If you do happen to follow me on Instagram (I hope you do!) you'll have noticed that I ventured all the way to Hawaii at the end of January. Finally I can say publicly that the trip was actually a work-heavy venture. I traveled with Loren and our friend Sara Kate to Oahu to shoot Loren's Spring/Summer look book. We spent a week on Oahu, and while I'd been there once before as a teenager, doing the non-resort version was far more fun. Maybe there are more picturesque islands in Hawaii, but perhaps no island offers the breadth of activity and varying landscapes quite like Oahu. From bustling Honolulu to valleys of jungle to the calm power of the North Shore's legendary waves, we pretty much did it all. Or at the very least, tried...

For two days prior to the shoot itself, we drove around for hours and hours, hopping in and out of the car to find the best locations. Some ended up being a bit too far of a trek to execute with a model on the clock, but I'm glad we could see them anyway. And after all that, I'll say this: hotels are great if you literally plan to do nothing. But in my opinion, to get a true feel for the island, try renting a house, a car, and do your own thing. There's not much to be intimidated by. For the most part, we found everyone to be friendly and ready to give you their picks for the best local thing. Most if not all non-hotel beaches are public with free parking, and you'd have a hard time getting lost (hello, it's an island.)

In the interest of sharing the wealth, here are some favorite discoveries (and suggestions) collected along the way. We certainly didn't get to everything, but if you're on the lookout, I hope this helps.

Places to Eat

Side note: Yes, there is a Cheesecake Factory and any number of global chain restaurants. But for the love of God, the local food scene is so great, don't you dare even think about doing anything else.

Lucky Belly

The most tasty meal we had the entire week. Loren had the ramen and talked about it the rest of the week. I had some crazy chicken sandwich that I had dreams about. Basically, go.

Can you get more touristy than Leonard's? Probably not, but their malasadas (fluffy fried dough rolled in flavored sugar and/or injected with cream) are totally fresh and delicious and come in really cute pink boxes, so...

Wing Shave Ice & Ice Cream

Supposedly (wink) Sara Kate went in there for a "prop," but we ended up sharing the rose-flavored ice cream before lunch. So delicious!

Places We Didn't Eat
But Heard Are Also Good

The Pig & the Lady

This is the Vietnamese place I heard the most about prior to visiting. Sadly, it was closed
the entire week we were there! Oh well...

Scratch Kitchen & Bake Shop

The line was out the door for their insane French toast and other brunch-related delights, so it must be good. Wish we had had time to stick it out!

Hau Tree Lanai

A hotel restaurant that is apparently worth it just for the date-night ambiance, but apparently the breakfast buffet is equally good.

The Royal Hawaiian

For authentic, "legendary" Mai Tais
and other island cocktails.

House Without A Key

Has an unobstructed view of the ocean and Diamondhead, plus a reputation for great live bands and luau-style music. Sounds like a great place for a leisurely dinner.

Top of the List
for Next Time

We saved it until our last morning and it turned out it wasn't as simple as stopping by. Instead, you have to book a tour through the Honolulu Museum of Art only Wednesday through Saturday. Big bummer. Guess I'll have to go back...

Where to Shop

Owens & Co.

A bright and cheerful boutique with
locally-sourced home goods, accessories
and apparel.

Diamondhead Beach House

A mod surf lodge with cute branded product.

Hound & Quail

The Hovey sisters gone tropical. Think taxidermy mixed with 1960s home goods (but merchandised in a completely charming way, of course.)

A darling boutique with the designer's own line of mens and women's Hawaiian gear with modern, tailored silhouettes and patterns.

Tin Can Mailman

Although the man who runs it is a—for lack of more delicate term—total dick, the wall-to-wall selection of vintage Hawaiian ephemera is too much fun to poke around.

Fishcake

Big, bright showroom in a former
factory featuring modern and vintage
home goods and work by local artists.

Things to See & Do

Iolani Royal Palace

Beautiful 1870s palace for the King and Queen of Hawaii (before they were overthrown by the American government, that is.) It's a beautiful building in a plantation-meets-Victorian-Gothic aesthetic that is entirely unique to HI. We didn't go in, but guided tours are an option.

Chinatown

Needless to say being that it's in the middle of the Pacific, but there are a lot of Asians living in Hawaii. There are dozens of Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and Japanese restaurants, stores and flower shops around Honolulu, mostly centered in its Chinatown. I loved walking around and peeking into all of the shops.

