A Couples Vacation Guide to Oahu Hawaii
A Couples Guide To Oahu Hawaii
Oahu,Hawaii
Ahh Hawaii, a true slice of paradise, time seems to flow slower here and satisfaction seems to run deeper. White sandy beaches, lush jungles, sweet scents of pineapple, smiling mouths of children stained with acai, warm tropical weather, rainbows, DOUBLE rainbows, adventure and relaxation all in one. A true feeling of peace washes over you when you’re here and all seems right in the world…
If you’re planning on visiting Oahu whether it’s for your honeymoon or a just for fun get away with your significant other, congratulations on narrowing it down to this piece of island paradise!
If you’re style of traveling is a mix of local experiences and tourist sight seeing then this guide is perfect for you and your partner. As a destination wedding and elopement photographer I get to visit really amazing locations with the couples that I’m photographing, so it turns out I’ve learned a thing or two of what my couples are looking for in a well rounded vacation experience.
This Oahu guide is gonna cover Where To Stay, To Rent or not to Rent a Car, Day Adventures, Must Eat Food/Drinks, and a little BONUS tourist trick.
1.) Packing Your Bags
Alright a quick little run down on what to bring before you head out to the islands
Sunsscreen
Bug Spray (don’t compromise on packing this I made this mistake and it was not fun)
Bring an extra tote bag or backpack for day trips (it also comes in handy to put your souvenirs when you fly back home)
Disposable Under Water Camera
Snorkel Gear
Light Jacket with a hood it does rain often
Sandals
Hiking Shoes
Bonus: mentally prepare yourself for all the free roaming chickens and roasters on the street ( I had no idea)
And of course you know the other essentials!
2.) Where To Stay
If you’re looking for that local taste of island life then you are going to have to stay on the North Shore hands down! Your best bet for finding an affordable and cute place to stay is on Airbnb, I found this little gem on there and it was perfectly situated, safe, had parking (which is so important and I’ll talk about in depth in the car rental section), and even had an awesome outdoor shower.
Make sure you are looking at the interactive map when booking lodging because you want to make sure you are in an area that is near the main attractions. For example this listing was only a 5 min drive into the historic town of Haliewa.
3.) Car Rentals
Should you rent a car? The answer is Yes. Should you rent a Jeep? The answer is Heck yea!!!
There is something extra fun about renting a jeep and driving all around the island, it made me feel like I was experiencing Jurassic Park (which I mean I kinda was). It’s best to make your reservation ahead of time that way you can take advantage of the shuttle from the airport to the rental car offices. Renting a car in Hawaii is surprisingly super affordable* and easy!
*Why are car rentals affordable?
Welp, that’s because majority of people opt to stay in Hotels and guess what? You guessed it! Parking in hotels IS NOT FREE meaning you end up paying an extra $65-$85 a day for parking!!! So that’s why staying at an Airbnb is much more cost effective.
Having access to a car is crucial, it’s the best way to get around from place to place, there are so many spots you will want to visit and check out that it only makes sense to have your own car, the last thing you want is relying on public transportation (it will waist your time).
Pro Tip: Drive SLOW, seriously! It’s common etiquette on the island to go S L O W , enjoy the views and the ride. Hawaiians are quiet literally the nicest and kindest drivers I’ve ever seen!
And in case you run into some island traffic I made you a little playlist to enjoy the double rainbows!
4.) Must Try Food + Eats in Oahu
Here’s a List of Eateries that you should do your best to check off!
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck - Iconic for being on Hawaii 5.0 but it’s definitely made it’s name for a reason, they open at 10 am and the line starts immediately so get there at least 10 minutes prior . Cash only brah
The Sunrise Shack - A cute yellow shack off the road a true staple on the North Shore providing smoothies, acai, coffee, small eats, and bowls. Monkey Bowl was amazing! Beware the chickens they don’t care and will hop on the table with no warning and proceed to eat straight out of your bowl.
Ted’s Bakery - A true Local icon serving everything from pies, bread, and the classic Spam Masubi!
Matsumoto Shaved Ice - The best shaved ice on the island and I’m not being biased, they’ve won the award consecutively back to back for years now!
The Beet Box Cafe - A delicious spot with healthy and delicious options (even Vegan dishes!)
Pupukea Grill - A food truck with Hawaiian eats like fish , tuna bowls, and Ahi Katsu Hand Rolls!
Leonards Bakery- The most popular spot to try Malasadas (Hawaiis take on donuts with no holes)
5.) Sightseeing, Adventures, and Where to Go
This is a list with something for every type of couple: a little bit of adventure, relaxation, and good ole sight seeing!
Kualoa Ranch Oahu - For the adventurous head over to where they filmed Jurassic Park, you can partake on 4-WD tours, kayaking, zip lining, a tour of film site, and so much more.
Crouching Lion Hike - A short and not so sweet hike but with amazing dramatic views
Pill Box Hike - Another popular hike with a view of Lanikai Beach
Electric Beach Park - This is the best place to go and watch sea turtles because of the power plant that’s nearby it keeps the water warmer and attracts these chill guys to swim all over.
Waikiki - The strip has tons of brand name stores if you want to go shopping or you can go to the beaches for some safe swimming, get a surf lesson with the iconic Hawaiian family The Moniz Surf School, or bring that snorkeling gear you packed this a popular spot for some light snorkeling.
Dole Plantation - This is a total tourist spot but if you have the extra time it’s fun to partake on the action!
Helicopter Tour - The best way to get a thrilling view of this island and it’s magnitude check out Paradise Helicopters
6.) Tourist Life Hack
So if this is your first time visiting then I’m sure you’d love to bring back some souvenirs for loved ones back home without breaking the bank. I discovered this hack from a friend who passed it on to me and here it is:
Go to Wal-Mart, they have a WHOLE ENTIRE section named “Souvenirs” the best part? They are exactly the same products, mementos, etc. from the main stream stores but they are at half the price at Walmart!
Also popular Hawaiian coffees, candy, macadamia nut products, etc are also carried here for a cheaper price!
7.) Document It | Couples + Honeymoon Session
Plan a photoshoot during your stay here, it’s such a fun way to capture your adventures while on vacation!
Alright that’s a wrap! Wooooo.
I hope you enjoy your time together on this beautiful Island xx
