The Blonde Abroad

Popular travel and lifestyle blog featuring travel tips, fashion, food and photography from around the world. Follow Kiersten on her adventures!

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Oahu

Visit Oahu Hawaii

Vintage Hawaiian Postcards

Hiking to Manoa Falls

Stairway to Heaven Hike

Sunset over Oahu

Sipping on Coconuts

Waikiki Beach

Byodo Temple Oahu

Farmers Market Pineapples

Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Cocktails at Turtle Bay

Manoa Falls Hike

Hotels of Oahu

Ahi Poke from Foodland

Jungles of Oahu

Sunset over Turtle Bay Resort

Tropical Flower Crowns

Only in Oahu

Oahu Pineapples

Giovanni's Shrimp Oahu

Top of Stairway to Heaven

I was lucky enough to visit the Hawaiian Islands for my first time ever. As a native Californian, it was shocking that I had never been before- and now I can’t wait to return!

I explored the island of Oahu and got to experience amazing landscapes, sunsets, cuisine, and the true “Aloha” hospitality!

Beaches, jungles, waterfalls- oh my!

I spent some time with some locals on the island, and was able to take the famous Stairway to Heaven hike, which led to some of the most breathtaking views I’ve seen. While the trail is closed to the public, and it is very difficult (and unsafe in some areas), it is a hike I’ll never forget.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Oahu for a period of time, there are some highlights you must see! I highly recommend surfing- or taking a surf lesson- at legendary Waikiki Beach, visiting the Byodo Temple, and exploring the night markets for delicious food and Hawaiian style.

Three musts for a day in Oahu: An empty stomach, a bikini and a bowl of Ahi Poke from Foodland. Sunset cocktails at Turtle Bay Resort was one of my favorite experiences, but of course, some Hawaiian shaved ice and food truck dishes will do the trick too!

Read More: 10 Local Foods to Try in Hawaii

So when you visit Oahu, be sure to soak in the scenery, hospitality, waves and tastes, because it is truly unlike anywhere else in the world!

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to Oahu

 

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Shop my favorite Hawaiian inspired styles!

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    1. Anna

      It looks so beautiful! I’m hoping to plan a trip in October and cannot wait.

      February 1, 2016 at 1:44 pm · Reply
    2. Nadirah

      Whoa the photos looks amazing!

      For some reason the photo of the amazing temple totally threw me off guard – I didn’t expect for that in Hawaii, although I should know better lol.

      Ahhh I’m disappointed to read that the Stairway to Heaven trail hike is closed to public 🙁 How did you managed to hike it since it was closed?

      February 1, 2016 at 3:49 pm · Reply
      • Kiersten Rich

        It’s beautiful! And my mom always told me to ask for forgiveness, than for permission 😉

        February 11, 2016 at 3:31 pm · Reply

    Instagram

    The most luxurious family-friendly stay at Four Seasons Boston @fsboston 🏢
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    If you’ve been following along, you know we recently took a trip through New England for leaf-peeing and sightseeing amidst the crisp, Autumn foliage.

    We concluded our 10-day roadtrip at the amazing Four Seasons property in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts.

    Four Seasons is known for their luxury and incredible service, but they really kick things up a notch for families here:

    🧸 The Mystery Toy Closet: As part of the VIK experience (aka Very Important Kid Experience), guests are given a large golden key that grants access to an AMAZING toy closet behind the front desk. Filled with trinkets like rubber ducks, slinkys, coloring books, and–Ollie’s favorite–wiggly frogs, this was SUCH an amazing and one-of-a-kind treat to experience.

    🍭 The Vault: One of the newer features to the Four Seasons Boston: a small room on each guest floor filled with complimentary snacks, candy, and beverages to grab-and-go!

    🛎️ Amenities: Once again, Four Seasons has outdone itself with its amazing service. This city retreat offers a complimentary coffee bar for guests (and hot chocolate for the little ones), 24-hour gym, a pool with a fantastic view, a world-class spa, and even a morning run club to get your Boston marathon fix in!

    🦞 The Food: Whether it’s in-room dining you’re after, quaint tea service in-between sight-seeing, or you want to experience New England’s famous seafood, Four Seasons treats your tastebuds with exquisite table-side service at their restaurant, Coterie.

    This was truly such a luxurious end to our trip, I wish we could have extended it just so we could enjoy more time at this fantastic property.

