Our Waikiki Adventure: Sun, Surf, and So Much More!

Our Waikiki Adventure: Sun, Surf, and So Much More!

Our recent trip to Waikiki was everything we dreamed of and more! We stayed at The Twin Fin, a charming boutique-style hotel that instantly felt like home. The resort features a super cute pool complete with the best umbrellas, and our oceanview lanai offered the perfect spot to soak in those iconic Waikiki beach views. Just across the street from the sand, we couldn’t have asked for a better location to enjoy the beach vibes.

Dining Highlights

One of our favorite spots was Tikis, the hotel’s own restaurant. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with complimentary appetizers that set the tone for an amazing meal. I had one of the best martinis of my life, and we wrapped up dinner with a decadent crepe cake that was simply unforgettable.

For breakfast, we loved the Sunrise Shack on the street level—quick, casual, and absolutely delicious. Their coffee was hands-down the best we had all week! We indulged in acai bowls, other fresh bowls, and toast with lox—it was the perfect way to fuel our mornings before exploring the city.

Other culinary adventures included:

• Leonard’s Bakery – The malasadas here were incredible! We found ourselves preferring the non-filled versions, which were just the right balance of sweet.
  

  

  

  

  

• Aromas Caffe – A hidden gem right around the corner from our hotel. We enjoyed flatbreads and refreshing mai tais in the perfect casual atmosphere.
  

  

  

• Island Vintage Shave Ice – The absolute star of our eating adventures! This was my first introduction to mochi, and I’m officially obsessed.
  

Waikiki Beach & Morning Walks

Despite what we’d heard about Waikiki being a touristy, crowded spot, we had such a fun experience! Swimming in the ocean was a blast, and the vibes were lively but not overwhelming. We loved taking early morning walks along the quieter streets, soaking in the calm before the day picked up, and watching surfers tackle the waves. The combination of soft sandy beaches and beautiful water made every moment magical.

Exploring Beyond Waikiki

While Waikiki itself was a dream, staying there gave us the perfect base for exploring Oahu. Highlights of our adventures included:

• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – Absolutely stunning! Even though we didn’t snorkel this time, hiking and exploring the area made it a memorable visit. If snorkeling is your thing, this is the spot to do it.
  

  

  

  

• Holona Blowhole – A must-see natural wonder. The views here are breathtaking and make for a quick, unforgettable stop.
  

  

  

• Diamond Head State Park – Remember to reserve your spot ahead of time! The hike up is worth every step, with sweeping views of Waikiki and the coastline.
  

  

  

  

  

• Kualoa Ranch – One of the highlights of our trip. The drive felt like a journey through a rainforest straight out of a movie, and the ranch itself was even more magical than we imagined. If you

  

  

  

  

  haven’t read my previous blog about Kualoa Ranch, you’ll definitely want to check it out—this is a must-do for any Oahu adventure.
  

• Byodo-In Temple & Pearl Harbor – Two incredibly meaningful stops that deserve their own full blog posts. I’ll be sharing more on these in the future, including tips for timing, photography, and getting the most out of each visit.
  

  

  

  

All of this was done while staying in Waikiki, which made it easy to balance adventure with the relaxing, beachside resort vibes. Before we headed to Aulani and a different part of the island, Waikiki was the perfect home base for our Oahu explorations. I’ll be sharing a detailed blog about our Aulani experience, including beach activities, resort activities and the most magical moments we had as a family, so be sure to keep an eye out for that! If you want to learn more about their amazing character breakfast, refer back to a previous blog about Makahiki for that special one! It deserved its own blog!

Reflections on Waikiki

Overall, Waikiki exceeded our expectations. From the early morning serenity on the streets, to the bustling yet fun energy of the beach, to the delicious eats at every turn, it truly offered a little bit of everything. It’s easy to see why so many people flock here, and despite the warnings about tourist crowds, our experience was relaxing, memorable, and full of magical moments.

If you’ve been dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway and want insider tips on where to stay, eat, and explore—whether it’s Waikiki, Kualoa Ranch, Byodo-In Temple, Pearl Harbor, or Disney's Aulani—I would love to chat with you about planning your perfect vacation!