Annual Events on Oahu
Oahu is so great at putting on massive events; since we are on an island in the middle of the Pacific, you have to keep it fun year-round! Read more below about some of the most popular events of the year in case you are visiting when they happen!
Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik
We started our first day in Iceland at the Keflavik Airport, then we took a bus to the luxurious Blue Lagoon. Our day ended in the beautiful city of Reykjavik. The streets were clean, the view from the harbor was sprawling, and the little row-like homes were mostly brightly colored. The weather was dreary and cold but as we kept saying, “manageable” in the month of September.
East side of O’ahu
The east side of the island has been frequently described by my visitors as a Big Sur look-alike. Assuming you are coming from Waikiki, head along H1 East. As you pass Hanauma Bay, start to drive slower as what is presented in front of you doesn’t look real (you’ll see what I mean!). Many of my top moments on this island are in this region; read more to learn the best ways to experience my favorite part of O’ahu.
Waikiki
“I’m on a beach in Waikiki!” is every tourists’ dream vacation. Waikiki has a beautiful coastline with Diamond Head as the backdrop; the water is so pristine you almost want to drink it. This city is also a part of a larger city called Honolulu, which has the largest population of people in all of Hawaii. So, Waikiki has a lot of high rise hotels and apartment complexes, most of them with stunning views of the water (Makai-side) and the mountains (Mauka-side). This fun touristy-area of Oahu has high-end shopping, beautiful beach bars, many upscale hotels, and easy access to a lovely (but crowded) beach.
Wire Pass Trail to Buckskin Gulch
In southern Utah, about an hour from Kanab, lies a desert-like trail called Wire Pass at the end of a 4-wheel-drive-only dirt road. We were stunned that the 3.4-mile Wire Pass Trail also leads to a photobook-worthy slot canyon called Buckskin Gulch.
Best Fry Sauce
When you think of Utah, you think of all of its incredible national parks, the strikingly tall mountains, and that Salt Lake City became home-base for Mormon pioneers in the 1800s who built the city around their church. I also did not realize that when you think of Utah, you should also think of FRY SAUCE. Huh? Yes. Fry sauce! A delicious side-kick to French Fries here. This orange-colored sauce is generally made up of ketchup and mayonnaise as the base, and most have pickle juice to add a tangy, more exciting flavor. Then, each restaurant likes to add on their own variations for their own homemade fry sauce. For the three months I spent in Utah, I asked every person I ran into where their favorite fry sauce place was. I tallied the ones that got mentioned the most and that’s where the 10 that I tried came from. My chart is the order I tried them, and the ranking is on the right hand side. As you can see, Crown Burger is the champion!
Canyonlands National Park
A national park I had never heard of turns out to be another version of the Grand Canyon, albeit smaller. For me, it was easier to “grasp” Canyonlands National Park than the Grand Canyon; easier to spot the Colorado River (and the Green River) flowing from below so you can understand the magnitude of the surroundings. There were many wow moments in this national park, especially Mesa Arch at sunrise.
Arches National Park
In its name, this national park is full of… Arches! It makes sense why the Utah license plate is the famed “Delicate Arch” as there are more than 2,000 magical arches in this park. The geological phenomenon of the arch had a very similar effect on me as Bryce Canyon National Park; I just wanted to stop and stare and take it all in. I enjoyed this red rock desert-like scenic park twice while living in Utah.
Fifth Water Hot Springs
A moderately difficult 8-mile hike was very much worth the effort towards the end of the winter after a snowstorm, as the cold white-covered trees were a stark contrast to the hot steamed water. This main photo got me photo of the week for Salt Lake City Photography’s Facebook group!
Salt Lake City
I am lucky enough to call Salt Lake City my home for 6 months! This town is known for having an international airport in town, and the most incredible skiing mountains in the world just a short drive away. There are a few other noteworthy spots to see in this picturesque city.
Bryce Canyon National Park
One of my all-time favorite national parks, this was the first “wow” moment I’ve ever had when it comes to thinking land is beautiful. I visited Bryce Canyon before when I was 11 years old and have never forgotten the feeling of seeing the contrasting-colored white snow on the tall and skinny bright orange/red rocks, and wondering how such “hoo-doo” structures exist in the world. I drove through here on my third road trip in the heart of winter, from Santa Cruz, California to Salt Lake City, Utah. I also visited multiple times while I was living in Salt Lake City!
Sequoia National Park
While Redwood trees are the tallest trees in the world, Sequoia trees are the largest mass of trees in the world. It is quite hard to comprehend just how large they are until you get up close and personal with them on the Congress Trail.
South Lake Tahoe
Since I can remember, Lake Tahoe has been on my bucket list! I envisioned going here in the summer because tire chains are recommended during the winter months. However, I got there safe and sound in January 2023 with my 4-wheel drive Jeep Cherokee and totally enjoyed being flanked by snow banks piled up on the sides of the road while heading there. I met up with one of my friends' daughters who lives in South Lake Tahoe, and she gave me the locals’ insight. You won’t want to miss some of these food suggestions in the “Where to Eat” section.
Henry Cowell State Park: Redwood Grove Loop Trail
When asking my patients, coworkers, and landlords the #1 thing to do in Santa Cruz, the Redwood Grove Loop Trail in Henry Cowell State Park was frequently mentioned. This state park is just north of Santa Cruz in a small town called Felton. You will enter this park, pay the entrance fee (bring cash!) and park in the parking lot near the visitors center. This breathtaking, 1 mile easy loop trail highlights the tallest trees in the world.
Yosemite
The grandeur of Yosemite is showcased throughout many parts of the park. The most iconic moments are in Yosemite Valley. Everywhere you look is a “wow” moment. However each of the sections gives you a different feel of the park. Tuolomne Meadows provides more leisurely, sprawling adventures, whilst Yosemite Valley is the more thrilling moments most people are looking for.
Highway One: Davenport to Mavericks
A drive-through mini town on what the locals call “Highway One,” Davenport is great for a stopping point for food or if you are wanting to relax or surf by the jaw-dropping beach cliffside. Drive about an hour north to Half Moon Bay, which is a bigger small-town that has a main street with lots of shops and places to eat. In between are several breathtaking moments that you won’t want to miss!
Carmel-by-the-Sea
The beautiful, quaint, artistic town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for many reasons. The famous people who live here, the gorgeous homes along the streets, the delicious food, scenic Carmel Beach, and tons of shops. I also visited a vineyard close to downtown Carmel because “when in central California…” ;-)
Point Lobos State Park
Point Lobos State Park in Santa Cruz County is my landlords’ favorite state park in the region. After visiting, I can concur that it truly is a special place! I got a private tour with a state park ranger who showed us what whale blow holes look like. We counted about 30 blow holes in the time we were at the park! Typically there are other sea creatures there as well but we did not spot any others. The views of Big Sur were astounding from this South Shore Trail.