From the white sandy beaches and lush green mountains to the royal palaces and world-class shopping, O’ahu is a gorgeous vacation destination. If you will be traveling to Hawaii, here's a brief visitor's guide to Honolulu's island, O'ahu.
Visiting Honolulu
Honolulu is Hawaii’s capital city and is a bustling metropolis. There are art galleries, royal palaces from the days of the Hawaiian monarchy (Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on U.S. soil), a maritime academy, the Honolulu Zoo and a busy Chinatown. The city is a melting pot of many cultures, and its downtown is walkable and friendly. The Aloha Tower and Marketplace are a great place to park and start your day’s activities in Honolulu.
Exploring Pearl Harbor
Near Honolulu is Pearl Harbor, the final resting place of the USS Arizona, which was bombed by Japan on December 7, 1941- “a day that will live in infamy” when the U.S. was forced to enter World War II. A boat shuttles visitors to the memorial which bridges the sunken ship where 1,177 U.S. soldiers perished. Nearly 2 million people a year visit the haunting sight of the USS Arizona, as well as touring the USS Missouri battleship at the same location.
Surfing at Waikiki
One of the most famous surfing spots in the world, Waikiki Beach is also home to a sea life aquarium, a world-class shopping area including stores like Tiffany, Prada and many others, and most major hotels have their beachfront locations here. The (non-active) Diamond Head volcano is a great 760-foot hike offering spectacular views of Waikiki and beyond. Atlantis Submarines offers underwater excursions where visitors can experience amazing sea life.
Discovering the North Shore
O’ahu’s North Shore is famous for its snorkeling, surfing, and dining. Hale’iwa is a historic downtown with picturesque dining (try the pineapple duck at Hale’iwa Eats thai restaurant or the coconut shrimp and Mai Tais at Hale’iwa Joe’s), local shops and even shark cage diving. Nearby Waimea, Sunset and Pupukea beaches are some of the most scenic on the island for snorkeling, swimming and fishing. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a historical narrative on island life and you can find a fantastic luau either here or at nearby Paradise Cove.
Visiting Other Oahu Sites
A few other spots not to miss on the island of O’ahu are Hanauma Bay nature reserve, the Dole Pineapple Plantation, the “Swap Meet” flea market at the Aloha stadium, and a few world-class spas as well. You can take a lei making class, learn to hula dance, or rent a kayak to explore the shoreline.
If you are visiting the island be sure to check out www.visit-oahu.com for all the travel information you’ll need for a beautiful Hawaiian vacation.
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