Family Adventures in Oสปahu: Kualoa Ranch, Huli Huli Chicken & Byodo-In Temple Fun ๐
๐ดโจ One Perfect Hawaiian Day: Dinosaurs, Delicious Eats, and Family Fun ๐ฆ๐๐
If youโre looking for a day in Oสปahu thatโs packed with adventure, laughs, and unforgettable memories, let me take you along for the ride! From movie magic to mouthwatering eats, peaceful temples, and playful gardens, hereโs how our whirlwind day unfoldedโฆ
We kicked off our adventure at Kualoa Ranch ๐ด, the legendary filming spot for Jurassic Park, Jumanji, 50 First Dates, Lost, Hawaii Five-O, and more. Nestled on Oสปahuโs windward coast, itโs 4,000+ acres of sacred land ๐ฟ, dense rainforest ๐ณ, open valleys ๐๏ธ, ancient fishponds ๐, and jaw-dropping views โ just 24 miles from Waikiki ๐บ.
Kualoa isnโt just a movie set. The Judd/Morgan family has stewarded this land for generations. It started in 1850 when Dr. Gerrit P. Judd bought the first stretch from King Kamehameha III ๐. Over time, the ranch grew into the massive paradise it is today โ a place once sacred to Hawaiian royalty, later a sugar plantation ๐ฌ, and even a WWII military site โ๏ธ. Today, itโs a hub for ranching, conservation ๐ฑ, and unforgettable adventures ๐ค.
Hereโs what you can do at Kualoa:
๐ฟ Ride through the iconic Jurassic Valley by bus, ATV, e-bike, or horseback ๐
๐ฅ Walk in the footsteps of Hollywood on a Movie Sites Tour โ secret paths ๐บ, hidden valleys ๐ณ, and even some caves you can explore ๐ณ๏ธ
๐๏ธ Discover secluded beaches ๐๏ธ, lush tropical gardens ๐ธ, and centuries of Hawaiian history ๐
We took the bus tour ๐ to see the famous film spots. Leave it to my child (of course!) โ halfway through, he somehow launched his shoe right out the window ๐๐จ.
So there I was, sprinting down the gravel road after it๐โโ๏ธ๐ฆโฆ while a busload of tourists watched๐. That very same gravel road that Drew Barrymoreโs character โwalked every dayโ in 50 First Dates.๐โค๏ธ Let me tell you, chasing a rogue sneaker under the Hawaiian sun ๐ is way less romantic than it looks on the big screen ๐.
Embarrassing? 100% ๐คฆโโ๏ธ
Unforgettable? Absolutely โจ
๐ Yummy Huli Huli Chicken: A Flavor Explosion ๐บ๐
Next, we refueled at Yummy Huli Huli Chicken in Kaneohe ๐๐ฅ. This local favorite has been delighting taste buds for over 40 years! As we approached, the tantalizing aroma of chicken sizzling over kiawe wood greeted us. We had the pleasure of watching the chefs expertly rotate the chicken over the open flame, basting it with their signature huli huli sauceโa delightful blend of sweet and savory that has become their hallmark.The food? Absolutely delicious. I couldn't resist trying the huli huli chicken, and it did not disappoint.๐๐, and my oldest ordered garlic shrimp ๐ฆ๐ฅโso good, we joked we could eat it every day! Paired with rice ๐ and macaroni salad ๐ฅ, it was the perfect fuel for more adventures ๐.
If you're ever on Oahu's Windward side, this spot is a must-visit for an authentic taste of local cuisine.
๐โจ Byodo-In Temple: Tranquilityโฆ and Totally Fun! ๐๐
Next, we visited the serene Byodo-In Temple ๐ธ๐๏ธ This Buddhist temple is a full-scale replica of the 11th-century Byodoin Temple in Japan. Built in 1968 to honor 100 years of Japanese immigration ๐, itโs a peaceful oasis with lush gardens ๐ฟ๐บ and tranquil koi ponds ๐ .
The kids went wild feeding the colorful koi ๐๐, some over 100 years old! And of course, they had to ring the massive 3-ton peace bell ๐๐ฅโthe sound echoed through the valley, and everyone took turns trying.
Inside, we marveled at the 18-foot-tall golden Amida Buddha โจ๐งโโ๏ธ, seated gracefully on a lotus ๐ธ. The serene atmosphere mixed with kid-friendly fun made it a perfect balance of calm and adventure ๐. Peaceful? Absolutely. Fun for the kids? Definitely ๐.
๐ฟ Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden: Nature's Playground ๐ธ๐
On our way back to my friend's house, we made a spontaneous stop at the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneoheโa true hidden gem! Nestled at the foot of the majestic Ko'olau Mountains, this 400-acre rainforest garden is a peaceful oasis filled with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a diverse array of plant life from around the world.
As we strolled through the garden, the kids were immediately captivated by the shimmering koi fish ๐ Their colorful scales glistened under the Hawaiian sun, providing a mesmerizing spectacle.
The adventure continued as the kids discovered towering trees with thick trunks and sprawling branchesโperfect for climbing! ๐ณ They scrambled up the sturdy limbs, giggling with excitement as they reached new heights and surveyed the world from above.
One of the highlights was encountering the Lehua tree, a native Hawaiian species known for its vibrant red flowers and cultural significance. ๐บ The kids marveled at its beauty and learned about its role in Hawaiian mythology.
Throughout our walk, we encountered a variety of unique plants, each more fascinating than the last. From the striking lipstick plant with its tubular red flowers to the towering bamboo groves swaying gently in the breeze, every corner of the garden offered something new and exciting to explore.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden offers a serene escape with something for everyone. ๐ฟ๐ธ
๐ Soon's Kal Bi: A Flavorful Finale to Our Oสปahu Adventure
After our serene stroll through Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, we made our way to Soon's Kal Bi BBQ in Honolulu, a local favorite known for its authentic Korean barbecue dishes. Nestled in the Salt Lake Shopping Center, this unassuming spot has been serving up delicious meals since 1984. Their menu features generous portions of kalbi (Korean short ribs), meat jun (beef cutlets), and crispy mandoo (dumplings), all at reasonable prices.
We opted for takeout, bringing our feast back to my friend's house to enjoy together. The kalbi was tender and flavorful, the meat jun perfectly crispy, and the mandoo a delightful treat. It was the perfect comfort food to end our adventurous day.
๐ก Ending the Day with Good Friends and Great Memories
As the sun began to set, we gathered with my friend and her kiddos, sharing stories and laughter over our delicious meal. The kids recounted their favorite moments from the dayโthe lost shoe at Kualoa Ranch, the koi fish at Byodo-In Temple, and the joy of climbing trees at the botanical garden. We all agreed it had been a day filled with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
As the evening wore on, we relaxed in the cozy comfort of home, savoring the warmth of friendship and the joy of shared experiences. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day in Oสปahu.