Pearl Harbor

Yeah, yeah. It's technically not in Honolulu, but relatively speaking, it's close. And I think it's a place anyone should visit if only in honor of the men who fought and lost their lives on that pivotal day. The Arizona Memorial is breathtaking.

Things to See & Do

LANIKAI BEACH

We ended up spending the majority of our last day sprawled on the beach. Loren and I floated in the bright blue water for over an hour, just watching people have fun. It's perfect for families, kayaking and worry-free waves.

HALONA BEACH COVE

Otherwise known as "From Here to Eternity Beach." Also in this same area: a blowhole, tide pools and other delights for the experienced rock climber/adventurer.

Makapu‘u Tidepools

We didn't get to do it, but heard that if you can hike down from the lighthouse to nature's own bathtubs. Sounds heavenly!

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

You have to pay to get in, but have the option of renting snorkling equipment to make your visit worth it. There's also a café, picnic grounds, scenic overlooks, and easy parking.

Kualoa Ranch

Home to film props from Jurassic Park, Lost, 50 First Dates and several other movies, this ranch is made for tourists and looks super fun. If you happen to have a guy with you that's just dying to zip line through the jungle, this would be his jam.

Where To Stay

Our Rental House!

I have no recommendations besides this. But I will say that after exhaustive research on AirBNB and HomeAway, Loren found this gem on FlipKey (Trip Advisor's equivalent site.) And it was perfect.

Places to Eat

Uahi Island Grill

We ended up here after a long day of shooting. It's tiny (maybe 8 tables) with a walk-up counter for takeout. The menu is limited, but it was some of the best food we had on the entire trip.

Crepes No Ka 'Oi

Right next door to Uahi, the smell
is enough to get you inside. Great for
breakfast or a snack on the go.

The Local Hawaii

Supposedly some of the best shaved
ice on the island (and really cute packaging,
which always seals the deal for me!)

Dean's Drive In

A popular local spot right up the street from our rental house, which had killer Hawaiian-style BBQ and easy, fast casual dishes to stay or go. Not something I'd go out of the way for, but if you're staying in the area, it's a great go-to.

Where To Shop

Olive Boutique

Cute women's clothing, accessories and
gifts from local brands and artisans.

Hana Hou Vintage

Muumuus, caftans and other island
and high-fashion vintage delights.

Kailua General Store

Handmade, lighthearted art and keepsakes
with an old-school island vibe. Definitely a good
spot to find a gift for the guy in your life,
plus a coffee and drink bar.

Things To See & Do

Haleiwa

Pronounced "Haliva," this is the biggest town
on the North Shore and home to surf shops,
shaved ice stands, bars and restaurants.

Laniakea Beach

The best place to spot sea turtles in action.

Sunset Beach

For observing ONLY (unless you happen to be a pro big wave surfer. I'd be shocked if any of my readers are pro big wave surfers.)

Waimea Bay Beach

If you want to see the likes of Kelly Slater in action, this is a hot spot. Our local friends recommended parking up the hill so you can really see the surfing in action from overhead. Use caution if you decide to explore the beach, as these are some of the most powerful and unpredictable waves on the island.

Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens

So beautiful, like walking around inside someone's tropical dream. There are spots inside the gardens that are great for kids (like indigenous Polynesian huts and craft demonstrations) but for the most part, this place is beautiful and walkable, culminating in the famous Waimea falls.

What To Drive

Our VW Camper Rental

It was mostly a prop (the biggest prop ever), but you can rent this restored vintage VW van on AirBNB. It's a camper, so there's a small stove, fold out bed and roof fit for rolling around the island at will.

Places to Eat

Matsumoto Shaved Ice

Shaved ice is an art form in Hawaii,
and a delicious treat to us pasty mainlanders
after inevitably sunburning ourselves.

The Shrimp Shack

Do what you've always been taught not to do: pull over on the side of the road, talk to strangers, and eat the food they are selling. This delicious buttery, spicy, garlic-y peel-and-eat shrimp and sticky rice was tasty on another level. I wish I could recreate it, but you can't fake that aloha spirit.

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck

Same idea, different shrimp guy. I say try them
all and compare—Hawaii homework.

Aloha, adventurers!