Island Fun!

Why not take this opportunity to have an epic vacation!?! Here are some suggestions on things to do around the island that will turn this destination wedding trip into your favorite vacation ever!

BLISS OUT (this one is a MUST!!!)

We're pretty sure the secret to life is a Jane Musselman massage. Jane is a neighbor, friend and phenomenal masseur and healer. She can come to you or (even better) you can go see her and have your massage in her backyard, on the beach, with the waves lulling you into complete relaxation. Please contact Jane directly at (808) 429-7827 to book and let her know your with the Omphroy/Burgess party. Her rates are affordable and worth every penny. Book now so you don't miss out!   

Sunset drinks & hula at house without a key

Immortalized in a 1925 Charlie Chan novel, House Without A Key is Halekulani's popular indoor/outdoor gathering spot for informal breakfast, lunch, cocktails, appetizers and entertainment, and offers a fresh option for evening dining in Waikiki. One of the favored traditions of the original Halekulani — cocktails and Hawaiian music under the century-old Kiawe tree — is faithfully preserved here.

SAIL HOLOKAI CATAMARAN

Join us for sailing adventures aboard the sleek, brand new, Holokai Catamaran, Waikiki's first new catamaran in 20 years. Get soaking wet on the nets or kick back and relax on our comfortable main deck seating and watch everyone else get soaking wet. Snorkel with an abundance of giant green sea turtles and a variety of ocean critters or drink like pirates as you take in a spectacular Hawaiian Sunset. All of this is waiting for you at the edge of the sands of Waikiki at the Holokai Catamaran. 

Hike diamond head & get acai bowls at da cove 

Diamond Head State Monument offers breathtaking views overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu. The trail takes you to the edge of a 300,000 year old crater. While the hike isn’t that long in terms of distance, it can be somewhat challenging due to its ascent. Parts of the trail are over uneven rock, and the 99 steps near the end of the hike are steep. Also, the only water fountains are at the beginning of the trail, so you’ll want to bring a water bottle or bottled water to stay hydrated.

da Cove Health Bar & Cafe (originally Diamond Head Cove) serves fresh and ‘ono food creating a positive environment for a healthy and enjoyable experience. Gab one of their famous acai bowls and enjoy!

Shopping at "Ooo Ah, Oh Wow" Ala Moana

The refreshing Hawaiian wind blows through Ala Moana Center, the world's largest open-air shopping center. There are more than 350 shops and restaurants to explore, including four department stores, first-class boutiques and more than 100 dining options.

Insider's Tip: Grab $1 beers and excellent Japanese food in the Shirokiya Japan Village Walk in the basement under Nordstrom.

Go Bananas at Banán

Banán is the brainchild of four childhood friends, Matt Hong, Zak Barry, Luke Untermann and Galen McCleary. The four reunited back on Oahu after college and launched a food truck selling banana soft-serve. 

Order the Amazon combination topped with granola, puffed quinoa, strawberries, banana and honey for extra crunch and sweetness. 

Poke at Tamura's

Started in the 1920s, Tamura Super Market has proudly been providing a shopping and meeting place for the leeward community with open arms and open hearts. 

Their poke is made fresh every single day using fresh and ono sashimi grade ahi. The majority of their fish comes straight from local fisherman, fresh off the boat. Click here to check out their daily poke menu.

Sunrise Hike Lanikai Pillbox Trail

The Lanikai Pillbox Trail, also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is a family-friendly hike. The beginning of the trail is steep with loose gravel, but gets more manageable as you climb the trail. The hike is ~1.25 miles one-way and is an out-and-back trail with a 500ft elevation gain.

We recommend doing the hike at sunrise and then hitting Lanikai Beach before it gets ridiculously packed.

Brunch at Surfjacks

Taking cues from vintage 1960s Hawaii, Surfjacks is a new boutique Waikiki hotel that exhibits the true meaning of "aloha." Their restaurant Mahina & Sun’s features “elevated home cooking with a Hawaiian sense of place” and utilizing local, organic ingredients. 

After brunch, do a little shopping at Olive & Oliver.

Need a sugar fix?

Matsumoto Shave Ice has been serving the North Shore since 1951. You'll recognize it as the spot with the line out the door in Haleiwa. And it's worth the wait.

Ted's Bakery is legendary for its wide assortment of pies, pastries, cakes and breads.

If you're downtown, check out Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery for made from scratch, all natural Malasadas, Cake Bombs, ice cream and cookies. Or Waiola Shave Ice, a pint-sized grocery store that's a local draw for its counter-serve shave ice and ice cream. Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha for all natural, homemade shave ice. Or check out Rainbow Drive-In for a Slush or Float... and might as well grab a Plate Lunch or Loco Moco while you're there, since Guy Fieri recommends it. 

