After my girlfriends all bailed on my birthday trip, I found myself on an unintentional solo trip to Oahu. However, I knew I'd still be met with great adventure and lots of sun, I mean it is Hawaii after all. I refused to let a sudden lack of companionship ruin my birthday trip, so I booked the flights and prepaid all of my activities. I made sure I wouldn't have time to be lonely because from boat rides around the island, trips to the spa for a massage, hiking and snorkeling — my itinerary was packed! I didn't rent a car and was apprehensive about how I was going to get around the island, I thought I'd spend a fortune on Uber and Lyft. Surprisingly I found that getting around the island wasn't as difficult as I thought and Honolulu actually has a very efficient transit system. The bus is cheap, and for $5.50 I got a day pass and explored the island.
Hawaii is made up of eight main islands — Hawai'i, Maui, Kaho'olawe, Lana'i, Moloka'i, O'hau, Kaua'i and Ni'hau. The island of O'ahu is widely considered the heartbeat of Hawaii.And when it comes to visiting O'ahu, most tourists flock to Waikiki Beach, the popular and crowded side of the island. What some travelers fail to realize is that the island of O'ahu is filled with many gems, and they're only a short ride away from Waikiki.
From lush mountainsides, colorful koi fish, swimming with wild sea turtles, and taking in spectacular views, you can explore the island without breaking the bank on costly excursions.
If you're in Honolulu for a few days, you should visit some of my favorite places on the island.
Hula Grill Waikiki
Enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing into the shore and the unbelievable view of Diamond Head at the Hula Grill Waikiki located inside of the Duke's hotel.
Hula Grill has something for any taste you're in the mood for and their menu is vegetarian-friendly. They source their ingredients straight from the island, the restaurant boasts of locally caught fish, all-natural meats and O'hau-grown produce. There is also live entertainment offered throughout the week — so catch a bite, grab a mimosa, and get a friendly waiter to take a picture of you.
Byodo-In Temple
The Valley of the Temples Memorial Park is nestled on the other side of the island, if you're staying in Waikiki. You can take the bus there for less than $6 for a day pass. The trip is about one-and-a-half hours but peaceful and beautiful. The bus will shuttle you up the mountain side, which allows you to see the island in a more authentic light, outside of the tourist-ridden Waikiki.
Unlike Waikiki Beach, this side of the island is misty, the rain can be sporadic on the wayward side of the island and the air smells sort of like burning wood. The temple is an honorary shrine built to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawai'i. The temple is a replica of the historic Byodo-in Temple of Uji in Kyoto, Japan. It might also be familiar to you if you've seen the Chris Brown video for "Autumn Leaves" featuring Karrueche Tran. For just $3 admission, you can leave an offering at the Buddhist shrine, ring the sacred bell, feed the koi fish, and marvel in the wonder of black swans.
North Shore
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Escape the crowds of Waikiki Beach and head over to the north side of the island where the locals tend to go. The views are surreal and the locals are very friendly. You'll get to see wildlife like turtles, sea lions and more. Go swimming with turtles on Laniakea Beach. Beware that turtles, or honu, are protected animals in Hawaii and considered well-revered by local Hawaiians. If you see one on the beach, do not touch it — the locals get really upset about this one. It's said you should give them at least 10 ft of space and not disturb them, which can be kind of hard when snorkeling or swimming but do your best to keep this in mind. The beaches are calmer than Waikiki as well, which due to boats can experience very large and choppy waves.
Diamond Head
This beautiful hike up to Diamond Head is sure to yield spectacular views. If you're the type of person looking to get in some physical activity on your vacation, this hike is very easy to fit in to your schedule. Hike early in the morning to catch the sunrise and listen as the waves beat against the shore. If you're a non-experienced or intimidated first-time hiker, like me, then you can drive to Diamond Head lookout instead to experience all the views without the sore muscles.
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden is one of the most popular wedding venues in Hawaii. The botanical gardens is also infamous for its beauty. Admission into the park is completely free but be prepared for a lot of walking around and wear good shoes! I took the bus from Waikiki Beach and then basically hiked all the way up to the park so I could get a shot of the famous entrance, unfortunately it was very foggy that day.
Note that if the guards at the front gate catch you trying to catch a picture, they will ask you to move, so be quick!
