You MUST visit Honolulu, Hawaii, and hike Koko Crater Trail
On this day last year, we were embarking on a most incredible adventure. In fact, I would say that it was our greatest adventure to date. Over the next few weeks I am going to be sharing one the most special experiences we have ever had as a family…our three-island Hawaii adventure!!! I’ll be backtracking and sharing all of the must-see things in each of the places that we visited. To start us off though, just know that YOU MUST hike Koko Crater Trail in Honolulu, Hawaii!!!
Where we began?
Our journey began on a Tuesday, where we had flown out of Nashville and landed in San Diego, California. We spent the first night of our vacation at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina. Unbeknownst to us, we were immediately upgraded to two suites, which we were extremely grateful for, as well as pleasantly surprised to receive. The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is an absolutely beautiful hotel. Here are a few of our favorite shots.
On Wednesday morning we woke up and immediately headed for Breakfast Republic. If you don’t eat anywhere else in San Diego, you MUST eat here. We took a quick walk on the beach just across the street from the restaurant and headed back to the hotel to pack up for our flight to Hawaii.
On our first day in Hawaii, after a wonderful breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express – Waikiki, we headed straight for Koko Crater Trail. I think we were all awake by about 3:30am, as it was 7:30am back in Tennessee, and we are (mostly) all early risers anyway.
KOKO CRATER TRAIL
That name is misleading! Nonetheless, it’s a REQUIREMENT for your adventure on the island of Oahu! When I think of a trail, I imagine a beautiful little winding pathway through dense forest, or by a beautiful crystal-clear lake. And, I had heard about this infamous hike, knowing that it would likely be strenuous. You see, I LOVE to hike, but I don’t do long or arduous hikes nearly enough. And this hike, my friends, was BRUTAL! So tough in fact, that it goes down as the most exhilarating and successful accomplishment of my life!
Here are a few photos
BUT, HERE’S THE REWARD
When you reach the top of Koko Crater Trail, the views are like nothing I’ve ever witnessed. Had we brought more water (a story for another time), we could have stayed all day long. But because of the scorching sun and lack of shade, we had to head back to reality, to civilization, and to hydration.
And later that day…
We spent the rest of the day swimming at our hotel and exploring Waikiki. A huge highlight for our family was Cheeseburger Waikiki. You see, my two boys, ages 21 and 17 (at the time) are on a never-ending quest to find the best bacon cheeseburger on the planet. To date, they think they’ve found it in Honolulu, Hawaii! Also, be sure to order your frozen pineapple daquiri in the full-size pineapple! It was delicious!
Waikiki Beach
After visiting a few shops, and exploring all around our hotel, we headed to the most famous beach in the world – Waikiki Beach. It’s incredible to walk along this beautiful stretch of sandy shore and the evening that we were there, the Hilton Hawaiian Village put on a beautiful fireworks display at 9pm.
After the fireworks, which were incredible, we had turned to walk back to our hotel, when two men began twirling fire batons right on the beach. An enormous circle began to form around them. They were fantastic and it was a blessing to get to watch this impromptu show.
How we actually got to Hawaii
We were able to spend two full weeks in Hawaii because of credit card points. You see, everything that we spend in our household gets charged on one of several credit cards. Then we immediately pay that credit card bill in full (sometimes several times per week). We NEVER carry a balance and we are very mindful to never charge more than we can pay off. If you are interested in seeing a comparison of our two favorite cards, you can check that out HERE.
The Secret
Different credit cards offer valuable points in various categories. For example, our biggest expense each month is on groceries. I have a credit card that gives me 4x points for every dollar that I spend. If we spend $1,500 per month, then that’s 6,000 points in one month, just for food alone. In a year, that’s 72,000 points JUST for groceries! And we try and put every single expense on a credit card. You can imagine how quickly those points add up.
Let’s Get to the Point
Our first full day in Honolulu far exceeded our expectations. We were exhausted from our full day of adventure, but grateful for all that we were able to see and do.
