When my husband first suggested we spend a week in Hawaii for my birthday several years ago, I was skeptical. It was a long flight from Florida, a massive time difference and I immediately thought it would cost too much; cheap flights to Hawaii did not seem like something that even existed. However, I was pleasantly surprised to realize that an affordable flight to Hawaii was indeed possible and we immediately booked the trip that would turn out to be the best trip of our lives.

The Islands

Our first trip to Hawaii was to one island; O’ahu. We rented a convertible, because let’s face it – there is no other way to see Hawaii. O’ahu is the perfect island for those that are looking for a Hawaiian getaway with a lively feel; it is the most populated island and has the most to offer in terms of shopping, dining and entertainment.

The Hotel

We wanted to experience Hawaii in a way that allowed us to have fun and go shopping, while still having a secluded Hawaiian hotel experience, so we chose to stay in the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of O’ahu, some 45 minutes outside of Waikiki and Honolulu. The drive was breathtaking, with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. The hotel was to die for; every room is an ocean front room and the weather was so beautiful we were able to keep our doors open to our balcony the entire time; waking up to the sound of waves crashing was unbelievable.

Dining

Of the restaurants where we dined, we loved 21 North in the Turtle Bay more than any other; the jungle hallway with waterfalls and a bridge leading to the restaurant was breathtaking. The formal menu, wine list and service completed our beautiful view of the sun setting over the ocean and it was here we decided it was time to start a family. Additionally, we had a wonderful dinner in Hale’wia, a few minutes from the hotel at a restaurant called Hale’wia Joe’s, where the view was spectacular, the menu perfect and the locals friendly and fun.

Top Five Places to See

The Dole Pineapple Factory is a great place to see in O’ahu. In addition, everyone should take a drive to the North Shore and check out the unbelievable waves of the Bonzai Pipeline; you will never see more amazing waves and professional surfers than you will here. Pearl Harbor is another must see O’ahu location as is Diamond Head. Finally, to round out the top five places to see, I’d recommend one of the many island helicopter tours that will allow you to see the entire island; from the top of Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor to the jungles, pineapple factories and the hidden waterfalls inland.

Hawaii flights are reasonable and you should not let your misconception that a Hawaiian getaway is too expensive stop you from visiting these amazing islands. It is a vacation of a lifetime and you will remember it forever.

Author: Melissa Davis