Today, I embarked on an adventure to the breathtaking Lanakai Beach, known for its pristine white sandy shores. Rising with the sun at 7 am, I eagerly prepared for the day ahead. Waking my friend Malena, I soon realized she needed a bit more time to gather her belongings. Impatience crept in as I waited, imagining myself already en route on the bus. Minutes later, we found ourselves at Bruce’s doorstep. It turned out that he wanted to join us on his birthday, which he was celebrating in Hawaii. Despite the slight delay, I welcomed his company. As we approached his door, I couldn’t help but wonder why Malena hadn’t exchanged phone numbers or arranged a meeting point in advance. Frustration bubbled up as we called out and knocked, to no avail. Eventually, we left a message at the reception, realizing Bruce was likely enjoying breakfast elsewhere, leaving us to ponder our next move.
Another Bus Ride
Navigating our way toward the bus station adjacent to Starbucks proved to be a bit perplexing. After seeking guidance from multiple passersby, we were eventually directed to the bus heading towards Ala Moana Center. Boarding the crowded bus, we realized our error in sitting at the front; those seats were reserved for the elderly.
Arriving at Ala Moana Center after a 20-minute journey, we found ourselves awaiting the next bus to take us to the northern shores of the island. Our ambitious itinerary included visits to Lanakai Beach, followed by a trip east to Hanauma Bay, and culminating with Diamond Head. However, our plans were altered, as we only managed to explore Lanakai Beach—an adventure I’ll delve into later.
Fifteen minutes later, the bus arrived, and we eagerly embarked on our journey to the northern part of the island. Armed with a handy guide provided by the hostel, detailing bus numbers and routes, my friends Mel and Jeanne assured me that navigating the bus, filled with tourists, would be a breeze. Reflecting on the day’s events, I couldn’t help but wish I had heeded their advice more closely.
Missed Our Stop
I felt a sense of calm assurance as I chatted with Malena, confident that spotting the beach would be a breeze. As the bus journey stretched on, the northern shores gradually came into view. However, my relaxed demeanor quickly shifted when the bus came to a halt at Sea Life Park, 15 minutes later, and the driver stepped out. It dawned on me that we had missed our stop for Lanakai Beach. With a sinking feeling, I approached the driver, realizing that the bus number had changed. He explained that we should have disembarked 20 minutes prior. Now, we had no choice but to wait for the next bus heading back toward Honolulu. After an agonizing 15-minute wait, the next bus finally arrived.
Arrival at Kailua Beach
The bus driver assured us he would indicate when to disembark. Regrettably, missing our stop meant we now faced a 3-kilometer trek to reach the beach. Letting out a resigned sigh, I couldn’t help but lament our hour-and-a-half journey thus far. In hindsight, I wished I had opted to rent a car. However, the strict regulations for underage drivers in the US posed a challenge. While foreigners aged 21 were permitted to drive, those between 21 and 24 were subject to a $25 daily underage fee—a significant blow to my budget. Consequently, driving sparingly became the norm during my time in the states. The “land of the free,” they say.
Arriving at the bus stop, we faced a 2-kilometer walk, much to Malena’s discontent. She suggested hitchhiking, a prospect I had never considered. Ahead of us, others were also making their way toward the beach. Seeking confirmation, I approached some locals and inquired if we were on the right path to Lanakai Beach. They confirmed, albeit mentioning their destination was Kailua Beach. Continuing on, we crossed a bridge and reached Kailua Beach after a kilometer. As we strolled through a park, the beach came into view, nestled right alongside it.
A Blue Ocean and Sky
We strolled through the park, catching glimpses of the breathtaking beach and its inviting waters. Excitement surged as we pressed on with our challenging hike. The heat was almost unbearable in Hawaii, and the thought of cooling off in the water became increasingly enticing. Climbing a small hill toward our destination, Lanakai Beach, we paused to admire the view of Kalua Beach we had just left behind. The last two pictures below captured its beauty from our vantage point atop the hill.
Almost There
Descending from the hill, we were greeted by a series of charming houses nestled along the slopes to our right. As I admired the picturesque surroundings, the thought of residing in such a paradisiacal setting crossed my mind. Continuing our journey, we covered 500 feet (we’re in the USA now!), passing the first alley leading to the beach. However, Malena suggested aiming for the fifth beach alley instead, promising a more serene and less crowded experience.
Sunshine, Relaxation and a Photoshoot
Upon reaching Lanakai Beach, we swiftly secured a spot and waded into the inviting waters. Once refreshed, I reclined on the soft sand and applied sunscreen. The beach’s ambiance was delightful, with the temperature being just right. Unlike the scorching heat we experienced on the road, there was a gentle breeze here, making it pleasantly comfortable. Entranced by the tranquil surroundings, I drifted off to sleep for about ten minutes. Awakening to a sense of profound relaxation, I realized it was around noon. Malena suggested grabbing some food, stirring me from my tranquil reverie.
