I just returned from Hawaii. The trip there wasn't bad—I didn't feel very tired. This was mostly because I took some helpful steps, like packing well in advance, staying hydrated, and sleeping on the plane. However, coming home has been more challenging.

I've been exhausted all week. I've been tough on myself for not being as productive, but I've realized that productivity largely depends on how the body feels.

No matter how motivated I am, it doesn't amount to much if my body isn't in top shape.

Now, let's dive into why I'm feeling so exhausted…

I absolutely loved my Hawaii trip! I spent over a week in Oahu, one of the more popular islands and home to Honolulu. While it's easy to get stuck in tourist traps, I've got some insider tips to show you the real Oahu. Trust me, you're in for a treat!

In this guide, I'll focus exclusively on Oahu. There's so much to do on this single island that a week barely scratches the surface.

Let's explore the Anti-Tourist Guide to Oahu.

First, check out the North Shore. When you're in Oahu, you should visit this area to see what Hawaii is really like. The North Shore has many great beaches. At Laniakea Beach, you can see big turtles. I saw one that was so big, I thought it was a rock at first! If you want to see a pretty sunset, go to Sunset Beach Park.

While making a trip up there, be sure to visit Haleiwa, a historic Hawaiian town, and get shave ice at Matsumoto. Shave ice is similar to Italian ice, but with more consistent flavoring throughout. It's often served with ice cream and red beans. I know it sounds like an odd combination, but it's delicious!

Toa Luau- There are many luau experiences in Hawaii, but this one is truly authentic. You'll enjoy genuine dancing from a family-run business focused on preserving their culture. I checked out other luaus on the island (I'm a bit of a weirdo with FOMO), and this was by far the best.

If you like hiking, Oahu is perfect for you. The Diamond Head State Monument (reservation needed) offers great views of the island. Manoa Falls has a sacred history and a cool waterfall at the end (but bring plenty of bug spray). There's also Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, where you can view exotic plants from around the world while enjoying beautiful scenery.

But wait, there are more beaches! On the eastern side of the island, there's Kailua Beach, considered one of the world's best by National Geographic and TripAdvisor. Then there's Lanikai Beach, which translates to "Heavenly Sea." And don't forget Hanauma Bay, a great spot for snorkeling. Note that Hanauma Bay requires a reservation. Due to past over-tourism, they have strict rules and don't make exceptions. For example, I saw a family with small children get turned away because the mother missed the reservation time by a few minutes while her kids were sleeping in the car.

Iolani Palace - Before I went to Hawaii, I heard some locals talking about splitting from the United States. At first, I thought it was crazy talk. But as I learned more about Hawaii's history, I started to get it. Hawaii used to be its own country. The U.S. took it over, partly to have a military base near Asia. 

Does that sound like something you've heard before? 🤔

Iolani Palace is special because it's the only royal palace in America. You can visit it quickly and look around at your own speed.

Guidelines for Oahu

Be mindful of time zones - There's a 6-hour difference between the East Coast and Hawaii. An 8 PM show in Hawaii is actually 2 AM Eastern Time. Factor this into your planning. Even as a night owl, I felt the time difference's impact.

Rent a car - A rental car is crucial. Many of Oahu's best sights are far from tourist hubs. While you might Uber there, getting back can be tricky. Check if your accommodation charges for daily parking.

Prepare for high prices - Brace yourself for expense. Hawaii imports much of its food due to overtourism and agricultural land misuse. Even basics like bananas can be costly.

Choose your sunscreen wisely - Protect Hawaii's delicate coral reefs by using mineral-based sunscreen. Conventional synthetic-based sunscreens can harm the marine ecosystem. Specifically, avoid products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Diverse culinary scene - Oahu boasts a wide array of Asian cuisine, thanks to tourists from Japan and other Asian countries. Being in the middle of the Pacific, seafood naturally plays a starring role in local dishes. While the options might differ from your usual fare back home, embrace this chance to explore new flavors and expand your palate.

I had an absolute blast on my Oahu adventure and can't recommend Oahu, Hawaii enough for your bucket list. 

The best part? 

You can often snag great flight deals, making this tropical paradise more accessible than you might think. So why wait? Start planning your Hawaiian getaway today!

Keep traveling,

Andrew

What would you do first when you get to Oahu?