is a food blogger, world traveler (frequenting Oahu), and life insurance advisor. Travel and culinary adventure have been a huge part of her life from an early age, and they were driving factors in the creation of her blog, Beachside Kitchen. Beachside Kitchen is an outlet for Belinda to share healthy recipes along with some of her favorite places to eat and stay around the world.

Belinda’s passport holds stamps from some of the most amazing destinations the world has to offer. But when asked for one of her favorite travel spots, she’s quick to respond with Oahu, Hawaii. With its gorgeous beaches and unbeatable hiking, this island has grabbed her heart. From Haleiwa to Ko Olina, we talked to Belinda about her recommendations and got the inside scoop on where to eat, where to stay, and what not to miss.

Read on for her best island life tips!

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 – This is one of my all time favorites places to stay. It is absolutely gorgeous and feels off the beaten path, keeping you away from the tourist madness of being in Waikiki. 

They recently did an amazing remodel, and it feels like absolute modern luxury with incredible views and a fantastic pool. The location is also great because it’s about a 20 minute drive from Haleiwa, where the local food cannot be beaten. Farm-to-table, organic, healthy eats are endless on the North Shore. 

 – This is another favorite that balances luxury and a more family-friendly experience. If you stay here, make sure to do a lagoon walk (or ten) to unwind and enjoy the area. The location is really great and within a mile walking distance to a lot of great restaurants and bars. It’s also close to great hiking and there are tons of awesome bike paths nearby. Bike rides or long walks along the path between Sunset Beach and Shark’s Cove are my favorite way to spend the day.

 – This hotel is gorgeous and provides the ultimate luxury experience while still having more of a local feel, laid back energy, and adventurous vibe. With a stunning adult pool and incredible food, here you will definitely feel like you are living the good life. 

 – A great spot for a healthy meal. Everything here is locally sourced and they have amazing burritos, green smoothie bowls, and breakfast sandwiches. Their baked goods are also not to miss. 

 –  Has a vibe that truly feels like a farm-to-table. You can eat outside on the lawn, the portions are large, and you will definitely get your veggies in! I recommend their breakfast burrito, harvest bowl, or their nourish bowl. 

 – A hole-in-the-wall spot that’s super affordable, and all the breads are homemade. My menu favorites are the pesto chicken sandwich, roasted veggie salad, veggie burger salad, and the gluten-free monster cookie. I could easily eat here every day.  

 – Try the seafood Caesar salad or the seafood cobb salad. 

 – Amazing shave ice that’s made with organic, homemade fruit juices. My favorite flavors are mango, guava, and pineapple. 

 – A food truck serving up amazing spicy garlic shrimp and lemon pepper shrimp. 

 – I love to stop by here for a breakfast plate and iced latte. 

 – I can’t get enough of their Mediterranean chicken salad. 

 – They have a great egg white omelet for breakfast, and if you go for dinner, definitely get the fish special. 

 – A local Hawaiian staple with a really fun atmosphere. The staff and servers make the overall experience fantastic, and the food is delicious. This is a more upscale dining option and absolutely a “not to miss”. My favorite dishes are the butter fish, seared ahi, and the ribs. 

 – A great place to get high quality sushi at super affordable prices – you can ball out and still leave for less than $100 for a meal for two. I highly recommend the bluefin and salmon sashimi, the sakura 3 in 1 roll, and the ninja roll from their menu. 

My personal favorite is 

. I always get their bullet coffee, and their smoothies are really good as well. But the atmosphere here really makes the whole experience. It is located in the middle of a plumeria field, across the street from one of the most famous surf breaks in the world. The establishment itself really feels like a cozy surf shack, but it gives you the quintessential Hawaii experience as you watch the waves roll in with a cup of incredibly sustainable coffee in hand. 

Hiking is my favorite way to workout and to get in touch with a local area when traveling, and Hawaii is no exception to that. Many of the hikes on Oahu are along pillboxes, which were WWII lookout spots, so you get some history and culture along with incredible views and a good workout. 

Oahu has so many beautiful places to get out and explore, but some of my favorites include 

 hike, 

, 

, 

, 

, and the famous 

. 

There are a few great ones that tend to stay a little less busy. Sunset Beach Park, Ehukai Beach Park, Chun’s Reef, Waimea Bay, and Kaewuala Beach are some of my go-to spots when I am trying to get out and enjoy the surf and the sun.

Respect the locals and the land. Be kind to those that were there first. 

Tip well, shop/eat local, and most importantly be patient – we’re on island time here, so nothing is a rush.

Be cognizant of what you post on Instagram. You’ll find some beaches and hikes with local signs that ask visitors to kindly keep the locations off of social media. 

If you’re like me and want a more relaxed, local vibe when visiting Hawaii, avoid the hustle and bustle of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki.