I was officially awake for 24 hours straight yesterday according to Ocala time in an attempt to adjust to the time in Hawaii. Though we went to bed at a very reasonable 10 p.m. in Oahu, that was 4 a.m. in Ocala!
Ryan and I were a little afraid that we’d arrive in Hawaii exhausted after a day of traveling, but with views like this greeting us, our enthusiasm bubbled over and we had to get out and explore!
Oddly enough I’m not feeling too exhausted this morning thanks to a great sleep last night in a comfy hotel bed. There’s something about curling up in a big, fluffy hotel bed that I simply adore.
As I mentioned in my initial post about our travels to Hawaii, I was invited to Oahu by the Oahu Visitor’s Bureau to participate in a press trip that officially kicks off on Wednesday night. I was beyond excited about the incredible opportunity and Ryan and I decided to arrive a few days early and turn the trip into a very special vacation.
Our time in Oahu will be split between two different hotels selected by the Oahu Visitor’s Bureau and yesterday we kicked off our stay by checking into the Outrigger Luana Waikiki around 4 p.m.
Everyone we’ve spoken to at the hotel so far has been so kind and welcoming and full of fun suggestions. Our room is very nice and comfortable and if you stand on the balcony, you’re greeted with one heck of a view.
After dropping off our luggage in our room, we wasted no time changing out of our travel clothes and heading out to explore Waikiki.
The location of our hotel is ideal. We’re within walking distance of Waikiki Beach and tons of shops and restaurants.
We walked around for a few hours and worked up an appetite for a quick dinner at Keo’s, a local Thai restaurant.
We started our meal with spring rolls that were delicious. 
For my entrée, I opted for the cashew chicken which was full of flavor and quite filling.
We fell asleep within 2.5 seconds of crawling into our bed when we arrived back at the hotel.
Ryan and I haven’t planned out definitive activities for the day today, but we’re thinking hiking and snorkeling may be on the agenda.
P.S. The Fashion page was updated this morning.
Happy Labor Day!
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Wow–lucky you. It looks so nice there. Enjoy your vacation! 🙂
Wow, those views are awesome!! I wish I was there right now. Have an awesome time the rest of your stay 🙂
I love that you have a kitchen, how convenient! Enjoy your day in Hawaii today!!!
Cashew Chicken?? Amazing!! Enjoy the vacay!! 🙂 🙂
If you want the meal of a lifetime, go to Roy’s Waikiki. It was unbelievable… I posted all about our trip to Hawaii on my blog here… http://www.orderinthekitchen.com/1/post/2012/2/im-baaaack.html
I recommend the butterfish (they are famous for it)
Also, another fun thing we did was go in the submarine (your concierge could probably tell you about it). The best thing we did was rent a car and drive up to the North Shore. It was the best beach day we had…all locals, no crowds, it was fabulous! Have fun!!
thanks so much for sharing! we’re definitely planning a visit to the north shore. we actually walked by roy’s last night and it looked really popular!
So glad you are enjoying your trip so far despite your change in travel plans over the weekend. Relax and have fun!
I love your orange travel scarf! Do you remember where it’s from?
yes! it’s by amrita singh and i got it on sale through hautelook.com.
Soo jealous you are in Hawaii! What an amazing way to celebrate Labor Day! Take lots of pics for us! 🙂
P.S. I’m looking forward to your book review of Gone Girl tomorrow. I still have about 100 pages to go and am addicted. Can’t wait to vote for the October book of the month!
I remember all the food I got there was amazing 🙂
**September’s book of the month. I’m a bit ahead of myself! 🙂
I adored Hawaii when I went! Definitely go to Germaine’s Luau if you have a chance!
That looks and sounds amazing! Have a fantastic trip! Can’t wait to read about it 🙂
Have such an amazing time! I am glad that Ryan survived the flight and you’re now in beautiful Hawaii. Wear sunscreen!
Looks like you’re going to have an amazing vacation!
This makes me miss Maui so badly!!
I am so excited you both made it to Hawaii safe and sound! Isn’t Waikiki insanely gorgeous? Have the best time! I can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures!
Ahhhh, Hawaii, you are SO lucky!!! Enjoy your Labor day having some fun in the sun and on the beach!!!
First of all, I can’t help but think of the Nikki Minaj lyrics when she says “On the island of WAIKIKIIIIIIIIII” whenever I read your posts about Hawaii 🙂 Second of all, the island looks gorgeous! Have a wonderful trip, can’t wait to hear all about it!!
Hello! I have been reading your blog for a while now and always enjoy it! My husband and I just got back from Oahu too! We stayed at the Royal Hawaiian Resort, it’s in one of your pics above. If you get some time go to North Shore. There is this tiny surfing town called Hale’iwa and it is GORGEOUS. The shops and little cafes are the best! The Dole pineapple factory is on the way too.
We ate at Keo’s too when we travelled there! I remember it was good. Looking forward to your trip and reminiscing on mine as well. I don’t know if Ryan has a license, but our absolute favorite day was renting a motorcycle and touring the island on our own. Amazing.
Aloha! Welcome to Oahu! I’m sure you have plans, but I just wanted to mention the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. The views of the windward side at the top are amazing. And on a clear day you can actually see one of the other islands. It’s an easy walk up, but there’s no shade so bring a hat and sunscreen 🙂 There’s so much to do and see on the island; I hope you enjoy your time here!
I MISS HAWAII SO MUCH! I grew up there and currently live in Florida to take care of a family member. I can’t wait to go back. Florida is nothing compared to the natural beauty, cultural diversity, and spirit of aloha.. Enjoy your trip! ^_^
Hi Julie!
