Imagine a place where your nose is enchanted by sweet smells of coconut and wild flowers the minute you step off the plane, where orchids 'literally' fall from the sky, a place where birds tweet to the rhythm of the waves.  Could you imagine such a place? A place where cotton candy skies sit above crystal blue waters and white sugar sand beaches...immerse yourself into the Hawaiian Dream.  From the moment my husband whisked me away to the Polynesian island in 2014, I knew this would forever be my happy place.  I am the first to admit, I am not the biggest water fan, I would much rather observe from the beach or float gently atop the waves, but, there is something about the incredible surf and free spirit of the wind that will make even the grounded of people want to jump into the ocean for a swim!  Have you ever found yourself saying 'I need a vacation from my vacation', my husband and I sure have.  It is safe to say, after 7 days in Hawaii, you will be well rested with a suitcase full of memories - and ready to take on the home front - if you want to come home that is.

I find O’ahu, Waikiki to be our go-to island; there's great shopping, food, relaxation and a little nightlife steps from the main hotel strip.  Hawaii in general has to be one of the perfect places to vacation with a child, there is so much to do from paddling in the pool, running along the many beaches then making sand castles, kid-friendly beach activities, restaurants galore, the Zoo, family hikes, Aquariums, Luaus, Excursions and more!  Another great plus is that you don't have to worry about the safety of clean water or food, the Islands are safe and clean and care-free. 

Our favorite hotel in Waikiki is the ever enchanting and historic 'The Royal Hawaiian',  The hotel opened its doors in 1927 and started a new era for luxury resort travel to Hawaii.  The six-story, 400 room structure is fashioned in a Spanish-Moorish style, which was popular during the 1920 period and influenced by screen star Rudolph Valentino. 

At the grand opening’s black-tie gala celebration, members of the Honolulu Symphony entertained over 1,200 guests at the $10-a-plate event-of-the-year. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin described the newly opened Royal Hawaiian as “the first resort hostelry in America.” In 2015, the 17-story Mailani Tower opened, bridging the sumptuous splendor of the property’s original allure, with the conveniences and comforts expected by modern travelers.

Also...did you know!  Long before Waikiki was developed as a tourist destination, King Kamehameha I had his home where The Royal Hawaiian stands today, and Queen Kaahumanu’s Summer Palace was previously located on what is now the resort’s Coconut Grove.  We usually like to stay in the historic tower, the rooms are spacious (which is great when you have a baby) they are also historically stunning.  Perk! for a low $50/ night you can add on a private sitting room with pullout couch, inquire upon check in (subject to availability). 

Slip into serenity at the Abhasa Spa, (which means “illusion” in Sanskrit), it is noted for being the only spa on O’ahu that offers luxury spa treatments in a serene tropical garden setting outside, while still being located in the heart of Royal Hawaiian Resort.  Are you an early riser? complimentary to all guests is the 8AM morning yoga class, located directly in front of the Abhasa spa.

The island life will hit you hard with the endless strip of beaches.  The most famous and tourist hot spot, is Waikiki beach, which is steps from most hotels and a quick run back to your room. My other top choices for beaches, that are often a little less populated are; Sandy Beach, Lanikai Beach, Sunset Beach, Waimea Beach, Malakahana Beach and Pokai Beach.  I love that all of the beaches in O'ahu are 'sugar sand' beaches, silky and soft to the touch.  Keep an eye out for turtles! They are spotted swimming the shoreline in search of food - we have always been lucky enough to spot several on our trips to Hawaii. If you are looking for a fun family filled day of excitement, I would highly recommend Eco-Adventures in King's Village, Waikiki, be sure to try out their Dolphin excursion, a 6 hour excursion, where you actually swim up close in the wild with Dolphins, they provide lunch, time for snorkeling, paddle boarding and kayaking.  I have participated in this excursion two years in a row and both times swam up close with Dolphins IN THE WILD - the experience is thrilling!  If boat ride excursions aren’t your thing try one of the islands hikes, waterfall jumps, sky diving or ziplining, the north-shore is the Jurassic Park homeland of all that is wild and lush.

Did somebody say shop till you drop? Waikiki boasts the best of the best when it comes to luxury shopping, take a stroll down Kalakaua Avenue and be amazed at the shiny names of 'Chanel', 'Gucci', 'Saint Laurent', 'Valentino', 'Dior' and more....gleaming back at you.  It really is a shoppers paradise, not to mention occasional 20% off sales (jaw drops), and a 4 story duty-free shopping mall - be sure to save your big bucks for a day of handbags and shoes...if that is your thing. One of the best things about Hawaii, is the food, delicious fresh ocean catches of the day are seasoned and salted and turned into a delightful dish known as Poke.  There's also the sweet delightful taste of Macadamia nuts that are incredible when whipped into Strawberry Macadamia Nut Pancakes...drool.  

O'ahu, may not have many nightclubs but, who cares when you have ocean front beach bars, be sure to check out a few of my top picks; Duke's, Mai Tai Bar, Hula Grill, Tiki's, Rum Fire, House Without a Key, Shore Bird.  There are also a few spots off the beach that deserve notice for their delicious drink and dish creations; Yardhouse, Roy's, Bill's, Katsumidori Sushi, Maui Brewing, Sky Waikiki and Izakaya Pau Hana.

A couple of things you must do...at least once when you travel to O'ahu; Diamond Head Trail, Sealife Park (for a Luau), Honolulu Zoo, Lanikai Beach (bring snacks and beach towels), Rent a car - drive the Island stop at all the beaches, Dole Plantation, Hanauma Bay Snorkeling , Sunset Catamaran Sail, Monoa Falls, Pipe, KCC Farmers Market, Coconut Island...arrange a boat to take you over!

I love Hawaii so much, there is natural want to relax and be healthy here, immerse yourself into the Polynesian world and indulge in all that is good.  I have been coming to these islands twice a year for the past 4 years, and I am so excited to start new family traditions here with my growing family.  I hope you enjoyed this read and will give O’ahu or any of the Hawaiian Islands a try when you are planning your next vacation.  Later this year we will be heading to Maui, I can’t wait to explore the wonders of this lush island and share all my tips and stories

Featured clothing:

Tularosa, Peek a boo Coverup in White

Tularosa, Jamie Jumpsuit in Mustard Yellow

Heiress Swimwear, Animale Bikini

Asherah Swimwear, Calypso One Piece

Marjorelle, Pearson Dress