Oahu January 2025 – Dole Sports and Plantation Bars

It feels very good to land in Hawaii, and we are very eager to go straight into the vibration of a warm island. But we are also very aware that this is the last leg of our extraordinary journey. So there is a real mixture of emotions when I see that Aloha Signature at the airport – I know we are getting closer to the end of the trip that I don’t want to follow! This recap covers our first two days at Oahu, January 2025 – from watching college soccer at sports bars to visiting Dole Plantation. Thank you very much for stopping by!

Oahu January 2025 – Dole Sports and Plantation Bars

We arrived at our hotel right when the president’s inauguration took place directly on the screen in the porch. Gosh, an extraordinary way to start our week at Oahu, haha!

Sports Bar Experience: Playoff Soccer College

After we checked -in, we dropped our bag in our room. Then we ran back again because the national soccer playoff national championship took place at 3:00 pm. Our cousin is a large supporter of the state of Ohio, so it is impossible for us to miss it. Go Buckeyes!

We plan to watch the match at Ala Moana Center, about 40 minutes from our hotel in Kapolii. Cousin S can seriously drive at the Grand Prix – He weave traffic like a champion and takes us there in a short time. I might or maybe not close my eyes several times. 😅

And just like that, I underwent my dream: Watching a college soccer match at the right American sports bar – with my burger, beer, and my family. Oh yes!

Then, of course, shops start to call. After I realized the soccer match lasted for hours, I was happy to cut my dream of small retail therapy. Half of our group lived in Buffalo Wild Wings, and we all went to explore the Ala Moana Center.

The shopping center is very beautiful! But it feels very different from what I remember in 2000 when I visited my mother. The place has experienced a number of major renovations since then, and for a moment, I thought koi fish disappeared. But not – they are still there. Fiuh!

We entered and exit many shops and bought some items. Then walk back throughout our group after the match is over. Good News – Ohio State Wins!

For dinner that dinner, we have a Boston Pizza, finally satisfying the desire of my cousin J and I have been brought for 25 years. It’s worth waiting for!

Dole plantation

The next morning, we traded in the previous afternoon excitement for a more relaxed day with a visit to Dole Plantation. It was a bright day in Oahu, perfect to explore one of the most iconic places on the island. We roam the parks, learn a little about the history of the Hawaii pineapple industry, and treat ourselves with several whips.

We examined koi fish and bought some food to feed them.

And it ended our first two days at Hawaii! Next, I will share our visit to Waikiki, peek at Aulani – a Disney resort & spa at Ko Olina, and a pleasant meeting with another cousin. I hope you join me for that!