting it into two days.  Typically this whole process will take 4-8 hours, depending on how long you stay at each destination of course.

I usually leave Waikiki/Honolulu around 8-9am and head down Kalanianaole Hwy.  First destination is Hanauma Bay.  This is a  nature preserve that is ideal for snorkeling, great for adults and kids alike.  Parking is $1, admission to the park last I checked was $6 or free for Kamaaina (locals).  If you don't have your own snorkel gear, they rent for about $10.  There are bathrooms and a snack shop available as well. This is an absolute must do on Oahu.  While at Hanauma Bay, I usually suggest swimming in first at the Keyhole Lagoon then swimming to the left or right over the coral, where you will see the most fish.  To the left, towards the Backdoor Lagoon, you can often find turtles swimming and sometimes a monk seal.

The Koko Marina Shopping Center is located right before going up the hill to Hanauma Bay.  Here you can grab a bite to eat (I recommend Zippys, Yummys Korean BBQ, Kona Brewery), or buy snacks, sunscreen, etc at one of the stores.

I then head further North to the Halona Blow Hole.  It is easy to miss, so do not speed.  There is a small parking lot.  There is a great lookout point with a natural blow hole, where water often spouts high out of the rocks.  During whale watching months, you can often see whales in the distance from here.

About a quarter mile further is the infamous, Sandy Beach.  This is considered a local beach, due to the fact that there is a very strong shore break and current.  I have learned to no longer touch the waters of Sandy Beach as I've nearly drowned twice.  You can see bodyboarders here as well as catch a bite from the Wahoo's Truck parked in the parking lot.  I repeat, going in the water is not suggested, there are plenty of swimmer friendly beaches on the island.  No one wants to get hurt or die on vacation.

Makapu'u Point/Lookout is 2.2 miles further north from Sandys.  Tbis is a great view of the windward side with Makapuu Beach below and Rabbit Island ahead of you. This is a great photo op for you travelers.

If food is on the agenda, you will pass by Kenekes, who offers great plate lunches.  It looks like a real hole in the wall, but this is widely famous and popular place.

Next stop is Kailua Beach Park which is just 11.4 miles or 22 minutes away.  There is a parking lot here, as well as showers and a bathroom.  A mile or two south of Kailua Beach Park is the world famous Lanikai Beach.  It is often windy on this side of the island as you will notice by the abundance of kite surfers and windsurfers.  There are many places here the rent kayaks by the hour as well.  These are the world famous beaches that are often photographed for magazines and calendars. Lanikai has won many votes for not only best beaches in the nation, but of the world as well.  If parking in the residential area to get to Lanikai, be sure to read your street signs to avoid a parking ticket and be courteous to those who live there.

From here I like to head North on the Kamehameha Hwy.  You will pass by a few sites that you can stop by if you'd like.  I personally choose to pass on these sites, not because they are not interesting, but because of time constraints.  There is only so much time to see so many things.  If interested though you can consider stopping by:
The Valley of the Temples

or
Polynesian Culture Center.  I personally find the PCC to be a bit expensive and a bit boring.  No offense to those who enjoy it.  If you do go, keep in mind this may be an all day or half day event in itself.

Just a little past the culture center, you must stop by one of Kahuku's famous shrimp trucks.  The town of Kahuku is located about 33 beautifully, scenic miles north of Kailua. The most famous of the shrimp trucks is  Giovanni's.  Make sure to try the garlic scampi!

After grabbing a bite to eat, driving about 8 miles further up the Kam Hwy, you will come upon North Shore's famous Sunset Beach.  The North Shore beaches are famous for their surf contests.  That being said, the waves at these beaches are among some of the biggest in the world.  During winter months I would advise not going in the water unless you are a pro surfer or the like.

Just about 1.2 miles further north, you will come upon Sharks Cove on the right side.  They have a small little parking lot here.  Don't let the name scare you, there may be a few baby sharks, but it is a great swimming hole.  This is my favorite for tide pooling with kids or snorkeling myself.  My absolute favorite spot to snorkel.  At worst, I find Sharks Cove to be a great picture spot.

Upon leaving Sharks Cove, clear and set your trip odometer.  In precisely 3.2 miles you will arrive at the hidden Laniakea Beach aka Turtle Beach.  It is very easy to pass.  There will be a small open patch of dirt on the left side of the road. You can no longer legally park here. They do issue tickets. Across the street, behind the tree line is Laniakea Beach.  Here you will often find large sea turtles (honu) on the beach and/or in the water.  Keep in mind these are an endangered species and are federally protected.  If you harass or disturb them, you may end up being fined or arrested.

Just 2.5 miles further up the road, you will arrive at Waimea Falls on the left and Waimea Bay on the right.  There is a charge to walk up the the Waimea Waterfalls, I believe about $10 per person.  There are bathrooms and a snack shop here. There are often peacocks running around the grounds as well. This is also the home of a very beautiful botanical garden.

Waimea Bay is another beautiful beach.  The famous rock that kids (and young spirited adults) jump off of is also located here.  FYI, jumping off the rock is prohibited, that being said, most people jump off anyways. Beware jumping at low tide!

About 5 miles further up the road you will find Haleiwa Town.  Here you can grab a bite to eat, do a little shopping, or just relax.  You must stop by the famous, Matsumoto's Shave Ice.  Be sure to get a shave ice with ice cream and red beans.  If hungry, Haleiwa Joes and Uncle Bo's are both well know eateries. There is section of food trucks in Haleiwa with another location of Giovanni's Shrimp Truck.

