Sorry I have been absent and haven’t posted lately! With SERE and trying to get out of Columbus it was a pretty busy May!
BUT, I have FINALLY arrived at the place I’ve only dreamed about living since forever and figured this would be the best way to keep everyone informed of what’s going on!
I arrived on May 21st with my mom (who actually made it here and back flying standby…like WHAT?!) and checked into the hotel! We didn’t do too much the rest of that day besides grab a much needed beer and ended up in bed by 7pm!
Where to Live…
So far, in the past week and a half we did so much with the primary focus being HOUSE HUNTING! Let me tell you something…house hunting here is a nightmare, at least it was at the beginning! Turns out you have to make appointments to pretty much see anything, there’s no apartment complexes with leasing offices to just go check one out, even for renting!
A lot of our house hunting consisted of my mom telling me addresses, so that we could just start driving past the houses and the areas to get a feel for what they look like. While we were driving around, we ran into the Valley of the Temples and just did a quick drive through, but I thought it was too beautiful not to share!
We both went and saw so many places and called so many people that we lost track! There were a lot of super nice places with amazing views (expensive.) and we ran into one place that was just awful. We couldn’t help but laugh!
Some places look sketch on the outside and turn out so great on the inside…but not this one. Nope.
BUT, we eventually found the one on the day my mom left the island!
I just signed the lease for it and i’ll be living across the island away from all of the traffic and tourists! PRAISE! Its a cute 2 bedroom 2 bathroom place less than a mile from the beach! Now, just waiting for my furniture and stuff to be delivered!
Eating AND Drinking Spots
During and after a hard days work of house hunting, we found plenty of spots to try for food and drinks! I figured I would list them as much as I can before I start forgetting them, so if you ever find yourself over here…well hit me up first…then we can go eat! 🙂
- Restaurant 604: the first place we tried getting onto the island! Great food, great drinks! Haven’t tried the brunch there yet though, but don’t you worry!
- Nico’s Kailua: this was my FIRST time trying poké…it was interesting to say the least!
- Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
- Makoto Sushi – Aiea: literally this hole in the wall place that had some DELICIOUS sushi…definitely going back! Its in quite the interesting area!
- Tikis Grill & Bar
- Maui Brewing Company
- Hula Grill Waikiki: located right on top of Duke’s in downtown Waikiki — if Dukes is busy…go here!
- Kailua Town Pub & Grill
SO many more places to try and enjoy! I can’t wait to try so many more!
Time to Explore!
Saturday night we went to Germaine’s Luau, which was my first time to a luau, so I was definitely looking forward to it! The luau was amazing and the dancing, food, and views were also so amazing! We also got to see a beautiful sunset, I really can’t get enough of them!
On Sunday, we took a break from the house hunting (not much to do on Sundays anyways or Monday since it was a holiday) and we drove around the east and north sides of the island!
It was an awesome adventure that started with a stop to see the famous Halona Blowhole Lookout! It was beautiful and apparently the cove right next door to it was part of a scene out of Jurassic Park!
From there we continued on to the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse! The hike is pretty easy and is all asphalt, but there isn’t much shade, so it was SUPER hot! The views from the point to see the lighthouse were amazing, but unfortunately you’re not allowed to go to the lighthouse.
We stopped at some small shops along the way around the island and saw the North Shore (hello surfers!), the Dole Plantation (didn’t stop there, but don’t worry i’ll go eventually), future places to stop at (either they were closed or very busy), and just enjoyed the beautiful weather!
I really couldn’t be more grateful for my mom coming out here and helping me get settled! It definitely helped relieve SOME stress! So, thanks momma!
Just to note: these posts will have some pictures from the stuff I do, but i’ll aim to do another post later on all the things to do on the island! 🙂
Visitors!
Not only was I blessed with having my mom here, but i’ve gotten to see some other friends and family since being here!
This past week, I got to spend time with my cousin, his fiancé, and her family when they came to Oahu for the day to see Pearl Harbor! We went on the USS Missouri (which I hadn’t seen yet) and then they had to leave to go to the rest of their tour! It was so awesome to see them!!
One thing my cousin pointed out, was that when he and I came to Hawaii it was the 40th anniversary of the United Airlines flight that crashed leaving Chicago O’Hare heading to LAX. During that crash, my mom, her sister (his mom), and our grandma were on a flight literally right before that one doing the same exact route to LAX, then Hawaii. And now, 40 years later, here we are!
Then, just last night I got to see some friends from Riddle that were just here for a quick vacation! It had been so long since I had seen them, but so great to catch up!
SO…that means…if you’re ever in Hawaii, specifically on Oahu…LET ME KNOW! 🙂 Plus, now I have an extra bedroom/bathroom for guests…for free!
Anyways, hopefully you enjoyed this post! Comment below whether you liked it or if I should change it up somehow!
Also, if you have any questions regarding PCSing to Hawaii, send them my way! I’m already in the works for doing a post with answers to the questions that I had!
Aloha!!
Loved your Blog Jenny and hearing of all the things (or some) of the things you are doing. Hope to see some pictures of where U live.
Love your Blog Jenny and LOVE hearing about your life in Hawaii and the Air Force. We are so happy you got the place that you wanted. Please be Safe Jenny. Love You Lots!!!
Thank you Grandma!! Love you too!!
Congratulations on the move, Jenny! This blog is a great way to keep up on your adventures! I look forward to reading more. Good luck with everything!
Thank you so much Ms. Mary! Hope you’re doing well and thank you so much for reading!!
The blog is amazing. I have not been to Hawaii yet but am sure enjoying looking at it thru your experiences. Such an exciting adventure you are on. Love this post and look forward to the next one.
Thank you Ms. Sandie!! You’ll have to come and see it for yourself! But, thank you so much for reading!! Hope you’re doing well!
Love this!!! I’m so happy and proud of you Jenny ❤️❤️! Can’t wait to come visit you boo boo!
Thank you Pam!!! I can’t wait for you to come visit too!! I have a free room! 🙂
You are going to love linlvong there! You done so much already. There were so many things we loved about living on Oahu and I sometimes apply for jobs to head back! (Public transportation, Aloha stadium swap meet, Chinatown, botanical gardens) I can’t wait to hear more about your job too!
Kelly! Thanks!! I’m already so much in love with living here and I will definitely check out all of the things you said, except maybe on the public transportation haha! Thank you so much for reading and enjoying this post too! Love and miss you!
Love your post Jenny. Please keep them coming. Enjoy your new adventure.
Thank you!! Will definitely keep the posts coming!