OAHU is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and home to about 70% of Hawaii’s population — and is known as “The Gathering Place.” I once lived on Oahu, so it feels like my home away from home — and yet every time I go back, there’s so much more to discover. Check out this island I know well, and still love.

1

At Pacific Skydiving, the plane takes a good 10 minutes to gain necessary elevation for jumping. Once it’s reached 15,000+ feet, the passengers scoot to the end of the bench waiting their turn to make their way towards the open doors. The wind blasts through the cabin, and there’s a tangible air of anxiety and exhilaration. Depending on the package you purchase, you free fall for around 30 seconds to over a minute at 120 mph with 5 minutes of floating with the parachute open.

2

When you're done diving through the sky, set sail on a boat because clearly, you're winning at life. Wining and dining with friends on a yacht out at sea is about as good as it gets. Yacht excursions are available to groups, for an afternoon exploring the west side of Oahu. You are fed appetizers and drinks - and have the option to snorkel or simply enjoy the cruise from the comforts of the boat.

3

Get back on land and check out Climb Works Keana Farms. There are three sky bridges, two rappels, and an ATV adventure included on the tour, all on a working agricultural farm that’s been around for decades. The farm produces over a million pounds of produce for local markets, and throughout the tour, you get to snack on whatever is fresh, like heirloom tomatoes and apple bananas.

4

Each sky bridge leads you to another station where you can take one of the eight zip line runs and learn a little Hawaiian history at the same time. The sky bridges are beautifully built and offer some magnificent views - and each has snacks from the farm and cold water available. It is a 3-hour guided zip line tour with lines ranging from 500 feet to almost a half mile long.

5

The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina has beautiful canopies tucked alongside the beach, which are extremely private and peaceful. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset and get away from all the noise.

6

Located on the western side of the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, the infinity pool is for adults only. The pool is 123 feet long and only gets up to 4 feet deep, so it’s perfect for cooling off. You can order drinks without leaving the pool and lie out on the lounge chairs for hours, while pool attendants freshen up your towels and drinks.

7

After catching your breath by the pool, travel to the westernmost point of Oahu to end the day. Ka'ena Point State Park is approximately one hour from Honolulu, with unobstructed views of the coastline. This part of the island is less frequented by tourists. Just as the sun sets, seabirds fly everywhere in flocks overhead and you probably will have the whole place to yourself.

8

The entire 3.5-mile trail to Ka’ena Point is open coastline. Ka’ena Point is said to be the place where souls of ancient Hawaiians jump off into the spirit world.

9

You're going to be hungry after all this action, so eat some Poke. Pronounced Poh-keh, it’s cubed raw fish - such as tuna, salmon, or octopus - seasoned dozens of different ways. Take your pick. It’s traditionally served over rice.

10

Coral Crater Adventure Park has a full zip line course - in case you hadn't had enough - but also side-by-side ATVs, a freefall, a king swing, an adventure tower and a climbing wall. You could easily spend all day at this park. You can also go after dark for a bonfire, or try out the zip lines at night. If you're lucky you can snag a spot for their once-a-month Zombie Apocalypse.

11

After being harnessed in on the rope course all morning, we had some fun off-roading in a side-by-side ATV. The trails take you through bank turns and beautiful jungle, and we met the friendly local pig.

12

Some of the most beautiful scenery and best views on my trip were at Kualoa Private Nature Reserve in Kaneohe. We took a two-hour horseback ride through mountain trails and the valleys of Kualoa and Hakipu’u. Deep in the Ka’a’awa Valley, we saw World War II bunkers and some of the more sweepings views of my whole trip. Oahu, this one small and beautiful island, has a lot to offer - from jumping out of a plane, sailing the sea, climbing, zipping through the air, and riding through valleys, Go, then go back again.

[Note: Kylie was a guest of the O'ahu Visitors Bureau and its partners.]