Today is our last full day of having a rental car on Oahu, so we woke up determined to see as many of the remaining Oahu sights on our list as we could fit in. We are now in our Air B&B in Waikiki and will be very walkable to many things from here onward, so we will return our car tomorrow. Our little studio is super cute and clean, but it is almost jarring to be back in the big city after the peace and quiet of our Big Island stay.

Leonard’s Bakery

Based on the thousand recommendations from friends and strangers alike, we headed first thing this morning to Leonard’s bakery for their malasadas (fried Portuguese doughnuts that are often filled with flavored creams, if you haven’t read our previous blogs). After trying several other malasadas, I’ll be honest and say I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about… until Leonard’s. Oh. My. Gosh. Amazing!! They were hot and sugary and filled with delicious creams/custards. We sampled the daily pack with one of all six flavors- haupia, dobash, lychee, chocolate, custard cream, and guava (those last little details were to feed your fomo, Kevin S.). Soooo good. Okay, okay… I get it now. Worth the line out the door.

Punchbowl Crater

After being fortified by sugar, we drove up the mountain to the Punchbowl Crater, where the National Cemetery of The Pacific is located, and where there is a panoramic view of Honolulu. It is a beautiful and solemn place, serving as the final resting place for many US service members. Once again proving we stink at solemnity, Rob and I got in trouble by security while we were here because we ate a Leonard’s malasada as we were parked and looking around. I felt bad for breaking a rule (didn’t know!), but I also vow to all of you who are reading this that I highly *encourage* you to eat Leonard’s malasadas at my own final resting place one day. I will be cheering you on, no matter where I end up.

Those Funky Chickens

On our previous visit to Hawaii, we were surprised at the number of wild chickens and roosters that were roaming the islands (especially in Kauai). I had forgotten that detail, so I am once again trying to not be surprised to find chickens and roosters everywhere on this island… in city streets, cemeteries, parks, restaurants, etc. I kind of love it, but it was a little disconcerting for me when something brushed my ankles yesterday as I sat on a barstool at Maui Brewing and I looked down to see a chicken! (Side note: No one cared- not bar patrons, workers, NO ONE.) He had free run of the place.). As for these guys in the first picture below, they appear to be starting a rooster gang.

Byodo-In Temple

Wow- just wow. The fact that there is this beautiful (replica) Japanese Buddhist Temple right here in Hawaii just blows my mind. It is a peaceful and pretty place, and we were so glad we made it back up here (having missed it in our travels the other day). My favorite parts of this stop were being encouraged to ring their bon-sho (sacred bell) when you come in to chase away negativity and give you peace, and I also loved feeding the birds and fish with the food from the gift shop. The birds here are so tame they will hop right into your hand and eat from it! A very nice stop if you have time, only 40 minutes from Honolulu.

Pali Lookout

A quick stop at this overlook high up the mountain allowed us panoramic views of the windward side of the island that we drove previously. Park signs told us that this is a site of historical significance as the location of the Battle of Nuʻuanu in 1795, where King Kamehameha I unified the Hawaiian Islands. 

Diamond Head

Last time we were in Oahu we missed one of those iconic first-visit-to-Honolulu activities and did not hike to the top of Diamond Head, so we had to rectify that on this visit! We were able to get a late afternoon reservation time, but the fates laughed at us for thinking it might be cooler at that time of day. It was a sweaty and mildly to moderately difficult 1.5 mile climb up the side of the extinct volcanic cone to the lookout at the top.

I could lie and claim I enjoyed the hike- it WAS pretty- but it was too hot for me so I was not my best self. I am a 70 degrees or less hiker back home- that’s my “rule” for all the outdoor activities that Rob and I enjoy. If it is in the 70s or less, I’m your girl! We’ve had some great kayak runs, bike rides, and hikes in 50 degree weather, and I love it (I “run hot” almost all the time). But once it gets 80 degrees plus, it probably feels (for Rob) likes he’s dragging around an angry, complaining blanket with him. 😂 All that said, I made it! We finished the hike, took the pictures, and checked the box. So, here ya go. Pictures of my misery, and some beautiful views.

Random Fun Sights

A few of our interesting finds here in Oahu that probably aren’t on a standard island tour.

Evening Shenanigans

I was rewarded for my hiking fortitude with a seafood dinner at Nico’s Pier 38 tonight. Great fish, great entertainment, and a yummy mai tai. I have recovered!

Happened upon a fireworks display on our way home tonight. Very festive!

Thanks for adventuring with us!