Waialua

If you're feeling overwhelmed by Honolulu's hectic city life, escape to North Shore's calm region of Waialua. When in Waialua, you can choose from a variety of adventures including snorkeling, surfing, and shopping. Waialua also offers a peek into Hawaii's vibrant Polynesian culture.

Even though Waialua is prominently a residential area, it welcomes you to enjoy the attractions reflecting Hawaii's rich agricultural history. The Waialua sugar mill, the town's epicenter, recalls a time when Hawaii's abundant natural resources gave rise to the island's many plantations. The mill now hosts an impressive soap factory, restaurants, and a Saturday morning farmers' market. The generous farmers' market displays an array of succulent fruits, including luscious papayas and large pineapples. A selection of colorful tropical flowers reflects Oahu's picturesque scenery.

Generations of wisdom have been passed down to board shapers at Waialua's surfboard factory, which creates optimum handcrafted boards in order to navigate the unruly waters of Oahu's North Shore. The Turtle Bay Resort is a luxurious place to stay, and boasts 36 holes of top Oahu golfing.

The resort caters to the eclectic tastes of its guests with several restaurants on site. Menus include Hawaiian, Japanese and even Mexican fare, such as seared scallops, garlic edamame, and irresistible goat cheese nachos. The menus also offer healthy vegan and vegetarian options, such as Hamakua mushroom orzo. At happy hour, dive into a macadamia nut infused Ko'olua colada or an authentic MaiTai.

If you're feeling more adventurous, venture into one of Waialua's neighboring towns. You can rent mopeds for the day and travel out into the back roads of Oahu. The Waialua region is located only about 30 minutes from the Honolulu airport, conveniently allowing you to island hop or catch a ride back home.

Even though a visit to Waialua is the perfect day trip, you should not miss the epic sunsets, which end the day's adventures on a peaceful note.

- Amy Van Duzer