You can see plants from around the world, endangered plants, and native Hawaiian plants. You can feed the ducks, fish, and camp at Ho'omaluhia Lake. It's a beautiful place filled with tranquility. In fact, Ho'omaluhia means "peaceful refuge". Visit this botanical garden to enjoy a chill day away from the beach while learning more about Hawaii.
Kualoa Ranch
You must visit the home of some very popular movies like Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Jumanji, and 50 First Dates — Kualoa Ranch.
With the towering hills and mysterious valleys, this side of Oahu is very mystical. Travel a short 24 miles outside of Waikiki to one of Oahu's most sacred places. Kualoa Ranch even offers a roundtrip shuttle for $15. The ranch has many excursions and Instagram-worthy photo-ops, but be sure to schedule early and expect to pay a little more for the exciting activities. From ATV tours, horseback riding, zip lining, and jungle expeditions, this site is a one-stop-shop for adventure and fun.
Top of Waikiki: Revolving Restaurant
Want to see Waikiki beach from a different point of view? Climb the escalators to the Top of Waikiki and enjoy a meal as the floor below you slowly rotates.
It's unlike any restaurant I have ever been to. The upscale restaurant is a fantastic way to take it all in; you can sit in one spot all night and enjoy the 360-degree views of the island. The floor to ceiling glass panels and rotating floor is the highlight of the experience but the food and drinks are just as noteworthy. Enjoy a sunset here by yourself, or with a loved one because the ambiance is very romantic and posh. One things for sure, you won't be disappointed by the experience.
Duke’s Marketplace
Nestled in an alleyway a few blocks from Waikiki Beach is an open air market, the only one left in the neighborhood. If you're looking for a souvenir to take home and want something that screams "I got this from Hawaii", visit Duke's Marketplace. If you're not looking closely, you could end up walking right past it and into the higher end stores. You can find almost anything at Duke's, from jewelry and ukulele to hand-crafted gifts and more. The marketplace is lit up and alive at night, running operations until 11:00 at night.
Dole Plantation
This historic pineapple plantation is located in Wahiawa and was owned by James Dole. If you're a fan of pineapples, you must try the infamous Dolewhip, hop aboard the Pineapple Express train ride, and enter the world's largest maze which stretches over three acres long. The Pineapple Maze is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records and is filled with secret stations to find along the way and flora native to the islands of Hawaii. There is something fun and interesting here for everyone, including families!
Fumi's Kahuku Shrimp Truck
In the mood for some seafood? The locals on the north side swear by Fumi's Kahuku Shrimp truck! It is one of the top contenders for the island's best shrimp and the Hawaiians don't play about their shrimp. Grab a plate and take a seat under the trees where the leaves are marked with names and dates of past visitors. The place gives a more authentic feel than the restaurants on Waikiki Beach, and the food is packed with flavor!
You don't want to visit Oahu without exploring the island and all of its hidden gems. One visit was not enough time to truly take it all in so be sure to put some of these places on the top of your bucket list. Whatever you do, don't spend your entire vacation on the beach with all the tourists because the island of Oahu and its people have so much to offer.
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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The art of crystal healing has become mainstream within the last few years. We've seen crystals being talked about all over social media. These days, everyone seems to have a crystal for almost every occasion: love, growth, money, better sex, bigger booty, etc. However, what about having a crystal for your zodiac sign?
In order to learn the crystal for you based on your zodiac sign, I spoke with tarot card reader Patrick Sykes and astrologer Jack Fuller, who is an expert on crystals. Together, they discussed the perfect tarot messages and crystals they have for each zodiac sign.
1.Capricorn
Garnet.
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Crystal: Garnet Stone
"Capricorns will be good with anything that is grounding, any crystal that is root chakra-based. Many Capricorns are good at capitalizing in the world, so they already have this connection to that root chakra energy. Garnet stone can very much help them dive deeper into the root chakra. Garnet can also help them balance because sometimes Capricorns have an overabundance of energy. Sometimes they can put so much energy into making a coin, they forget to call their momma. Garnet stone can help them balance all of that."
Tarot Message:
"Capricorn got the Four of Swords. They tend to pull into themselves, but the Four of Swords talks about pulling into your dreams. Now is the time to pull into your dreams and own them."
2.Aquarius
Crystal: Selenite
"Amethyst is our baby. Amethyst is really good for making a connection with the third-eye chakra. The third-eye chakra helps you see out into the distances, the distances of time, space, dimension, and also protects your vision in that way. Also, if an Aquarius is not drowning in selenite, then I don't know what you're doing. We need that clarity because we're so future-focused. We need that clarity, so we can come back in, and see what's right in front of us. Selenite helps us get that future information in the present context."
