Getting to Know Hawaii: My Central and Leeward Oahu Favorites

For my last and final blog post on my Oahu favorites, I wanted to focus on the area in which I spent most of my time while living on island, central Oahu, along with Leeward Oahu, one of my favorite sides of Oahu -- and yes, I realize I've said that about each side!  I can't help that I love this island so much, haha.  

Since both of these areas aren't exactly hotspots for tourism when compared to the rest of the island, this post might be helpful to some of you who'd like to branch out a little and see more than just the typical popular Oahu spots.  Hopefully you uncover a few favorite spots of your own from this list or even come across some totally different ones in your search.  Also, if you have an Oahu favorite that I haven't listed either here or on any of my other posts, feel free to comment below and tell me about it!

FAVORITE EATS

Hughley's Southern Cuisine

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Location

Website

Open from 11AM to 8PM Tuesday-Saturday; 1PM to 8PM Sunday

Hughley's was officially one of our top favorite restaurants on island.  Since Mr. L and I both come from the Gulf Coast region of Alabama, AKA the Deep South, after a living on Oahu for a while we came to really miss good Southern food.  There's good food on island of course, but we were missing the kinds of dishes we grew up on.  Thankfully Hughley's was there to fill this need for us!  Mr. L swears by their delicious brisket -- he would get it every single time we went and always loved it.  My favorite dishes were the fried chicken, catfish, ribs, hush puppies (I seemed to always have been craving hush puppies since they're so rare), mac and cheese, cornbread...yeah, I could probably go on and on!  And the best part of the meal was the sweet tea.  It is delicious, sugary heaven!  Basically, Hughley's is full of good food and good people so I highly recommend them to anybody looking to satisfy any Southern food cravings they may have!

Loco Moco Drive Inn

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Website
Open from 8AM to 9PM daily

Loco Moco Drive Inn (one of many "Drive Inns" on Oahu that, surprise, doesn't have a drive-in, lol) consists of down-home, local grub -- the kind that sticks to your ribs.  We frequented this location quite a bit since it was close to home, cheap, and delicious.  Their selection is ENORMOUS, which is one of the things I loved about it since there's usually something to please everyone.  Mr. L loved to get the cheeseburger and chicken katsu and I fancied the garlic chicken, mochiko chicken, teri burger, and sometimes the garlic shrimp, although it didn't compete with the North Shore shrimp trucks.  Hopefully I'll be able to recreate some of these Hawaiian staples here on the mainland because I sure do miss them!

Liz's BBQ

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Website

Open from 10AM to 8PM daily

I feel like Liz's has some of the best advertising of any my "favorites" lists.  Now, I've never seen a commerical for them on TV or anything like that, but let me tell you, when you exit the Pearl Harbor commissary or the NEX and your nose picks up the heavenly scent of marinated, grilled meats of different varieties, you instantly begin hearing your stomach growling and feel your mouth start to water.  For some reason, it just has this affect on people, especially with Mr. L and me!  We both loved the chicken plates and I was also a fan of the pork sticks, although they never really seemed to have them anymore for some reason.  And it may be a tad pricey for a combo plate, but honestly, it's a lot of good food that tends to fill you up pretty easily.  When Mr. L and I think back on the food we miss most on island, Liz's is definitely on this list.  Guess I have to learn to make BBQ like this in Alabama!

The Forty Niner Diner

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Website

Open from 7AM to 8PM Monday-Thursday; 7AM to 9PM Friday-Saturday; 7AM to 2PM Sunday

The Forty Niner was another recent find of ours that became our go-to breakfast spot for our last little while on Oahu, especially for FROs (fried rice omelets).  If you've never tried a FRO before, I highly recommend giving one from here a shot!  Other than FROs, the Forty Niner also serves up a range of breakfast items like pancakes (the banana mac nut ones are delicious!), waffles, Portuguese sausage, loco moco, and much more.  They also have plenty of traditional local lunch and dinner options like burgers, oxtail soup, garlic chicken, saimin, and much more.  If Mr. L and I ever make it back to Oahu for a visit, the Forty Niner will definitely be our first stop one morning for breakfast!

