Oahu11 Archives - Jen is on a Journey

Oahu Excursions: Kualoa Ranch Tour Review

October 7, 2011 by The Mom Jen 6 Comments

Our recent family vacation on Oahu included a fantastic trip to the Kualoa Ranch. This historic cattle ranch is located on the windward side of the Island, a scenic 45 minute drive from Waikiki, looking out to the coast and Chinaman’s Hat . We arrived about an hour before our Movie Location Tour which allowed us to stroll through the spacious gift shop and meander around the ranch headquarters. This is the starting point for a variety of horseback, ATV, jungle, movie site and ocean tours.

Upon presenting our movie site tour pass to the driver we were ushered onto a rustic bus with a friendly “aloha”. Kind memories of elementary school field trips flooded through my mind as we chose our seats and lowered the windows. Our tour began with a leisurely roll through the historic beginnings of Kualoa. In 1850 King Kamehameha III sold 622 acres to his personal advisor Dr. Gerritt P. Judd. We rolled by the remains of the old sugar mill, and a small herd of long horn cattle posed for pictures as we passed.

Our driver provided a lively history of the ranch and was sure to point out the remnants of the World War II airstrip and bunkers, one of which he claimed was his house. As the bus climbed around the western end of the picturesque ridge of steep sharp mountains that gave the ranch its name (Kualoa means “long back” in Hawaiian) we were treated to endless views of the Pacific Ocean and the coast of Oahu.

The bus stopped at a large concrete bunker overlooking the Rainbow Coast where we walked through a gallery of movie posters and memorabilia from shows filmed on the ranch including a submarine prop from the TV show LOST. Back into the bus and we rolled into the beautiful Ka’a’awa Valley, one of the most filmed locations in Hawaii. Still an active cattle ranch, film crews come to this valley for the quintessential tropical Island back drop.

The bus bumped along the dirt roads as our driver pointed out scenes from numerous movies and TV shows filmed on the ranch. A dead tree from “Jurassic Park”, giant footprints from “Godzilla”, a bunker from “Windtalkers” and off in the distance a set from the upcoming sequel to Journey to the Center of the Earth where among the most memorable sites we passed.

As our bus rambled back toward headquarters we passed tour groups on ATV’s, horses and 6 wheeled jungle vehicles. Together with the ocean and beach adventures offered by the ranch there is sure to be an activity that everyone will enjoy. Ancient Hawaiians considered Kualoa a sacred place of refuge and sanctuary, and our family would like to thank the Judd family and their descendents for preserving and sharing this special part of the island with us.

Our tickets were hosted, all opinions, ours.

Oahu Excursions: MaiTa’i Catamaran Sail Review

September 22, 2011 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

Oahu Excursions: MaiTai’i Catamaran Sail Review

My kids have never been on a sail boat. Their faces lit up when we told them we were going to go out on a Catamaran, just before they asked, “what’s a Catamaran?” A vessel (as a sailboat) with twin hulls and usually a deck or superstructure connecting the hulls is what my husband mustered up for the kids, I continued to say sailboat. With a beach-side boarding, you’ll find the infamous green sails of MaiTa’i Catamaran on Waikiki Beach between the Halekulani Hotel and Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. With seating for 47 passengers, we were eager for this trip our whole family could enjoy!

Boarding barefoot in the sand and water, you are greeted by a fun crew who are full of great information and will keep the 90 minute Tradewind Sail exciting and memorable! My son who gets a tad motion sick was prepared with his Dramamine and we all found some great seats. Drinks are extra and cash only, so if you are inclined don’t forget your money. We took the 11am sail so that we could get off and head straight to lunch and still have out day ahead of us. Plus, it was the coolest time of day, we wanted to avoid getting over heated.

Surprise, the cool breeze, the water spraying you over the edge, you are anything but hot on this Cat! What an adventure, with the speed of the boat picking up after we coasted out past the surfers, the kids eyes widened and the views were phenomenal. We headed south past Diamond Head and got such incredible pictures, we almost felt we visited the crater (which we never got to). The waters turned from aqua to aquamarine to turquoise, to royal then deep blue and still so clear that we saw sea turtles, fish, and even flying fish miles out!

We all could move about the boat, though we could not sit on the trampolines like my husband and I did on another island’s sail. But, at the very front tip, the younger kids and my husband sat and enjoy the breeze and cool water splash them like the best water ride ever! I sat back with my oldest (who now takes Dramamine on boats!) and shot photos.

With my cell phone camera securely packed away, we used our digital Canon and tried to keep it dry. A compartment area between seats could hold items, so when the water sprayed harder I kept my camera in that area. With sliding around and a few huge splashes, the holding area filled with water and soaked my Canon. It has since succumbed to the water, but luckily we rescued the SD card with all our photos! If you can purchase a waterproof camera for this excursion, I’d suggest it!

The sail was amazing and the kids thought it was incredible. For 90 minutes and $28/aduults $14/children (12 & under), and children under 3 are free, it’s a really reasonable excursion your family can enjoy on Oahu!

Tickets were complimentary, all opinions are our own.

