Travel with Fun Vloggers: A Hawaii DIY Travel Guide

Text & Photos by /Guo Renrong

"The gold is yours, we just want to go to Hawaii!" This was a classic line from a Jushuixuan TV commercial over a decade ago. People would even give up gold for a Hawaiian vacation—proof that Hawaii has long been considered a paradise for travelers.

Hawaii, where it feels like summer all year round, boasts breathtaking views of blue skies, white clouds, the ocean, and sandy beaches. This time, your Fun Vlogger feels honored to have been invited by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. It’s my second visit to Hawaii since the second grade of elementary school (honestly, I’ve forgotten almost everything from back then—so this feels like a brand-new experience, Up!). Let’s dive right into how to explore Hawaii and the must-visit spots with key travel tips.

There are generally two ways to get to Hawaii: one is taking China Airlines’ twice-weekly direct flights, with a flight time of about nine hours (a bit longer on the return leg).

The other option is to transit in Tokyo (flights available daily—and if time allows, you can even explore Tokyo while you’re at it).

As soon as you land, you’ll find plenty of free travel magazines to pick up. One of them is a Japanese magazine called *KauKau*, which includes lots of discount vouchers for food, drinks, and activities.

Many people ask how I, as a Fun Vlogger, plan a Hawaii itinerary. Honestly, the best approach is to stay flexible and not limit yourself too much—but it’s good to do some online research beforehand and list the must-visit spots. Here’s the rough itinerary we followed this time:

Day 1: Arrive in Hawaii in the afternoon > Check into hotel > Explore Waikiki Beach & Kalakaua Avenue

Day 2: Rent a car for a self-drive tour (city sightseeing around the Small Loop: Hanauma Bay + Spouting Horn + Kailua Beach Park + Sea Life Park to interact with dolphins)

Day 3: Half-day tour of Pearl Harbor + USS Missouri Battleship + Afternoon tea at The Westin’s elegant English tea service

Day 4: Diamond Head + KCC Farmers Market + Ala Moana Shopping Center

Day 5: Hawaii Food & Wine Festival + Waikiki Outlet (outlet mall)

Day 6: Kualoa Ranch + Love Boat

Day 7: Shopping at Waikiki Beach + Enjoying a stay at Trump Hotel

Day 8: A super classic steak dinner at Wolfgang’s + Spa Pure (the world’s only underwater spa) + Take a midnight China Airlines flight back home

Hawaii is summer-like all year. When I visited in September, the hottest it got was around 33–35°C, cooling down slightly at night. The most convenient way to get around Hawaii is by renting a car and driving yourself. Driving in the U.S. is on the right side, just like in Taiwan. Just get an international driver’s license from the motor vehicle office before you go, and you’ll be able to rent a car locally, Up. I strongly recommend renting a Wi-Fi router before you leave, because if Google Maps works properly, you shouldn’t get lost while driving in Hawaii (this is definitely way better than renting a separate GPS from the car rental company).

Self-driving in Hawaii is very common. We booked our Hertz rental car in Taiwan ahead of time. I suggest arriving early, or you might have to wait a long time. There are various types of cars available on-site, from four-seaters to seven-seaters—you can choose your preferred model when making the reservation.

Did you recognize the car we rented this time? It’s Bumblebee from *Transformers*—except ours doesn’t transform, of course. When driving in the U.S., drive slowly and carefully, use your turn signals when changing lanes, and always stop at STOP signs at intersections before proceeding. If you don’t stop, you might get a ticket.

Click here for the video: http://www.meipai.com/media/407352492

If you don’t drive, the Waikiki Trolley (Hawaii Waikiki Sightseeing Bus) is a great alternative. It has three routes. For detailed fares, please refer tothe official website.

Now that you have your transportation sorted, let me tell you about the must-see attractions on Oahu, Hawaii.

1. Hanauma Bay (Dinosaur Bay)

When it comes to the best snorkeling spot on Oahu, I highly recommend Hanauma Bay. Why is it called Dinosaur Bay? Because the mountains on either side of the bay look like a dinosaur’s head and tail, wrapping around the entire bay. Take a close look—the water is incredibly clear, and you can see vast, beautiful coral reefs and colorful tropical fish with your naked eye.

Click here for the video link: http://www.meipai.com/media/408303416
For more info about Hanauma Bay, click here:http://www.gohawaii.com/tw/oahu/regions-neighborhoods/honolulu/hanauma-bay/

2 Blowhole Lookout Point

If the waves are big that day, you’ll witness the spectacular sight of water shooting out from the rock holes. This area is also home to a rich marine ecosystem where you can spot whales, seals, turtles, and more.