By the time I reach Haleiwa, it is usually about sunset.  This is usually the end of my Circle Island Tour. All parties including myself are usually tired and spent at this point. It's time to head back into town.  If you so choose to, you will pass by the Dole Plantation a few miles south of Haleiwa.  This is the old Dole pineapple plantation.  They have a big maze, a small train, and some ono (delicious) dole whip, a frozen dessert. Be sure to get the dole whip with the fresh pineapples.

Here are directions back into town, the drive should only take about an hour: Turn right onto Waialua Beach Rd.  Then take the first exit, Kaukonahua Rd.  Next turn left onto Kaukonahua Rd.  Continue onto the 803.  Then continue onto HI-99.Continue onto the H-2 S then onto the  H-1 E.  If headed back to Waikiki, exit Punahou and follow the signs to Waikiki.

Moving to Hawaii - Transplanting from the Mainland to Oahu

A hot topic on recent occasions, the conversation of moving to the Hawaii. Here is my take on the subject.

Hawaii is arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth. There are many reasons to live in Hawaii that are easy to see. Unfortunately there are many reasons not to live in Hawaii as well. Here is a list of pro's and cons based on my sole opinion.

Pro's

Climate - Hawaii has really only one season, sunny. Mild weather year round. During the winter months temps will drop only 5 to 10 degrees compared with summer months. We tend to get a little more rain during the "winter" months as well. I've always enjoyed being at the beach in December and imagining what people in the mainland are doing.

Beaches - Hawaii's beaches often come up as the "most beautiful beaches" in the world. Growing up near the cold and nasty beaches of California, I've learned to love Hawaii's beaches. Hawaii's beaches are warm, clean, and beautiful.

The People - I consider Hawaii to have some of the most beautiful people (inside and out). People in Hawaii tend to be more laid back and easy going, quite the opposite of people in the San Francisco, LA, and New York regions. Locals rarely honk their horns. Locals still say "thank you" and "you're welcome", we smile often, give Shakas when someone lets you into their lane, and the generosity of the locals is something unseen anywhere else. I can go on and on of the beautiful qualities of residents of the islands.

Food - Living on Oahu, one has access to some great eats. This is coming from someone who has gotten fat living in LA, Orange County, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area. From the fresh fish, to the plate lunches, to the pacific rim cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Everyone knows Everyone - We would joke and say instead of six degrees of separation, Hawaii has two degrees. It can be very beneficial "knowing everyone" when you need help or favors. Even on Oahu, it still has a bit of a smaller community feeling and the community will often come together for certain causes and what not.

Outdoorsman's Dream - Aside from the beaches, Hawaii offers world class hikes, waterfalls, rainforests, hunting, horseback riding, fishing, surfing, and more. The mild climate along with the beautiful scenery makes Hawaii a wonderland for those that love to play outdoors.

Cons

Cost of Living in Paradise - Perhaps the biggest drawback to living in Hawaii is the combination of higher cost of living coupled with lower wages. Many residents must cut their spending, get second jobs, and/or live with parents/roommates in order to make ends meet. I find housing costs to be comparable to San Francisco yet wages tend to be about 35% lower than that of the San Francisco Bay Area. Electricity bills for example, tend to be more than double that of the Bay Area. Then factor in the fact that nearly everything is shipped to Hawaii causing higher prices, making ends meet in the 808 state can be difficult.

Physical Limitations aka Rock Fever aka Island Fever - Many people are concerned with the feeling of being trapped on an island or not being able to hop in a car and take a long road trip. That being said, I personally have never had this feeling or concern. Oahu is a roughly five hour flight from California, eight hours from Korea/Japan, and only a thirty minute flight from some neighbor islands. Most people I know who live in New York, LA, or San Francisco rarely if ever leave their little 20 mile radius even though they do have the ability to hop in a car and do so. Unless you're jet setting around or are a true road warrior, living on an island probably won't effect you too much.

Everyone knows everyone - Yes, you are correct. This topic was just listed above as a pro but it can definitely be a con as well. That ex boyfriend of girlfriend is always around. That person you fought last week is friends with all your friends. You got drunk and stupid last Saturday night, well it's a good chance your family or friends will hear about it. There are definately two sides to this coin.

Food - Yet again, this topic was just listed under the Pro's above. I love the local Hawaii food. Trouble is we have horrible Mexican food. To be honest we have a rather small percentage of Mexicans on the island, thus terrible Mexican food. As a rather large and wide man, I've learned to enjoy a true diversity of foods. God help you when you are craving Indian, Middle Eastern, or any other non-asian, exotic food. These are just some of the bigger pro's and con's to come to mind.

Race relations - This is a touchy subject. Hawaii is very diverse and in my opinion no more racist that other locations but there is a catch. I have met some white people that have felt that the locals are racist towards white people. That said I have met more white folks that do not feel any racism. My opinion is this, it is hard to deny the idea of "white privilege" in America. If you come to Hawaii understanding and appreciating that white people are not the majority in Hawaii and respect the people around you, my honest opinion is you will do fine. If you walk around with a sense of privilege that you should simply be accepted by everyone and do as you please, you will probably not be welcomed with open arms. I was taught you "give respect, you get respect".

I always suggest to those that are considering moving to Hawaii, come stay for a few weeks. Don't just stay in Waikiki or the Aulani, but go live as the locals do and see what they see. Hope this helps.