Kickin it with the keiki

KHI BEACH PARKKids love a day at the beach, so start off on Waikks most popular stretch of sand, with two walled-off pools and screamin bodyboarding.

KAPIOLANI PARK Take an oceanfront amble or hop on a bus to the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo.

DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENTScramble through spooky tunnels and up twisted staircases to summit an ancient volcanic crater.

POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER This nonprofit cultural park revolves around eight Polynesian-themed villages where you can enjoy cultural shows and a park-wide boat parade showcasing native dances.

BISHOP MUSEUMTake a minisubmarine dive or walk through an exploding mock volcano at Hawaiis top natural and cultural history museum.

KUALOA RANCH Its Oahus largest cattle ranch (with 1500 head) and the setting where Hurley built his Lost golf course, Godzilla left his footprints and the Jurassic Park kids hid from dinosaurs.

WET N WILD Every temperament, from timid to thrill-seeking, is served at this 25-acre waterpark. Float on a lazy river or brave a seven-story water slide and the football field-sized wave pool.

KO OLINA RESORTEven if you dont stay overnight, stop by for a swim in the calm, waveless Ko Olina Lagoons.

Go green

MT TANTALUSWhere Honolulu locals go to hike in the cool upland forests of the misty Koolau Range.

HANAUMA BAY Oahus premier snorkeling and diving spot is protected as the states first Marine Life Conservation District.

KAILUAThis adventure-sports hub has cozy vacation rentals and B&Bs, yoga on the beach and ecofriendly eateries.

HOOMALUHIA BOTANICAL GARDENThe Windward Coast doesnt get more lush than inside this county park, which also has pretty campsites.

MALAEKAHANA STATE RECREATION AREA Another opportunity for camping or renting a rustic cabin, along with all kinds of family-friendly water sports.

WAIMEA VALLEY Explore some ancient Hawaiian archeological sites, go bird-watching or enjoy waterfall-pool swimming.

DEEP ECOLOGY This North Shore dive shop, with strong environmental ethics, runs whale-watching tours in winter.

KAENA POINT STATE PARK This feels about as far away from urban civilization as you can get on Oahu, especially if you approach from the Mokuleia side.

O ahu is the ali i (chief) of the Hawaiian Islands. Most locals say theyve got the best of both worlds here. Theres the big city of Honolulu, then theres the other side of the island, where rural farms and dirt roads lead deep into a Hawaiian heartland. On some wild, rugged and nearly deserted beaches, sea turtles still outnumber the surfers. Who says you cant have it all here? Not us, and definitely not the lucky residents of O ahu. Explore the very different sides of the island with these four itineraries.

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Welcome to O ahu

Produced by Lonely Planet for Oahu Visitor Bureau. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.

Take a hike

DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENTDo the classic Oahu hike and walk to the top of this beautiful lookout. You wont have it to yourself, but the views are unreal and its a great way to get a feel for the islands geography.

UPPER MNOA VALLEYAn awesome place for a hike and, best yet, its only a few steps from Honolulu. It doesnt take a huge effort to get here, and the walks are some of the islands best.

MAUNAWILI TRAIL SYSTEM Trek this southeast Oahu classic, with panoramic views of the mountains and Windward Coast that are a feast for the photographic eye.

LEEWARD COAST Hike this wild, rarely visited coast and youll likely have it all to yourself. The Kaena Point Trail takes in great beaches and explores the islands wild northwest corner.

KAWELAOn the islands northeast corner is this little pocket of trails. Most people head here to surf, but there are great walks, beaches to explore and bays to discover.

KEALIA TRAILGo to the islands northwest for this gem of a track. Get lost on the set of Lost and take in the views from the ridge classic.

Surfs up

CENTRAL WAIKK BEACHIt doesnt matter if youre an old pro or a grommet, you have to start your surfing adventure under the watchful eyes of Duke. Central Waikk Beach is the ancestral home of surfing and where most Oahu surfers catch their first wave. Pull out the longboard and ride a few.

LEEWARD COASTOff the radar for most travelers and a hidden gem, this coast is chockablock with great surf breaks. Tracks is a local classic and can have some great waves. Maili is a ferocious beach break and is perfect for a bodysurf. End the day in Mkaha, where the waves can be massive and the vibe is always mellow.

NORTH SHOREThis is the day youve been waiting for. From the east, surf Sunset Beach Park, Pipeline, Waimea Bay and Haleiwa Alii. All are classic breaks and must-dos on any surfers itinerary.

SOUTHEAST COAST Finish up the circle and surf some of the southeast classics. Diamond Head Beach often has good waves even when other breaks are playing the fickle card.

Produced by Lonely Planet for Oahu Visitor Bureau. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.