If you would like to learn more about how we travel the world for little to no money, using points, feel free to reach out to me HERE, or sign up for my newsletter on the right side of my blog. As well, please follow along on my social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission, or a referral bonus, for recommendations – at no cost to you. We only recommend products that we personally use, trust, and enjoy.
I used to Live on Oahu and it was some of the most breath taking scenery I have ever experienced, thank you for taking me back there.
Angie, what an absolute wonderful experience that must have been! We LOVED Oahu. Hopefully we’ll be able to return in the fall. Thank you for your kind words. Blessings!
I would love to visit these places!!
Jaclyn, definitely add Hawaii to your bucket list! The MOST amazing place we’ve ever been! Blessings!
I need to hurry and get my last child here. He would love it!
I agree Karie! I think he would love it! The hike was brutal but such an amazing accomplishment!! Blessings!
I would love to do this! I would need to spend a couple months in the gym to be able to do this! lol
Tricia, that’s what I thought too, but if you take it slowly you’ll make it to the top. I definitely recommend bringing lots of water and start just before sunrise! When you get to the top it makes the whole thing worth it!!
Who knew there were so many great places to hike in Hawaii. I keep seeing articles pop up on this very topic.
Heather, Hawaii is one of the best places to hike. Not only are there tons of fabulous trails, but the scenery, the colors, and the flora and fauna are just incredible!!
Beautiful pics! Nice camera set up!
Debbie, thanks so much. Yeah, he’s a collector of great video equipment (which is super helpful to me)! And my daughter is a photographer! It’s a blessing to this mama!
We’re headed to Hawaii in October and will definitely check out this place!
Oh Candy!! If you click on the Archives tab on my blog, and go to June 2019, you’ll see 12 (I think) posts of our trip to Hawaii. Perhaps you’ll get a few ideas, as we researched everything for over a year. We had an epic vacation and visited Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Kauai was our FAVORITE!! Have a wonderful time. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact me via email (in my “About Me” page). Blessings!
Great information. Now I need to go back there and do these awesome things! Thanks for sharing.
Shirley, you’re so welcome! Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!
Looks like paradise! I am dreaming of a trip with all three of my boys once the youngest is a bit older! Cannot wait to do all the things!
Tiffany, this was the most incredible trip for our family! Definitely add Hawaii to your bucket list! Blessings!
I have to agree with you! I went on vacation and cashed in my return ticket and lived in Honolulu for two years..amazing!
Wow Holly!! What an epic adventure! I can’t even imagine living there for two full years – such a blessing!
Hiking on KAUAI has been a favorite of ours! We’ve only flown into Oahu to change planes. We’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for the info!
While Kauai is our favorite island of all, there is so much to see on Oahu! I’d say that a four day trip on your way back to Kauai would be perfect!! Diamond Head is a great family hike too! Blessings!
Looks like a fun vacation with such beautiful scenery.
Lori, thanks so much. It definitely was!!
Wow! Hawaii is my dream. I hope to make it there someday to check out these places. The photos are beautiful!
Thank you Eva! Definitely add Hawaii to your bucket list!!
Thanks for sharing, I would love a vacation right now
Rachel….me too! Enjoy the down time and start planning your next big adventure!! Blessings!
Beautiful photos. I was in Hawaii a million years ago but loved it!
Julia, it’s time for you to return!!! So beautiful, right? Blessings!
Hawaii is so great for hiking, culture, and sight-seeing! I loved it so much!
I agree Kendra! Can’t wait to go back! Blessings!
Hawaii is so amazing! I didn’t get to hike this one I will when I go back!
Lisa, just bring lots of water and start super early! It’s an incredible adventure for sure!! And those VIEWS once you reach the top!!!
I can’t wait to visit Hawaii! Your photos are beautiful!
Cindy, thanks so much!! You will absolutely LOVE Hawaii!! Blessings.
I have 4 kids age 3-11, and I look forward to when they are older and we can take trips like this. We travel a lot right now, but our trips look a little bit different because my kids are younger. I love having a large family and getting to take my kids to new places. Hawaii is definitely on our list of places to visit as we are trying to visit all 50 states before our oldest graduates from high school in 2027.