3 Kailua Beach Kailua Beach Park (Obama Beach)

Kailua Beach Park is also nicknamed Obama Beach, as it’s said to be where U.S. President Barack Obama grew up. It’s considered a hidden gem known mostly to locals. Large tour buses are prohibited from entering due to protests from residents who want to preserve the laid-back charm of this beach town. Since spring 2014, Kailua Beach Park has been omitted from official tourism brochures.

Video Link:http://www.meipai.com/media/407361529
For more information, click here:http://www.gohawaii.com/tw/oahu/regions-neighborhoods/windward-oahu/kailua-beach/

4 Sea Life Park Hawaii Hawaii Ocean Park

This ocean park may not be large, but it offers close encounters with marine animals. Check their official website for various activity tickets:http://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/plan-a-visit/tickets-and-programs

If you’re looking to save some money, you can book package tours through local travel agencies—usually at a 10% discount compared to the official website prices. On this day, I joined Taiwan TV news anchor Chang Yu for the Dolphin Swim Adventure, where we got to swim and interact closely with dolphins. The instructor first taught us the basic steps, and we were not allowed to bring goggles, GoPros, or any flashing devices that might startle the dolphins. After the briefing, we entered the water for the experience, which lasted about 30 minutes. Aside from the usual dolphin shows, what impressed me most was kissing and petting the dolphins.

Official Website:http://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/
Video Link: http://www.meipai.com/media/407427389、http://www.meipai.com/media/40763201

5 Diamond Head

Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone on the Hawaiian island of Oʻahu. It got its glamorous name because sailors who suffered from seasickness once spotted quartz crystals here and mistook them for diamonds. Besides admiring it from afar, you can also hike up Diamond Head. The roughly 40-minute climb to the summit rewards you with an amazing bird’s-eye view of Oʻahu—it’s truly exhilarating!!!

Diamond Head State Monument
Official Website:http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/?park_id=15
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/q4bDk
Video Link:http://www.meipai.com/media/408303416

6 Kualoa Ranch

This ranch is super famous for being the filming location of numerous Hollywood classics. Visitors often come here to see the spot where the kids hid under the tree in "Jurassic Park," as well as Godzilla’s giant footprint. Other movies filmed here include "Journey to the Center of the Earth 2," "My Sassy Girl," and "Mighty Joe Young." You can also pay extra to try the two-hour Zipline adventure here.

Video Link: http://www.meipai.com/media/409206163、http://www.meipai.com/media/409229497

7 Pearl Harbour

Located within Pearl Harbor on Oʻahu, the USS Missouri battleship is where General Douglas MacArthur of the United States, along with representatives from the Allied nations including General Hsu Yung-chang of the Republic of China, accepted Japan’s unconditional surrender on the ship’s deck in 1945, marking the end of World War II. In 1999, it was converted into a memorial ship and has since become a must-visit attraction for tourists in Oʻahu. It even appeared in the 2012 movie "Battleship," battling aliens. If you’re interested in history or military events, visiting the USS Missouri is a must when you’re in Hawaii.

Video Link:http://www.meipai.com/media/407768437

8 Pure Spa The World’s Only Ocean Spa

After reading about the Ocean Spa in a travel guide, I thought it sounded amazing—so I immediately asked the hotel staff to make a reservation for me. When I arrived, I was surprised to find out that the owner of Pure Spa is actually from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The underwater aromatherapist she hired is from Denmark and, being a former athlete, developed this unique OCEAN SPA treatment that involves stretching and acupressure massage while you’re in the water. But why is the spa in a pool instead of on the beach?

Because the season when I visited Hawaii as a travel vlogger was quite rainy, and I wanted to avoid too much sun exposure, I opted to do the spa in an outdoor pool shaded by a building. Wearing a wetsuit helps prevent you from getting cold after staying in the water for a long time. The whole experience lasted about an hour, and I found it very relaxing. At first, having water in my ears felt a bit strange, but remember two things: trust your therapist completely, and breathe normally through your nose and mouth. You won’t actually get water in your mouth during the treatment. If you love spa experiences, definitely give this a try. However, since you’ll be moving around in the water, if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s a good idea to take motion sickness medication beforehand—and don’t eat too much before your session, or you might feel a bit dizzy.

Address: 400 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Phone: +1 808-924-3200
Business Hours: Open today · 09:00–22:00

After checking out the must-visit attractions, it’s time to introduce the must-stay hotels—Up!!!