My husband and I lived on Oahu and recently moved to Washington (booo!). We lived on the North Shore and I ABSOLUTELY recommend that you make the drive up to Haleiwa. It is beautiful, less developed, and what you would think of as “Hawaii” rather than the city. Anyways, here are some of our favorite restaurants you should check out while you’re there!!
1) Opal Thai in Haleiwa- Hands down the best thai food I’ve ever had. The chef, Opal, if from Thailand. You tell him what kinds of foods you like, and he chooses what he makes you. He is a vegetarian so his vegetarian dishes are amazing!
2) Ono Seafood in Honolulu (on Kapahulu)- This place is a hole in the way and a little hard to find but they have the best poke on the island. The spicy ahi and miso ahi poke bowls are amazing.
3) Yanagi Sushi- has some of the best sushi on the island. It is authentic and delicious.
4) Ah Lang (aka the Angry Korean Lady)- This Korean restaurant is a hole in the wall with food that will knock your socks off (definitely not healthy, though!). True to its nickname, the lady who runs the place is is angry (although she is a softie when you get to know her). You have to bring her your order, get your own water, and BYOB (you must bring her one too!!). The experience is one-of-a-kind!
Let me know if you would like any more recommendations- places to go that are off the beaten path,authentic Hawaiian foods, desserts, ethnic food, surf rentals.
Have an amazing time! I’m jealous!!
Ally
View looks incredible and love the cream dress! Your goana have an amazing time!
wow what a beautiful view, hotel, and area you’re staying in!! Ahh I miss hawaii~Although I haven’t seen Oahu, only Kauai. 🙂 Can’t wait to see more updates Julie!
ps: yesterday I attended a wedding where they had the cuttttteeest big poodle in the ceremony, and he was so soso well behaved! Adorable. 🙂 I just remember how you talked about possible scenarios if you’d included Sadie in your wedding, lol.
My husband and I live on Oahu and I see you’ve gotten a ton of awesome recommendations! I saw one commenter mentioned going to the North Shore and I definitely agree. Bonzai Sushi up there is amazing (I’m actually going today!) and the beaches are incredible. As far as luaus go, Polynesian Culture Center is definitely the most authentic, but if you can find a tour bus over to Ko Olina to visit Paradise Cove, that luau is definitely the most fun. Enjoy your time here! Aloha, e komo mai!
BEAUTIFUL. Ahhhh. Looks like a dream there so far! Hawaii is a dream destination for me. Can’t wait to live vicariously through you two this week! 😉 Enjoy!!
Looks amazing! Can’t wait to hear more!
You look so good for being up that long! We were up for over 24 hours on our first day in Maui, and I looked and felt terrible, haha.
Oh my goodness!! It’s SO pretty there. Very vibrant colours. It seems to be very fresh and alive!! I’d love to be able to visit someday … Enjoy your time, I’ll definitely be living vicariously through you! 🙂
Have a fabulous trip! 🙂
Wish I was in Hawaii right now. We’re experiencing the tail end of the hurricane so it is very overcast and rainy. No fun. That cashew chicken looks amazing. Looks spicy, was it? Enjoy yourselves!
I live on Oahu and if you have any questions on where the best places to go are, just ask me! Too must see beaches are Lanikai and Waimea. If you want the best acai bowl you’ll ever have in your life then go to the Health Bar in Diamond Head. Sweet Home Waimanalo is another great small restaurant with great brunch items and if you want some great Thai food go to Mailes in Hawaii Kai town center.
The scenery looks absolutely beautiful!
Hawaii is gorgeous! I went to Oahu and Maui last October for my honeymoon and it was absolutely breathtaking! Take lots of pictures and be sure to relax. Oh and if you guys are looking for a great burger joint for lunch- cheeseburger in paradise is amazing! Best burgers in the world 🙂 my husband and I must have eaten there 3 times during our 10 day honeymoon. There is one located on Waikiki beach!! Have fun!
Everything looks beautiful! No matter how pretty the room, I just can’t sleep in a hotel bed. The cashew chicken looks much better than what I can get down the street. LOL!
I hope you and your husband continue to have a wonderful time!
My husband and I were just there in May for our Honeymoon!!! We absolutely loved staying down in Waikiki!!
If you guys get a chance check out the D.K. Steakhouse!! It’s right on Waikiki Beach! A little pricey but most definitely worth every penny!
I hope you and your husband enjoy every minute of your trip!! Oahu is beautiful!!
I need to recommend Sansei for dinner!
http://sanseihawaii.com/
They have the best sushi! And amazing drinks! They have a SPICY CAPRESE drink that I miss dearly. And they have a Mango Crab Salad Roll (wrapped in lettuce!) that is just amazing!
I also recommend Pearl Harbor if you’ve never been…it was breath taking and an amazing piece of history!
What kind of dipping sauce is that with the spring rolls?
What a great trip!
So jealous! Hope you are having a great time!!!
I have been to Oahu three times and I absolutely loved snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. It’s a must. Also, if you are into shopping the International Market place is fun :).
Wow! Hawaii looks beautiful! Yum Spring Rolls. Have fun with your activities can’t wait to read about it all (jealously!)
Awww I love & miss Hawaii!! I’m part Hawaiian so obviously my love for the place knows no bounds HAHA!! Make sure you eat all the local food… It’s awesome!!
Love the Outrigger in Waikiki! Their beach is awesome. I think they filmed part of the Descendents there!