If you’d like to stay away from the more well-worn paths, Oahu has many quieter areas that will offer a more authentic island experience with room for solitude and romance. The North Shore is famed for its beaches, and surfers should especially take note of the healthy waves that tend to be produced in the winter months. If you’re not a boarder, stroll the wide swaths of sand and sunbathe to your heart’s content. If you do happen to be a daredevil wave runner, prepare to face some of the best terrain you’ll ever see. The summer is a bit more peaceful, so grab some snorkel or diving gear and feel comfortable entering the friendly surf.

An admittedly popular tourist attraction and one that’s important to see is the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Boat access to the memorial, which spans the length of the sunken ship that contains the remains of 1,102 sailors killed by Japanese bombers in 1941, and a visitor’s center will offer guidance to you and your traveling companions as you learn about this important historical event.

Another magnet for tourists that is deservedly popular is the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie in North Oahu. Seven different island cultures are represented in this living museum, including Samoa, Fiji, and Tahiti. The World Fire Knife Dance Competition takes place here every year, an Imax theatre can be found on the premises, and a lagoon is available for canoe rides unlike any you’ve taken before. Stay for the evening multicultural show and the festive luau for a full experience.