Hawaii has always been on our radar as a destination spot we’d like to write about. many of our readers have Hawaii on their dream list of places they want to visit, so we were happy to finally be able to book a trip to Oahu and share our experiences with our readers. Here are a few places we visited and recommend to all those who travel to Hawaii!
Roy’s-Ko`Olina
92-1220 Aliinui Drive | Kapolei, HI 96707
If you are looking for a truly amazing restaurant that incorporate Hawaiian Fusion cuisines with amazing service and the embodiment of the Hawaiian ‘aloha’ spirit, you need to visit Roy’s. In 1988, James Beard Award-winner Roy Yamaguchi opened the first Roy’s in Honolulu, Hawaii and today there are 31 Roy’s locations around the world.
The restaurant was designed around a unique experience through spacious dining rooms, an expansive lounge and Roy’s signature exhibition kitchen in full view.
We were so impressed with our visit to Roy’s-Ko`Olina.
The restaurant is on a golf course and the atmosphere is just gorgeous. Both the food and the service were equally amazing. From the Shrimp Tempura, Blue Crab Muligatawny and Caprese Salad we had for appetizers to the Sashima and Honey Mustard Charred Braised Beef Short Ribs we had for a main course to the chocolate soufflé made fresh when you order it that capped off our meal, we have rarely been as satisfied by a delicious meal as were at Roy’s. Combining the freshest local ingredients with European sauces and bold Asian spices, each dish is as unique as it is scrumptious. The focus of the menu is on the finest seafood from the oceans surrounding Hawaii as well as an array of hand-cut meats, sushi and fresh shellfish. You just can’t ask for a better dining experience than what we had at Roy’s. We even heard from some locals that Roy’s was their favorite place to eat, which told us that Roy’s is truly a top-notch restaurant.
Waimea Valley
59-864 Kamehameha Hwy | Hale`iwa, HI 96712
Truly embodying the beauty of Hawaii, Waimea Valley is the place to go to experience the tranquil majesty of the state. Carved by rain and wind from the Ko`olau Mountain range some two million years ago, Waimea Valley is a wonder of plants and birds and a spectacular waterfall that you can swim at the base of. With the wide array of vegetation, the valley is cooler than you would think and quite comfortable to spend time lounging in. We stayed for hours and had a leisurely, yummy lunch, which was a nice rest from our tour. Along with getting to explore this picturesque atmosphere, you also get to learn about the valley and its history, which is fascinating, as well as see the remnants of temples, agricultural terraces, living sites and fishing shrines.
Definitely put Waimea Valley on your to-do list when you visit Hawaii!!
Dole Plantation
64-1550 Kamehameha Highway | Wahiawa, HI 96786
If you’re visiting Waimea Valley, you should also make plans to stop at the Dole pineapple plantation, which is right on the way. Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, Dole Plantation opened to the public as Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience” in 1989. Today, Dole Plantation is one of Oahu’s most popular visitor attractions and welcomes more than one million visitors a year.
The plantation has plenty of fun activities for the whole family, including a Plantation Garden Tour, the Pineapple Garden Maze (one of the largest mazes in the world) and the Pineapple Express (a full narrated, twenty minute train tour that we highly recommend).
We learned so much about pineapples and how they are grown on our visit and I will never again complain about how much a pineapple costs as they are quite time intensive to grow! We capped the visit off with a trip the plantation country store that offers a wide variety of gifts, local favorites, foods and refreshments (including, of course, fresh pineapple).
Paradise Cove
92-1089 Alii Nui Drive | Kapolei, Hawaii 96707
You can’t experience Hawaii without going to a Luau! Paradise Cove offers one of the best luaus available which starts as soon as you arrive with a tropical Mai Tai greeting and live Hawaiian music. We recommend getting there early as there is plenty to do, including games, arts and crafts and exploring the Hawaiian Village. Once the luau starts, there is a shower of flowers, a Hukilau on the beach, a demonstration of net fishing techniques of old Hawaii as well as a Royal Court Procession and underground oven cooking at the Imu Ceremony.
With a feast, a spectacular Hawaiian sunset, award-winning performers and the breathtaking view from Paradise Cove’s 12 oceanfront acres, this luau was a celebration of Hawaiian culture and history that every visitor should experience.