Sara, I, too, have four kiddos. I’d say when your youngest is about 7 or 8, Hawaii would be a wonderful adventure. And you have such a great goal to visit all 50 states. We are doing the same thing, and have a lot to see out west! Blessings!
Can’t wait to visit Hawaii one day. I’ve always been hesitant due to the long flight from here, but am so drawn to those islands.
Suzan, I had the very same apprehension, because we’re on the east coast, but we stopped both ways (once in San Diego on the way to Hawaii, and once in Oakland, on the way back). We flew on Southwest, with two companion passes! It was such a GREAT deal! We only paid the taxes – I think all our flights cost us around $200 for the entire family! If you have questions, feel free to reach out – I’m happy to help! Blessings.
Hawaii is honestly the best. The people, the views, the activities… I can’t wait to go back!
I couldn’t agree more Santana! In fact, we’ll probably be going back this fall!!! Blessings!
Wow, what a view! I would love to add this to my agenda for my Hawaii trip next year!
Sydney, if you click on my Archives, and go to June, 2019, you can see our entire two week trip. We went to Oahu (Honolulu), Maui, and Kauai. Each island was fantastic, and Kauai was our favorite!! Blessings!
I love hiking! This is going on my things to do next time I’m on Oahu.
Thanks Abbie! Just bring plenty of water. The view at the top is one of the very best in all of Hawaii! Blessings.
Love that you traveled on points. I use them regularly and it is the best!
Sandi, it is THE BEST!! Planning our return to the Aloha state right now!! Blessings!
Sounds beautiful! Is there an easier way to get to the top? I use a cain and would never make it!!!
Alice, unfortunately there is not. I’m so sorry. When I got close to the top, a man coming back down joked with me and said, “You’re almost there, and when you get there, you can take the elevator down the back side!” I was so delirious with exhaustion that I said, “REALLY?” Silly me! What I didn’t put in my blog post was that my thighs were bruised for the next 4 days – literally black and blue! This one was tough!!
Your photos are absolutely stunning. Looks like an amazing trip.
Lina, thank you for your kind words! It was an incredible trip. Blessings!
I have been following your trip and I really want to go to Hawaii!
Oh Cindy….thank you so very much! I appreciate your kind words. And we really want to GO BACK!! Blessings! 😁
Can’t wait to get back to Hawaii!
Lisa, me too! Hopefully it won’t be too much longer. Blessings.
I agree! I MUST visit! <3
I’m heading to Hawaii for the first time in Spring 2021 and I love to hike. This is perfect!! Thanks for the article!
Charlene, you will absolutely LOVE it! Would love to hear about where you’re headed. We went to Oahu for 4 days, then Kauai for 4 days (our favorite), and then Maui for 4 days! Each of them were all spectacular! Have a wonderful time!!
I’m so happy you enjoyed your time on my island. 🙂 My dad likes to do Koko Head a few times a week for exercise. I haven’t done that trail yet but I will do it at least once in my lifetime.
Ruth, your Dad is my hero!!! I think I MIGHT be able to muster up the strength to do that one about once a year!! And your island is FABULOUS! We truly loved Oahu!
This place is absolutely beautiful! I am from the PNW and always love finding new trails to adventure on. This would be the perfect place to go for vacation for my family. Im also super interested in your travels on points. Not sure if it would work for a family who really doesn’t spend much we are 500 or less on groceries per month lol but it would be nice to find out more.
Stephanie, thank you for your kind words! We love all the trails!! If you’d like to know a little bit more about points travel, my cornerstone post on my blog, which is called “Accumulating Points – A Step-by-Step Plan” explains a bit more. And I am ALWAYS happy to help. It’s changed our lives forever. Our Hawaii trip (for my family of six) would have cost $34,000 and we literally paid $3,000. And we don’t spend tons of money either. It just takes a little longer to save enough points. I’d rather take a REALLY NICE vacation once every year (or even every other year), and it’s COMPLETELY doable! Blessings!