Travel Guide to Oahu, Hawaii
Aloha
Welcome to the ultimate guide to visiting Oahu, Hawaii.
Intended for everyone planning a trip to see the beautiful island, this blog post will serve as your Covid-safe travel guide to booking your flights, stay as well as recommendations for must-eats and activities.
Before We Begin
Please be sure to follow CDC guidelines on protecting yourself and others from Covid during your travels and use your best judgement on traveling during a pandemic.
Flights
Travel Requirements
A mandatory Covid test is required by the State of Hawaii and you must test negative for Covid in order to be exempt from quarantine on the island. Please review Hawaii's Travel Requirements prior to visiting Hawaii and be sure to follow all of the guidelines shared on the State's web site.
Booking
The most convenient way of searching for flights to HNL, which is short for Honolulu International Airport, is using the Google Flights tool. If you're in California like me, a simple search of entering your preferred airport as your departure location and HNL as your destination, Google will populate prices based on the date range you selected. As of early 2021, the following is the price range for traveling from two major cities in California to HNL throughout the year:
LAX (Los Angeles) to HNL: $273 - $421
SFO (San Francisco) to HNL: $251 - $453
Prices do fluctuate depending on which month you are planning to travel to Oahu and it's worth noting that flights are typically 40-50% higher during the holidays in late November and December.
Stay
In my experience, I find that visiting Hawaii for a minimum of 5 nights is necessary as the flight time can be quite long at about 6 hours each way from California. I recommend booking your departure flight early in the morning before 9am and return flight in the mid afternoon before 3pm to maximize the time you have on the island.
Lodging
What's fascinating about Oahu is that the island has the perfect mix of both nature and city surroundings. If you are spending a minimum of 5 days on the island, I recommend booking two different stays with one in Waikiki Beach and the other on the North Shore. However if you're a city girl like me, booking two separate stays in the Waikiki area to experience different style of lodging is also a great option.
Waikiki
Alohilani Resort @alohilaniresort
Shared directly from their Instagram bio, "A Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2020 Recipient; Vote in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2021", Alohilani Resort is the definition of modern elegance when it comes to hotels. What impressed me about this resort is their infinity pool that looks out to Waikiki Beach and relaxing live music that plays throughout the week in their pool lounge. Location is also highly ideal being directly across from the beach and walking distance from shops and local eats.
Queen Kapiolani Hotel @queenkapiolanihotel
Casual, easy-going vibes with a boutique touch, Queen Kapiolani hotel welcomes their guests with colorful decor, panoramic view of Diamond Head and a communal co-working space at their lobby floor. Although Queen Kapiolani is also situated in Waikiki, it is much quieter compared to hotels near the beach and I felt as if I could connect more to the nature of Oahu with views of gorgeous mountains.
Important Note
Both hotels take handling Covid very seriously and emphasize the priority of their guest's well-being. I personally felt very safe during both of my stays and it ultimately made my trip more enjoyable knowing that I could rely on their safety measures. For more info, visit their individual health & safety pages.
Food
Food options are plenty on the island and lucky for visitors, majority of them are open during the pandemic. I made a goal to support and give back to local businesses on the island while practicing social distancing in all of my dining experience. Recommending a few of my favorites in the following categories:
Snacks
Musubi Cafe @musubi_cafe_iyasume 🍙
- Salmon Mayo
- Tuna Mayo
- Small Fish Jako Musubis
Leonard's Bakery @leonardsbakeryhawaii 🍬
One of the most well known spots in Oahu, Leonard's Bakery specializes in malasadas or sometimes called "Portuguese Fried Dough" that can be filled in different delicious flavors in the center.
Try these:
- Custard Malasadas puffs
- Guava Malasadas puffs
- Seasonal Malasadas puffs (The flavor was Taro when I visited)
Cow Cow's Tea @cowcowstea 🧋
A twist from the typical boba shop, Cow Cow offers a variety of yogurt drinks topped with mildly sweet rice in the color purple.
Try this:
- Purple Rice Yogurt Drink with Taro Flavor
Breakfast/Brunch
Rainbow Drive-in @rainbowdrivein 🌈
Outdoor seating at the Drive-In is open with customers being mindful of keeping at least 6 ft apart from each other. The lunch plates here have a variety of selections and it's the perfect brunch spot to fill you up before a full day of activities around the island.
Try this:
- Portuguese Sausage with 2 Eggs Plat
- Mixed Plate (BBQ Beef, Boneless Chicken and Mahi Mahi)
Ono Seafood @ono.seafood 🐙
My trip in Oahu was not complete without stopping by for local poke. The small market shop called Ono Seafood in Waikiki makes some of the most flavorful ahi poke I've ever tasted.