    A huge thank you to @fsboston for hosting us on our dream trip to New England and concluding our stay with memories that will last a LIFETIME!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    #fourseasons #boston #familytravel #newengland

    2411 50
    Open
    The most luxurious family-friendly stay at Four Seasons Boston @fsboston 🏢 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• If you’ve been following along, you know we recently took a trip through New England for leaf-peeing and sightseeing amidst the crisp, Autumn foliage. We concluded our 10-day roadtrip at the amazing Four Seasons property in the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts. Four Seasons is known for their luxury and incredible service, but they really kick things up a notch for families here: 🧸 The Mystery Toy Closet: As part of the VIK experience (aka Very Important Kid Experience), guests are given a large golden key that grants access to an AMAZING toy closet behind the front desk. Filled with trinkets like rubber ducks, slinkys, coloring books, and–Ollie’s favorite–wiggly frogs, this was SUCH an amazing and one-of-a-kind treat to experience. 🍭 The Vault: One of the newer features to the Four Seasons Boston: a small room on each guest floor filled with complimentary snacks, candy, and beverages to grab-and-go! 🛎️ Amenities: Once again, Four Seasons has outdone itself with its amazing service. This city retreat offers a complimentary coffee bar for guests (and hot chocolate for the little ones), 24-hour gym, a pool with a fantastic view, a world-class spa, and even a morning run club to get your Boston marathon fix in! 🦞 The Food: Whether it’s in-room dining you’re after, quaint tea service in-between sight-seeing, or you want to experience New England’s famous seafood, Four Seasons treats your tastebuds with exquisite table-side service at their restaurant, Coterie. This was truly such a luxurious end to our trip, I wish we could have extended it just so we could enjoy more time at this fantastic property. A huge thank you to @fsboston for hosting us on our dream trip to New England and concluding our stay with memories that will last a LIFETIME! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #fourseasons #boston #familytravel #newengland

    ✨ Escape to luxury without the overnight price tag! ✨

    Did you know you can enjoy five-star resort amenities without staying the night? Thanks to @ResortPass, I booked a dreamy daycation at a local luxury hotel in San Diego.

    From poolside lounging to world-class spa facilities (hello, dry sauna and cold plunge 🧖‍♀️), I had a self-care day to remember—for a fraction of the price.

    Whether you’re upgrading a layover, planning a day out on your next trip, or just treating yourself, ResortPass makes it easy to get more vacation for less starting at just $10/person.

    Use my code RPKIKI50 for $50 off $200+ before 12/3! #ad

    278 24
    Open
    ✨ Escape to luxury without the overnight price tag! ✨ Did you know you can enjoy five-star resort amenities without staying the night? Thanks to @ResortPass, I booked a dreamy daycation at a local luxury hotel in San Diego. From poolside lounging to world-class spa facilities (hello, dry sauna and cold plunge 🧖‍♀️), I had a self-care day to remember—for a fraction of the price. Whether you’re upgrading a layover, planning a day out on your next trip, or just treating yourself, ResortPass makes it easy to get more vacation for less starting at just $10/person. Use my code RPKIKI50 for $50 off $200+ before 12/3! #ad

    BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! You can save 30% or MORE on select hotels—read below! #ExpediaAmbassador 🚨
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @Expedia is having a crazy Black Friday sale you HAVE to jump on!

    If you sign up for One Key, you can save 30% or MORE on select hotels when you book from November 22nd to December 4, 2024 (so long as you travel before December 15, 2025).”

    You know I LOVE a good hotel and have been using Expedia for years to get great deals on some of the best luxury stays around the world.

    New Year’s is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start planning your dream trip — Expedia’s black Friday sale includes hotels all over the world.

    For some of my favorite properties, check out the link in my bio for a collection of my bucket list luxury properties that are currently on sale!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    If you’re planning an epic trip in 2025, do not walk, FLY to this Black Friday Sale.

    Disclaimer: Book by 12/4/24 11:59pm in hotel property local time. Stay between 11/21-12/15/25. Prices are available to Expedia app users and One Key members. Limited availability, blackout periods may apply.

    475 12
    Open
    BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! You can save 30% or MORE on select hotels—read below! #ExpediaAmbassador 🚨 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @Expedia is having a crazy Black Friday sale you HAVE to jump on! If you sign up for One Key, you can save 30% or MORE on select hotels when you book from November 22nd to December 4, 2024 (so long as you travel before December 15, 2025).” You know I LOVE a good hotel and have been using Expedia for years to get great deals on some of the best luxury stays around the world. New Year’s is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start planning your dream trip — Expedia’s black Friday sale includes hotels all over the world. For some of my favorite properties, check out the link in my bio for a collection of my bucket list luxury properties that are currently on sale! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• If you’re planning an epic trip in 2025, do not walk, FLY to this Black Friday Sale. Disclaimer: Book by 12/4/24 11:59pm in hotel property local time. Stay between 11/21-12/15/25. Prices are available to Expedia app users and One Key members. Limited availability, blackout periods may apply.
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