Landed at HNL! We got lei’d at the airport (so touristy but I loved it). Checked into the Moana Surfrider—the "First Lady of Waikiki." We walked straight to Duke’s. I ate the famous Hula Pie (macadamia nut ice cream with a cookie crust) and watched the catamaran boats come in. The sunset was pink and purple!

Woke up at 5:30 AM (jet lag is real). Hiked to the top of Diamond Head. 762 feet of elevation and 99 concrete steps at the end! My legs were shaking but the 360-view of the crater and the ocean was 10/10. Grabbed an Acai bowl from Island Vintage Coffee afterward—they use local Lehua honey!

Took a lesson from a beach boy at Queens Beach. I actually stood up on a longboard! I felt like a pro until I fell and hit the reef (ouch). Spent the rest of the day at the International Market Place under the giant 160-year-old Banyan tree. Dinner was Musubi from 7-Eleven—don't judge, it's a gourmet snack here!

Rented a car and drove up the coast. Stopped at Laniakea Beach and saw 5 giant green sea turtles just chilling in the sand. Ate garlic shrimp at Giovanni's (I signed the truck!) and grabbed a Leonard’s Bakery Malasada (portuguese doughnut)—the haupia filling is everything.

Visited Pearl Harbor. The boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial was very quiet. You can see the "Black Tears" of oil still leaking from the ship after 80 years. It was really emotional. Afternoon was spent shopping at Ala Moana Center (the world’s largest open-air mall!).

Early morning at Hanauma Bay. It’s a protected nature preserve. I saw the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (the state fish!). The coral was so bright. We spent 4 hours in the water until our fingers were pruney.

Last day ritual! We went on the Maitai Catamaran (the big pink boat). They serve drinks on board and the wind blows your hair everywhere. Finished with a Luau dinner—Kalua pig cooked in an underground oven (Imu). A hui hou, Waikiki! I'm crying already.