What was meant to be a little sister duo trip, ended up being one of the best solo adventures of my life! Here’s how I spent my 5 days on the island.
Trip duration: 5 days in June
Climate: tropical and ideal (for me)
Attire: comfortable, breathable clothes for tropical weather
Budget breakdown :
- Flights: $445 each roundtrip SFO – HNL (honestly you can also get $200 RT trips from SJC, ours were just last minute tickets)
- Hotel: $800 for 4 nights/5 days around Waikiki(it’s pricey out here, but divided into 2 out of the kindness of my rich older sister’s heart <3)
- Food: not tracked because we here for a good time, not a long time
- Car rental: $218 – daily rate $36.80 + tax
Disclaimer: I am not an actual food critic, I’m honestly a little dumb and usually only here for a good time
DAY 1
Arrival: 7:30PM local time
Picked up my car rental from Thrifty at the airport then went straight to Foodland at Ala Moana because ya girl was getting hangry after flying for about 9 hours (was NOT a direct flight unfortunately).
Picked up my all time favorite snack: li hing gummy bears! These are pretty much just gummy bears coated in li hing mui powder which is ground plum skin. It has this gorgeous sweet, sour, salty flavor that compliments the gummy bears extremely well and very much aligned with my personal palate.
If you don’t like it, then we can’t be friends. Sucks to suck.
Main meals of choice: chicken katsu with rice, ahi avocado poke, and seaweed salad
Would I recommend: Foodland gives me very Whole Foods vibes and I love it. And they sell fresh poke by the pound.
Then I did a late night drive because I got lost and kept missing my street as any main character should before I checked into my hotel to pass the heck out.
DAY 2
Thanks to my California jetlag, my day started off at 5AM!
Made my way to Waikiki beach to watch the gorgeous Hawaiian sunrise that everyone raves about- totally worth it.
Kona Coffee Purveyors | b patisserie
Located in Waikiki at the International Marketplace just walking distance from the beach. They don’t open until 7AM, but since I woke up waaaay to early for my own good I decided to hot girl walk myself over for some coffee.
I took the photo below when I arrived at around 6:45AM, I was surprised at how long the line already was! But do not worry, once they open up the line moves quick.
I just ordered a plain ole iced Kona coffee, no sugar (exactly the way I like it: straight to the point. The point being caffeine.)
What’s so popular about Kona coffee? Aside from the coffee beans being only grown in Kona, I have no idea how to differentiate the taste of different coffee beans at all. Since I almost always have my coffee black, all I know is good coffee and bad coffee. I’ll just go ahead and say Kona coffee is pretty damn good.
No comment on their pastries because not only is this poor girl lactose intolerant, but she’s also allergic to egg. I like to pick my battles carefully.
Musubi Cafe Iyasume
There are a couple different locations, but for walkable convenience I went to the one on Kuhio.
The line does tend to get pretty long at times, so be prepared for a little wait if you aren’t lucky!
Meal of choice: avocado spam musubi and plum musubi (riceball)
Would I recommend? With thousands of yelp reviews, absolutely. Would also recommend 7-11 musubis for those even more on the go!
They sell super cute merch and souvenirs to take home like eco bags, musubi gift sets, shirts, etc. You can check them out at their website where they also have an online shop.
Moku Hawaii – surfboard rental!
Just down the street from Musubi Cafe is a wonderful surfboard rental shop that also offers lessons.
Price reference:
| Rental type | Price |
| Board for 1-2 hours | $10 |
| Board for 3-4 hours | $15 |
| 1 day board rental | $20 (+$10 for every additional day after) |
| Lesson type | Price |
| Private | $100 (1hr); $150 (1.5hr) |
| Semi-private | $80 (1hr) $120 (1.5hr) |
| Group | $60 (1hr) $90 (1.5hr) |
I personally only did a 2 hour board rental since I had hiking plans right after, and have done surf lessons in the past.
This surf shop is just a ~5 minute walk down to Waikiki beach for all your surfing needs. Great spot for party waves since it is almost always super packed.
Koko Head trail
After freshening up post-surf, I made my way out to Koko Head trail.
Warning: it is STEEP. Not great if you have a fear of heights (like me!). Feel free to wimp out, you wuss.
This hike honestly took me a lot longer than it should have, especially considering I got a bit nauseous every time I looked down at how far up I was. Which was literally the entire way down, where I had to take multiple breaks to just sit down and face the other way.
Don’t forget to bring water, shades, and a hat for sun protection! If you can make it to the top, the satisfaction of not giving up is worth it.
Koko Head Cafe
A 15-20 minute drive away from the trail head is a cute little cafe that serves your typical brunch classics, with a little gourmet twist.
Meal of choice: I forgot what it was called exactly, but my server recommended what is pretty much a beautifully boujie poke bowl, and of course a sochu mai tai to soothe my tired soul
Would I recommend: Yes! I’ve also heard fantastic things about their breakfast congee which I will be trying during my next visit. The line tends to get long, but there is a Yelp waitlist available.
Electric Beach Park
Nice, small beach right off the side of the highway. Decent amount of marine life in the area so I’d say it’s a pretty good snorkel spot. Turtles tend to hang out around the pipe but not exactly a beginner swimmers area since the pipe is a lengthy swim from shore and please do always be cautions of currents.
Rainbow Drive-Inn
I love this spot. Plate lunches are my absolute weakness.
Meal of choice: mix plate (BBQ beef, boneless chicken, and mahi)- also paid for extra gravy but they forgot to add it 😦
Would I recommend: I’d like to say this is one of the must-tries as a tourist! IMO their rice has no business being that good.
Tip: Parking lot is a bit small so you might have a bit of trouble parking during peak business hours.
Cowcow’s Tea
Because consuming calories is my favorite thing to do on vacation. I will always have space for boba. 11/10 would recommend.
DAY 3
Kai Coffee – Hyatt Regency Hotel
Came here first thing in the morning since it was walking distance from hotel, figured it would be a good idea considering how long the line was! People really love lining up for their drinks. It’s me. I’m people. Thankfully the line moves pretty quickly.
Drink of choice: Kai latte (hot)- this is a macadamia nut latte
Would I recommend? I don’t see why not! I typically prefer to order my coffee black and eat my calories (rather than drink ’em!) but since this coffee shop is known for their macadamia nut latte’s, might as well try their specialty.
It was a fantastically smooth tasting latte, with just the right amount of sweetness. It was my first time having macadamia nut in a drink (how does one milk a nut????) and I’d say it has a unique taste to it.
Kono’s Northshore – Waikiki
Meal of choice: Pig on Grass – salad topped with 12 hour slow cooked Kalua pulled pork
Would I recommend: It wasn’t a mind blowing meal, but it was pretty good and location is very convenient.
Banan Waikiki Beach Shack
Why not get even more food?! Breakfast dessert is a thing too! I stumbled across this cute beach shack when I was trying to find that alleyway with the surfboards stored on the side.
Admittedly their menu is a bit on the pricier side, but it is a great treat when you want to cool down from the heat. Banan sells dairy-free soft serves that are banana based- perfect for my fellow lactose intolerant babies out there! I am a huge fan of their bowls.
Kualoa Ranch
Since I *finally* learned how to ride a bike during this pandemic, I thought it would be fantastic idea to take the mountain bike tour at Kualoa Ranch! Was it a good idea? Absolutely. Did I bruise myself beyond repair? No. It was not beyond repair, but my legs looked absolutely beat up for a few weeks with how many times I ate $hit while trying to bike up and down HILLS. Thankfully they make use of e-bikes on this tour.
Even if I’ve never watched Jurassic Park (I’M SORRY), it was sick getting to tour around their film location. Kudos to our tour guide- he and I both deserve an oscar for this performance.
Waiahole Poi Factory
I noticed this spot on my way into Kualoa Ranch and made sure to stop by on my way back.
