A WEEK IN HAWAI’I

SKIP WAIKIKI AND HEAD STRAIGHT TO THE NORTH SHORE

WAIALUA

IN THE MOMENT: Errr….Pop. We quickly suctioned our snorkel gear to our faces, and awkwardly walked backwards into the water. Once we started swimming, getting used to the freedom of fins, we finally feel one with this community beneath the sea. Variations in types of fish and ocean reef was abundant. THEN… We spotted a sea turtle…no 2, now 3! Their grace in the water instantly froze us in amazement.

Take a step back when you get there.

Every local we met asked us about the “fast life” in Los Angeles — how do we do it? Throughout our trip though it was confirmed that this gem is definitely a much CHILLER LA. It was especially apparent when we arrived at our friends wedding and Chase was the only one in a tie! He removed it immediately and then joined the crowd as we danced all night in flip flops or no shoes at all (heels have a threshold, let’s be honest).

FUN FACT:

Hawai’i is one of two states (Arizona the other) that doesn’t have Daylight Savings Time. Since it’s so close to the equator it’s not really necessary.

Hale’IwA

THE SURF TOWN YOU’ve BEEN DREAMING ABOUT.

Quaint and so nice. Grab an Acai bowl post surf sesh and dive into a delisious and healthy lunch (hint, hint: Thai tacos at Beet Box). Then poke around town…recharge with a Hawai’ian coffee at Coffee Gallery and maybe pick up some tchotchkes for your mom while you’re there.

HIT LIST:

BEET BOX:

66-437 Kamehameha Hwy #104,

Haleiwa, HI 96712

SEE ON YELP

FARM TO BARN:

66-320 Kamehameha Hwy
Haleiwa, HI 96712

SEE ON YELP

COFFEE GALLERY:

66-250 Kamehameha Hwy
Haleiwa, HI 96712

SEE ON YELP

MAYA’S TAPAS AND WINES:

66-250 Kamehameha Hwy
Haleiwa, HI 96712

SEE ON YELP

“Every Hawai’ian is born with a Heineken in one hand and a joint in the other”

— Our buddy at Village Tasting Room

pu’u o mahuka heiau

HILL OF ESCAPE

Overlooking Waimea Bay on North Shore Oahu, the 17th century Pu’u o Mahuka (Hill of Escape) heiau (sacred temple) is the largest on the island and might seem like a pile of rubble, but this historic site was one of the last human sacrificial temples before the Hawaiian Kapu religious system was abolished. Not to mention the view was heaven.