Monkeypod Kitchen

Location

Website

Open from 11AM to 11PM Monday-Friday; 9AM to 11PM Saturday-Sunday

The Monkeypod Kitchen is a deliciously wonderful restaurant located on the western side of Oahu in Ko'Olina.  They're committed to serving fresh and locally sourced ingredients and that commitment really shines through in their food.  The last time Mr. L and I were there, we totally loved everything we had.  My Big Island cheeseburger was tender and juicy and Mr. L would NOT stop raving about his pulled pork sandwich.  I'm pretty sure he devoured that thing in about three bites, and for him, that rarely if ever happens at any restaurant!  I was thrilled, needless to say :)  We also love love love Monkeypod's pies.  The chocolate cream pie is to die for!  We only wish they'd open up a Monkeypod right down the street from us in Alabama.  If only!  :(

FAVORITE SPOTS

Pearl Harbor Historical Sites

More Information; locations listed in individual blog posts

I feel like I've always had a special place in my heart for the Pearl Harbor Historical Sites.  If you're unfamiliar, these sites include (as per my definition): the USS Arizona Memorial; the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park; the Battleship Missouri; the USS Oklahoma Memorial; the USS Utah Memorial; and the Pacific Aviation Museum.  The USS Arizona is possibly the most famous war grave in the United States.  The memorial is located over the sunken hull of the Arizona and is incredibly emotional and moving.  The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, which resides in the same complex as the Arizona Memorial, is honestly my most beloved museum in Hawaii thanks to a personal connection I discovered within my own family.  The Battleship Missouri is a battleship-turned-museum and floats nearby the Arizona as a symbol of WWII's end.  The USS Oklahoma Memorial and the USS Utah Memorial are similar to the Arizona in that they represent two more ships with an almost complete loss of crew.  And the Pacific Aviation Museum is a wonderful museum on Ford Island celebrating the role of aviation in Hawaii's history.  Although these activities all together can make for quite a long day, I always made sure to include them in any itinerary I planned for family and friends.  Visiting all or most of these sites is easily the number one activity I recommend for anyone visiting Oahu, whether it's their first, second, or 102nd trip!

Aiea Loop Trail

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More Information

Aiea Loop Trail is a very nice jungle/forest hike in Aiea with a fantastic view of the H3 at the midway-ish point.  It's around 5 miles long if you do the entire loop and is a great hike not only to commune with the beauty of Oahu's nature, but to also bond with a furry friend since it's a dog-friendly trail!  Our dog Lila loved hiking here, although she'd beg to be carried if we did the whole loop, haha.  I also really like that you get to spot different kinds of plants all along the trail, including bushes and bushes of strawberry guava, a tart but delicious (and actually non-native) fruit.  If you're looking for a way to stretch your legs as well as your dog's in the central Oahu area, Aiea Loop would definitely be my recommendation!

Hickam Air Force Base Dog Beach

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More Information

I know, I know.  It seems a little odd that a "dog beach" would make it to my favorite spots list, but just hear me out!  As a dog owner, this place was absolutely perfect to let my youngest dog burn some energy and splash in the waves (Liam HATES water, so he just got extra loving when we came back home!).  When the tide is out, a sandbar becomes apparent and makes for a great area for the dogs to just run and run until they are dog tired (ha ha).  I probably wouldn't lay out here or spend an actual "beach day" here, but you can't beat having such a great (and for us, close) place for your furry friends to enjoy the ocean!

Ko'Olina Lagoons

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More Information

The Ko'Olina Lagoons are a magical set of four lagoons located on Oahu's west side near Kapolei.  Although the lagoons themselves are actually all man-made, they are still incredibly gorgeous and picturesque.  They're also perfect for families and kids since there are essentially no waves thanks to the rocks that keep the lagoons protected from potentially rough ocean currents.  Fish and other kinds of sea life are definitely prevalent here as well, making it a nice location to get some snorkeling in.  Lagoons one and three are my personal favorites!  You will most likely have to deal with crowds here since, one, it's popular with locals, and two, many hotels grace the beachfronts here, like the Marriott and Disney's Aulani.  Because of this, parking, although free at the fourth lagoon and in some beach access spots at the others, can be difficult to come by.  If you have cash on you, you can also park in the "overflow" area close to lagoon 4 in the marina for $10 a car.  Regardless of the crowds and potential parking headaches though, Ko'Olina is a gem that should be experienced.

