Oahu Archives - Borders & Bucket Lists

March 7, 2023March 7, 2023

18 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Waikiki Vacation

Are you planning your next Waikiki vacation? Here are a few mistakes that you should try to avoid during your trip – according to a Hawaii local!

Mistakes to avoid on your Waikiki vacation Diamond Head

A Waikiki vacation is on just about everyone’s bucket list. After all, with sunny skies, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees, what more could you ask for?

But to make sure that your Waikiki vacation is the best that it can be, there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid. From using chemical sunscreen to missing out on the local brunch scene, here are some of the biggest mistakes to avoid on your Waikiki vacation.

June 13, 2022December 2, 2022

The Best Poke in Honolulu & Waikiki: 5 Authentic Eateries

Are you looking for the best poke in Honolulu and Waikiki? This guide from a Hawaii local has all of the tastiest recommendations.

hand holding Hawaiian poke bowl with ahi, limu, pickled onion, green onion, and inamona best poke in Honolulu and Waikiki — *Photo Courtesy of Off the Hook Poke Market*

The poke bowl craze has boomed in recent years with poke shops popping up all over the U.S. But, if I’m being honest, the vast majority of mainland poke places are far from authentic. I’ve seen mainland poke bowls with chicken instead of fish, greens instead of rice, and even a dusting of Cheeto crumbs on top!

So if you have the chance to try more authentic poke during your trip to Hawaii, you should absolutely do so! Here are 5 places to get the most delicious poke in Honolulu and Waikiki.

February 4, 2022October 26, 2022

The Best Breakfast in Waikiki and Honolulu, Hawaii

Are you looking for the best breakfast in Waikiki and Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii? This guide from a Hawaii local has all of the best breakfast and brunch spots in town!

Moena cafe breakfast spread with sandwiches, hashes, waffles, fried rice, coffee, eggs benedict, and juice. Best breakfast in Waikiki and Honolulu — *Photo Courtesy of Moena Cafe*

The best breakfast Waikiki and Honolulu has to offer depends on your preferences, of course. Are you a coffee and pastry person? A light avocado toast and acai bowl person? A hearty breakfast burrito or omelet person? Or maybe you’re someone looking for breakfast with a local Hawaii twist! Whichever category you’re feeling that day, I’ve listed out the best Waikiki breakfast spots for all of them!

December 27, 2021December 27, 2021

The Best Hawaii Water Parks for You to Visit

Are you looking for the best Hawaii water parks? This guide from a Hawaii local has all of the best options!

bright red slide at the Grand Wailea on Maui Hawaii water parks — *Photo Courtesy of the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort*

Since Hawaii has year-round sunshine and warm weather, many visitors want to visit water parks. After all, a day in the warm sun and on thrilling waterslides sounds absolutely fantastic! Luckily for you, there are some Hawaii water park options that fit the bill.

October 5, 2021October 19, 2021

9 Best Hawaiian Restaurants in Hawaii

Are you looking for the best Hawaiian restaurants in Hawaii? This guide from a Hawaii local has everything that you need to know!

plate of laulau, poi, lomi lomi salmon, kalua pig at one of the best Hawaiian restaurants in Hawaii — *Photo Courtesy of Waiahole Poi Factory*

One of the most amazing parts of Hawaiian culture is the food. From kalua pig to laulau to haupia, there are so many fantastic dishes to devour!

But one of the biggest mistakes that visitors to Hawaii make is visiting non-authentic Hawaiian restaurants. But that’s not their fault! Honestly, it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between a Hawaiian restaurant that’s authentic and one that isn’t. Luckily, I’m here to help! Keep on reading for the most authentic Hawaiian restaurants in Hawaii.

September 23, 2021September 30, 2021

Rabbit Island, Hawaii: Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for a guide to Rabbit Island, Hawaii? This article from a Hawaii local has everything you need to know!

Just three-quarters of a mile off the southeastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii lies the small gem known as Rabbit Island. Most visitors just admire the views of the Rabbit Island from different beaches and hikes on Oahu. But there’s so much more to the story of this little island.

September 12, 2021September 12, 2021

4 Best Hawaii Amusement Parks For You to Visit

Are you looking for the best Hawaii amusement parks? This guide from a Hawaii local has everything you need to know!

people racing down waterslides at Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii best Hawaii amusement parks — *Photo Courtesy of Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii*

Hawaii is known for its sunny beaches and thriving hikes. That said, sometimes visitors want to spend a day at a Hawaii theme park. Luckily, there are a few wonderful attractions that fit the bill.

Depending on which Hawaii amusement park you decide to visit, you can race down thrilling water slides, meet your favorite Disney characters, or watch an island-inspired show! Now the question is, which of these amazing Hawaii amusement parks will you choose to visit during your Hawaii getaway?

June 20, 2021November 15, 2022

9 Best Hawaii Coffee Companies for You to Enjoy (From a Local)

Are you looking for the best Hawaii coffee companies? This guide from a Hawaii local has everything that you need to know!

best Hawaii coffee companies three cappuccino cups surrounded by herbs

Hawaii is known for quite a few things. Beautiful beaches, juicy pineapples, sugarcane fields, and sunny skies are just the start. But if there’s one thing that may surpass all of that in terms of popularity, it may be Hawaii coffee.

April 16, 2021October 28, 2021

A Local’s Guide to the 40 Best Things Do on the North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

Are you looking for a list of the best things to do on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii? This guide from a Hawaii local has everything that you need to know!

surfer inside a wave things to do on the North Shore Oahu Hawaii

The North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii is one of the most iconic spots in the island chain. With places like Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay, it’s no wonder the North Shore has put its name on the map. While it is most popular with surfers from around the world, Hawaii locals and tourists love the many things to do on the North Shore of Oahu as well.

So what are you waiting for? Are you ready for a trip to Oahu’s North Shore?

October 27, 2020February 9, 2022

18 Best Desserts in Hawaii That You Need to Try

red, white, and yellow shave ice desserts in Hawaii

Are you looking for the best desserts in Hawaii? This guide from a Hawaii local has all of the best tasty treats that the islands have to offer.

Hawaii is filled with delicious desserts from shave ice to haupia to malasadas. And they’re all fantastic! You’ll likely notice that these treats are not solely Hawaiian. Rather, they have a range of culinary influences, including Japan, China, and the Philippines. That said, all of these desserts have become staples of a sort in Hawaii, making them part of the island chain’s food culture.