· By Lexi
10 WAYS TO RESPECTFULLY EXPLORE O’AHU
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HOW TO TRAVEL TO THE ISLANDS THAT SO GRACIOUSLY WELCOME YOU
This brand was created to encourage people to explore new places, cultures, and adventures. Visiting epic places can be both educational and can challenge new perspectives on life. This travel guide is a resource to maximize your vacation while being a respectful guest here on O'ahu. Our mission is to be the source of sustainable, authentic, and conscious travel for all visitors.
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1. VOLUNTEER AT THE LO'I
Spend the morning at a thriving taro patch and learn about Hawaiian culture. Taro is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine and is an essential part of the authentic culture. You’ll spend a few hours getting your hands and feet muddy while connecting with the āina. Here are some of our taro patches to volunteer at:
UH MANOA LO'I
KA'ALA FARM
HO'OKUA'AINA
2. CRUSH A WORKOUT AT KOKO HEAD CRATER
One of the most intense outdoor workouts you can get anywhere in Hawai’i. Put your cardio to the test by climbing up Koko Head’s 1,048 steps. You’ll get breathtaking views at the top, so we promise it’s worth the sweat. Read more about the trek:
NAVIGATING KOKO HEAD
3. ENJOY THE DAY AT KUALOA RANCH
Kualoa Ranch has 4,000 acres of preserved and protected land. Many know Kualoa from its feature in films like Jurassic Park, Lost, Journey 2, and more. Kualoa, to us, is an untouched piece of land where you can buy local meat and produce, participate in community events, and take amazing guided tours through the jungle. This place has enough activities for everyone, so check it out:
KUALOA RANCH
4. WATCH THE FILM 'WATERMAN', ABOUT HAWAI'I ICON DUKE
There’s a giant statue of Duke Kahanamoku in Waikiki for a reason. This movie does an amazing job portraying Hawai’i from the eyes of a legend. We guarantee you will leave this film with new perspectives and inspired by his heart of Aloha.
WATERMAN MOVIE
5. LEARN TO SURF FROM THE BEACH BOYS IN WAIKIKI
After watching 'Waterman', the movie, you’ll be dying to get in the water! Go down to Waikiki Beach and take a lesson from the Waikiki Beach Boys.
6. TAKE A YOGA CLASS TO CONNECT WITH YOUR MIND, BODY, & SOUL
Connect and flow with the yoga community here on O’ahu. With an abundance of health benefits, you will always leave a yoga class better than you came. Here are some of our favorite yoga studios on the island:
YOGA ROOM KAIMUKI
YOGA UNDER THE PALMS
7. HIKE THROUGH TROPICAL JUNGLES
Go on a guided hiking tour and get ready to experience some insane off-the-grid hiking. Our friend, Tarzan, spends his days exploring hikes of all calibers, so there’s a trail for everyone. Give him a call, and use Preston & Lexi as a reference for 20% off your tour.
Find Tarzan Here: TARZAN TOURS
+1 (808) 861-9525
8. CHECK OUT THE LOCAL MARKETS
There are so many amazing farmers' markets all around the island. Find one close to you and enjoy tropical foods from the island.
KCC SATURDAY MARKET
9. SPEND THE EVENING AT THE LUAU
Check out the infamous Rock-A-Hula Show in Waikiki. As a guest, you experience authentic Hula, Tahitian dancers, a live band, fire knife performers, and more. You can also expect tribute performances from the likes of Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.
ROCK A HULA
10. EAT AT A FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT
Organic food grown right behind the restaurant… say less! This is easily our favorite place to grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner on O’ahu. Indulge in delicious, locally grown food at Farm to Barn Cafe. (Find our candles at FTB too 🤫)
FARM TO BARN CAFE
Please remember that we are all visitors to the beautiful spots we travel. Always leave these places better than you found them. Tread lightly, pick up your trash, take pictures, and shop local!