Oahu, Hawaii

Whenever I hear the words – beach, fun and relaxation, I could only think of Oahu. When we visited this place a year ago, my friends and I tried this Kalua Pua’a or roasted pig and I have never tried anything like that before. It was mouthwatering! The seafood was great, the beach and various water-sports activities made our entire vacation worth it!

Having grown up in Hawaii, I consider it to be home.

There are a million things to see and do in Hawaii. Unfortunately, not many tourists get off the beaten path to explore the hidden gems that Oahu has.

Waikiki is lovely, but so are other parts.. I grew up in Kailua, which is about half an hour east of Honolulu, and the area is known for its beautiful beaches, including Lanikai, one of the world's most famous.

To have a fun adventure and escape the crowds, plan on doing a hike up Maunawili Falls. It's only about 20 minutes from Honolulu, and the trail ends in a gorgeous waterfall. It's very 'Hawaii'.

If you're looking for great surf and warm weather, Hawaii is the place for you. Depending on the season, the waves are large, or small. In the winter, the waves can get to be over 20-30 feet on the North Shore, while they stay a consisten 2-4 feet on the south shore (i.e. Diamond Head).

In the summer, the reverse is true. Diamond Head picks up while the North Shore eases off. Regardless, there are a ton of beaches to explore. Make sure to try out Hawaiian 'Shave Ice' cones and, of course, locals favorites like L and L drive in and Zippy's. So ono!!