OAHU
Oahu is the home of the state Capitol and where a majority of the population resides. It its biggest city is Honolulu. The jumbo jets arrive and depart at Honolulu International on a continuous basis, so you too will likely begin your vacation on this island.. Waikiki Beach has been absorbed into the city of Honolulu. Hundreds of thousands congregate there for conventions, business meetings, and entertainment. High rise hotels and condominiums abound putting the occupants within easy walking distance of the beach, restaurants and cultural events. Don't forget to visit the memorial at Pearl Harbor constructed over the Battleship Arizona. It is beautiful but sobering.
| THINGS TO DO | THINGS TO SEE |
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occasional humpback whale surfacing for a breath of air. Take time to visit one of the islands top tourist attractions, the Polynesian Cultural Center, which in a very entertaining way depicts the life and customs of the various islands of the south seas. The music, dancing and settings provide a spectacular portrayal of the people. A little further up the road you come to the famous Waimea Bay, the Banzai Pipeline, and Sunset Beach where famous surfing contests take place. Take time while continuing your travels to smell the ocean and absorb the beautiful scenery.
Oahu supports many activities including sight seeing and dinner cruises, guided land tours via limousine, van or bus. Sea plane and helicopter tours allow for a quick unparalleled view of of the island. Most visitors to Oahu like to spend at least a little time shopping. Ala Moana at 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. is Honolulu's and Hawaii's largest shopping mall. It carries unique merchandise from the entire pacific area in 260 stores priced for most budgets as well as up-scale stores for the most discriminating taste.
About 10 miles from Waikiki on the Southern tip of Oahu is the Islands most famous snorkeling area, Hanauma Bay, It is an old volcano crater mostly sheltered from wave action. It's beautiful blue water provides an ideal location for snorkeling. Even someone completely new to the sport can enjoy the beautiful colored small fish and other sea life that the bay affords.
Other snorkeling and scuba activities take place at many places along the beach. Many hotels have instructors, if needed and equipment for rent.
Surfing
You can find surfers along most of Oahu's beaches depending on the time of day. The really famous surfing beaches are along the North Shore. There are many shops and hotels that rent surf boards with or without instructors. Wind surfing is also very popular. If you are inexperienced, remember that some of the big waves are powerful and consequently dangerous.
Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is located in Laie on the North East side of Hawaii. It is Hawaii's Number one paid attraction and consists of exhibits, shows, and activities all designed to entertain and educate the visitor. Each of the Islands has an area of its own that depicts the history and culture of the island. It is all displayed in a 42 acre site and has become a "must see" for your Hawaiian vacation. Shows such as the Fire Knife Championships and Multicultural shows. are breath taking. Imax shows, canoe rides as well as an authentic luau is available.
Pearl Harbor Memorial
The USS Arizona Memorial Visitors Center opens each day at 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This Memorial is free and is the number one tourist attraction in Hawaii with approximately one and a half million visitors each year. The tour takes about 1 1/2 hours and includes a documentary film about the attack which occurred on December 7, 1941, taking 2403 Americans lives and left many others injured. It is a sad day in our history and led to the President and Congress declaring war against the Japanese. New regulations have been implemented prohibiting handbags, diaper bags, camera bags, back packs etc.from being taken on the tour.Check with tour guides as regulations may change. Personal cameras are permitted.
