If you’re about to take your first trip to Oahu, you’re in for the opportunity of a lifetime. To make the most of the vacation, here are a few tips on how to enjoy a true Hawaiian cultural experience.

How to Make the Most of a Hawaiian Vacation

1. Visit a Cultural Attraction

On your vacation, make time to check out some of Oahu’s most illuminating attractions. Attend a luau for an immersive Hawaiian cultural experience that provides traditional food and entertainment. Take a tour of Pearl Harbor for insight into Hawaii’s integral role in World War II. Visit a plantation to learn more about Hawaii’s agricultural history. 

2. Eat Local Food

Hawaiian cuisine makes use of the islands’ abundance of produce as well as ingredients the original Polynesian voyagers brought. With the surrounding ocean, seafood features prominently in dishes like poke—cubed, lightly marinated raw fish. At a luau, kalua pig is the highlight—the pig is cooked in an underground oven for several hours to achieve a tender texture similar to pulled pork.

For dessert, enjoy fresh fruits like pineapple, or try haupia, a Hawaiian coconut pudding.

3. Get Out of Touristy Areas

Though Oahu has plenty of designated tourist hot spots like Waikiki and Kaka‘ako, it’s nice to step away from the large crowds and explore other areas.

There are plenty of less-frequented beaches and hiking trails for the adventurous and outdoorsy, like Waimanalo Beach Park and Kaena Point. Find new perspectives of the island from vantage points like Tantalus Lookout. Discover hole-in-the-wall shops and eateries in the residential neighborhoods of Honolulu, like Kaimuki and Chinatown.

Enjoy an authentic luau experience with Experience Nutridge in Honolulu, HI. Their farm-to-table menu and entertainment show will provide a memorable Hawaiian cultural experience for you and your family. Make a reservation by calling (808) 531-5050. You can also view their menu online. They’re happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions.