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Home » Travel

Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3

Published: Jan 3, 2021 · Updated: Jun 18, 2023 by Carissa Erzen · This post may contain affiliate links · 28 Comments

Happy New Year, friends! I'm still reminiscing about the sunshine and family time I soaked up in Hawaii just a few weeks ago. Here's Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3, which covers Day 4 and Day 5 of our trip to visit my parent's home on the island of Oahu! <3

Day 4 - Hike to the Pink Pillbox, Swimming and Sunset at Secret Beach, Ramen Ya for Dinner

Pink Pillbox Hike

The Pink Pillbox Hike, or Puu O Hulu, is probably one of the most instagrammed spots on Oahu. Therefore, be forewarned of people doing crazy dangerous poses on the edge of the cliffs and pillboxes. Overall, this was a great 1.6-ish mile hike! Until the fourth and final pillbox, where you had to traverse across a ridgeline and basically tight-rope walk over a plummet to the ground hundreds of feet below! (Slight exaggeration maybe.)

It was really neat to see the beautiful artwork people had painted inside the pillboxes. And while the first two pillboxes were covered in art inside and outside, the pink pillbox was left relatively untouched, to bask in all of its pink glory.

View down at the ocean from Pink Pillbox Hike
The Colors of the Water was Absolutely Breathtaking
My mom and dad hiking to the pink pillbox
My Mom and Dad - Avid Hikers!
rain far off in the ocean
You Can See it Raining in the Distance to the Left!
view from inside a pillbox in oahu
Gorgeous Views from the Pillboxes, Since They Were Built at Vantage Points
artwork painted inside a pillbox on Oahu
artwork painted inside a pillbox on Oahu
View from the Top of the First Pillbox on the Trail
View from the Top of the First Pillbox on the Trail
Looking Up at the Pink Pillbox and the Pillbox Painted like the Current Hawaiian Flag
Looking Up at the Pink Pillbox and the Pillbox Painted like the Current Hawaiian Flag
artwork inside a pillbox on Oahu
View from the Top of the Second Pillbox, Looking out to the Ocean during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
View from the Top of the Second Pillbox, Looking out to the Ocean
The Pink Against the Blue is Gorgeous
The Pink Against the Blue is Gorgeous
My Mom Was the Only One Brave Enough to Climb to the 4th Pillbox!
My Mom Was the Only One Brave Enough to Climb to the 4th Pillbox!
View of the Valley, Nestled Between the Ridges
View of the Valley, Nestled Between the Ridges
Stunning, Beautiful, Breathtaking views of the ocean from the Pink Pillbox hike
Stunning. Beautiful. Breathtaking. I Want to Go Back!
Crazy Tree and Its Roots Along the Trail we found during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
Crazy Tree and Its Roots Along the Trail

Secret Beach

This was my favorite beach that we went to during this trip! It's located near Aulani, the Disney Resort. I have no clue what the actual name for this beach/lagoon is, because my parents just kept calling it "secret beach". It was a pretty small beach, which meant less people, and that made it perfect for snorkeling and relaxing.

For nearly four hours, we switched back and forth between snorkeling in the water and sun bathing on the beach. We saw so many cool fishies here, including parrot fish, needle fish and Humuhumunukunukuapua`a (Hawaii's state fish)! We even saw Gill from Nemo (aka a moorish idol)!
AND we even swam with a mama turtle and its baby! WHAT? YES! THAT HAPPENED!!! Turtles sometimes like to swim in really shallow water, so we snorkeled with them in like 2-foot-deep water. It was magical. We kept our distance though, because it's illegal to touch a turtle in Hawaii and they are protected animals. 🙂

My parents eventually joined us on this beach and we watched another gorgeous island sunset together. I'll never get tired of watching the sun rise and set over the ocean here in Hawaii. <3