We agreed to head to a nearby restaurant in 30 minutes. I asked Malena to capture some snapshots of me enjoying the water, and she did a fantastic job – much to our amusement. When our designated time was up, we set off in search of dining options. Seeking guidance, we approached a local gentleman who recommended a nearby spot called Buzz’s Original Steak House. The name rang a bell, as it had been mentioned by a fellow passenger on the bus who raved about their delicious burgers. Trusting in the wisdom of locals, we decided to give it a try, especially since it was the only eatery in the vicinity.
My First Hitchhike
Recalling its location from when we crossed the bridge earlier, just before the park, we began our journey. Malena, not keen on hiking, opted to hitchhike, a practice she was familiar with from her beach trips back in Argentina. It was my first time hitchhiking, something I wouldn’t have considered on my own. As we hitched a ride in the first pickup truck that stopped for us, Malena shared tales of her hitchhiking adventures, including some hair-raising experiences that left me both fascinated and slightly unnerved. I’ve always enjoyed hearing such stories; they add a touch of adventure to our travels.
Hitchhiking with the refreshing breeze was incredibly enjoyable. As we traveled, I observed some young people engaging in standup paddleboarding (SUP). Little did I know, a few years later, this sport would gain popularity in the Netherlands as well.
Burgers at an Amazing Steakhouse
We had to wait for a table at Buzz’s Cafe since it was bustling with activity, but I didn’t mind the wait. Malena preferred an outdoor table, which was perfectly fine by me; I’ve always been easygoing about such choices. Opting for the same burger, with Malena requesting hers sans tomato, I accompanied it with a diet coke. The server repeatedly offered refills, which puzzled me. Malena explained that refills were likely complimentary. So, when the server offered again, I happily accepted. Free Coca-Cola—what a country, haha!
The burger was absolutely delicious, and both Malena and I thoroughly enjoyed it. During our lunch, I received my first birthday wishes from family. Even though it was already June 4th in the Netherlands, I was savoring lunch in Hawaii on June 3rd, 2014, and it already felt like my birthday. I had initially toyed with the idea of doing something adventurous the following day but ultimately decided against it. My plan was to book a day at the Moana Surfrider hotel and invite Jeanne, Mel, and Neema to join me by the pool. Malena could have come too, but she had to leave for Sydney the next day for work. She truly embodied the spirit of a traveler, traversing the globe and working in different places. It seemed she had no intentions of returning to Argentina anytime soon.
Another Missed Stop
After lunch, we headed back to the bus station, this time with the intention of heading to Hanauma Bay. We assumed that the same bus we had taken before would stop at Sea Life Park, where we could transfer to another bus continuing along the Oahu coastline. Little did we know…
We crossed the bridge, capturing two picturesque scenes of the river and ocean in photographs. Malena hailed a pickup truck, and to our relief, the driver stopped. Three friendly Hawaiian surfer dudes were inside and kindly offered us a ride to the bus stop. There, we struck up a conversation with a young Hawaiian girl who had just landed a job at the nearby McDonald’s. After paying the bus fare, we boarded the bus without confirming if it was the right one— a missed opportunity, in hindsight. Suddenly, the bus came to an unexpected halt after 20 minutes, which I assumed was a scheduled break. However, after 10 minutes, as the journey resumed and Malena drifted off to sleep, I began to feel disoriented as we passed familiar landmarks again. Realizing we might be off course, I woke Malena and suggested that we had missed our stop. We decided to head back to the initial bus stop. Malena approached the bus driver, learning that we needed to catch bus 57 with ‘Sea Life’ indicated on it, which was heading back to Honolulu, 30 minutes away.
Change of Plans
Considering our options, I proposed skipping Hanauma Bay and heading straight to Diamond Head instead, opting for a change in plans. Once we reached Honolulu, we scrapped our plan yet again and opted to unwind at Waikiki Beach instead. I found the bus system frustrating, though I acknowledged it was partly my own fault for not asking for more information.
Despite my optimism, things didn’t quite go as smoothly as I had hoped. After changing lines at the bus stop at Ala Moana Center, we made our way back to our hostel. Along the way, we stopped at the ABC store to pick up some snacks and drinks. It’s worth mentioning that ABC stores are ubiquitous in Honolulu— you’ll spot one every 500 feet. Offering everything from food and drinks to postcards and souvenirs, these stores made life incredibly convenient for us. While the prices were a bit steep, it didn’t bother me much, as my budget was rock solid.
After a brief pause at the hostel, we decided to relax at Waikiki Beach. Our first order of business was strolling along the boulevard, as I was craving a Häagen-Dazs ice cream. Memories of the last one I indulged in, back in Kuta, Bali, flooded my mind. As I reminisce about this treat, I find myself transported back to Bali—truly, this journey is nothing short of amazing, haha.