Oahu: Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites

September 22, 2011 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

Our stay in Honolulu was coming to an end quickly and we wanted to savor every last minute. The 3rd resort we stayed in on our recent trip to Oahu took us to the Outrigger Luana, Waikiki (*the property has changed ownership and is now under Aqua Hotels & Resorts as the Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites). Overlooking serene Fort DeRussy Park, you’ll find the pace unhurried and mood relaxed. But it’s only a short 5-10 minute walk to the rolling surf at Waikiki Beach and busy central Waikiki, including Waikiki’s most exciting shopping promenade, Waikiki Beach Walk. Though you do still get a city feel when you look out your balconies and see the highrises, you also feel away from it all amongst the park and outer edge of the hustle and bustle of Honolulu.

For two nights we enjoyed a one bedroom ocean view room with kitchen on the 9th floor. Our view from the kitchen window and living room balcony was so peaceful and serene we could almost hear the waves crash! Not looking down into the inner workings of a nearby building we instead could see the unique shape of the swimming pool and surrounding area from our bedroom balcony, it was a nice change. With the ocean so close, the pool area can have those times of the day where you feel like you’re the only one there.

We took advantage of that time shortly after checking in. With chaise lounges abound and an open available cabana, we all took some time to enjoy our new hotel and it’s luxuries. The pool was fabulous for diving and jumping in with an 8 foot depth at one end. Also the steps and shallow are were great for my youngest still learning to swim without floaties! Adjacent to the pool area, you can bring your own goodies to use for grilling on the barbecues available to guests. Having the full kitchen you can save some money by shopping at the local store and dining in if you wish! Also if the heat gets too much for you outdoors, the hotel also has a nice air conditioned fitness center, lit up by the floor to ceiling windows, overlooking the pool.

$25 per day, you have unlimited in and out access with valet parking. The drivers were always so friendly and helpful even offering to buckle my youngest into her seat! At the entrance of the hotel you have the Protea Cafe serving breakfast, thin-crust pizzas, smoothies and cocktails daily from 7am-2pm. In the lobby you have fresh water infused with fruit and chips for snacking, I always got smiles and happy vibes from the staff walking in and out. Also, you can check out complimentary boogie boards and other various beach toys that my kids were thrilled about. We use them here in California each beach trip and we didn’t have to purchase one or spend extra money at a beach kiosk for renting.

The room was huge and great for all of us. The couch in the living area opened up to a bed, which when placed in front of a television is our kids’ dream! The recliner in the living are was huge and wide and was the choice of my son for his bed for the two nights! Separate air conditioners in that room and in the master bedroom helped keep all of us at the right temperatures. Our bedroom was large and airy, crisp white bedding on the best bed of our trip, loved it. The balcony out our bedroom was a nice respite after a long day!

For more information on Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites visit, http://www.luanawaikiki.com/.

Our stay was hosted in exchange for honest review.

Honolulu, HI: Tiki’s Grill and Bar Review

September 20, 2011 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

With so many fabulous restaurants and local fare it’s tough to choose where to dine in Honolulu. When you are traveling with family, you’ll be happy to know that Burger King, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and all those favorites your kids enjoy are also available. Eating where it’s familiar is nice and quick on a pinch, but we wanted good food that made us feel more like we were dining on an island while on vacation!

We were able to check out Tiki’s Grill and Bar one evening, a leisurely stroll down Kalakalua Avenue overlooking Waikiki Beach. It was Open Mic night, where local and visiting artists can share their art with Waikiki, be it music, poetry, or what have you. We were immediately invited in before we reached the reservation desk, but opted to eat dinner first!

The retro South Pacific-style Tiki’s Grill & Bar opened in October 2002 and was popular from the start. Located on the second floor of the ASTON Waikiki Beach Hotel and with breathtaking views of Waikiki Beach and its spectacular sunsets. The 272-seat restaurant serves lunch, dinner, a late night menu and weekend brunches.

An indoor/outdoor restaurant, like most, there were fans going and fresh breezes coming in from outside. The atmosphere was relaxed, the lights dim, and the smell of the food was mouth-watering! We were seated and drink orders were taken. Their Blue Bikini was as gorgeous as it was tasty, I admit I had about 3 of those to enjoy the evening. Kid’s menus are available, with drinks in plastic cups with lids to take with you if you desire. My husband and I were famished and everything looked good on the menu.

After drinks were served, taro rolls were brought out with a sweet butter that everyone couldn’t get enough of. We started with an appetizer, I’m a huge fan of Kalua pork and the Kalua Pig Quesadilla was exactly what we needed. The pork is slow cooked and the flavor is phenomenal, sweet and salty at the same time. Served in a purple taro tortilla, the pepper jack cheese made the dish a quesadilla and the corn gave it a great sweet bite! With sour cream and quacamole on the side you cannot go wrong, we almost ordered a second! It’s one of those appetizers you eat with your eyes first then dive in with your mouth!

The 3 kids decided on beef sliders for dinner that was served with fries and carrot sticks. The best part for them, the plate was served atop a Tiki’s frisbee, so they had their own souvenirs with dinner! Luckily for my oldest daughter, my youngest was done after one slider and gave the second to her sister, not quite enough food for a near teenager, but dessert was still a possibility!

