Waipahu

Waipahu, in Hawaiian, translates to "spring water", with "wai" meaning water and "pahu" to "burst or gush forth". This area has a deep cultural and historical significance to Oahu: most of the area was used for sugar cane production dating back to 1897. Although sugar cane hasn't been produced here for over a decade, the outdoor museum of Hawai`i Plantation Village takes visitors back in time to revisit the lives of plantation workers. The varied backgrounds of these immigrant plantation workers contributed largely to the diverse "melting pot" of today's population of islanders. Waipahu is also home to the Filipino Community Center, or the FilCom, the largest Filipino cultural center outside of the Philippines. Throughout the year, the most popular event is the annual May Filipino Fiesta held in Kapiolani Park, in Waikiki. There is never a dull moment at the FilCom, where a variety of weekly classes are held, such as martial arts, Filipino folk dancing, singing and arts and crafts.

Some people can never resist a good bargain. Hundreds of visitors flock to the magnificent palm-fringed shops found at Waikele Premium Outlets. Unique Hawaiian crafts can be found at small vendors, along with specialty oceanic merchandise at the store Blue Hawai'i Surf. If hunger calls, answer it at Leonard's Malasada Lunch Wagon, located in the lower level parking lot. Malasadas are a Portuguese doughnut--a scrumptious treat after a long day of combing through shops. Or, there's always Thelma's Restaurant, a revered hole-in-the-wall that offers a cozy atmosphere and Filipino food. Antsy for some more local flavor, Mom N' Pop style? Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering never disappoints, with its musubi, a local staple made of spam, salmon or plum and rice tied together with a piece of nori, or seaweed. Tanioka's is also known for its assortment of delicious mixed bento made of chicken and yakisoba noodles, or its 20-plus kinds of poke. Many unique cultural experiences abound in Waipahu, from the eventful FilCom center to one-of-a-kind food delights.

- Jade Ballard