Ko Olina Lagoons This was our absolute favorite beach, and we didn’t even mind traveling over a half an hour to get there, so worth it (Ko Olina exit off of Farrington Highway). The weather leeward was usually better than all other places on the island, so that was another […]
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Aloha Tower (Scenic Lookout, Honolulu) This tower used to be the tallest building on the island, but with the influx of skyscrapers that come with an international tag, it feels so small (1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813). We went on a rainy day and scurried from our metered […]
Iolani Palace & King Kamehameha Statue (History, Honolulu) The only royal palace on American soil is in Oahu, smack in the middle of Honolulu (364 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813). There is metered parked all around the palace, we popped a couple of quarters in and went to observe. […]
Top Picks: Pearl Harbor Memorial (Historical, Leeward) If you ask me, no trip to Oahu is complete without a visit to the Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial site (1 Arizona Memorial Place Honolulu, HI 96818). The National Park Service has done a beautiful job on this memorial; it […]
Pu’u O’Mahuka Heiau (History, Northshore) This is a tiny park full of history is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the northshore on a great hill overlooking the ocean (Pupukea Homestead Road from Kamehameha Highway [across from Pupukea fire station]). After turning in you find a small lot […]
Top Picks: Moanalua Gardens (Koi Pond, Wildlife Sightings, Honolulu) This park is on the smaller side but it happened to be one of our favorites! It is right off the highway, I mean right off…make sure you take the exit slow or you’ll miss it (2850 Moanalua Road, Honolulu, HI […]
Top Picks: Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden (Educational, Koi Pond, Wildlife Sightings, Windward) Just try to keep your jaw from dropping as you drive into this utterly amazing and free green space (45-680 Luluku Road, Kaneohe, HI 96744). Great parking lot and visitors center here, pick up a map and start going. […]
Diamond Head (Lighthouse, Military Remnants, Tunnels, Waikiki) This is the quintessential Oahu hike located right in Waikiki, everyone does it and the trail is packed accordingly. There are many things that make this hike very interesting and unique, but it is really hard to look past the throngs of people […]
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail (Paved, Lighthouse, Military Remnants, Windward) This would make a really great sunrise hike because it’s paved and therefore easy to navigate, and on the windward side where the sun rises most visibly. The park that contains the trail is called Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline (8751-9057 Kalanianaole […]
Top Picks: Koko Head (Workout, Military Remnants, Windward) This hike is a serious workout even if you are in good shape. As you drive towards the park you can see the cone looming in the distance, and you can make out the steep trail that lies ahead of you. There […]
Top Picks: Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Military Remnants, Ridge Trail, Windward) Definitely one of the cooler hikes I have taken and my first ridge trail, I would highly recommend checking this spot out. It is relatively easy and short (less than a mile to the first pillbox) with truly amazing views. […]
Hi, I’m back from winter vacation! This year I was fortunate enough to visit the Hawaiian island of Oahu with my love for nine whole days, internet free. Last winter we visited Maui, which was an entirely different world. Maui (the way we interpreted it) was more of a relaxing […]
The Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center is a small space packed with some pretty interesting bits and pieces. Their gift shop has a variety of locally made items and Albany themed gifts, perfect for holiday shopping! Their little museum has great exhibits on the rich history of Albany, it is […]
I like the Ugly Rooster in Mechanicville. It’s a bit of a drive from Albany, but relatively scenic, and it’s worth it. The town is quiet seeming, and this joint just works here. The menu has got some unique flare going on such as southern style breggfast sandwich with a […]
One of the reasons winter is hard for me is because I have to find indoor activities. In the depths of last winter I found myself with cabin fever heading to the Albany International Airport. No, I didn’t have a flight to take; I was just going to get out […]