Try these:
- Ahi Poke
- Spicy Ahi Poke
Nico's Pier 38 @nicospier38 🐟
Now moving onto both fried and pan seared fish, Nico's is by the pier with great views into the ocean and sounds of birds chirping nearby. We took advantage of the in door seating at Nico's which made me feel like we're back in our normal settings prior to the pandemic.
Try these:
- Furikake Pan Seared Salmon
- Fried Ahi Tuna Belly
Dinner
Pig & The Lady @pigandthelady 🥗
Located in Chinatown, this restaurant was the one we looked forward most to with reservations booked days in advance.
Try these:
- Papaya Salad
- French Onion Dip Bahn Mi
A comfort food I'll have over and over again, except this time it's a step above the usual takeout version of tonkatsu. Tamafuji offers a small range of specialty cuts of pork that are fried into perfection.
Try this:
- Tonkatsu Pork Loin Curry
Hoku @hokusatthekahala 🦞
If you're feeling a little fancier than usual, visit Hoku for their 4-course tasing menu of fine dining and unique flavors. When choosing entree, definitely go for the lobster dish if you're into seafood!
Try theses:
- Grilled Keyhole Lobster
- Chocolate Coulant
Activity
Diamond Head
A must-hike in Oahu, Diamond Head is a relatively easy hike that took ~20 minutes to reach the very top of the trail. The trail was fairly crowded with tourists but most of everyone that hiked near me were conscious of keeping their distance and wore their masks.
One of the most windiest hikes I've ever done, Pillbox Hike is a well known spot for visitors with a great view to the ocean and nearby town in Kailua.
Makapu'u Lighthouse
Located in the Makapu'u region of Oahu, this hike feels more secluded having to venture out to drive approximately 30 minutes east of Waikiki. Toughest hike of the three listed here but one of the most rewarding with possible whale sightseeing and serene ocean views that stretch beyond the horizon.
Final Thoughts
Hawaii will always have a special place in my heart. It's the perfect getaway filled with delicious food options, gorgeous sunshine and easy access to nature. While this isn't my first time visiting Hawaii, I think Oahu is by far my favorite island with so much to offer that makes me want to come back for more.
Interested in travel guides for your future trips? Subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of the page and follow me on Instagram @cece.lam.
Published on 23 January
The Insta-Famous Bali
Crossed off one of my biggest bucket list items this year: visiting the Insta-famous Bali, Indonesia. I was fortunate to spend two weeks on this trip and we used this opportunity to visit four different destinations: Seminyak, Ubud, Gili Trawagan and Uluwatu. (Plus a little bit of Taipei!)
Taipei
Before arriving to Indonesia, we had a 14-hour layover in Taipei. It was my first time in Taiwan and I was very eager to see the city. Arriving late on a Sunday night, we weren't able to visit any of the famous night markets (d'oh!). Instead, we got to try Din Tai Fung. The soup dumplings were extra delicious and noodles were authentic as expected. It's safe to say we went back to our hotel with a satisfied belly.
Seminyak
We decided to make Seminyak our first stop since it was closest to the airport in Denpasar. Upon arrival, we immediately felt the strong humidity that reminded me of my home city, Hong Kong. We were greeted by a private driver hired by our hotel - we couldn't believe that he waited over an hour for us. The immigration process took longer than expected, even with $0 visa fee.
With no Indonesian money on us, we had the driver drop us off at a money exchange location. BEWARE of these spots! Check the rate conversion online and always count your money before you leave. It turns out that the rate is usually better at the airport so be sure to exchange your money before you leave the airport. This was something we learned after and would not want to repeat this mistake again. (I mean, it was only a few dollars here and there but still, all about the principle.)
When we arrived at our first villa, we were instantly greeted with welcome drinks and a team of staff to help with our baggage. We were exhausted and so sweaty at this point (can you imagine!) but we were excited to jump into the big pool and be surrounded by pretty greenery. I ended up getting the biggest mosquito bites of my life that day but luckily they did not leave any lasting scars. Phew!
Be sure to rent a scooter with a helmet when you are in Bali. It is the easiest way to get around. Haggle and pay no more than 70,000 rupiahs (US $5.30) per day. And yes, I'd say haggle with anything and everything that has no price tag.
