JADE GARLICK, Owner of Roast & Roam in Sydney, reports on a recent famil to Hawaii.
(Above) The group at Pearl Harbor with Jade third from right
Hawaii is a place that I feel very connected to and which holds a special piece of my heart.
So I was delighted to be given the opportunity by Hawaii Tourism and Hawaiian Airlines to return to immerse myself in the island charms of Oahu and Kauai.
Over seven days I fell even more in love with these islands, discovering the unique offerings each holds, immersing myself in the incredible culture, meeting some beautiful people, sampling all the activities and foods that Hawaii has to offer.
It’s a destination that really does have something for every traveller.
Oahu: The Gathering Place
Oahu welcomed us with its vibrant energy and a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
Picked up by the incredible Dustin at Executive Chauffeurs we headed to our base for the three nights, which was the Sheraton Waikīkī Beach Resort, a beachfront haven with sweeping ocean views and proximity to famous Waikīkī Beach.
We kicked off our first morning with a dip in the beautiful clear waters before preparing for a day of incredible food, Hawaiian spirits and the history of Pearl Harbor.
We started out at the renowned Leonard’s for a malasada, which is a Hawaiian food introduced by the Portuguese who came to work in the pineapple and sugarcane industry in the 1800s. They were delicious. Make sure you eat them hot!
We were guided around the Ko Hana Distillery where we learned about its history and got to taste the flavours of the Ko Hana Rum (definitely ask to try the honey and don’t forget to stop by their tortoise named Tiny for some cute selfies).
Then it was time to dive into Oahu’s rich history with a self-guided tour at Pearl Harbor where the stories of resilience and sacrifice came to life.
Heading out to the Arizona Memorial and viewing how many souls lay to rest just below the water’s surface was a truly moving moment.
A sunset cruise aboard the Vida Mia offered cocktails and pupus (appetisers) as we sailed into the golden hour. Watching the sun dip below the horizon was a picture-perfect moment that felt quintessentially Hawaiian and perfect for a photo op.
Another highlight was our trip to the North Shore, famous for its lush landscapes and legendary surf. We took an eco-tour, exploring trails by ATV and foot, and savoured fresh local dishes at Stonefish Grill in Haleiwa. The town’s laid-back vibe and artisan shops made for a delightful stop.
We also enjoyed the Polynesian Cultural Center where we explored villages showcasing the rich traditions of the region, even getting to learn the traditional dance of the hula.
Finishing up for the evening, we wandered through the night market and enjoyed the impressive Hā: Breath of Life show.
Kauai: The Garden Isle
Our stay at the OUTRIGGER Kauai Beach Resort & Spa offered a tranquil retreat nestled along Nukolii Beach.
Kauai’s landscapes are nothing short of magical. At Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, we were awestruck by the vibrant red cliffs and verdant valleys.
A stop at Kōkeʻe Lodge for lunch rounded off a morning of memorable views and amazing food.
Adventure met indulgence on a rum safari that afternoon where we toured a plantation and sampled locally crafted Kōloa Rum. Later that night we dined at Gaylord’s, the most incredible farm-to-table restaurant. I highly recommend making a reservation here.
We did a walking food tour of Hanapēpē, the home to Lilo and Stitch, while Hanapēpē introduced us to the island’s culinary gems, blending traditional flavours with modern twists.
We were also fortunate enough to visit Kuʻulei’s Gourmet where we tried soup and homemade iced teas and got to hear about the history and traditions that have lived on through generations.
Our trip’s most spectacular moment was set to come during the Nāpali Coast tour with Blue Dolphin Charters, sailing along dramatic cliffs and spotting hidden sea caves.
Unfortunately Kauai had other plans for us and we were not able to get out to the coastline that afternoon. After engine troubles we were forced to turn back, but it wouldn’t have been a sailing trip without spotting some dolphins riding our wake.
For a serene end to our journey we explored the Allerton Garden, a masterpiece where art and nature intertwine.
It really is the most incredible place to visit and hear about the history behind it all. As the sun set we dined on the lanai, a fitting finale to our Kauai adventure.
Hawaii is a place of contrasts – dynamic cities and peaceful villages, vibrant traditions and modern comforts. From the lively streets of Waikīkī to Kauai’s verdant landscapes, every moment was an invitation to slow down, breathe and embrace the Aloha spirit.
I can’t wait to return to explore more of that rich Hawaiian culture and landscapes. Until then, mahalo Hawaii for all the memories.