1 Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk

The Trump Hotel is arguably the newest and the only five-star hotel on Waikiki Beach. Most hotels in Hawaii are at least 20 years old, but this Trump property was completed in 2009, so its facilities, decor, and overall quality are above the rest. However, it’s also the most expensive one ^^ But after staying here, I really didn’t want to leave!!! Highly recommended~

2 Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki

The Prince Hotel comes from the well-known Japanese hotel chain. This property is just a three-minute walk from the Ala Moana Shopping Center, making it perfect for those who want to shop in Hawaii. The ocean-view rooms offer sunsets so beautiful they’ll hold your gaze. The building’s exterior and lobby are truly impressive, though the room furnishings are a bit dated. I heard renovations started in 2016, and I’d love to stay again after the makeover.

3 Ohana East Hotel

Don’t let its three-star rating fool you—this hotel has a super convenient location. There’s an ABC convenience store downstairs, as well as a self-service laundry, making it great for long-term travelers. Popular hotels like the Hyatt Regency and Westin, along with the beach, are all within a five-minute walk. If you enjoy lively surroundings but don’t want to spend too much on accommodation, I highly recommend this place. Just note that since it’s been around for a while, the rooms aren’t new and the soundproofing isn’t great. It’s better to avoid rooms near the elevators.

Food is essential for life~ What should you eat in Hawaii, according to your travel host?! Many guidebooks hype up the pancakes at Egg'n Thing or ramen at Nakamura, but if you’re reading my blog, it’s not to find what’s already in the books, right?! Today, I’m sharing some hidden local food gems.

1 Even Japanese diva Ayumi Hamasaki can’t get enough of it!! Handsome young guys’ beef bone ramen shop (Kamitoku)

That’s right!!! The good-looking guys in the photo are the staff of Kamitoku Ramen, located in the Beach Walk food truck area (No. 234). The owner, Mr. Kamitoku, is a native Japanese who came to Hawaii a year and a half ago. He used to be Ayumi Hamasaki’s manager in Japan, so you’ll see lots of photos of Japanese celebrities in his truck!!!

This food truck specializes in beef bone broth ramen. I recommend trying their signature rich broth flavor—the deep umami of the bone broth makes it incredibly delicious. The only downside is the char siu (bbq pork), which tastes more like beef jerky. Also, Americans prefer fully cooked eggs, so the egg yolk here is hard-boiled.

Address: 234 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

2 KCC Farmers Market

The KCC Farmers Market is only open on Saturday mornings from 7:30 to 11:00 AM. It’s about a ten-minute drive from Waikiki Beach. It’s like a weekly morning market, and if you’re too late, it’s closed. That day, I tried live abalone grilled on the spot and Pig and Lady’s Vietnamese pho.

KCC Farmers Market
Phone: (808) 260-4440
Address: Kapiolani Community College, 4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816
Hours: Saturdays, 07:30 – 11:00 AM

3 Garlic Shrimp Rice at Sam's Kitchen

Garlic shrimp rice is a very popular dish in Hawaii. For around $10 USD, you can get a filling meal. They also have a garlic beef version, but I feel the beef is often overcooked, so the shrimp option is safer. The shrimp are large, fresh, and taste similar to night market or Taiwanese-style stir-fried shrimp. Recommended for those who love hearty bites.

Diamond Head State Monument
Official Website:http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/?park_id=15
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/q4bDk

4 Wolfgang’s Champion Tomahawk Steak

Listen up!!! Here’s the deal!!! Before I went to Hawaii, my bestie and fellow travel host @Chen Mingjun told me that I absolutely had to try the steak at Wolfgang’s—it’s her and her husband’s favorite and supposedly the best steak in the world, Up. So when I found out the Hawaii Tourism Board had arranged this meal for us, I was over the moon~~~ (showering with excitement)

Maybe the higher your expectations, the greater the disappointment—but the first bite was truly amazing—juicy, full of beef flavor, and the texture was undeniably top-notch. I recommend eating the first bite plain, without any sauce. The natural flavor alone will make any steak lover swoon!!! However, the portion is seriously generous—we were five people (three guys, two girls), and we ate over seventy ounces of steak that meal. As expected, we couldn’t finish it all.

So comparatively, I actually think Taiwan’s Godfather Steak is more refined and better suited for my smaller appetite. (But price-wise, American wagyu is much cheaper—about 70% of the price in Taiwan. Still, I highly recommend you try it here!!)

Steak video link:http://www.meipai.com/media/409967241

Address: 2301 Kalakaua Ave #301, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Phone: +1 808-922-3600
Business Hours: 11:00 – 22:30
Reservations: opentable.com
Menu: wolfgangssteakhouse.net

5 Star of Honolulu Love Boat

What I want to say is that for just $146 USD, you can take a cruise at sea to watch the sunset, enjoy Hawaiian ladies and hunks dancing, listen to live band performances, and get a steak and a whole Boston lobster combo — I think it’s really great value.

