Tag Archives: YonderOahu

The Polynesian Cultural Center Luau in Oahu

July 7, 2015 Sammy Armstrong

We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center for the Alii Luau and had a great time at some of the island stations.

Do note that if you book a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center and plan to go the islands before the luau that you need to arrive at noon if you intend to visit every island and see each island show. Samoa and Tonga are great, but take nearly an hour each if you want to see all of the fun shows at each island.

The first island we visited was Samoa. We got to attempt to make fire with two sticks and watch a show where they made all sorts of stuff with coconuts, climbed a palm tree, and twirled a fire staff. Samoa was super fun and the best island in our opinion. The Samoan dudes were great and very entertaining.

Samoa fire dancers — Samoan fire dancers

Samoa tree climbers — Samoan tree climbers

The other station that we went to was Tonga where my dad entertained everyone by wearing a grass skirt while dancing and playing the drums.

After the shows we went to the luau and saw another fire twirler. We also had a feast of pig, steak, chicken, fish, sweet potatoes, and purple poi bread. The buffet was well worth the money. The Kalua pig was the best we tasted at any time while on the island.

Lastly, we saw the Hau – Breath of Life. It was incredible! For sure, you have to see it if you are at the Polynesian Cultural Center for a luau.

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Makapu’u lighthouse hike in Oahu

July 5, 2015 Sammy Armstrong

This hike was a paved hike that was short, fast, and somewhat flat. We did it with our friends and had a lot of fun hiking along the coast and seeing the amazing views of Hawaii like this view of the koko head crater.

The trail has a low cement border to keep you from falling off.
It is well marked and very clean. Some folks were riding bikes on the trail when we were there.

From the first viewpoint, you get a nice view of the koko head crater.
We will put a whooping on koko head before we head out.

The trail goes on for about 2 miles.

From the last few viewpoints, you get great views of the pacific ocean.

The top lookout has a great view of a small island.

We didn’t get to go to the lighthouse because it was government property but we got a pretty good view of the lighthouse from the trail. There is a trail that leads to the lighthouse, but that trail is private property.

The hike is very easy and only takes about 1 and 1/2 hours if you move briskly and do not stop a ton. If you have little kids and stop quite a bit, the hike will take more around 2 hours. It is well worth the time.

Hiking the Diamond Head Crater Trail in Oahu

July 2, 2015 DaRoad Tripper

We hiked the Diamond Head Crater trail a couple days ago. It was a really fun hike. It only takes about 2 hours total and the hike is barely 2 miles. The total elevation change going up and back down is 1520 feet. 760 feet up and 760 down. Lots of people were on the trail of all ages so make sure you do not miss out if you’re in Oahu.

We posed for a group pic before filling up water bottles and heading to the trail.

The trail starts off paved and then turns to rocks and some boulders. It is a clear trail that is well marked with rails. It is very safe even for little people.

There is one section where you go through a cave, up a couple hundred stairs, and around a spiral staircase. We liked this so much we did it twice and ran up the stairs. Macho!

The views from the top were spectacular. You get a stamp if you make it to the top. You must bring a receipt or a map along with you. You can also buy a certificate at the top for five dollars.

View from the top — View of Honolulu from the top

What an awesome hike. We ran down to get in an extra workout.

Off to the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail for more hiking.

Surfing with Hawaiian Oceans Waikiki

July 1, 2015 DaRoad Tripper

Today we decided to go surfing with Hawaiian Oceans Waikiki.

JP was our coach and he did an outstanding job. He told me to go straight, then turn left, then turn right, then move up 3 feet, go back 4 feet, jump 3 times, all while looking super cool. I did it all with style.

Ben is hanging ten or attempting to hang ten. Ben has style, but not as much as me.

We both had a blast riding the waves all the way to the beach. Don’t we look macho!

Here we go.

I had a ton of fun learning to wipeout!!!!!

The Wilverine is not pictured, as he had a melt down and did not get to surf. He is going to try another day.

Waikiki is a great place to surf and Hawaiian Oceans Waikiki will get you coached up.

Best Beach in Oahu, Hawaii – A-team road trip 2015

June 28, 2015 DaRoad Tripper

We have been here in Oahu for 6 days and have checked out a ton of beaches.
So far, we feel the Kailua Beach / Lanikai is the best beach.

It has very clear water, lots of soft sand, and lots of shade trees in case you need them.
The mountains are right behind you and you feel like you are on the beach in Jurassic park without the dinosaurs, of course.

The water is pretty calm and super clear. Snorkeling was great here. Not a ton of sea life, but very clear water.

Enjoying the soft sand and clear water.

The water really is that blue / green.

From the water, you can see a forest right on the beach with beautiful mountains right behind the trees.
You have lots of shade if you get tired of the sun.Lots of restrooms on site with showers to wash off.

We felt it was a beach just for kids. The three of us were surrounded by lots of other kids.
Football and bbqs were going on all over the beach. We will definitely visit this one again before we have to leave Oahu.

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