Ka'ena Point Trail Leeward Side

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More Information

Ka'ena Point on the Leeward side of Oahu was the first coastal hike I went on after moving to Hawaii and it quickly won my heart.  The views on this side of the trail are purely stunning.  It's one of the things that first made me feel like I was really living in Hawaii.  Ka'ena Point then became one of my favorite places to take friends and family when they would come to visit.  I love that you have such a good chance of seeing monk seals sunbathing, albatross and their nests in the sanctuary, dolphins frolicking in the ocean, and humpback whales in the winter months along this hike.  It's really just a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature!  There can be some safety issues at the trail parking lot like car break-ins, but please don't let that deter you.  Ka'ena Point is too fantastic to miss!

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Other posts in my Oahu Favorites mini-series:

My North Shore Oahu Favorites

My Windward Oahu Favorites

My Honolulu and South Oahu Favorites

Getting to Know Hawaii: USS Bowfin Submarine

The Need to Knows:

• The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park can be found within the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center complex, the same place in which the USS Arizona Memorial is located.  Here is the Bowfin's exact location:

• The Bowfin is open daily from 7AM to 5PM with the last admission to the submarine being at 4:30PM.  It's closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
• The cost of admission for the USS Bowfin and the USS Bowfin Museum is $12 for adults, $5 for children 4-12, and $8 for military, seniors, and kama'aina.  Museum only access is $5 for adults and $4 for children.
• Children under 4 are not permitted onto the submarine itself, although they may visit the museum at no charge.
• Because the Bowfin is within the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, no bags are allowed on the premises.  Lockers are available for use for $3 each.
• Audio tours are included in the price of admission for the submarine and the museum.
• Be sure to wear closed toe shoes (especially if you are also going to see the USS Missouri) just so it's easier to maneuver inside the submarine and successfully avoid the "kneeknockers"!
• If you'd like to know more about the Bowfin or even make a donation, check out their official website at Bowfin.org.

Getting to Know Hawaii: USS Oklahoma Memorial

The Need to Knows:

• The USS Oklahoma Memorial is located at the corner of Langley Avenue and Cowpens Street on Ford Island in front of the entrance to the Battleship Missouri Memorial.  It's exact location is here:

View Larger Map

• This memorial is located on an active military base, so if you don't have proper identification, you'll need to take the shuttle bus provided at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center for $3 per person.  It runs about every 10-15 minutes.  If you drive here yourself, parking is available across the street in the same area where you would park for the Mighty Mo.
• There is no admission fee for the USS Oklahoma Memorial.
• Since this is also a small memorial like the USS Utah Memorial, you'll most likely only need a few minutes to view it.  The best idea would be to spend a little time here before you go and visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
• If you'd like any more information on the memorial, be sure to check out their website.

Getting to Know Hawaii: USS Utah Memorial

The Need to Knows:

• The USS Utah is located on Ford Island, near the intersection of Saratoga Blvd and Yorktown Blvd (past the Navy Lodge).  A small lot is available for parking.  It's exact location can be found here:

View Larger Map

• Since this memorial is located on an active military base, if you don't have the proper identification, you can only visit it if you are sponsored by someone with the appropriate credentials.  The shuttle from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center unfortunately does not stop here.
• There is no cost associated with visiting the memorial.
• Because the memorial is small, you don't need much time here (unless you feel compelled to, then by all means, do!)  When we visit with friends and family, we combine it on the same day with the USS Arizona, the USS Bowfin, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum, so we probably spend about 15-20 minutes lingering here.

Getting to Know Hawaii: Aiea Loop Trail

The Need to Knows:

• Aiea Loop Trail is located inside Keaiwa Heiau State Park at 99-1849 Aiea Heights Dr., Aiea, HI 96701.  Check out the exact location on Google Maps below:

View Larger Map

• The park in which the trail is located is open from 7 AM to 7:45 PM April 1 to Labor Day and 7 AM to 6:45 PM after Labor Day to March 31.
• Aiea Loop Trail is approximately 4.8 miles long according to the sign we saw, but my GPS tracked it at 3.8 miles, so I'm not sure where that extra mile went!  It took us a little under 3 hours total to finish with lots of stops for pictures.  Here's a screenshot of what the trail's path looks like:

• If you're thinking about doing this hike and it's been raining heavily, I'd advise against it.  It can be very slippery and VERY muddy in many places, and your risk of falling would be much higher (not to mention the trail does pass through a stream bed at one point).  The trail would probably be fine after light rain (which you can't really avoid anyways), but just be prepared for the mud by wearing proper shoes.
• Although we didn't notice any mosquitos while hiking, I would bring bug spray just in case.  It's a very wooded trail (probably 90% shaded) so there's always a chance for them to be out and about.  And definitely have plenty of water with you, especially if it's hot!
• This trail is dog-friendly (yay!) and I'd say relatively kid-friendly, but not stroller friendly.  We saw quite a few kids when we went and they seemed to be enjoying themselves!
• See my explanation below for information on how to park!
• For more information, check out the Aiea Loop Trail page on HawaiiStateParks.org.
  