However, the deliciousness of the food isn’t really the highlight of the Love Boat, as the meal is quite average. But in terms of entertainment and overall value, it’s a success. Group tours love chartering the boat here ^^ Just a small suggestion — perhaps to accommodate more guests, the tables and chairs are really cramped. If this could be improved, I believe the Love Boat would become even more popular.

Video link: http://www.meipai.com/media/409254954

6 Top of Waikiki

To put it plainly, this is a sky bar and restaurant that only opens in the evening. Here you can overlook the beautiful view of Waikiki Beach. It’s recommended to come during sunset to enjoy both the sunset and the scenery. The food here isn’t sloppy just because it’s a nightclub. My favorite is the dish in the bottom left of the photo above — it tastes a bit like our black pepper beef on an iron plate, and it’s really appetizing ^^

Video link:http://www.meipai.com/media/408821633

Address: 2270 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 USA
Phone: +1 808-923-3877
Business Hours: 16:30–21:30
Reservations: opentable.com
Menu: topofwaikiki.com

7 Yakiniku Yoshi (Grilled Meat Yoshi)

This yakiniku (grilled meat) shop is located in downtown Honolulu and is run by a friend of our handsome tour guide Don. It’s a Japanese-style yakiniku place that sells Japanese-imported wagyu beef and American-Japanese hybrid wagyu beef. I think the taste is really good, especially the incredibly beautiful slab of wagyu sirloin I had in front of me — just looking at it makes my mouth water again!!

Video link: http://www.meipai.com/media/409967241

Address: 1316 Young St, Honolulu, HI 96814 USA
Phone: +1 808-784-0067
Business Hours: 17:00–23:00

8 Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (Hawaii Gourmet & Wine Festival)

The time when our fun vlogger visited Hawaii happened to coincide with the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. I was honored to attend one of the events. That day, many talented chefs gathered together. It was like a fair — buy a ticket and you could eat buffet-style to your heart’s content. I remember it was about $100+ USD per person. I also shot two videos to share with everyone the lively atmosphere that day.

Video link:http://www.meipai.com/media/408826184, http://www.meipai.com/media/408826477

9 Henry's Place (High Bridge Fruit Shop)

I’m not sure which generation of Japanese descendants runs this fruit shop, but besides fresh tropical fruits, they also have fruit-flavored ice cream — really refreshing!!! (And the business is booming)

Address: 234 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815 USA

10 Westin Resort Afternoon Tea

Enjoying the luxurious afternoon tea at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort by Waikiki Beach is a true treat — the afternoon tea prices start from $34, $40, and $48 USD per person, with tax and service charges added separately.

The photo shows the First Lady Tea for $48 USD, which includes champagne, afternoon tea made from six different types of tea, three savory items, a three-tiered classic British-style sweet selection, and a sorbet made with lemongrass!!! Personally, if you have the budget, you should definitely come here. But if you’re on a tighter budget, you might want to consider something more affordable.

Afternoon tea reservation page & Menu:http://www.moana-surfrider.com/dining/veranda/

11 Arancino – The popular sea urchin cream pasta that has an hour-plus wait

This restaurant is really famous—just a one-minute walk from Trump Tower, right across from Takashimaya Fruit Store. Be sure to make a reservation, and note that reservations are only held for 15 minutes. The uni cream pasta is absolutely amazing—everyone who’s tried it raves about it!

Address: 255 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Phone: +1 808-923-5557
Business Hours: 11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Menu: arancino.com

After taking care of your basic needs, it’s time to go on a shopping spree. When in the U.S., you’ve got to shop—and buying too little is definitely a loss. Brands like A&F, COACH, MK, Tory Burch, as well as GNC supplements, are all super affordable here.

Here are some shopping malls you can check out:

1 Ala Moana Center (Ala Moana Shopping Mall) (The most comprehensive selection—and the only A&F store on Oahu is here)

2 Waikele Outlet (Waikele Premium Outlets) (The only outlet mall on Oahu)

3 T Galleria Hawaii by DFS (the only duty-free shop in HONOLULU)

Address: 330 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Phone: +1 808-931-2700

Additional Notes:

If you’re looking for souvenirs, we recommend checking out Honolulu Cookies Company. Their pineapple and chocolate cookies are seriously delicious. You can try them for free here, buy only if you like—or not, no pressure. The packaging is super cute too, making them great for gifts or personal treats. With so many branches, for more details please visit theirofficial website.

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