Oahu had been calling me for ages, but I’d somehow managed to avoid this little paradise until now. Honolulu was my home base, a bustling city set against endless blue skies and towering mountains. The mix of natural beauty and city life here is unlike anywhere else I’ve been. Plus, the island was full of hiking trails, so I was ready to explore as much as my legs could handle—and maybe even paint a few of those panoramic views along the way.
Three Peaks Hike: The Challenge I Didn't See Coming
Everyone warned me about the difficulty of the Three Peaks hike, or Olomana Trail, and I took those warnings seriously. The trail is notorious for its steep drop-offs and narrow ridges, and if I’m honest, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with heights. But I’d come all the way here for an adventure, so I pushed that nervousness aside.
The hike started innocently enough, winding through a dense green landscape that seemed straight out of a dream. The first peak was challenging but manageable, and the view was worth every drop of sweat. But as I made my way to the second peak, I noticed a growing crowd of hikers, each one eagerly waiting to descend the narrow ridge that led to the final peak.
After the second peak I was getting pretty tired and noticed I wasn’t as steady as I was at the beginning of the hike. I had to make a choice: push forward to the final peak or turn back. My painting gear was stashed in my pack, ready for that perfect view, but safety won out. Sometimes, you have to know when to appreciate the view you have rather than risking it all for the one you want.
After the difficulty of 3 peaks, I was ready for a hike that was a bit more forgiving for my next day’s adventure. Diamond Head, one of Oahu’s most famous volcanic craters, was next on my list. It’s the kind of hike where you share the trail with everyone from serious trekkers to families with kids, and while it’s not as isolated as some trails, it does offer a unique perspective over Honolulu and the ocean beyond.
The hike itself is short but steep, winding up the inside of the crater with a few switchbacks and some old military tunnels. Despite the crowds, there’s something timeless about climbing up through a crater, knowing that this used to be a volcanic hot spot. When I finally reached the top, the view stretched out in all directions: turquoise water, palm trees, and the city skyline all wrapped in one sweeping panorama.
For me, Diamond Head was a reminder that not every hike has to be a battle to be worth it. Sometimes, the best views come after a little patience and an easier climb. I found myself sketching a few rough outlines, trying to capture that blend of city and nature that Oahu does so well.
Playing Tourist For a Couple Days
After two days of hiking, I needed a few relaxing beach days. After a peaceful morning on the beach, I wandered around Waikiki looking for some food and eventually found the Royal Hawaiian Center. The Third Floor Food Hall was calling my name—a perfect spot to recharge with some local eats. The hall was packed with options, everything from poke bowls to ramen, but I finally settled on a local plate lunch with kalua pork, rice, and mac salad.
The food hit the spot, but it was the scene around me that made it interesting. Waikiki is such a melting pot of tourists, locals, surfers, and artists, and the food hall felt like the heartbeat of that diversity. Families were chatting, tourists were navigating their way through unfamiliar menus, and groups of friends were swapping stories about their day on the beach. It’s not a place you go for ambiance or quiet, but it’s an experience that shows you the real hustle and flow of Honolulu.
Advice: If you’re hitting up the Royal Hawaiian Center, visit the Third Floor Food Hall with an open mind and an empty stomach. The lines can be long, especially during lunchtime, but it’s worth waiting to try some authentic Hawaiian dishes without breaking the bank.
A Quiet Moment on Waikiki Beach
As the sun began to set, I meandered down to Waikiki Beach to unwind. It’s touristy, sure, but there’s a reason it draws so many people. The beach was crowded, but I found a small spot where I could sit, let my toes dig into the sand, and watch the waves roll in. The sun dipped lower, casting this warm, almost magical light over the water, and I felt this familiar sense of calm settle in.
For an artist like me, who finds inspiration in color and movement, Waikiki was pure gold. I pulled out my sketchbook and started drawing the silhouettes of people walking along the shoreline, the waves, and the soft glow of the setting sun. There’s something about Hawaii that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and appreciate each detail. It’s the kind of place that reminds you to be present—something I struggle with sometimes as I jump from place to place.
Reflections on Oahu: Balance Between Adventure and Rest
My time in Oahu wasn’t without its ups and downs, but it taught me a few things about balancing adventure with rest. Between intense hikes, unique food, and some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen, I found a rhythm here. Oahu has a bit of everything, from challenging trails to easy beach days, and I realized that there’s value in mixing those extremes.
Leaving Honolulu, I was carrying more than just sketches and photos. I was taking with me a reminder that not every journey needs to be about pushing limits; sometimes, it’s just about finding beauty in whatever the day brings.