Meal of choice: Having never tried poi before, I assumed it would be similar to ube since they are both taro based and boy was I wrong! Took a couple bites for my brain to get over the confusion that it is nothing like Filipino ube. I was surprised by this sweet-ish sour, tangy flavor but it paired quite well with the savory laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves) they sell.
Would I recommend? I will admit this may be more of an acquired taste and not for everyone, but it was definitely for me! I’m a sucker for 100+ year old family-owned businesses, especially when they specialize in authentic local food.
Maguro Brothers – Chinatown
QUEEN OF ORDERING MORE FOOD DESPITE NOT HAVING FINISHED HER LAST MEAL.
Located inside Kekaulike Market, they got some pretty bomb poke bowls. Parking sucks but their fish tastes ridiculously fresh. Pretty fair pricing IMO.
Mai Tai’s at Ala Moana
An open air bar located at Ho’okipa Terrace at Ala Moana that serves some damn good cocktails!
Loved that they had a live band playing music- only downside was that it was a bit too loud for my liking so we moved to a table furthest from the stage.
DAY 4
Island Vintage Coffee
Again with the long lines for my morning coffee run ❤
Drink of choice: Mauna Kea Iced Coffee
Would I recommend? It’s literally a cup of sweet sugary goodness- kona coffee, sea salt caramel, gelato, and black lava sea salt. The caffeine + sugar rush had me feeling all sorts of energy.
Musubi & Bento IYASUME
You best bet I went to another one of their locations! They limit customers to 2 at a time at this location.
Cravings? Satisfied.
Taste buds? Tingled.
Stomach? Filled.
Would I recommend? I hate lines- please stay away and go somewhere else.
Maguro Spot
We love a good 2nd breakfast. This place is located right across the street from the initial Musubi Cafe IYASUME I went to during my 2nd day on the island.
Meal of choice: small size salmon poke bowl
Would I recommend? For $6?!?! Yes, yes, and YES! Well…realistically I’d say no because I really don’t like having to wait in line for food that everyone else shares love for. But I also hate to gate keep.
Toa Luau
Located all the way out in North Shore’s Waimea Valley, Toa Luau was such an amazing experience! Our host, Cousin Billy, was fantastic. It was a great interactive cultural experience from all the different activities, the ceremony, the MEAL, and the show. Everyone was extremely friendly and gave off family vibes.
Special shout out to Ted’s bakery because that coconut cake they served for dessert was to die for.
Hale’iwa
Had no plans of stopping by this town, but saw a cute sign on the side of the highway so decided to exit and check it out. I just stopped by Surf N’ Sea to check out their dive/surf gear then headed off to Banzai Bowl across the street for a pitaya bowl to help me cool down. Took my little smoothie bowl with me back across the beach to catch the gorgeous sunset before heading back to my hotel to rest.
Honolulu Tavern – “A Waikiki Talk Story Bar”
Cozy little neighborhood pub where I met up with some friends for a drink. The bartender was extremely friendly and welcoming. Gave more of a local’s spot vibe since the bartender also recognized a few regulars. Had a blast here chatting it up with everyone!
DAY 5
My last day on this trip. Since my flight back to SFO was at noon, I really only had enough time to freshen up, pack my things, and grab a bite to eat before leaving.
Leonard’s Bakery
Most popular for their fresh malasadas, which are Portuguese donuts without the hole.
Went to the airport after this and tried my best to summon a main character moment and start crying, but I really had nothing to cry about so I was just trying too hard to be extra.
The hardest parts about solo travel?
- Admittedly there were a few times were I felt a little lonely, usually when it came to meals for one. But this trip was also the first time I found myself sitting at the restaurant bar chatting away with the servers/bartenders/other solo folks
- The asian woman driver stereotype very much applies to me 😦 but thankfully locals drive island speed!
- I try to eat anything and everything on vacation so I can try all the local food
- I hardly ever finish my meals. As a result of this, my fridge was packed with wasted food and I am SORRY. At least Don was there some parts to raid my fridge of leftovers!
travel blog, minus the bull$hit 
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