Visit Literary Hawaii with Guide Worker Jian: 10 Must-See Attractions on Oahu

Text & Photos /Worker Jian

In the year before last and last year, I was invited by the tourism board to visit Hawaii twice. The first trip was mainly on Oahu, and the second was an island-hopping tour to learn about the unique features of each island.

There are, of course, many, many other places I want to go or that are worth visiting, but there’s no doubt that Hawaii has always been on my (and probably many others’) wish list—it’s just that the timing hasn’t been right yet. I can also understand why many people might feel tempted by Hawaii when planning a trip, only to think twice and opt for Japan to save money or Europe to splurge a bit more. And then, perhaps, in the end, they might never make it to Hawaii. They can only shrug and tell themselves, “Ah, it’s right in the middle of the Pacific—it’s just too far a dream.”

I know some might think this is a privilege or luck reserved for so-called “travel experts,” but to be honest, I’m really glad I finally went.

Let’s not get into the details of the advantages for now. Later, after discussing with the Hawaii Tourism Board, we talked about how to convey my experience of Hawaii to readers, and what kind of audience a “Follow Worker Jian” tour should target.

First, I said that in the past, Hawaii’s promotional image seemed to target honeymooners or couples, emphasizing romance or water activities, with scenes always filled with sunshine, beaches, and bikinis. That’s perfectly understandable, as Hawaii naturally has that overall vibe, as if pink bubbles are floating everywhere. But there are also many singles—or not everyone is young and fit—who also yearn for Hawaii.

Moreover, from my personal observation and experience, while Hawaii is indeed a top wedding or honeymoon destination for the Japanese, there are even more single travelers who see it as a place to recharge and unwind, either alone or with friends. On the streets of Oahu, you can see groups of young (or not-so-young) Japanese men and women letting go of their daily inhibitions and laughing freely.

Originally, I also considered island-hopping, because the Hawaiian archipelago does have its own unique charm (for example, driving around the Big Island feels amazing). But honestly, on one hand, island-hopping would increase the tour cost, and on the other, it would limit the time spent on each island, making the itinerary rushed and losing the sense of freedom and leisure. So, after several considerations, I decided to stick with my first visit plan—just Oahu—so you can experience Hawaii at the most economical price. If you truly fall in love with it, you’ll naturally find a way to return and explore other islands later.

So, I wrote the following pitch to the travel agency:
“...Deeply experiencing Hawaii’s bright sunshine, refreshing climate, diverse culture, and the beauty of the American lifestyle; I believe there are many charming resort islands in the world, but there is absolutely only one Hawaii!”
Therefore, Worker Jian is determined to plan a Hawaii single-island itinerary that is affordable, comprehensive, relaxing, and offers freedom, suitable for:
─Those who aren’t hardcore history buffs but still want to learn a bit about Hawaiian culture and wartime history;
─Those who aren’t fully into water activities but still want to experience the world-famous Waikiki Beach vibe;
─Those who don’t dare try intense sports like surfing but still want to visit the surfing culture mecca of the North Shore;
─Those who’ve heard Hawaii is the top travel destination for the Japanese and want to explore it their way;
─Those who’d rather relax on the beach or stroll through small towns than visit outdated tourist farms;
─Those who don’t need Michelin-starred meals but still want to taste everything from local street food to chef’s specialties;
Most importantly, it offers the convenience of a group tour with the flexibility of independent travel—a true ‘Worker Jian style’ Hawaii mini-happiness journey.”
Alright, with that, I’ve basically explained the original idea. Next, I’d like to briefly introduce the attractions on the itinerary.
※ The hotel recommended by the travel agency this time isAQUA OHIA Hotel, which isn’t front-row ocean view but is quiet and tucked away in a lively area. It’s just a four-minute walk to Waikiki Beach. I think this distance, while saving over half the accommodation cost, is a reasonable choice.
(Image from the hotel’s official website, room types for reference only)

1. Kalakaua Avenue (King’s Avenue), Waikiki Beach
Undoubtedly, Waikiki Beach is everyone’s first impression of Hawaii. Since the hotel is right next to it, after arrival and check-in, you can head out for a stroll and immediately get the feeling of “This is Hawaii.” There are also many boutiques, duty-free shops, and unique cafes and restaurants on King’s Avenue. Although I’m not much of a luxury brand shopper, there’s something for everyone, and this area definitely meets shopping needs.

You’ll often see groups of Japanese girls traveling together to Hawaii.

Even if you don’t swim, don’t get in the water, or do nothing at all, just gazing at these waters in the middle of the Pacific is incredibly healing.

2. Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown
Most tour groups just casually browse the city, visiting the major landmarks; but personally, I really love the China Town area. Though it’s not large, there are several unique antique shops and cafés. Coming to this district allows you to learn about the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom and immigration, offering a different perspective on Hawaii.

3. Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missouri
As a history enthusiast, I watched the movie *Tora! Tora! Tora!* when I was very young. Although Michael Bay later made the controversial *Pearl Harbor*, I still prefer the older version. Some women might think they’re not interested in war history, but once you actually visit Pearl Harbor and step aboard the Battleship Missouri, you’ll still be amazed. This isn’t a set or replica—it’s living war history. From World War II to the Korean War to the Gulf War, this mighty battleship witnessed half of the 20th century, and it even fought aliens in a movie (?). That’s why I insist on including this in the itinerary.

