If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m an island girl! I love warm weather, clear blue skies, and exploring a new oasis. This time, we had the opportunity to go to Oahu! I’ve been to the island before, but not like this!
Every year, JR’s company competes for Territory of the Year. The winning team not only receives their bonuses but is also rewarded with an all-expenses-paid trip to a select destination. I was fortunate enough to be his plus-one, and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
His company was recently acquired, and with new leadership, rules, and mergers in place, this would be the last trip of its kind. I’m incredibly proud of JR and so happy that he was able to experience this achievement at least once. It was a well-deserved reward for all of his hard work.
In this blog, I’m sharing my experience, outfit inspiration, and all the fun things we did during our trip! I hope it gives you plenty of ideas and inspiration for your next getaway to Hawaii.
Leggings: Princess Polly
Tucked away in the hills of Oahu, Kualoa Ranch offers some of the most beautiful scenery on the island. Surrounded by lush green mountains and sweeping views, it was the perfect place to spend the day exploring.
Thanks to the company’s event planner, Monica, we were able to choose from a variety of experiences around the island, and Kualoa Ranch was one of our picks. The ranch is known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, making it a great way to experience a different side of Oahu.
We opted for the group bus tour, and it ended up being one of our favorite experiences at the ranch. Our tour guide was fantastic, knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fun facts about the area. There also weren’t too many people on our tour, which made the experience feel much more personal, almost like a private tour.
The tour lasted about an hour and a half and took us through some of the ranch’s most iconic locations. Along the way, we got to see filming sites from popular movies and TV shows, including Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, and several others. Even if you’re not a huge movie buff, the scenery alone makes the tour worth it.
This was one spot we didn’t get a chance to visit on our first trip to Oahu, mostly because it wasn’t in our budget at the time. Being able to experience it this visit made it feel even more special.
Every turn seemed to offer another photo opportunity, with beautiful views and scenery everywhere you looked. It’s truly one of those places that lives up to the hype. If you’re planning a trip to Oahu, I wouldn’t skip this one. Even if it’s just once, it’s an experience worth having at least once in your lifetime.
Did I mention we stayed at the Four Seasons? What an unforgettable experience!
I actually missed the first two days of the trip because I had to attend a trade show for work. However, Monica went above and beyond to rearrange everything so I could still enjoy the same incredible experiences as everyone else. I’m so grateful for her thoughtfulness and flexibility; it truly made all the difference.
One of the highlights of our stay was spending a day at the spa. I treated myself to a relaxing massage and took full advantage of the spa amenities, including the hot tub and sauna.
From start to finish, my massage therapist was kind, attentive, and made sure I was comfortable throughout the entire experience. It was the perfect way to unwind and recharge. I would absolutely recommend booking a spa appointment during your stay; you won’t regret it!
One thing to keep in mind is that the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina isn’t located in the heart of Waikiki. If you’re looking to be within walking distance of the island’s busiest shopping, nightlife, and attractions, this may not be the best fit for you.
However, if your idea of the perfect vacation is a peaceful, luxurious escape, this resort truly delivers. You’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips, from a beautiful lagoon with beach access to exceptional restaurants, multiple pools, a world-class spa, and a fully equipped fitness center complete with tennis and pickleball courts. The resort is designed to feel like a destination in its own right. (Four Seasons)
Another feature I loved is that the resort is located within the gated Ko Olina Resort community. Beyond the hotel itself, you can easily walk to nearby restaurants, shops, and other resorts, including Disney’s Aulani, so there’s always something to explore without venturing too far. It offers the perfect balance of relaxation and convenience, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to unwind while still having plenty to do nearby.
I have to say, the Four Seasons completely ruined other hotels for me in the best way possible! The level of service, attention to detail, and overall experience set such a high standard that it’s hard to imagine staying anywhere else now.
If you’re considering a stay, I recommend experiencing a Four Seasons at least once in your lifetime. It’s definitely a splurge, but one that’s absolutely worth it. After staying here, you’ll understand why so many people keep coming back. It truly redefines luxury and hospitality.
Thankfully, the company rented a few cars, and we were lucky enough to grab one so we could visit Pearl Harbor. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of our trip.
Pearl Harbor is a sobering place that invites reflection and remembrance, and it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave. JR and I chose the self-guided audio walking tour, which allowed us to move at our own pace and truly absorb each exhibit and stop along the way. Listening to the stories while standing where history unfolded gave us a new perspective and a much deeper appreciation for the events of that day.Please keep in mind that this is a memorial site, so it is important to remain respectful and maintain a quiet tone in designated areas. Pearl Harbor is a place of remembrance and reflection, and honoring that atmosphere is part of what makes the experience so meaningful.
If you’re visiting Oahu, I highly recommend making time for Pearl Harbor. It’s more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a powerful reminder of history that everyone should experience at least once.
Apart from visiting Pearl Harbor, we also made time to enjoy some local treats along the way. We picked up fresh tropical fruit and malasadas, those sweet, fluffy Portuguese-style donuts that are an absolute must-try when in Hawaii.
They were the perfect little indulgence and such a fun way to experience the island’s local flavors. If you’re visiting Oahu, I highly recommend trying them!
On our final night of the trip, the company hosted a private luau, and it was such a special way to end the experience. I had always wanted to attend a luau since my last visit to the island, so I couldn’t believe we were not only going to one, but experiencing it in a private setting.
It felt incredibly memorable, from the atmosphere to the performances, and it was one of those moments that really captures the spirit of Hawaii. A perfect closing to the night.
The food, cultural experiences, and live entertainment far exceeded our expectations. It was truly an incredible way to end the trip. A huge thank you to Monica for her outstanding planning, and of course to JR and his team for achieving their goal and making it all possible.
If you ever have the chance to attend a luau, I highly recommend it. While they can be on the pricier side, experiencing one at least once is absolutely worth it and adds something really special and memorable to your time on the island.
Soaking up in the pool and grabbing some treats on our last day well what more can you ask for!
Overall, I’m so happy J and I finally got to experience everything we had been dreaming about since our last trip. It felt amazing to check so many things off our bucket list!
The only downside was the weather. We visited in April, and I personally wouldn’t recommend that time of year since the weather can be pretty unpredictable. We were fortunate that this was an all-expenses-paid trip because, had we been paying out of pocket, we probably would have rescheduled for a different week to fully enjoy everything Hawaii has to offer. Even with the rain, we made the most of it and created memories we’ll never forget.
Although the weather wasn’t the best, we still made the most of our trip and had an unforgettable time. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned, but that’s all part of the adventure!
If you’re looking for even more things to do in Oahu, be sure to check out my last Oahu travel blog (here). And if you end up visiting any of the places I recommended, let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear about your experience!
-XOXO
Vanessa
Vanessa Serna 