The Joys Co.

There is something truly special about Hawaii. Maybe it’s the endless shades of blue, the warm ocean breeze, the lush green mountains, or the feeling that life moves at a slightly different pace. Whatever it is, Oahu has a way of staying with you long after you leave.

We spent seven days exploring the island as a family, splitting our time between four days on the beautiful North Shore and three days in Honolulu. It was the perfect combination of adventure, beach time, cultural experiences, and a little relaxation at the end.

And while we visited some incredible places, what made this trip so memorable was also the feeling of the island itself — its rich history, meaningful traditions, welcoming atmosphere, and a spirit that is hard to put into words.

Two stays, two different sides of Oahu

One of the things I loved about our trip was choosing two different places to stay.

For the first four nights, we rented an Airbnb in Haleiwa, right on the North Shore. I really enjoyed this experience because it gave us a chance to feel a little more connected to everyday island life rather than staying in a resort the entire time.

Our Airbnb was also very family-friendly. It came with beach equipment, including snorkelling gear, and even a garage where we could park our rental car. Those little conveniences made a big difference!

After several days of driving around the island and exploring, we moved to the Hilton resort in Honolulu for our last three nights. It was the perfect way to slow down, enjoy the resort facilities and pool, spend some time around Waikiki, and recharge before heading home. Its location was also convenient for our departure from the airport.

Looking back, I would absolutely recommend combining both experiences if you have enough time. You get to enjoy the more relaxed North Shore lifestyle and then finish your trip with a little resort time.

Visiting Oahu in June: sunshine, rainbows and calm seas.

June was a wonderful time for our family to visit. The weather was gorgeous, with a little humidity, plenty of sunshine, and occasional light rain showers.

And those showers brought some of the prettiest rainbows! We spotted several during our stay, which somehow made the island feel even more magical.

One thing worth knowing if you’re planning a summer trip is that the North Shore looks quite different in summer and winter. During the summer months, the ocean is generally much calmer, without the huge winter surf that the area is famous for. Instead, we found lovely conditions for swimming and enjoying the water with the kids.

It was such a treat to experience the North Shore this way!

The North Shore: beautiful beaches and island adventures

The North Shore quickly became one of our favourite parts of Oahu. It’s relaxed, full of character, and surrounded by beautiful beaches and incredible scenery.

Haleiwa: a charming surf town

Staying in Haleiwa gave us plenty of opportunities to enjoy this lovely little surf town. It has a laid-back atmosphere, local shops, and plenty of island character. It’s the kind of place where you want to slow down, walk around, grab something delicious, and simply enjoy being there.

We also spotted sea turtles during our time in the area and went kayaking, which made the experience even more special. We even made some new friends at Turtle Bay, adding a lovely personal memory to our visit.

Turtle Bay

Turtle Bay was another place we really enjoyed. The scenery is beautiful, and it was a lovely spot to spend time by the ocean. Sometimes the best part of travelling is not having a big plan — just enjoying the beach, meeting people, and letting the day unfold.

Waimea Valley and Waimea Bay

One of our days started at Waimea Valley, where we walked through the beautiful botanical gardens and lush tropical landscape all the way to the waterfall. Getting into the water to cool off at the end of the walk was such a refreshing treat!

We finished the day at Waimea Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches on the North Shore. It was the perfect way to end an adventure-filled day.

Green World Coffee Farm

We also made time for a couple of fun stops inland. The Dole Pineapple Plantation was a great way to learn more about one of Hawaii’s best-known crops, and we enjoyed visiting Green World Coffee Farm too.

Both were lovely additions to our North Shore days and gave us a little change of scenery from the beaches.

The windward coast: shades of blue in Kailua and Lanikai

If I had to choose one beach area that completely surprised us with its beauty, it would be Kailua and Lanikai.

The water was unbelievably clear, with the most beautiful shades of turquoise and blue. We were so impressed that we actually returned to this area twice!

Lanikai, in particular, felt like a little piece of paradise. The soft sand, calm water, and stunning views made it a perfect place to spend time with the family.

These were definitely some of those beach days you wish could last forever.

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

Another beautiful experience was visiting Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. The scenery was absolutely incredible, with lush tropical greenery and dramatic mountain views. The scenic drive through the garden was an experience in itself, and we stopped at several viewpoints along the way to take in the breathtaking surroundings.

It was such a peaceful change of pace from our beach adventures and a reminder of just how diverse Oahu’s landscapes are.

Honolulu and the south side: a different island experience

After our North Shore adventures, we moved to Honolulu. The atmosphere was completely different — more lively, with restaurants, shops, resorts, and the famous Waikiki Beach.

But there was still plenty of nature and adventure waiting for us!

Hanauma Bay: an underwater world

Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay was one of our favourite experiences. We were amazed by the number of colourful fish we could spot in the clear water.

It’s such a special place to experience Hawaii’s marine life, and it was an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

Ko Olina: a relaxing lagoon day

We also spent some time at Ko Olina, enjoying the beautiful lagoon and its calm waters. After so many days exploring and driving around the island, it was lovely to have a more relaxed beach day and simply enjoy the surroundings

Waikiki Beach and resort time

We made sure to leave some time for the simple pleasures too: walking around Waikiki Beach, enjoying the resort pool, and relaxing after several days of exploring.

A little taste of Hawaii

One of the joys of travelling is discovering the local food, and Hawaii did not disappoint!

We ate so much fresh fish and tropical fruit during our stay. Everything tasted delicious, and I loved how easy it was to enjoy simple, fresh meals after a day outdoors.

From casual beachside meals to trying local flavours, food became another lovely part of our island experience.

More than beautiful beaches

Oahu is undeniably beautiful, but what stayed with me most was how much more there is to discover beyond its beaches.

The island has a rich and complex history, with deep connections to Native Hawaiian culture, Polynesian heritage, and traditions that are still meaningful today. Learning a little more about the people, stories, and customs behind the places we visited made the experience feel much more special.

There is also a certain feeling about Hawaii — a sense of connection to nature, a slower rhythm, and a warmth that is difficult to describe. It’s something you notice in the landscapes, in the local traditions, and in the way you experience the island.

Seven days gave us a wonderful introduction to Oahu, but there is still so much more we would love to explore.

And that’s one of the joys of travelling: discovering a place, making memories together, and always leaving with a little more curiosity for the next adventure.

Mahalo, Oahu, for seven beautiful days of sunshine, adventure, and aloha! 🌺💛