Inside Oahu, Hawaii

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ummer is coming to an end soon, and most of us will be back to school or the nine to five. Although we are ready to embrace Fall, we can’t help but take a walk down memory lane to look back at some of the fun memories this summer –some casual and sweet, others more elaborate and adventurous. One of those great adventures was the amazing trip we took to Oahu, Hawaii this past April. For five days and four nights, we had the chance to experience the “Aloha” spirit and explore the island with all its sights and sounds. And what better way to celebrate this special trip than with a three part series to share our amazing Hawaii adventure.

DAY 1: ARRIVING TO WAIKIKI

We wanted to avoid wasting a full day on just travel so we made sure when we booked our travel arrangements that our flight out of LAX to Honolulu was an early one. Some might dread waking up at four in the morning, but as we made our way to the airport, the last thing on our minds was how early it was. We couldn’t wait to sink our feet in some sand and watch the amazing blue-turquoise waters. Maybe it was the excitement, but within the hour we were boarding our flight and about to embark on our fun Hawaiian adventure.

And it seems Hawaiian Airlines had the same thought because within the hour, our breakfast was served, along with a delicious Island-inspired cocktail and Sweet Maui Onion kettle chips  that had us all kinds of excited for Hawaii.

The flight was just short of six hours so in no time at all we were off the plane and feeling the hot Hawaiian sun on our backs where we were greeted with a beautiful lei, scooped up by the shuttle bus service we’d booked and driven down to Waikiki Beach to our hotel. Thirty minutes later, we were right in front of the lovely Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel with our carry on luggage in tow. Boasting an impressive location just walking distance to Waikiki Beach and minutes from an array of bustling restaurants and shops, we immediately fell in love with the hotel and its contemporary decor.

The staff were absolutely amazing as we checked in, making sure to go over all the great amenities at our disposal. Not soon after, we were in the elevator and sliding our key to our room.

The moment we stepped foot in our room we were impressed by how bright the room was with the light streaming from the window. It was spacious but still comfortable, and boasted a red and white color scheme that set us in the right mood for the days ahead. Also, laid out in the center of our bed was a black satchel with a card welcoming us to the Ashton. Inside we were pleasantly surprised to find a makeup bag filled with a selection of Coola products, a deck of cards, and fans as well.

But the best part of the room was beyond a doubt the balcony and the fantastic view overlooking Waikiki Beach and downtown. No matter where we looked, every angle was Instagram worthy. We won’t lie. We may have taken a few… *cough*… a dozen photos out there.

With no activity planned for the day, we decided to spend our first day in Honolulu as relaxed and carefree as possible. And when you’re in Hawaii, the beach is the perfect place to unwind. But not before indulging in some good cuisine.

Fortunately for us, our hotel had a great restaurant called Tiki’s Grill & Bar, which had fabulous patio seating overlooking the ocean. Ready to have our first meal in Hawaii, we ordered the Tik’s Fish and Chips, the Da Kine Club Sandwich and because it wouldn’t be quite the Hawaiian experience without it, the Tiki’s Poke Bowl.

The food came hot and plentiful. Unable to wait another second, we dug into our food, savory each dish family style. Definitely a recommended spot for anyone in Honolulu looking for great food.

After lingering for a good hour or so at the restaurant, we headed back to our hotel to unpack and change into our bathing suits. Moments later we were all ready and walking across to the beach.

Geared up with our straw mats and towels (compliments of the hotel), we settled down on the warm sand and made a beeline for the amazing Waikiki waters. Cold but comfortable, the waters were absolutely fantastic. We swam for a bit before leaving the water and heading back to our mats to dry off. Call us crazy, but although we have great beaches in Southern California, there is just something special about Hawaii beaches that just put you in that island mood almost instantly.

Wanting to rest up before our big fun-filled day the next day, we packed up our things and headed back to our hotel to  relax for the remainder of the day. We did, however step out to the balcony later that evening to enjoy the sunset.

As we sat there watching the sun go slowly down, the reality that we were there in Hawaii finally hit us. Here we were enjoying this beautiful view and this wasn’t going to be the only one. We had four more days to experience all the amazing sights and tastes throughout the island. And wasn’t that an amazing feeling?

We couldn’t wait.