It’s been a tough time sheltering in place for so long, I didn’t think when I started working on the posts from our short stint in Hawaii that we would be in this situation over 55 days later.
I’ll be sharing a few more “in place” sort of posts coming up next but since I have a reserve of some of our absolute favorite places. Here is my list of what I would do if I had one day and happened to go to Oahu often, in many ways these are a bit of comfort stops.
Breakfast at Island Vintage Coffee
Where: 2301 Kalakaua Avenue #C215 Honolulu (there are several locations beyond this)
Why: I honestly can’t explain why I like this place so much. There is a Peet’s of Hawaii vibe that the local franchise has. I like that it carries one of my favorite Island granolas (which we’ve been guilty of shipping before) and that it has a very broad menu despite the fact that we always order a form of Acai bowl.
Drive to Lanikai Beach
Where: Kailua, Oahu, HI 96734
Why: Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it doesn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for a beach that matches the image you have in your mind of what a beach in Hawaii is supposed to look like, this is the one on Oahu to visit. We sat on the beach and watched dogs go by. It was the perfect temperature and timing post breakfast to hang out. We had snuck in a quick hike in between and this was the payoff.
Shopping!
If you keep driving post Lanikai beach and make your way further one way or the other, we’ve got you covered with some of our favorite local shops in both directions:
Lotions for All: Lanikai Bath and Body
Lanikai Bath and Body is my pick for picking up lotions for myself and all my friends. My friend Nina turned us onto this place and I love all the products. It is unpretentious and smells amazing to boot. They do have lots of TSA friendly products but I especially love the lotion. It’s also a great chance to grab something that has Island scents you’ll miss when you leave like Lilikoi (my personal favorite).
Our Funky Pet Pick: The Public Pet
The Public Pet is where you can get fun toys for cats and dogs alike like a shave ice toy or in our case an ebi tempura musubi toy.
Stop at Any Foodland
Where: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI (this is our favorite Foodland location in Oahu but they are everywhere.)
Why: Foodland is the mecca of every type of grocery and prepped food you could ever want. We troll the spam musubi aisle, mochi cake, mochi, and all the snacks to take home. Not only is this my favorite grocery store in Hawaii, it is one of my top five favorite grocery stores in the world.
Afternoon Coffee at Arvo Coffee
Where: 324 Coral Street, Honolulu, HI
Why: This is a cool spot beyond the coffee being great, it’s a nice way to sit outdoors and walk around to see some of the shops in the complex. Highly recommend this as a breakfast or afternoon coffee stop. I had a really perfect tea and Ben had what we always have iced coffee 🙂
