Discovering Oahu – An Island Overview

Diamond Head at Waikiki Beach
Sunny Oahu is known as the “heart and gathering place of Hawaii” where you will find a mixture of cosmopolitan conveniences among beautiful tropical scenery, welcoming shores and the finest Oahu hotels. The world famous Waikiki Beach is marvelously flanked by the equally famous Diamond Head crater. Waikiki Beach is a popular place to sunbathe, swim, people watch, enjoy a tropical drink and surf. Waikiki offers a large variety of hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.

Oahu boasts the capital of Hawaii, which is Honolulu. Using Oahu as your base, you can learn more about Hawaiian history and the state government. See the Iolani Palace which was the home of Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch. The Bishop Museum houses in incredible collection of Hawaiian artifacts.

No trip to Oahu is complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor. You will be moved by  visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, that includes a museum visit, a 20 minute film depicting the events of the attack, and the solemn boat tour to the Arizona Memorial which hovers above the sunken USS Arizona – the final resting place and tomb of 1,102 of the battleship’s crewmen. A tour of the “Mighty Mo” (USS Missouri Battleship) also in Pearl Harbor offers a fascinating history.

Oahu offers the water enthusiast’s dream just east of Honolulu. Learn to surf on Waikiki Beach or opt to ride the waves on an outrigger canoe. If you want to discover beautiful tropical fish, Hanauma Bay has fantastic snorkeling. For a little exercise while sightseeing on the water kayak the to the Mokulua Islands or just lounge on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world at Lanikai Beach.

Oahu has many picturesque beaches, charming small towns, and vistas. Along the windward (northeast) side of the island, you will find green forests and several rural towns that invite you for a stop. Just a bit north of these towns, you will find the fantastic Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. Here you will learn of the cultures, arts and crafts of Polynesia. The Alii Luau here is award winning. The evening show, Ha – Breath of Life,  is not to be missed.

On the North Shore, you will find Oahu’s famous surfing beaches. Here you’ll also find picturesque beaches for watching sunset. Also, on the North Shore you will find Turtle Bay, a luxury resort right by gorgeous turquoise waters. At Turtle Bay Resort, you can golf on world class courses. After 18 holes in paradise, and perhaps a game of tennis, you can relax and enjoy a massage at the Spa at Turtle Bay Resort.

Between the Waianae and Koolau mountain ranges you will find fields of pineapples and sugar cane. Stop in at the Dole Plantation; walk through the pineapple garden maze, which is the world’s largest maze as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records. While you are at the Dole Plantation, don’t forget to sample a delicious DoleWhip® — a frozen pineapple treat.

Oahu offers a memorable Hawaiian experience with its culture, beautiful scenery, and pristine beaches. Come to Oahu for your honeymoon, anniversary, or family vacation and relax, play and pamper as much as you like.

3 comments
  1. We will be visiting Hawaii, “Ohau” in December, and are looking for things to do that will be interesting.
    We have been there several times in the past but not in December.

  2. We are looking to rent a house in Oahu – North Shore – which is 3 minutes away by car from the beaches, away from Kamehameha Highway up in the Pupukea Highlands. The descriptions say it is cooler but could anyone give me an idea what that means in February 2-9th – the property has a pool and we would like to swim if possible. Many thanks for any aavice Chris

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