Spent about 14 days in Hawaii bouncing back and forth between Oahu and the big island. Although we got married in Honolulu we decided to make the most of a destination wedding by going outdoors.
We chose a small private beach wedding provided by Just Married Hawaii. They specialize smaller beach side weddings that range from just to the couple to up to 20 people. The prices vary, but since it was just us two our bundle came out to $700 with the officiate. Although, the hardest part is getting court marriage since you will have to make an appointment online and complete it 7 days prior to the wedding. Business hours and our flight schedule narrowed this down to a one day window of time we had to get it done smoothly. Needless to say it was accomplished.
Oahu:
We spend about 11 of the days here.
The island is beautiful in so many ways. It’s hard to pick my favorite activity, but Manoa Falls trail will have a special place in my heart. It’s a very walkable trail that transports you to another world. At the end of the trail you will have the option to turn around or continue into a much harder trail. We fulfilled the tropical paradise duty with some water sports booked online via Viator. Our scuba and snorkeling experience is not pictured because it did not really stand out. Although, a good experience the under water scooters we rented were more of a unique take. Picture a scooters for the handicap and then imagine a giant astronaut helmet. Oahu: Submarine Scooter Adventure provides us all the equipment for $160 per person. Lastly, we visited Kualoa ranch for ATVs and movie set locations. You are able to book any of the tours at the counter or online. We chose the horseback riding tour and later the ATV ride that took is through some filming locations for the Jurassic Park Franchise.
Big Island:
We spend a weekend on the Big Island with the intention of visiting a few parks. Carlsmith Beach Park was a free park you are able to park next to and explore. This is a small beach with shallow water and lots of turtles. The turtles are floating or swimming around you as you relax in the water. Akaka Falls Trail is a short loop trail perfect for all ages. Finding parking was a little hard for us, but the shots were absolutely stunning. The waterfall isn’t just the highlight, you will see all kinds of vegetation on either side of the flat walkway. Finally, we visited Volcanoes NP. This was the intentional climax of the big island trip. Due to time constraints we decided to eat at “The Rim” at Volcano House (view of the Kilauea from the restaurant photo 15)and drive through the Chain of Craters road. A self guided driving trail with stops that show you the destruction and rebirth volcanos can create.
Taken on my flight from the big island to Oahu.
Carlsmith beach park where turtles roam the beach
3-7. Manoa Falls trail in Honolulu
Take while riding under water scooters in Oahu
Horseback riding in Kualoa ranch
Filming location of Jurassic Park (1994) in Kualoa ranch
11-14. Akaka falls scenic viewpoint trail
15-19. Shots from Chain of Craters road.