Secret Beach with some of the Calmest Water and Softest Sand that we found during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
Secret Beach had some of the Calmest Water and Softest Sand
Sun Setting Beyond a Fisherman at Secret Beach
Sun Setting Beyond a Fisherman
Tide Pools Created Within the Uneven Rocks
I Love Seeing All the Tide Pools Created Within the Uneven Rocks
Sun Setting Beyond the Rock Shelf at Secret Beach - one of many sunsets during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
Sun Setting Beyond the Rock Shelf at Secret Beach
silhouette of palm trees with the sun setting behind them during our Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
I Took SO MANY Photos of Palm Trees lol
silhouette of palm trees with the sun setting behind them - what a night to remember during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
We Were Literally the LAST People to Leave the Beach!

Dinner at Ramen Ya

After a day of hiking and snorkeling, we were ready to feast! We drove to Ramen Ya and I got the katsu chicken ramen with miso broth. It was so delicious and filling after an adventurous day!

bowl of katsu chicken ramen - one of the best dinners during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3

Day 5 - Tour Aulani Disney Resort, Snorkeling at Secret Beach, Liliha Bakery, Sunset on Magic Island

Aulani Disney Resort

Disney built a gorgeous resort on Oahu called Aulani. After all the fun we had the previous day at Secret Beach, we wanted to go back again today for more fun! Since Aulani is just down the road, we took a quick tour of the impressive resort.
Someday, I'd love to bring my whole family here to enjoy a week in paradise AND Disney combined! It looks so fun!

Man-Made Lagoon at Aulani we explored during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
Man-Made Lagoon at Aulani
Tide Pools at Ko'Olina that we explored during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
Tide Pools at Ko'Olina
 Dried-Up Salt from the Ocean - we ate it only once during our Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
We Found Actual Dried-Up Salt from the Ocean! And Gave it a Test-Taste... (yuck!)
Ko'Olina Tidepools Were Full of Fish
These Tidepools Were Full of Fish! My Mom Said Seals Come Here Sometimes Too.
The Tidepools Look so Green While the Ocean is so Majestically Blue - one of the best sights during our Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
The Tidepools Look so Green While the Ocean is so Majestically Blue
Chapel at Aulani where People Get Married
People Get Married at this Chapel at Aulani - How Romantic!
View of the Pool Area at Aulani, Decorated for Christmas during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
View of the Pool Area at Aulani, Decorated for Christmas
Wood statue of Stitch at Aulani we found during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
Of Course, It's Disney in Hawaii, so We Found Stitch!

Secret Beach

Here's Secret Beach Part 2! Today held more snorkeling with the fish and more napping in the sun. I could get used to this! 😉

View of the blue lagoon at Secret Beach - the best beach we found during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
Day 2 at Secret Beach

Liliha Bakery

Okay, let me tell you the real reason I came to Oahu. Poi mochi donuts from Liliha Bakery. Poi is made of taro, which is a root vegetable, so basically these donuts count as my salad for the day, right? They are so chewy and delicious! If you've ever had poi or taro before, it's not super sweet. And these donuts aren't tooth-ache sweet either, which makes them dangerous because I want to eat like seventeen thousand of them.

poi mochi donut with a bite out of it - the best treat we had during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
Poi Mochi Donut - My Favorite!!
box of baked goods from Liliha bakery - the best treats during Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
All the Goodies We Got from Liliha Bakery!
Matcha Cream Puff from Liliha Bakery - the second best treat during our Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
Matcha Cream Puff! Oozing out deliciousness 😉

Ala Moana Beach

Ala Moana is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, jogging, sun bathing and shopping. We sat on the Magic Island jetty and watched the magnificent sun fall behind the horizon, while a man nearby was practicing fire dancing.
The area is so lively and full of people taking swimming lessons in the water, jogging on the paths, taking a stroll in the romantic light, and whatever else they felt like doing. There was even a girl in a mermaid skirt playing the clarinet for everyone.

Ala Moana Beach Park with one of the best views of Diamond Head during our Holiday in Hawaii - December 2020 - Part 3
Ala Moana Beach Park with a view of Diamond Head
Sunset on the Magic Island Jetty
Sunset on the Magic Island Jetty
View of Diamond Head from Magic Island
View of Diamond Head from Magic Island
Deep Red and Orange Colors of the Sunset
Deep Red and Orange Colors of the Sunset
man Practicing Fire Dancing
Practicing Fire Dancing
Boats Docked at Ala Moana
Boats Docked at Ala Moana

More Travel Posts about Hawaii

Check out Part 1 of our trip, when we landed in Oahu and watched the sunset at Sand Island on Day 1. Then on Day 2, hiked to the Lanikai Pillboxes and went on an epic beach tour, ending at Waikiki Beach for a swim in the ocean and sunset with pineapple dole whip.

Check out Part 2 of our trip, when we went snorkeling at Shark's Cove, devoured shave ice, toured a few more beaches and watched the sunset at Barber's Point, all on Day 3.

  • Holiday in Hawaii Part 4
  • Holiday in Hawaii Part 5
  • Holiday in Hawaii Part 6
  • Best Food on Oahu
  • 10 Best Hikes on Oahu
  • 6 Best Places for Sunset on Oahu
  • Visit Sweet Land Farm on Oahu

More Travel Guides

  • Visit Sweet Land Farm on Oahu
  • 6 Best Places for Sunset on Oahu
  • 10 Best Hikes on Oahu
  • 7 Best Outdoor Places to Visit in Qatar

About Carissa Erzen

Growing up in Germany, I fell head-over-heels in love with ALL the German baked goods, from Lebkuchen to pretzels. Now I'm the founder, recipe developer, and food photographer behind Humbly Homemade, where I test and share German sweets lovingly created from scratch. So pull up a chair, and stay a while!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rebekkah Lenora

    January 14, 2021 at 1:28 pm

    You can never have too many palm tree pics! 😄

    Reply
  2. InsideMySlingBag

    January 10, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    Beautiful captures and a lovely post, that donut sure looked temptingly delicious❣️

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 11, 2021 at 1:32 pm

      Aw thank you! ❤️ it's a super gorgeous place!!

      Reply
  3. Lani

    January 07, 2021 at 6:35 am

    Stunning photos <3 I remember a friend posting something about turtles coming back... kind of crazy, I mean, the big ones you might see on the beach somewhere on the outer islands, but growing up, we never saw them. The photo that my friend posted as a baby in the ocean. Made me tear up a bit 😛

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 07, 2021 at 10:25 am

      Seeing wild turtles in person was so special 😍😭 And everyone was super protective of the turtles which was so touching to see! 💕

      Reply
  4. infinitelyadaydreamer

    January 05, 2021 at 6:17 pm

    How picture perfect! I'll never stop gushing about how much I love your travel diaries. They are out of this world! Those pillboxes are very interesting. You're sort of cocooned in them but there's a gap to see out into the big world. The art is very unique. I paused to read the writing and felt very connected to the words on the artwork titled breathe. It really speaks to the divine and spiritual connection between Mother Earth and all her people- we truly are brothers and sisters in this race. There is no real division other than that which we create. Definitely something we should tune into more during moments of meditation!

    I wonder how old that tree with its overgrown roots is.. I can only imagine what a journey its been on to look that way. For so long it's stood tall and firm, slowly taking over all that surrounds it. It's amazing how so much can change and others things stay consistent, no matter how much time passes. That Chapel at Aulani looks like a place you'd find in Greece with those beautiful cool mediterranean colours! The design is so beachy. I imagine the weddings there would be blissful. The churches in other parts of the world can get so bland and boring. I love seeing the different architecture from place to place. The pastries you got look so fluffy too! Poi Mochi donuts. Very cute, very kawaii.