Fancy Spot; Highly Recommend
Potato Head Beach Club
Instagram: @potatoheadbali
Rating: 6/10
Although the streets were exciting and filled with life, I gave our Seminyak visit an average rating because I did not feel that it lived up to the expectations from other Bali posts I read. Additionally, safety was a concern in a crowded beach town and drugs were often offered (any type of drugs is illegal here so please beware). Understanding that Bali is a top tourist destination, I was still uncomfortable with strangers constantly approaching us. Being the first leg of our trip, Seminyak did not impress me as I hoped.
Ubud
We got the same driver to take us to visit both Tanah Lot and Ubud. At first, I had doubts about staying in Ubud given the recent snake eating human case (ugh). I was worried that staying in a jungle that would attract snakes to sneak into our rooms. But man, was I wrong. I was so happy that we went to Ubud because it was absolutely amazing and unforgettable. It was such a 180-degree turnaround, I would live in Ubud if I could.
It took us about an hour to get from Seminyak to Ubud. The resort was fairly hidden so we had to wiggle through tight roads (ones without traffic signals) to find where it was. As soon as we walked up to the resort's lobby, my mouth dropped. The view was so stunning with an endless forest that went for miles and the only sounds you would hear were birds chirping. I laughed when the staff told us the wifi password was "paradise." Because indeed it was. If anyone were searching for the "eat, pray, love" of Bali, go to Ubud. This place was it.
The resort had a total of 13 rooms and they were all situated mountain-high overlooking the forest and the horizon. Our gorgeous room had its own private pool, patio area and a beautiful marble-tiled bathroom. We stayed for three days and those were possibly the most luxurious days of the trip.
I had so many firsts on this trip. One of which was finally getting a massage (what better place than Bali, am I right?). Our resort connected us with a spa that had a soothing atmosphere with so much zen and relaxation, it was a great way to conclude Ubud.
Fancy Resort; Highly Recommend
Udhiana Resort
Instagram: @udhianaresortubud
Rating: 9/10
The best part about our Ubud experience was definitely the resort. It was everything we wanted. It checked all the boxes for a beautiful jungle view, private pool access that I could not get enough of, high-end interiors with superb decorations and of course, photo opportunities in every corner. Aside from where we stayed, I had a great time visiting the Ubud center and felt comfortable walking around during the day and night. We also met other tourists that were extremely friendly, which made me feel very much at home. Ubud was a whole new level from Seminyak! Go Ubud.
Gili Trawangan / Gili Islands
After we said bye to the beautiful Ubud (a very sad day), we haggled with the locals on ferry rides to bring us to the Gili islands. This part was tricky because we had no idea what the average price for both the ferry ride and driver pick up would be. We asked a ton of small kiosks and stores at the Ubud center and found a legit boat and pick up for USD $22.50 per person. That's a pretty good deal in our opinion. We did tons of research on Bali forums with boat quality to Gili so be sure to do your own research here as well. My advice is do not go with the first offer you get and do not pay for anything over 300,000 rupiahs per person. We had offers up to 1 million rupiahs per fare. In Cantonese, I would say "No la!"
It took us about one hour from Ubud to Padang Bai, a town with ferry ports. After waiting for another hour or so, we hopped on the ferry with pretty much all foreigners. Although we did intensive research on boat quality, I didn't expect the ferry to be so well managed. To my surprise, our boat was very clean with air conditioning and even movies to watch. Go Eka Jaya!
We learned quickly that the Gili islands did not allow motors for transportation. The three options we had for getting around were walking, biking or horse carriages. Sadly, I did research (our entire trip was research) on the horses and I was heartbroken by how they were treated on the islands. Even though it was 85 degrees on both the days we arrived and departed, we dragged our luggage from the island port to the villa and vice versa.
This was our second week in Bali and I was already feeling a little homesick. We visited the mini night market on the island and picked up a few local dishes with fried seafood and watermelon juices. By the second night in Gili, we found a pizza spot and I was so happy to finally have some spaghetti and sausage in my belly.
A second "first" on this trip happened here! I went snorkeling for the first time and I felt so brave. I've never been a water-sport person because the truth is... I don't know how to swim and I have drowning fears. I almost turned down snorkeling but my boyfriend encouraged me throughout the whole process. From putting on the snorkeling mask to throwing up in the water (yes, this happened), he helped me feel less scared about the water and less embarrassed about not being able to swim. I ended up having so much fun that I got to feed fishes and witness sea turtles. Towards the end, I got a massive headache from all the motion sickness and threw up really hard (gross...). Still, I had a lot of fun and would definitely do it again.