The USS Arizona Memorial, also located at Pearl Harbor, used to be quite famous because it was the only site accessible for visitors. But ever since the Battleship Missouri (now a museum) opened, its charm has been overshadowed. If you have to choose between the two, boarding the Missouri is definitely more worthwhile; though you can still view the Arizona Memorial from afar.

4. Love Boat Dinner Cruise
At first, I was a bit hesitant about including such a “touristy” activity, especially since we’re emphasizing “not a honeymoon,” “suitable for singles,” and “hipster” vibes—wouldn’t going on the Love Boat seem a bit off? But honestly, based on my own experience dining out at sea, the entire voyage’s scenery and experience, seeing Waikiki and Oahu from the ocean, are still absolutely worth it. So I included it. The ship in the photo is the one I took last time—the food was average, but the views were stunning, and the onboard performance was great (there may be different cruise companies or ship types; I’ll confirm with the travel agency beforehand).

5. The Grand Circle Island Tour, North Shore
Although this itinerary stays solely on Oahu, once you leave Honolulu city, you can really get a taste of a small-town vibe, almost like being on an outer island. Honolulu and Pearl Harbor are located on the southern part of the island, while heading north to the North Shore takes you to the surfing mecca of the world. Compared to the laid-back atmosphere of Waikiki, this area is full of wild charm. It’s like having completely different landscapes on the same island. (For independent travelers, reaching this area usually requires renting a car, which can be difficult for those who can’t drive—so one advantage of a group tour is that transportation is taken care of.)
(Note: Some may ask, why not go to the “Kualoa Ranch,” which almost all group tours include? To be honest, aside from one Jurassic Park filming location, I personally don’t find the ranch all that exciting. I’d rather spend the time relaxing in the North Shore’s towns and beaches, and I hope participants can understand and accept this. If you really want to go to the ranch, you can just join a regular tour group—they’ll definitely include it.)

The North Shore is known for its shrimp trucks. Though they’re casual and very affordable, everyone who’s tried them raves about them and remembers them fondly.

6. Haleiwa Town
The renowned North Shore town of Haleiwa is also a favorite among Japanese travelers. It’s filled with a laid-back, slightly hippie vibe, where you can find plenty of surf and ocean-themed clothing and art. There’s also the original store of KUA’AINA Burgers, former U.S. President Obama’s favorite burger joint during his time in Hawaii. (Yes, there’s now one in Taiwan, at Mitsui Outlet, but the highlight is really the overall atmosphere of this town.)

7. Roy’s, One of Hawaii’s Three Famous Chefs
On my previous two trips to Hawaii, I attended food festivals. I’m not usually into gourmet food, but these events gathered top chefs from all over the U.S., and through osmosis, I gained a sudden insight into Hawaiian-style cuisine. The annual organizer of the food festival was the Japanese-American chef Roy Yamaguchi. At first, I didn’t realize how famous he was, but after searching online for Honolulu’s food reviews and recommendations, his restaurant always ranked at the top. So this time, no matter the cost, I’m bringing everyone to experience the charm of Hawaii’s top chef (we’ve arranged one dinner at Roy’s).

8. KCC Farmers Market
The farmers market held on weekends at Kapi‘olani Community College, a community college located on the foothills near Honolulu, has long become a must-visit spot for many independent Japanese travelers. Though group tours generally don’t include it, both I and a representative from the Hawaii Tourism Authority agree—if your schedule aligns with it, you absolutely must go. Here, you can buy agricultural specialties from various Hawaiian islands, including coffee beans, jams, honey, chocolates... as well as fresh seafood and boxed meals to eat on-site. Even if we can’t live in Hawaii forever, visiting the farmers market lets us experience half a day of local life. Many people find the farmers market even more memorable than the tourist attractions.

9. Ala Moana Shopping Center
In the itinerary, I also insisted on including a free day. That way, those who want to go to the beach can do so, those who want to shop can shop, and those who want to keep exploring food can do that too. Even if you feel you must visit Kualoa Ranch, you can go there at your own expense on this day. For shopping, King’s Street alone could take all day, but if you’re interested, you can also visit the Ala Moana Shopping Center, touted as the world’s largest open-air mall (though I have to admit I haven’t explored it all). For book lovers like us, there’s a Japanese department store here with the well-known Japanese chain bookstore Book-Off, where you can find affordable Japanese travel guides for Hawaii, as well as English novels or books starting at just one dollar. It’s definitely a great place to visit.

10. Overlooking Hanauma Bay, etc.
The image below is not Hanauma Bay, but a view I took in 2014 from the mountainside, overlooking Waikiki and Diamond Head. Since the last day involves a late-night flight back to Taiwan, after checking out of the hotel in the morning, we’ll still have a full day. We’ll arrange a visit to Hanauma Bay and other sites, giving you a comprehensive overview of Oahu. With this, the hipster-style introductory Hawaiian itinerary is complete. I’m sure some will want to come back—next time, you can head straight to the outer islands. (This article will be continuously updated, with more details confirmed with the travel agency.)

Further reading on "Foreman Jian's Hipster Hawaii"?/strong>https://www.tripbaa.com/travel/20161028152021xGr/