Getting to Know Hawaii: Pacific Aviation Museum

The Need to Knows:

• The Pacific Aviation Museum is located at 319 Lexington Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96818.  Here is its location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

• Because the museum is on Ford Island, an active military base, if you don't have appropriate base credentials, you will need to park at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and take the shuttle bus from there, which runs every 15 minutes from 9 AM to 4 PM.  Please keep in mind that no bags are allowed on this shuttle, and there are lockers to store your items near the Bowfin for $3.
• Tickets to the Pacific Aviation Museum can be purchased online here, at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, or at the front desk upon arrival to the museum.
• There are different kinds of tickets you can purchase for the Pacific Aviation Museum.  One is a ticket for a self-guided tour in only Hangar 37 (adults - $15, children - $8), another is a ticket for a self-guided tour of Hangars 37 and 79 (adults - $20, children - $10), and the last is a guided tour of Hangars 37 and 79 and a visit to the Restoration Shop (adults - $30, children - $20).  There are also military and kama'aina rates (adults - $12, children - $7).
• The museum's hours are 9 AM to 5 PM every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
• I would allow for at least 1-2 hours to cover everything that the museum has to offer.
• There is a place for some food and drinks here, the Laniakea Cafe, and also a pretty nice gift shop.
• Don't forget to keep an eye out for Groupon deals, like this one running now!

Getting to Know Hawaii: Aloha Stadium Swap Meet

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The Need to Knows:

• The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is located at the Aloha Stadium in Aiea.  Here's a Google Maps link for the exact location:

View Larger Map

• It is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM and also Wednesdays from 8 AM to 3 PM.
• Admission is $1 per person, and kids 11 and under get in free.
• I'd definitely recommend sunscreen, a hat, or even an umbrella, especially if you come here in the early to late afternoon.  There's relatively little shade and it can get hot since there's so much asphalt!
• Because of how hot it can get, I highly recommend going in the morning (there will be more merchandise anyways!)
• If you're looking for genuine made in Hawaii clothing, look for the Made in Hawaii label.  That way you can spot what was actually made here and what was manufactured abroad!
• For more information, check out the swap meet's website at http://www.alohastadiumswapmeet.net/.

Remembering the USS Arizona Memorial

In honor of Pearl Harbor Day, and because Mr. L and I will be going to the memorial this weekend, I'm republishing this post describing a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial I took with some friends back during the summer.  I feel blessed and humbled to live in not only such a beautiful place, but also a historically rich and significant one, and I know as long as we live here the images and memories of that day will always be a presence on our hearts.  

“Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan… No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people will through their righteous might win through to absolute victory… With confidence in our armed forces-with the unbounded determination of our people-we will gain the inevitable triumph-so help us God. I, therefore, ask that the Congress declare that since the dastardly and unprovoked attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”