Bruce is Back
At Häagen-Dazs, we ran into Bruce, the guy who was originally supposed to join us. Both Malena and I wished him a happy birthday. I mentioned that tomorrow would be my birthday as well, which seemed to amuse us all. It appears we shared a similar idea about Hawaii, haha. Bruce mentioned he worked for an airline company in the US, which afforded him discounted travel opportunities. As Bruce headed towards a restaurant, we walked alongside him. Along the way, we passed by the hotel I had considered booking for the next day, and I pointed it out to them. The grandeur of the main entrance caught our attention; however, the nightly rate was a steep $300 for the most affordable room.
Window Shopping
We bid farewell to Bruce as we decided not to join him for dinner. Following Malena’s lead, we ventured across the street to explore the upscale mall. Personally, I wasn’t fond of shopping, particularly when I wasn’t purchasing anything, and watching someone browse for hours could be tedious. To pass the time, I entertained myself by playfully jesting. Pretending to be Malena’s affluent boyfriend, I quipped, “Oh, come on, honey, let’s head back to Moana Surfrider; you’ve already spent $2000 today,” and “Hurry up, honey, splurge as much as you want, but let’s make it quick—I’m eager to check out that fancy restaurant around the corner.” Our banter had us both laughing, as we playfully embraced the fantasy of being wealthy with limitless funds.
Inquiry at the Moana Surfrider Hotel
After spending 30 minutes browsing the stores without success—Malena couldn’t find the bikini she was looking for—we decided to leave. The Moana Surfrider hotel stood adjacent to the super-expensive mall, so we decided to take a look inside. While the lobby was impressive, we found the pool to be rather small. Curious about the possibility of celebrating my birthday there with some friends, I approached the reception. However, the receptionist mentioned something about registration and liability, which left me feeling frustrated. “Fine, then I won’t be spending 300-500 dollars at your hotel,” I thought to myself. Disheartened, we left and headed back towards the pool. Adjacent to it, we noticed a small beach. The receptionist had informed me that it was acceptable for guests to use the beach area.
Malena and I settled down at the beach, and I mentioned to her that we could enjoy about 15 minutes of sun before the building cast its shadow over us. True to my words, after 15 minutes, we found ourselves shaded, just as Malena decided to take a dip in the sea. However, the cold water left her shivering, prompting us to leave, much to our amusement. After about 10 minutes, we strolled along Waikiki Beach. I attempted to carve a “4 June” sign in the sand multiple times, only for each attempt to be thwarted by waves or photobombers, much to my frustration.
The Hula Performance
Towards the end of the beach, there was a Hula performance, and Malena was eager to see it. We weaved through the crowd and found an average spot to watch. I snapped some photos from there. The Hula dancer was quite beautiful, prompting me to mention to Malena that I wanted to take a picture with her later for my birthday.
The Hula performance featured several acts, including a group of women followed by two individual dancers, each charming in their own way. As the first dancer finished her performance, we decided to step away from the crowd. Behind the tent, we noticed the group of women rehearsing for their next dance. I approached them and asked if we could take a photo together for my birthday, to which they kindly agreed. Malena joined in, and soon after, a couple of other tourists followed suit, haha. While waiting for the second dancer to finish, I sat on a nearby rock.
More Pictures
Malena had my camera and went back to the crowd to capture a full-scale picture of the performers, ensuring everything was perfectly symmetrical. Spotting the second dancer, I tried to locate Malena to avoid missing the opportunity for a photo. Once she returned, we quickly approached the dancer and asked for a picture, insisting it had to be taken on the beach, not in front of the tent. After the photo, we made our way back to the hostel, having already missed the sunset. Nevertheless, it didn’t diminish the amazing day we had—it already felt like my birthday.
Back at the hostel room, we collectively agreed to grab some food at ABC. Initially, I was leaning towards McDonald’s as we entered the store. However, as more people joined us, we unanimously decided to opt for McDonald’s. Before entering, we paused in front of the ABC store to snap a picture together.
Fun at the ABC Stores
While walking along the boulevard, Malena stumbled upon a balloon sword and carried it with her into McDonald’s. Later on, she kindly passed it on to a child there. We all grabbed some food at McDonald’s. Jeanne and Mel decided to splurge a bit and upgraded their order to 20 chicken McNuggets for just an extra cent. Neema picked up some new ordering techniques at McDonald’s. As for me, I had to go for the double burgers with the Big Mac sauce. Neema suggested asking if they could put it on a Big Mac bun, and to our surprise, they happily obliged, haha. They didn’t mind at all.
I’m not sure what time we got back, but we did eventually return. We made plans for the next day: I decided to rent a car, and we all agreed to visit Pearl Harbor and the Spitting Caves. Neema would be the driver since he was 25, sparing me from having to pay the underage fee.