Seeking Adventure?

Kualoa Ranch is a 4000 acre private nature reserve that has all of the eco-travel activities you could possibly imagine! You may recognize it's lush landscape from such blockbusters as Jurassic World, Godzilla, Skull Island and Jurassic Park. Ranch activities include zipline, ATV, horseback riding, jungle tours, catamaran tours... you name it. (I'm guessing this is also where they filmed Dave & Mike Need Wedding Dates. If you've seen this movie, I'm sorry for you. But then again, we watched it too. Just promise me that if we go for an ATV ride, you will not ruin my face the day before our wedding. Please and thank you.) 

Our Family Tradition - Hiking Peacock Flats

Just a few blocks from the Omphroy residence, Peacock Flats is a great semi-challenging hike. It's mostly paved and is around 10 miles total, but you can stop and turn around at any point. It's also great for mountain biking. Just make sure to bring water as it can get very hot!

Kaena Point is another great North Shore hike. It's mostly flat, but rocky. (Funny story, we definitely walked into a porn being filmed here years ago. So keep an eye out!)

THRILL SEEKING?

We recommend swimming with sharks! We did it last year with Crazy Cousin Colin and Martha and it was AMAZING! Check out North Shore Shark Adventures. They're based in Haleiwa Harbor. It's a quick boat ride out before you hop in the cage. We were surrounded by over a dozen Galapagos sharks. Fun for all ages.  

SUP ON A Canal Through Pineapple Fields

Rent a Stand Up Paddle board and paddle under the Rainbow Bridge down the canal through pineapple fields. It's an easy paddle on calm waters - no experience needed. Keep your eye out for turtles! If you're up for more of a challenge, you can paddle out and try to catch a few waves!  

We recommend Tropical Rush (you'll get a free shave ice!) or Surf N Sea for your board rentals.

Pupus and Mai Tai's at Roy's Beach House

If you're not staying at Turtle Bay, we recommend making a day trip there. Drive past the resort to Malaekahana Beach and hanging out for the first half of the day. (You can rent surf boards and SUPs there.) Then head to Turtle Bay for mid-afternoon pupus and Mai Tai's at Roy's Beach House. If you haven't been to a Roy's on the mainland, you're in for a treat. The food and drinks are amazing, and going in the mid-afternoon will help you avoid the crowds and save a bit (instead of splurging on a pricey dinner there). Then you can take a dip in the pool and watch the sunset. Or head to Lei Lei's for dinner and splurge on the pork chop (It's HUGE so unless you're Ryan Pierpont or Andy Tamayo, you may want to split it.)    

Watch surf movies and eat sushi

Fresh, delicious sushi, saki and surf movies. It really doesn't get much better. Banzai Sushi Bar in Haleiwa is the perfect dinner spot. Monday through Thursday, they have a early happy hour (from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and late night happy hour (9:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.). Everything is good and be adventurous! My favorite rolls are the Red Dragon and Lemon Drop, they're not on the happy hour menu, but worth it! And try the Lychee Sakitini (which IS on the happy hour menu).  

People watch at Waikiki Beach

If you've never been to Oahu, you need to spend at least a day wondering around Waikiki. It's a vibrant city with a crazy mix of food, shopping and lots of tourists. The beach is gorgeous and a total scene. Spend the day in the water and on the beach. Grab a drink at Duke's Waikiki. And take photos in front of the iconic The Royal Hawaiian Resort ("pink hotel").       

Eat at THE Cove CAFE and spend the Day at Waimea Bay (this is a must!!!)

Grab a Taro Bun Breakfast Sandwich at The Cove Cafe (fka Shark's Cove Grill), if you're there for breakfast. If lunch, try the Ahi Sandwich. Then spend the day at Waimea Bay.

With its broad, white sandy shore and crystal-clear aquamarine water, Waimea Bay is easily one of the most idyllic beaches on earth and an Omphroy favorite. We grew up snorkeling around it's edges, playing in the shore break, and getting up the nerve to jump off the Jump Rock.

Go To Dat Cajun Guy

An Omphroy favorite, Dat Cajun Guy is a New Orleans-inspired food truck serving Cajun-Creole comfort food. They recently moved into a store front. We, no joke, dream about the New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. They're that good. Go with a big group and try everything.     

Go to Joe's

You have to go to Haleiwa Joe's. Our family has been dining here for decades. Hopefully you're lucky and Clark will be bartending. If so, order a Mai Tai or his Margarita. You absolutely have to get the Crunchy Coconut Shrimp. Actually, maybe do 2 orders of coconut shrimp. And the Luau Lumpia. The Crab and Avocado Salad is delicious. So is the Fresh Whole Hawaiian Fish and the Chipotle-Grilled Pork Chop. And make sure to save room for Paradise Pie.