- President Franklin D. Roosevelt 

Let us never forget the actions and the people involved in this event that occurred 71 years ago today.

~~~

The USS Arizona Memorial

The Need to Knows:

• The USS Arizona Memorial is located at 1 Arizona Memorial Road, Honolulu, HI 96818.  The Google Maps link is here:

View Larger Map


• It is open from 7AM to 5PM daily and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
• Bags are not allowed within Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.  However, storage lockers are available for use for a fee -- I think it's around $3.00 a locker, but I didn't use them, so I'm not 100% sure on that. The storage facility is open from 6:30AM to 5:30PM daily.
• The tour itself lasts approximately an hour and fifteen minutes.  It includes a brief introduction, a 23-minute documentary on the events leading up to and on the day of December 7, 1941, a shuttle boat ride to the Memorial, and time to experience the Memorial itself.  I would allow for more time to explore the grounds and the various museums as well.
• I strongly recommend reserving tickets in advance for the Memorial.  When I went, I'd reserved tickets for the 9AM tour on a Friday, and I was able to pick them up at 7:30AM (you must pick up your tickets one hour in advance at the latest or they will be redistributed back into circulation for the general walk-in public) and have time to explore the museums and walk the grounds before the 22-minute movie and boat ride began.  A friend of mine mentioned that when she went, she and her husband waited in line for about an hour and a half for tickets -- yikes!   The only way to reserve tickets is to visit Recreation.gov; the link to the USS Arizona Memorial tour page is here.  There is a reservation fee at $1.50 per ticket.  If you plan on seeing the USS Missouri, the USS Bowfin, and the Pacific Aviation Museum, the tour page also offers a "Passport to Pearl Harbor" tour in which you can purchase your entrance fees to those sites in advance.
• Each program has a capacity of 150 people, and programs run every 15 minutes -- the first begins at 8AM, and the last begins at 3PM.  If you don't reserve tickets, be prepared to get there early and wait in line! 
• Please, please be quiet, respectful, and courteous while at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center as well as when you are on the USS Arizona Memorial itself.  The Memorial is considered a burial ground, just like the National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) or Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, so behave accordingly.
• For more information, please visit the USS Arizona Memorial website via the National Park Service.

Getting to Know Hawaii: Battleship Missouri Memorial

The Need to Knows:

• The Battleship Missouri Memorial is located on Ford Island on Oahu; if you are military/DoD and have the appropriate identification, you may drive on to Ford Island and park in the designated areas at the memorial itself.  Otherwise, there is a shuttle that periodically leaves from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to Ford Island to allow access to the Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum for $3 (unfortunately visitation to the USS Utah is restricted to those with military identification).  Here is the location of the ship itself on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

• The Mighty Mo is open from 8AM to 5PM June through August and 8PM to 4PM September through May, and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
•  Adult admission (with choice of optional tour) is $22/person; Child admission (also with choice of optional tour) is $11.  Military/kama'aina rates are available.
• If you are planning on seeing the USS Bowfin, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum as well as the Mighty Mo, it may best suit you to purchase either the One Day Passport to Pearl Harbor tour or the Two Day Passport to Pearl Harbor tour (more information can be found here).
• There are four different tours for the Mighty Mo; more information on each tour can be found here.  (We picked the iPod Touch tour, but weren't thrilled with it -- I'll explain below.)
• I don't think it's a requirement, but I would opt for closed toe shoes to explore the battleship.  There are lots of places that could leave you with stubbed toes, so be careful and watch your step!

Getting to Know Hawaii: The USS Arizona Memorial

The Need to Knows:

• The USS Arizona Memorial is located at 1 Arizona Memorial Road, Honolulu, HI 96818.  The Google Maps link is here:

View Larger Map

• It is open from 7AM to 5PM daily and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
• Bags are not allowed within Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.  However, storage lockers are available for use for a fee -- I think it's around $3.00 a locker, but I didn't use them, so I'm not 100% sure on that. The storage facility is open from 6:30AM to 5:30PM daily.
• The tour itself lasts approximately an hour and fifteen minutes.  It includes a brief introduction, a 23-minute documentary on the events leading up to and on the day of December 7, 1941, a shuttle boat ride to the Memorial, and time to experience the Memorial itself.  I would allow for more time to explore the grounds and the various museums as well.
• I strongly recommend reserving tickets in advance for the Memorial.  When I went, I'd reserved tickets for the 9AM tour on a Friday, and I was able to pick them up at 7:30AM (you must pick up your tickets one hour in advance at the latest or they will be redistributed back into circulation for the general walk-in public) and have time to explore the museums and walk the grounds before the 22-minute movie and boat ride began.  A friend of mine mentioned that when she went, she and her husband waited in line for about an hour and a half for tickets -- yikes!   The only way to reserve tickets is to visit Recreation.gov; the link to the USS Arizona Memorial tour page is here.  There is a reservation fee at $1.50 per ticket.  If you plan on seeing the USS Missouri, the USS Bowfin, and the Pacific Aviation Museum, the tour page also offers a "Passport to Pearl Harbor" tour in which you can purchase your entrance fees to those sites in advance.
• Each program has a capacity of 150 people, and programs run every 15 minutes -- the first begins at 8AM, and the last begins at 3PM.  If you don't reserve tickets, be prepared to get there early and wait in line! 
• Please, please be quiet, respectful, and courteous while at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center as well as when you are on the USS Arizona Memorial itself.  The Memorial is considered a burial ground, just like the National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) or Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, so behave accordingly.
• For more information, please visit the USS Arizona Memorial website via the National Park Service.