Discover Oahu's West Side

When travelers think Oahu, Honolulu may be the first, and only, on-island destination that comes to mind. Of course, Hawaii's capital city is a worthwhile destination, but escape the tourists on Waikiki beach for a few days on Oahu's less-explored west side, an oasis of pristine beaches, sunsets and resorts catering to relaxers and adventure seekers alike, who don't want to be surrounded by crowds.

This beachfront property tucked away along the rustic western coastline is ideal for an oceanside escape less than an hour from the airport. Sunsets are spectacular, but while the sun's up, take advantage of complimentary paddle boards, a magnificent family pool and adult's only infinity pool with bookable cabanas, plus poolside or oceanside food and beverage service throughout the day.

The resort is central enough to make it your home base for exploring Oahu, or stay and unwind for a few days without setting foot off the property. Spacious accommodations range from rooms with private outdoor tubs to a variety of suites with roomy balconies and plenty of in-room amenities to keep you cozy. Guests are provided with iPads to help access daily schedules, pre-order room service and request a variety of concierge services. Kids can be watched for adults-only time and even camp overnight on the property's tennis courts as part of the resort's kids programming.

Hawaii Forest & Trail guides hikers of varying abilities through exclusive trails, while chatting about local flora and fauna, Hawaiian culture, history and more. Transportation is available and amenities like raincoats, walking sticks, snacks and more are provided to help the not-so-outdoorsy adjust to the Hawaiian wilderness (which is not too far from any highway, but rustic enough to be breathtakingly beautiful).

Ko Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum is a farm-to-bottle distillery that uses heirloom cane sugar to create a unique (and tasty!) rum. Tours allow visitors to see the dozens of varieties of indigenous sugar cane, witness its juicing and taste the various types of rum made from the raw product.

Get a massage under the stars

A new nighttime experience at Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre is an unforgettable indulgence for a special night. Couples can enjoy private relaxation time in the spa's whirlpool, steam room and sauna, paired with bubbly and chocolates. Next, guests are escorted to a candlelit outdoor spa hale on the beach, where the ocean waves and nighttimes palm breezes provide the soundtrack to an hour-long couples massage. The treatment is followed by more bubbly, and an exclusive astrologist-led stargazing experience on the lawn.

Mina’s Fish House is home to the only practicing fish sommelier in the world, Ryan Houser. Helmed by celeb chef Michael Mina, the oceanside indoor-outdoor restaurant serves a range of shellfish both raw and broiled, along with genre-bending seafood dishes like a spicy Alaskan crab spaghetti and a whole fish blanketed in black garlic and miso. Houser offers tableside ordering guidance, as well as shares his seafood knowledge and will instruct diners on how to properly debone and fillet their fish. Tiki cocktails also help kick off or wash down a meal.

Local artist Pi’iali’i Lawson continues his family's rich history of lauhala weaving by teaching the craft to locals and visitors, as well as selling the unique wares he makes by hand, from organic materials found on the island. A class instructs first-timers on how leaves are sourced from local hala trees, dried and striped into pieces that anyone can learn to weave with some pattern instruction. Create a bracelet or napkin rings — easily the most unique souvenir you can bring back!

Disney resort Aulani (connected to the Four Seasons via a beachside boardwalk — stop in the middle for a swirl of chilly Dole Whip) — hosts family-friendly luau nights including Hawaiian performances, a shareable Polynesian feast and more activities to introduce visitors to local culture.

Source: Forbes.com

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