The Island Of Oahu
As home to Hawaii’s bustling capital city, Honolulu, the island of Oahu is often the point of entry for visitors to the state. Many make a brief stopover here before heading to their chosen destination, but, says Villegas, Oahu shouldn’t be overlooked. “It’s a great place to understand the history,” she explains. “From the sugar and pineapple plantations to Pearl Harbor, there’s a lot to take in. In Oahu, I think you can really understand the roots of Hawaii.”
Three Essential Oahu Experiences:
Visit Hanauma Bay State Park
Villegas calls Hanauma Bay State Park an iconic destination, noting “I don’t think you can visit Oahu without going there.” This curved bay is known for its incredible coral reefs that team with marine life, making it one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the island. To preserve the beauty of the park, officials have implemented a reservation system, allowing 750 visitors per day maximum.
Surf with the pros on Oahu’s North Shore
Whether you can hold your own alongside North Shore pro surfers like Kelly Slater and Jamie O’Brien, or you’re just starting out and want to learn the basics of the board, Oahu is the place to do it. Villegas recommends hanging out near Pipeline (a famous break with perfect barrel waves) or Sunset Beach if you want to surf alongside the pros (or watch them from the shore with a beer in hand), and Waikiki if you’re a beginner looking for gentler waves conducive to lessons.
Try Asian-influenced Hawaiian cuisine
Thanks to a large population of immigrants from Asia, Oahu boasts a delicious array of Hawiian-meets-Asian fusion cuisine. Villegas recommends heading straight to Chinatown or up-and-coming district Kaka’ako for noodles, dumplings and everything in between.