A Parents-Only Escape to Honolulu: Ocean Views, Jeep Adventures & Garlic Shrimp
Swapping School Runs for Aloha Vibes
With the kids safe in Sydney under their Gran’s care, Chris and I flew Business Class with Qantas from Sydney to Honolulu. If you’ve never flown to the US from Australia, there’s a weird, wonderful thing that happens… you land before you leave. We took off Friday night and landed Friday morning. Time travel, Hawaiian-style.
The Qantas Business Class experience was the perfect prelude to a restful break. Lie-flat beds, decent food, and pyjamas so comfy they’ve made it into my regular bedtime rotation.
Where We Stayed: Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
We booked three nights at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, in a Newly Renovated Oceanfront King Room. Small but stylish, with the kind of balcony views that make you pause and take a deep breath. Watching outrigger canoes skim the turquoise waters each morning, Diamond Head crater in the distance… it was like being inside a scene from The White Lotus.
Sheraton Quick Tips:
- Adults-only pool: Go early if you want a lounger in the shade.
- Best coffee fix: Honolulu Coffee on the ground floor.
- Useful hack: Self-service laundry on floors 5 and 18. Not glamorous, but great for longer trips.
- Room feature worth noting: Bidet toilet and bath/shower combo—compact but functional.
That said, the hotel did feel a bit overrun; think Vegas-style crowds, slow towel service, and a bit of a bunfight over poolside seating. But the concierge team were warm and attentive, even fast-tracking our check-in on arrival.
What We Did in Oahu (and What You Should Do Too)
1. Sunrise Swims & Turtle Encounters
The ocean was perfect; warm and calm, ideal for cautious swimmers like me. The real magic? A wild turtle swam right past us one morning. No tour guide, no crowds. Just us, the ocean, and one of those unexpected travel moments that catches you off guard in the best way.
2. Jeep Wrangler Road Trip
We hired a Jeep Wrangler from SIXT, which is just across the road from the Sheraton and hit the road.
First Stop: Pearl Harbor
Book in advance if you want USS Arizona Memorial access. We chose the Deluxe Narrated Tour which was narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis. Hearing real accounts from survivors while standing on that ground was sobering and unforgettable.
Top Tip: Book Pearl Harbor tickets early via recreation.gov.
Next Stop: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, North Shore
Garlic. Butter. Rice. Messy hands. Zero regrets. The best $15 USD you’ll ever spend. Head to 56-505 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku—and yes, you have to peel the shrimp yourself.
The north shore is like stepping into a surf movie; jeep tracks, barrel waves, and boards everywhere. We pulled over to take in the view and stumbled on a local playing the ukulele in the back of his truck. It felt like we were living a postcard.
3. Outlet Treasure Hunt: Waikele Premium Outlets
We didn’t plan to shop… but the universe had other ideas. Big discounts, good stock, and brands like Kate Spade and Tommy Hilfiger at some of the best prices I’ve seen. Just be warned: you’ll need space in your suitcase!
Tip: Take the H-1 west from Waikiki and exit at Paiwa Street. Easy to find, hard to leave empty-handed.
4. A Fancy Night Out: Beachhouse at the Moana
For something special, book dinner at the Beachhouse at the Moana. The setting is stunning; white verandas, Victorian architecture, and sea views. We splurged on the four-course chef’s tasting menu, and while not quite worth the $110+ USD per head price tag food-wise, the ambience was hard to beat.
How You Can Plan a Parents-Only Trip to Honolulu
Where to Stay
- Sheraton Waikiki if you want views and convenience.
- For something quieter, consider the Moana Surfrider for old-world charm.
Where to Eat
- Honolulu Coffee for quick bites.
- Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck for an unforgettable lunch.
- Beachhouse at the Moana for a fancier night out.
- Paia Fish Market for fresh, delicious fast food
- Poké Bar Waikiki for good quality, generous poké
What to Book in Advance
- Pearl Harbor tickets
- Car hire (we recommend SIXT – for easy pickup and return)
- Restaurant reservations for upscale dining
Final Thoughts
Oahu gave us more than just sun and surf. It gave us space to reconnect, recharge, and remember what it feels like to be “just us” again. It was the perfect way to begin the festive season before the whirlwind of a big family Christmas.
Next up? The Big Island. From lava fields to luxury, stay tuned for Part 2 of our Hawaiian adventure—Cisco Club style.
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