Tarot Message:
"The sun came up for Aquarius. The sun is a Major Arcana card. This card talks about bringing new life. Aquariuses are the water-bearer, and they really bring that excitement. The message is to focus on the sun when you need that excitement and renewal."
3.Pisces
Crystal: Pyrite and Moonstone
"Usually, a Pisces is great with a good Moonstone. Pisces should carry pyrite (fools gold). Pyrite is really good for transmuting negative energies. Pisces tend to be in the realm of that empathic space holder. They are either controlling the emotion in the atmosphere or are absorbing it. Pisces need to be able to manage the negative effects of that because they can take hold of them. Moonstone is also great for Pisces! We are used to Moonstone aligning [those who use it] from the root chakra up, the Moonstone does it from the crown chakra down and gets you aligned with the spooky stuff. Moonstone helps you through shadow work."
Tarot Message:
"The card I got for Pisces is the Queen of Cups. Pisces is a very emotional sign, it's a water sign. The Queen of Cups isn't about not having those emotions or concealing them. The Queen of Cups is more for control of all those emotions. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by those emotions, know the power of them."
4.Aries
Carnelian
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Crystal(s): Carnelian, Blood-stone, and or Red Jasper
"Aries is a real serious and fiery sign. Aries comes through with the heat! You might get burned. Carnelian would be good for Aries in managing the fiery-ness. Aries is generous, like really generous at heart. However, the generosity is on their terms and if not followed, they might not be so generous. They have to manage to give that fire to themselves and making the specificity their own. Blood-stone and Red Jasper can be good because it allows them to think before they act."
Tarot Message:
"The card for Aries is the World card, but in reverse. What this signifies is challenging how you arrive. Aries can tend to be stubborn because they are firm in their passions. For this, it's important to know how you arrive at this passion. The world card in reverse talks about circling back, like how did you get there? And making sure that is a valid place to be."
5.Taurus
Crystal(s): Malachite and Emerald
"Malachite comes in handy for a lot of earth signs in bringing rigidity to the heart, especially for Taurians. They are similar to Aries in that they have a plan that's going to be best for YOUR life. The difference between Tauruses and Aries is Taurses are closer to right. Taurus needs the ability to have their ideas for people's lives be adaptable. Taurians require the ability to adapt in their life. They have a hard time adapting their view of others and this affects their connection with others. Taurians wanting to help comes from a nurturing space, but they have to remember to not be overbearing. Emerald is the birthstone for May. An emerald crystal is good because it helps heal those emotional wounds."
Tarot Message:
"The card that came up for Taurus is the Eight of Cups. This card talks about you feeling emotionally empty and feeling like you're missing something. The thing that is missing is knowing the truth of your own emotions. The Eight of Cups talks about going there with yourself emotionally."
6.Gemini
Crystal: Pearl
"The Gemini birthstone is the pearl. A Gemini's sense of individualism is high, it can be good. However, it tends to be toxic more often than not. The lesson Geminis need to learn from the pearl is: 'There is not only one pearl in a clam, but a pool of twenty.' Remember, there is a pool of twenty you came here with. There is a lack of individualism and an interconnection to compartmentalize the voices they're hearing. Pearl can help Geminis deliver messages clearer than they hear it in their head."
Tarot Message:
"The card that came up for Gemini is the Princess of Wands. The Princess of Wands talks about not [taking] yourself so seriously that you forget why it was fun in the first place. Geminis are creatures of passion; they do things because they enjoy them. When the passions manifest into success and opportunity, it is because it came from a place of fun. However, they can get into their heads and get so mysterious that they forget why they started. The Princess of Wands says: 'Remember this started as something that brought you creative fulfillment and joy.'"
7.Cancer
Crystal(s): Jade, but really Rhodonite
"Jade inspires confidence. Cancers feed and absorb all those emotions in a way that tends to be more self-deprecating. Cancers will take all those emotions and personalize them. They need a lot of self-worth help, and Rhodonite is the best stone for that. Cancers need to dive into self-worth and understand that there is so much value in the ability to internalize other people's stories. They also need to realize that their own story is traumatic enough. Know your self-worth to know that you're worth not taking on other people's stuff."
