You know how most people have a "Happy Place"? Whether it's a far away city, a secret spot you came across when you were young, Disneyland/World, or simply being at home. I never really had one until a few years ago and it's amazing to have a destination that's so special to you.

I have been lucky enough to visit the island of Oahu three times now, and every holiday reminds me of why it's famous for being a wonderful place. Hawaii is full of happy memories for me and every time we return it's like being greeted with a hug from an old friend. I am completely in love with this slice of paradise and I wanted to share with you why it's my happy place!

Holiday Vibes 

We generally stay at Waikiki beach, which is a tourist hub and I love it! There's something so fun about everybody being on holiday. We are all relaxed and having a good time, so there's no tension or judgement going on. Everywhere has this relaxed holiday vibe that can't help but put you in a good mood.

The Food

Oh, the food! If you're a fan of garlic prawns, acai bowls, or poke, then this is the holiday destination for you. It's one of the things I look forward to most when we visit and I never know what delicious creation I'm going to get to try. They make the best grilled ahi (tuna) that you have ever tasted, and the cafes are stocked with delicious treats. If there's good food, I am one happy girl.

Beautiful Beaches

This is definitely something that Hawaii is most famous for, and I can confirm that they are as beautiful as you think they'll be. There's actually a huge variety of beaches to enjoy: some are still and perfect for snorkeling, others have monster waves so you can sit and watch the locals surf. All come with that famuos golden sand and sparkling blue water. It's just stunning to explore each spot and you find something special in each of them. You might even spot some turtles!

Happy Memories

This is exactly why I love to keep coming back to this place. I still remember seeing that beautiful blue water for the first time, and it making us go rush to buy bikinis so we could jump in right away. Or swimming with dolphins on my Mum's birthday and conquering my fear of the ocean. Thinking of Hawaii just brings back so many wonderful memories that makes my time there feel special. 

Body Confidence

I know the thought of wearing a bikini on the beach is daunting for a lot of us (myself included) but there's something about Hawaii that stops you from caring. It goes back to my point on holiday vibes; everyone is in the same boat, and we are all super-chilled because we're on the beach instead of being at work. No one cares what size you are, because everyone is concentrating on their own vacation. Anyone and everyone can strut their stuff down the beach and feel amazing.

Island Exploring

Going on a Hawaiian road-trip is one of my favorite things to do! I'm always glued to my window staring at the beautiful green hills and being in awe of the natural beauty around us. Oahu is small enough that you could explore the whole island in about two days. Both North and South shore have amazing sights and cool stops along the way. We never know what we're gonna find!

Shopping

Hawaii combines the joy of a beach holiday with the fun of American shopping. Some of my all-time favorite places to shop can be found in Waikiki: Forever 21, Zara, Sephora, Papyrus, and Wallgreens for stocking up on beauty items I can't get at home. The Ala Moana mall we always go to is huge and you can spend all day browsing the brands there. I probably do most of my shopping when I'm on holiday, so Hawaii is amazing for spoiling myself a little. 

Tattoo Spotting 

I'm not sure how many others enjoy doing this, but I find it so interesting. I'm super-obsessed with tattoos and I get really curious about what other people have got done. Obviously with Hawaiian weather being a summer dream all year round, everybody is in shorts and crop tops. Which means that there are more tattoos on display! On previous trips I have seen some masterpieces (and cringe-worthy ones too) and it's just awesome to see everyone's artwork that is usually hidden. 

Those Green Hills

I have such an obsession with the famous Hawaiian hills you always see, with their lush greenery and sharp ridges. One of the first mornings I ever spent there I walked outside and saw them for the first time and it hit me where I was. They're just stunning and I'm dying to find a really cool walk that will get me close to them.
 

Rainbows

Hawaii is known for being the rainbow state, and on our last trip is was so clear why. Almost every single day that we were there, we managed to spot a couple of rainbows in the sky. And who doesn't love rainbows!? It makes your whole experience there even more special.



I hope everyone gets the chance to visit this island paradise at some point, and that you love it as much as I do!
Where is your happy place?
Steph x.

Hawaii Food Diary

One of the things I love most about traveling is trying new foods, or just getting to eat my favorites I can only get in certain destinations. I'm a huge foodie and Hawaii has so many delicious options to offer. I thought it would be fun to show you my favorites while visiting and share my love of the food you can get on the island.

Haleiwa Bowls 

I started following this smoothie bar on Instagram about a year ago and their creations always look like works of art. I swore I would make sure to visit the next time I found myself in North Shore, and I finally got there! My family helped me track down their little hut and boy was it worth it. I ordered an acai bowl that came with fruit and an amazing muesli underneath. It was incredible! I'm so glad we found this place, it was just what I needed in the Hawaiian sun. Make sure you check out their Instagram because they post some amazing photos that will have you making your own fruit creations!

Cholo's Homestyle Mexican 

This is another North Shore gem and it's actually the second time we've eaten here. If you're like me and you can't resist a good taco, this place is for you. This time I actually got the shrimp fajitas that came with rice and beans. It was really tasty! I was a little disappointed at first because I ordered the fresh ahi (my ultimate fav Hawaii food!) but I'm still happy with shrimp. Their margaritas sound incredible too. Definitely getting one of those next time!


Panda Express

It's probably a good thing that we don't have this back home, because I would be eating it at least twice a week. It was my second time and I had to get the same Honey Walnut Shrimp with noodles. Oh. My. Word. I don't know what they put in this sauce, but it's incredible! This has to be one of most delicious meals I have ever had. I'm a bit of a cheap date, I guess!



Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood Market 

Almost every time we go to the Ala Moana mall and have lunch at their food court, I usually head straight to this place. They make the best grilled ahi (tuna) ever! It's one of my favorite foods to eat whenever we come to the island and they sure know how to cook it. So good!


 Coffee  

 Hawaiians are just as great at making a beautiful cup of coffee as they are with grilling tuna. We have managed to find several cafes that brew incredible artisan espresso, as well as serving heavenly pastries. Our first gem is Honolulu Coffee, which roasts Hawaii's famous Kona coffee beans. They make one seriously strong brew that any coffee lover will appreciate. Their dessert options are beautiful too!

We also found Kona Coffee Purveyors & Patisserie at the newly built International Market Place. This place has a really cool vibe, beautiful coffee and pastries you can't resist. Their coffee isn't quite as bitter as Honolulu Roasters, but that's how I prefer it. We tried both hot and iced options available and loved them. This place is probably my new favorite coffee stop in Waikiki.


What cuisine is your favorite?
Steph x.