Fancy Spot; Highly Recommend
Regina Pizzeria
Facebook: Regina Pizzeria
Rating: 8/10
Gili Trawangan was a nice break from Bali. It was more relaxing and time went by a lot slower than I expected. The world felt so small on the island and it was the ultimate vacation spot. I wouldn't stay in Gili for more than a few days but it was definitely a great place to wind down from the trip.
Uluwatu
Our final three days were spent with cliffs and waves. Coming back from the Gili islands, we found ourselves a hidden cliff villa in Uluwatu. Drawn by the ocean view, we visited the Uluwatu beach (it was really just a cliff) that were minutes from where we stayed. The nature of this area was very dangerous and intimidating. We were hiking between narrow concrete stairs and broken pathways to get to the cliffs. There was no way to relax in the sand area because it was mainly an entrance for professional surfers who knew what they were doing. Anyone could be easily pulled away by heavy waves. We ended up visiting the restaurants built around the cliffs and got ourselves a nice sunset view for our first night.
As we got more situated in Uluwatu, we found surfing camps and yoga studios that offer drop-in classes. My boyfriend attended a two-hour surfing lesson that provided all the equipment and even drop-off at the Padang Padang beach (an actual beach that was less intense than the Uluwatu beach). I ended up trying out a traditional flying yoga class that gave me a real workout. Unfortunately, I did end up vomiting because of my weak belly and horrible motion sickness from being upside down. I met a girl from class who was also from SoCal but I never got to follow up with her because I felt so ill. (If by any chance you're reading this, I'm so sorry! I wish I got breakfast with you that day. I was trying so hard not to throw up when we were talking.)
We went to Padang Padang beach by ourselves and rented a paddle board for an hour. I had so much fun being on the paddle board (another first!) even though I fell off multiple times. It was a lot harder than I thought and required so much patience and obviously, balance. I thought my yoga experiences would help but I was only able to kneel and not even stand on the board. Next time for sure.
This was our final leg of our Bali trip and we decided to finish with visiting the Uluwatu Temple. We were handed orange ribbons by the temple staff. This was a much better experience than our Tanah Lot visit back in Seminyak. Not only we avoided the sardines of tourists, we also caught a gorgeous sunset that was the most memorable from our trip.
Fancy Spot; Highly Recommend
El Kabron Spanish Restaurant & Cliff Club
Instagram: @elkabronbali
Rating: 7.5/10
Uluwatu overall was a really beautiful place with tons of local food and fun water activities. I wanted to give a higher rating but I did not enjoy this leg as much as I did in Ubud or Gili Trawangan. Besides paddle boarding for the first time, I was overwhelmed by the heat and the unfamiliarity of the area. I wish I could say I'll visit again but most likely, I won't.
Taipei
Coming back to our two-hour layover in Taipei, I was ready to be home. We sipped complimentary drinks and slurped noodles at one of the premium lounges at the Taipei Airport. The flight back to Los Angeles was very easy and we were mostly asleep the whole time. I found that I still had 200,000 rupiahs in my backpack and will keep them as memory from the trip.
Final Thoughts
Overall, our Bali trip was a great getaway from all the stress at home. I felt extremely fortunate and recognized the immense privilege I had when I visited Indonesia. Although I was raised in a small town in Fuzhou and the village side of Hong Kong, my first experience in Southeast Asia was eye-opening and nothing compared to the environment I grew up in. I felt sadness every time I stepped out of our expensive villas and saw local Indonesians living out of tin-can houses. I felt a deeper sadness when we were approached by those that were desperate for money. The amount of hustle reminded me of my grandparents and parents when they were trying to survive and bring their kids to the states. Even as an American citizen, I would never forget where I came from and would always be aware of the privilege I have as a 1.5 generation Asian American.
One thing I would like to point out is that: social media images of Bali are disappointingly deceiving. While the resorts were luxurious, the immediate streets nearby were either developing or underdeveloped. I wish there were more images that depict the reality of Bali versus ones that only showcased the upscale villas and fancy foreigner attractions.
As a final thought, I most likely will not return to Bali again. Why? Even though the trip was a break from the craziness at home, I found myself with my guard up most of the time and encountered multiple stressful situations that defeated the purpose of the vacation. I'm so thankful that I had my boyfriend with me on this trip because truth is, I would not be able to visit Bali by myself.
Overall rating: 7.5/10
*Recommendations are genuine and purely based on my own experiences. I was not paid to promote or advertise any of the spots or villas mentioned!*
Published on 04 June
Hong Kong
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