Tarot Message:
"The card for Cancers is the Nine of Pentacles. This means: reaping the rewards of the seeds you planted, like seeing your garden grow. Knowing that because you put in this work (emotionally/financially, etc.), know that it's going to be beautiful when it grows. Take time to celebrate what you built."
8.Leo
Sunstone.
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Crystal(s): Sunstone and Tiger's eye
"Leos are missing people and places because being shiny in a cave doesn't do y'all much justice. There isn't a lack of confidence, but a lowkey fear vibration happening. Sunstone will set that fear into an intention. It's going to help decipher whether the fear is healthy or not. Fear is love in excess, so deal with it. Figure out what it is that you're loving in excess, so you can let it go, and release that fear. Giving it intent is going to give it context. Leos hate being indecisive, but love having options. There's a fear of letting go of those options because having those options brings comfort. You have to put that fear in good context so that you can let go of those options. Those options are beautiful, but they're not serving you. Tiger's eye will also give you guys the bravery that you need."
Tarot Message:
"The card for Leo is the Star. To be the Star, if you want to be at the center, also requires responsibility. You can't be at the center and not accept the responsibilities of being at the center. The Star talks about getting in tune with that. If you're going to be the boss, you're going to have to put in the work. If you want to be the center, you have to do the work that requires you to stay there."
9.Virgo
Crystal: Lapis Lazuli and Citrine
"Virgos are outspoken and they hold that overbearing nurturer energy. However, they are not good at saying what they mean. Virgos are very good at asking, 'What's wrong? What needs to be fixed? And how to fix it?' But, when it comes to expressing the truth of how they're feeling in a moment or about a person, it sometimes gets over-intellectualized or over-contextualized. Lapis lazuli is a good throat chakra clearer and breaks up blockages in the throat chakra. I'm also sensing that Virgos need some citrine. They just need some confidence. Virgos find your confidence, so you can get back into reflecting and loving yourself."
Tarot Message:
"The card for Virgo is the Wheel of Fortune in reverse. This card talks about letting go. Virgos need to detach themselves from the work that they do, instead of digging deeper. This can only lead to confusion between your work and yourself. Remember, it's important to compartmentalize parts of yourself. Use this to reevaluate to move forward."
10.Libra
Crystal: Pink Tourmaline
"For Libras, I would suggest Pink Tourmaline. They (Libras) are good at finding people of interest, but not necessarily good at experiencing the love that the person has for them, and expressing the truth of the love that they feel. There's a lot of desiring that love to look a particular way. Libras tend to get into situations where they are looking for something in relationships, rather than appreciating what is there. Libras need to allow themselves to experience the love that is coming towards them so they can understand what their love means. Pink Tourmaline will be good for experiencing love in a way that is pouring into you."
Tarot Message:
"The card for Libra is the King of Swords. This card is a card that represents air but is a very stern and opinionated representation of a person. What this signifies for Libras is: 'People will respect you more if you tell them what you actually think.' Libras feel like they have to be so many things for so many people. A lot of people also respect Libras, which is why people would respect what they really have to say."
11.Scorpio
Crystal: Aquamarine
"Aquamarine would be good! Scorpios have been trying to get a specific spiritual message across for a while. The spiritual message has to do with self-care, specifically spiritual self-care. Aquamarine will help you access different levels of calm that will give you the ability to release some frustration. Scorpios need this because they don't need any more reason to be icy."
Tarot Message:
"The Nine of Swords is the card I have for Scorpios. This talks about internalizing your own life fears and those fears can manifest into reality. Try your best not to do this! Stop giving your fears so much power and manifesting them into reality."
12.Sagittarius
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Crystal: Turquoise
"The stone that Sagittarius needs is some turquoise, so you can be honest with yourself. You can be honest with the people around you because you have good people around you. The people around see you and love you for who you really are despite your flaws. [You need] time to get a good understanding of yourself and be honest with yourself, so you can be more honest with the people that love you. Once you're honest with the people around [you], they can be of more assistance. Your friends are sick of you needing help, yet not knowing how to ask for it."
Tarot Message:
"The Ten of Wands are what came up for Sagittarius. We can see you bearing all that weight. [The] Sagittarius should know: just because you are taking on the responsibility of something, that doesn't mean it translates to burden. Stop taking on responsibilities as burden and weight. Instead, take them on as labors of love. You need to embrace the love of this responsibility."
For more of Jack and Patrick, follow them on Instagram: @gypjaq and @mx.sykes.
Featured image by Shutterstock
Originally published on March 8, 2021