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 06, 2021 at 11:12 pm

      Thank you so much!!! 💕 It did feel surprisingly safe inside the pillboxes, and the views through their gaps were incredible! And I agree, all the paintings and drawings on the walls were reminders to slow down and really appreciate the space and the fact that we were standing on a diverse island made from a volcano in the middle of the ocean!
      Literally that tree was so inspiring 🌲 I love how you describe it!
      Disney knows how to make a place feel magical, you gotta hand it to them 😉
      Have you ever been to Hawaii? ❤️

      Reply
  5. Markus + Micah

    January 04, 2021 at 11:42 pm

    Lucky you! We hope this trip refreshed you and filled you with good spirit. Your angel photo was lovely. Happy 2021!

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 05, 2021 at 10:36 am

      Hehe thank you! ☺️ It definitely refreshed us. You know how spending time in a place completely different from your usual surroundings can reset your brain? That's how we felt 💕
      It also re-lit the travel bug and I can't wait until my partner gets his passport so we can travel internationally (also waiting for when it's safer to do so) 🙃

      Reply
      • Markus + Micah

        January 05, 2021 at 8:39 pm

        Yes, definitely. It is like the sky opens up and the lungs expand. Lovely joys of travel. Envy you so much! Good luck with the passport, and here is to wishing we get to travel more this year.

        Reply
        • strawberryandcream

          January 06, 2021 at 11:20 pm

          Thank you! And same to you, I hope you guys get to travel again soon 😊

          Reply
  6. Happy Panda

    January 04, 2021 at 4:58 am

    Love the photos - looks like you had an amazing time. I miss the beach - can't wait to head there. 😊
    The goodies from Liliha bakery look so so so delish especially that Poi Mochi donut. *Mouth is watering*
    Secret beach looks like the perfect beacb. ❤️

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 05, 2021 at 10:32 am

      Thank you!! The beaches were definitely a highlight! We don't really have beaches that are ever warm enough to swim in here in Oregon 😛 I hope you get to squish your toes in the warm sand and swim in the ocean soon! 🌊☀️
      I could have eaten like all the poi Michu donuts in that bakery. I'm pretty sure I ate all four that are in the photo 😅

      Reply
  7. singingandsauerkraut

    January 03, 2021 at 9:24 pm

    Looks divine! Lovely pictures. Thanks for posting and Happy New Year to you!

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 05, 2021 at 10:21 am

      Thank you!! It was a marvelous trip - can't wait to go back!! What's your dream destination at the moment? 😁

      Reply
      • singingandsauerkraut

        January 05, 2021 at 11:25 am

        I'm glad! I've been obsessed with Norway lately I'd love to visit and try out their thermal baths 😂😁

        Reply
        • strawberryandcream

          January 06, 2021 at 10:36 pm

          Norway is high on my bucket list! The glass ceiling igloos to see the northern lights are a dream 🥰

          Reply
          • singingandsauerkraut

            January 07, 2021 at 1:27 am

            Oh stop! Hope you get there soon 😊

            Reply
  8. Sheryl

    January 03, 2021 at 7:29 pm

    Great photos - Hawaii looks wonderful. Happy new year!

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 05, 2021 at 10:19 am

      Thank you, Sheryl! Have you ever been to Hawaii? ☺️

      Reply
  9. Azilde Elizabeth

    January 03, 2021 at 5:52 pm

    I am so glad you had an amazing time! It looks so beautiful! Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year! 🎆

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 05, 2021 at 10:16 am

      Thank you so much! It was our dream-come-true trip for sure ❤️🥰 Happy New Year to you too!! 😊

      Reply
  10. Yum-number1

    January 03, 2021 at 5:18 pm

    I hope there's 500 more parts to this Hawaii trip! I love reading it!

    Reply
    • strawberryandcream

      January 05, 2021 at 10:15 am

      Haha! ❤️ Thank you! My trip wasn't quite that long 😝

      Reply

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