Part of Hawaii’s charm lies in its laid back communities. Nestled among the high rise buildings and restaurant chains are family-owned farms, century old estates and roadside fruit stands.

Haleiwa is a portrait of laid back Hawaii. Serving as the entrance to the world-renowned surfing beaches of the north shore, the quaint town allows the visitor to experience the true Hawaii. Stop by one of the surf shops and chat with the workers who will educate you about the alluring history of surfing in Hawaii. Stroll into one of the art galleries or small museums to view local artwork or surfing artifacts. Locals and visitors travel miles to eat a burger at Kua Aina and wash it down with a cold Matsumoto shave ice.

Like Haleiwa, Manoa is a sleepy valley community that remains serene despite hosting the students and facilities of the University of Hawaii. Café’s and ethnic restaurants line the sidewalks with outdoor seating often occupied by mixtures of professionals, tourists, transplanted hippies, and students with open books and laptops. Even the local Starbucks possesses the quiet Manoa charm. Drive to the back of Manoa and take the short hike up to majestic Manoa Falls.

After experiencing the quiet side of Hawaii, you’ll be ready to get your adrenaline pumping. There are numerous opportunities for visitors of all excitement levels to partake in.

Hawaii Waters Adventure Park is on the west side of Oahu and is the state’s only amusement park. With the sun shining down, the park is the best place for thrills. The young and old will have fun screaming down the park’s water slides and splashing down into pools of cool water. Or grab a "boogie" board and catch waves in the park’s wave pool.

The west side of Oahu also sports some of the best golf courses in the world. With hundreds of glorious holes, you can play a different course on each day of your vacation. Municipal courses are where the best deals are found at less than $40 per round. Ewa Villages Golf Course, a par-73 course in Ewa Beach is the nicest municipal course on the island. Ala Wai Golf Course is another municipal course and since it is steps from Waikiki, it is renowned for being the busiest course in the United States. For golfers up to a challenge, check out Koolau Golf Club where you’ll wind your way through tight fairways carved out of a hilly forest. This course is consistently rated as one of the toughest courses in the nation…bring extra balls.

Although there is a lot to do in Hawaii, its beaches cannot be ignored and are among the best in the world. Waikiki Beach is at the foot of most of the hotels in Honolulu. But once you get your fill of Waikiki, there are many beautiful and less crowded beaches that should be on every tourist’s to do list.

Ala Moana Beach Park is less than a five minute drive from most Waikiki hotels. The park is Hawaii’s version of central park, sporting tennis courts, running paths, exercise equipment, a croquet field, ponds, barbeque areas, and of course a long stretch of beach. On the weekends and on holidays, the park is filled with local residents getting together for potluck meals. It’s a great place to go to smell all of the local food being grilled. During the week, the beach transforms into a quiet sanctuary where one can find their own area to stretch out and catch some sun.

Lanikai Beach is located in the town of Kailua, about twenty minutes from Waikiki. Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world, Lanikai’s soft sands stretch towards some of the clearest water on the island. Visitors rent kayaks from nearby stores and paddle out to the nearby Mokolua Islands. Green sea turtles often can be spotted relatively close to shore.

Hunakai Beach is a great stretch of beach in Kahala. These secluded sands meander behind some of the nicest and most expensive homes in Hawaii. Do not be surprised if you see a celebrity walking along the beach as it is close the Kahala Mandarin Hotel often visited by the Hollywood elite.

Whether you’re into stargazing on the beach or visiting museums, Hawaii has opportunities for everyone. All you have to do is get out and experience what the islands have to offer. And don’t be shy to get away from Waikiki. The islands are full of possibilities.