I opted for the Parmesean Crusted Chicken, and was over-whelmed at the size of the portion. It was literally enough for 2 people! Presented beautifully over linguine and broccoli, the best part was the chardonnay/sun-dried tomato glaze that I dipped each crispy bite of chicken in. This my friends, I could have eaten every night along with those Blue Bikinis.

My husband chose the Pulehu Ribeye that was as tender as can be and again enormous portions with garlic mashed potatoes that gave a nice kick in flavor. My oldest is a steak fan and contemplated this meal, but was happy to take many bites off dad’s plate to satisfy her small kid’s meal portions.

Surprisingly the steak was gone after we all sampled it, but I had a whole lot of chicken left for lunch the next day, thank goodness for hotel refrigerators!

We hoped to get back to the restaurant on another night for just dessert, but for sure on our next trip to Oahu! While there, don’t forget to take home a Tiki’s branded souvenir from their store at the entrance to the restaurant!

Tiki’s is a feel good restaurant, not fancy in the least, no need to dress to the nine’s and if come on different nights of the week, you’ll be entertained by live music each time. Try Tiki’s and I guaranteed you’ll be hooked!

Our meal was compensated in exchange for honest review!

Oahu: Touring Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missouri

September 12, 2011 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

During a time many are remembering the lives lost a decade ago on 9/11/2001, we are sneaking up to the seventieth anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu. During our recent trip to Hawaii, my husband and I knew the plan to visit the memorial was a must as history buffs and as Americans. How would the kids feel about the experience, even they were infants and toddlers when the Trade Center attacks occurred, they know only what they’ve learned in school. It was a experience we knew we all would appreciate if not immediately, down the road.

Arriving at Pearl Harbor that morning, we immediately got our tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial tour. Starting every 15 minutes from 7:45am-3pm daily, we had 11:30am tickets and it only being 10am, we had time to tour the visitor’s center. We explored the museum which gave a graphic and written timeline of the fateful day, December 7, 1941. For my older two children who had a million questions, they were able to tour the museum, use the interactive videos and monitors, and literally read the walls all about the decade of deteriorating relations between Japan and the US that led up to the attack.

There is a whole building of the prelude to the war, then a second that encompasses the very day. Both areas hold different aspects that made an impact on our family. My youngest, at 5 saw the model of the memorial and could already visualize what we were about to experience, “is this the underwater part that sunk?” My husband remembers the draft of Roosevelt’s “Day that will live in Infamy” speech and his personal handwritten edits, my children and I remember the decoder machine that gives you the feeling of how close they were to interpreting the Japanese communication, to be more prepared for the upcoming events. That combined with the radar signals they picked up that was enemy though they didn’t have the full capacity to interpret, just gives you the heartbreaking feeling, and realization how far communication and technology has just come. Resonating with us most, the question my oldest asked, “why does war even have to happen, it’s stupid.” Not a question easily answered.

Once you begin the tour, which is free, you enter a theater and listen to a National Park Service ranger talk you to about Memorial etiquette. Then a 23 minute documentary film is presented on the attack on Pearl Harbor. Immediately after the film, visitors board a Navy shuttle boat to the memorial. The USS Arizona is the final resting place for many of the ship’s 1177 crewmen who lost their lives, the 184-foot-long memorial structure is truly awe-inspiring. It spans the mid-part of the sunken battleship in 3 sections, the entry and assembly rooms with flags representing the states and the armed forces. The central area is designated for ceremonies and the ability to observe the parts of the ship under the water as well as the oil that still surfaces to this day from the ship. In the back, the shrine stands powerful as well as sad where the names of those killed on Arizona are engraved in the marble wall.

Battleship Missouri

Also in the harbor you’ll find the Battleship Missouri, first launched in 1944, it’s final decommission was back in 1992. A memorial to all those who have served our Nation, you can explore the ship with all of it’s physical characteristics of her service still intact. “Knee-knockers” and “head-bangers” abound on the ship while you still need to ascend or descend ladders facing the steps.

Aboard you can take the walking tour as we did on our own pace through the main deck touring the most famous aspects of a ship. Below deck you’ll find the reality of life at sea which we all enjoyed. The quad bunks stood out to my younger two kids who share a two-bed bunk, also you see the cafeteria style dining commons and rooms and areas where seaman would spend their free time playing checkers or cards. “A library? Computers?!” Yes, kids remember the ship was last used in the early 90’s so you will see some sort of technology relateable to what our young family knows.

My son’s highlight was the command and control centers of the ship as well as the Captain’s quarters, not to mention posing with a machine gun. A contrast to the Arizona Memorial, we had a chance to recover some of the sad feelings for a bit to enjoy the fascinating Missouri. Also sensing the pride of the seeing the signed document ending the end of WWII and Japan’s surrender on the deck by MacArthur.

My kids still talk about Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missouri experience as well as ask questions, memories were made on this experience and was a huge impact on our vacation.
Our tickets for the Missouri were hosted, all opinions are our own.