The Hawaiian island of Oahu makes it extremely difficult for me to pinpoint a favourite spot, with every new location on the island exceeding my already high expectations. By the time I arrived here, I was truly doubtful that anything would be able to beat the travel beauty I had already witnessed in other parts of Hawaii, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
I was sceptical that local gems would have become tourist-trodden thanks to TikTok fame. But instead, within five short days, Hawai’i became my favourite place on Earth. There is plenty to do in this tropical hotspot, and all of the surrounding islands. Oahu is the third largest island in Hawai’i by size, but is the most populated – being home to the state capital of Honolulu.
From snorkelling on the famous Waikiki Beach, to swimming with turtles in the North Shore, each time I saw a new place, I noted it down in my head as my favourite. That was until our last night, when new friends took us to visit Waimānalo Bay.
The beautiful thing about Hawai’i is its preservation of the local culture, which makes it opposed to widespread tourism. Visitors must enjoy their stay remaining respectful and supportive of locals, and giving back to the island in turn. Gohawaii.com invites responsible travel, in maintaining cultural mindfulness and island immersion.
Sadly, previous tourist misuse has resulted in the closing of heritage sites; notably, the Stairway to Heaven hike which was closed due to trespassing and safety concerns. Any attempt to take the trek will now result in a hefty fine, of over $1000 and a potential prison sentence.
Perhaps it is due to the strict nature of visitation, but Hawai’i was also the place I visited on my travels with the fewest British tourists. For many we befriended, we were the first Brits that they had come across on the island. It’s a far cry away from the likes of Tenerife, Majorca and Ibiza, where locals are fighting back against mass tourism with ugly protests.
Of course, US holidaymakers were far more common in Hawaii, but in hidden gems such as Waimānalo, you could even find the entire beach to yourselves.
This beach is the only spot I will ever picture now when asked of my “happy place”. We played frisbee and drank beers and swam as the sun went down, and I felt more at peace than ever before.
I was overwhelmingly nostalgic to leave the place behind. Ranking Third on TripAdvisor’s Oahu must-sees, visitors have compared it to “a feeling of the Caribbean”. As one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the world, it is no wonder people vow to return.