Over the holiday weekend, my family and I decided to take a half-around the island trip together. I was really excited because getting out with both of my parents is rare, and doing something outdoorsy altogether is even more rare.
We took my dad’s truck (also known as “Trucky”) and drove off at around 10:30 a.m. We drove from Aiea, towards town alongside the downtown Honolulu skyline and a view of Diamond Head.
We drove to the end of the freeway, which always seems like an accomplishment because we’re usually never in the car for more than half an hour (unless we’re stuck in traffic, which is almost always). After getting off the freeway, we passed Kokohead and Hanauma Bay. Our first stop was the blowhole on the east side. Surrounded by tourists who just so happened to hop over the wall and venture down the cliffs toward the ocean (never a good idea unless you’re actually from Hawaii and know what you’re doing). Luckily for them, it was low tide. But seriously?
Then, we drove past Sandy’s beach where my parents reminisced hanging out there during their youth which was really weird for me because I can’t imagine them “droppin bombs” and “cruising” at Sandy’s (lol). I personally haven’t spent much time there, because it’s more known as where private school kids hangout and for guys to body board. Most of the girls seen there are usually sporting skimpy bikinis and staying out of the water because the waves there would definitely wash their bikinis right off. Growing up, I spent most of my time on the North Shore because it was closer to home and more swimmable for me (I’m a water baby).
Next on our mini roadtrip, were views of Makapu‘u Lighthouse and beach, we caught a glimpse of a guy hand gliding which was really cool, then Sea Life Park, and a cruise into Enchanted Lake and Kailua, all with the beautiful ocean to our right. I honestly never knew there were so many different shades of blue.
We drove through Lanikai, where my future dream home sits. A classic two story home right near the beach, with dormers, a guest house, and a big (but not too big) yard. I will buy you one day, Dream House.
We stopped at Whole Foods because my mom always wanted to shop there. We were amazed at how big the store was and how much stuff they had, but it was just way too expensive! If you shop there, good for you, but for us people with a brain to think twice before spending $12 on a small meat and cheese box, we’ll stick to growing our own herbs at home, thank you very much. #buylocal haha.
We were going to grab something to eat at Whole Foods but couldn’t bear to spend the money. So we tried something new, Grylt. Grylt was pretty good. We got two sandwiches: one steak sandwich and one grilled chicken sandwich. They were tasty but we probably wouldn’t return. Let’s just say it wasn’t something we couldn’t make at home. We brought our lunches to the graveyard to visit my grandparents (both maternal grandparents and my paternal grandma). I hate going to the graveyard, but it wasn’t anything some pretty ginger, lunch, good company, and a little prayer couldn’t fix.
From there, we headed to the North Shore, while watching in aw the beautiful sights on the way: Kaneohe Bay, He‘eia Fishpond, Kualoa Ranch, all before taking a quick stop at Chinaman’s Hat.
Driving through North Shore is usually one of my favorite drives, but it was so crowded. I really hope and pray that the North Shore doesn’t turn into another Waikiki. There were so many tourists and traffic, I wanted to cry. My favorite thing about the North Shore is being able to swim in its pristine and refreshing oceans and eat its delicious foods. So tourists, please don’t ruin that.
Come to Hawaii, enjoy, learn our history, don’t litter or be rude, don’t take anything back with you, and will be fine.
Anyway, we made our way through Haleiwa town and I had to get my sandwich from Storto’s. I don’t know why I love it so much, I think it’s the bread. But really, it’s just a sandwich (said no one ever because it’s delicious). After Storto’s we finally stopped at a beach that wasn’t too crowded and took a quick swim <3
Our last stop before heading home was shave ice (of course). We usually avoid Matsumoto’s because it’s always so crowded. Aoki’s was my all-time favorite but they closed down because of construction for new/fancy boutiques in Haleiwa town (yuck). So, we headed to Waikele, which was (sadly), also crowded. But it hit the spot and put the cherry (or should I say mochi balls?) on top of our fun family day.