Aloha from Oahu, Hawaii

Hi everyone! Ahhh, I’m so excited because this marks my very first blog post! This is something I’ve been meaning to start for a few years now, but being such a busy bee with school and work always left me in a time crunch. Now that I’ve finally finished school, I have more free time and can dedicate some of it towards blogging.

This week, I spent it adventuring in the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii.

North Shore:

North Shore was my favorite area. During the summer time, the water is flat with minimal waves. I snorkeled and saw a variety of colorful fish. Not to mention it had the best shrimp trucks, shaved ice, and coconut water I’ve ever had.

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Seriously how cute are these sea turtles that were swimming and sunbathing along the shoreline in Turtle Beach?! These little guys are protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act, and it’s highly illegal for anyone to touch them.

Hikes:

Waimea Valley and Falls

This is an easy one-mile walk through a beautiful botanical garden leading up to a waterfall. It made me feel as if I was strolling through Jurassic Park with unique giant plants and greenery all around me.

At the end of the hike comes a fresh water waterfall. Lifeguards on duty give you life jackets to jump in and swim up to the very refreshing waterfall.

Koko Head Stairs

Hiking up over 1,000 old railroad steps was challenging. Midway through, the steps become a bridge far above the ground, so watch your step! And if you’re short like me, it feels like you’re doing deep lunges at an incline. The view once you reach the top is breathtaking and totally worth it. You will also see old military bunkers from World War II up there.

Beaches:

• Turtle Beach- (North Shore) Sea turtle pics posted above.
• Waimea Bay- (North Shore, near Waimea Falls) There’s a big rock you can jump off from.
• Hanauma Bay- Known for its coral reefs and snorkeling.
• Sandy Beach- The shore break is intense! Later, came to find out it’s known to be Oahu’s most dangerous beach. Many people have dislocated or broken their legs, shoulders, and neck.
• Waikiki- Surrounded by hotels and lots of things to do.
• Lanikai- Check out Lanikai’s Pillbox hike.

Pearl Harbor:

Of course, I had to visit this historical landmark while in Hawaii. I watched a 25-minute educational short film before taking a boat to the Arizona Memorial. I also visited the Road to War and Attack museums at the visitor center. What caught me by surprise is the oil residue that still floats, 76 years later, on the top of the sunken ship. However, I don’t recommend purchasing the tour package through a third party. It’s expensive and takes up the whole day. I say either Uber or drive on your own, and just pay the admission, that way you’re in control of your time.

Hope you join me on my next adventure soon, thanks for reading!

XOXO,

Laura Saucedo