8 Things You Shouldn't Miss on Oahu, Hawaii (PHOTOS) | HuffPost Life

8 Things You Shouldn't Miss on Oahu, Hawaii (PHOTOS)

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Everyone has their own idea of what makes the perfect Hawaiian vacation. It might be lazing on the beach, or doing some adventurous hikes, or cycling down Maui's Haleakala. I also often hear that a person's favorite island is Maui or Kauai, because Oahu is "too crowded and touristy." Having grown up on Oahu, it's actually easy to get away from the crowded, touristy parts; to start with, stay out of Waikiki. In the 17 years I lived on Oahu, I think my family went there a total of 5 times, and never to the beach there. Here are my picks for Oahu. See a few extra tips (including a couple for a Big Island getaway) on TravelSort.

8 Things You Shouldn't Miss on Oahu, Hawaii

Go for a Walk or a Swim at Lanikai Beach(01 of08)

Many people swear by their favorite beach on Maui or Kauai, but one of the loveliest and most secluded beaches is Lanikai Beach on Oahu. Take a refreshing swim or simply relax with a loved one on the soft silky sand. Photo: MattSims

See the Only Royal Palace in the U.S.(02 of08)

Hawaii is the only U.S. state to have once been a monarchy, and you can still see 'Iolani Palace, the home of the former monarchy (and also where Hawaii's last queen, Queen Lili'uokalani, was imprisoned when the monarchy was overthrown. (credit:Flickr:coconut wireless)

Enjoy the Views at the Pali Lookout(03 of08)

Enjoy some of Oahu's best views from the Pali Lookout. It can get extremely windy, so bring a light jacket. This is also where King Kamehameha, who was the first monarch to unite the islands, pushed a rival army over the cliff, so there are plenty of creepy ghost stories about the Night Marchers . . .Photo: Anosmia

Get a Fresh Malasada at Champion Malasadas(04 of08)

I'll be honest: the best malasadas (Portuguese holeless doughnuts) are at the local school carnivals, such as those at 'Iolani and Punahou. But since your visit may not coincide with those, Champion is my next favorite option (better than the more famous Leonard's, because Champion fries theirs to order). (credit:Flickr:joyosity)

Paddle Surfing(05 of08)

Everyone is going to ask you whether you went surfing in Hawaii, so why not be able to answer yes? Paddle surfing is easier than regular surfing, with a much more stable board that you stand on. Several local companies offer lessons and rentals.Photo: bluewaikiki

Explore the Underwater Life(06 of08)

One of my favorite beaches to go to when I was growing up was Hanauma Bay, a fish preserve where enormous tuna, parrotfish and others would fearlessly brush against against me while swimming and snorkeling. Hanauma is much more crowded these days, so I recommend you go early, or try Kaneohe Bay. Photo: the bridge

Try Hawaiian Food at Ono Hawaiian Foods(07 of08)

It's hard to get better Hawaiian food for a better price than at this local favorite (726 Kapahulu Ave., (808) 737-2275). Try the pork lau lau (tender pork wrapped in taro leaves and ti leaves, then steamed), lomi lomi salmon (literally, rubbed salmon, since it's rubbed with tomatoes and onions) and poi (the Hawaiians' main food, and the perfect bland foil to lomi lomi salmon). (credit:Flickr:citymama)

Hilton Hawaiian Village - Friday Night(08 of08)

No, I'm not necessarily recommending you stay at the Hilton or even in Waikiki, but there is a nice Polynesian dance performance around the pool area every Friday evening around 7pm, followed by fireworks. Even better, one of my favorite Hawaiian music groups, Olomana, performs in the Tapa Bar on Friday and Saturday nights from 8-11pm. If you enjoy Hawaiian music, don't miss them! (credit:Flickr:love%u2661janine)

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