A Short but Sweet Escape to Paradise: O‘ahu Edition🌺
If there’s one trip we still find ourselves talking about, it’s our visit to Hawai‘i! Back in March 2022, we took a short (but oh-so-sweet) trip to O‘ahu for Sam’s Aunt’s wedding. While it wasn’t a long stay, it was packed with incredible memories — from the stunning scenery to the unforgettable moments shared with family. We feel beyond grateful to have been part of such a beautiful celebration in such a magical place.
Here are some of our favorite highlights from the island — and don’t worry, we’re already plotting our return to explore even more.
1. Diamond Head State Monument 🥾
One of our favorite family outings from the trip! We all made our way up the Diamond Head Summit Trail — and yes, there were quite a few stairs (my legs still remember), but the panoramic view from the top was so worth it. The 360° view of the island was unreal. Bonus points for the Dole Whip at the visitor center afterward — easily the tastiest reward after a hike.
2. Pearl Harbor National Memorial ⚓
This is a must-visit if you’re heading to O‘ahu. Walking around the memorial and seeing the history up close — especially the size of the ships — was humbling. It’s one of those places that really puts time and history into perspective. We left with a deep sense of appreciation and reflection.
3. Makua Beach & Kaneana Cave (Stargazing Adventure) 🌌
This one goes to Sam for the idea — I won’t steal his thunder. He suggested we drive to a low light pollution zone in the early hours of the morning (yes, 3:00–4:00 AM kind of early) to catch the stars. A big group of us piled into cars and headed toward Makua Beach. We parked near the Kaneana Cave, turned off all the lights, and let our eyes adjust. When we finally looked up — jaw-dropping. We could clearly see the Milky Way with our own eyes. One of the most memorable things we’ve ever done, and worth sacrificing sleep for!
4. Kalaniana‘ole Beach / Nanakuli Beach Park (“Mermaid Caves”) 🧜♀️🌊
This stop was near the end of our trip and gave us one last adventure. We checked out the famous “Mermaid Caves” (also called Makua Caves) — and they were stunning. A quick PSA: If you go, wear shoes with solid grip and be super cautious. The tide can rise quickly, making the caves dangerous. We popped in for a quick photo while the area was still dry, but within minutes, the water had completely filled it. Wild! Nature always keeps you on your toes. If you’re looking for a safer place to swim and maybe catch a gorgeous sunset, just walk over to the main beach area at Kalaniana‘ole. It’s absolutely worth it.
We only scratched the surface of O‘ahu, but these moments stuck with us — from stargazing in the early hours to hiking volcano craters and soaking up sunsets. We can’t wait to go back someday and discover even more.
Have you been to Hawai‘i? Let us know what spots we need to add to our list for next time! 🌴
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