November 10 – November 13: O’ahu

O’ahu is the most visited of Hawaii’s islands, thanks to the fact that it is home to Honolulu, the state’s capital and largest city, as well as Hawaii’s main international airport, making it a convenient gateway to the islands. Known as “The Gathering Place,” O’ahu offers a unique blend of bustling city life, iconic landmarks, historic sites, and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore famous beaches like Waikīkī, hike lush trails through the Koʻolau mountain range, and discover cultural treasures like Pearl Harbor.

From Fiji to Honolulu

There are daily direct flights from Fiji to Honolulu for around €500. This was actually the main reason I decided to stop here. Flights from Fiji to Central America cost approximately €1,000—a pricey necessity I had to accept. Breaking the journey into two shorter flights, each costing about €500, didn’t make a financial difference, so I figured, Hawaii – why not?

Honolulu

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is located on the southeastern end of O‘ahu. About 300,000 people live here, making up roughly 30% of Hawaii’s 1 million total population. Hawaii is the most expensive of all 50 US states, and its capital reflects this with upscale hotels, the iconic Waikīkī Beach, and luxury brand stores at nearly every corner. I stayed in a noisy hostel that was far from the lovely ones I experienced in New Zealand or Australia and still cost me $50 per night. The next cheapest option? “Budget” hotels starting at $200 per night.

Thankfully, getting around O‘ahu is both cheap and convenient. Regular buses cover all the main routes, and since the island is relatively small, every corner can be reached in under two hours. To ride, you need a Holo card, available at ABC Stores (which seem to be on every block). For just $7.50, the card provides unlimited bus rides for 24 hours.

Speaking of ABC Stores, I found these “little bit of everything” shops surprisingly useful. In addition to beachwear, sunscreen, and souvenirs, they offer tasty wraps that became my go-to breakfast and affordable coffee—a welcome discovery in such an expensive city.

And here is a description how I spent 3 days on O’ahu :

Diamond Head Hike: A popular hike to the top of an extinct volcanic crater offering panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The crater is right next to Honolulu and the start of the hike can be reached in 30 minutes by walking, or by bus.
Koko Head Hike: This is a very challenging trek, 1048 steps straight up an old tram line. It is the kind of challenge that makes me wonder my choices mid-way but then reminds me why I prefer this kind of stuff rather than lying on a beach by rewarding with amazing views.
Pearl Harbor: Visit the historic site, including the USS Arizona Memorial, to learn about the events of World War II.
Kualoa Ranch: Explore this scenic private nature reserve, famous as a filming location for movies and shows like Jurassic Park and Lost. Visiting was a no-brainer for me, as I consider Jurassic Park to be as pivotal to 1990s cinematography as The Lord of the Rings was for the 2000s.
Strolling in Honolulu: Wander through the vibrant streets of the city, discovering local shops, art galleries, and historic neighborhoods.
Waikīkī Beach: Relax on one of the world’s most famous beaches, known for its golden sand, surf culture, and lively atmosphere. It is a busy place, obviously.
North Shore: Visit this surfing mecca, home to world-class waves, quaint towns, and famous shrimp trucks.
Manoa Falls: A lush rainforest hike leading to a stunning 46-meter waterfall.
Byodo-In Temple: A serene replica of a Japanese temple set against the stunning Koʻolau Mountains.
Waimea Valley: Discover a botanical garden and cultural site leading to a beautiful waterfall where you can swim.