Waikiki,
Hawaiian Culture, Surfing, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Shopping Waikiki,
Hawaiian Culture, Surfing, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Shopping
If you think Oahu is just Waikiki and tourists, think again! While it's true there are a lot of tourists, this is because Waikiki has so much to offer and it's all in walking distance. Whether you want to learn to surf, snorkel the coral reefs, or shop to your heart's content then spend the evening taking in the night life, it's all right there. Some of the finest hotels in the industry border the soft white sands of Waikiki beach so you never have to worry about a good place to stay.
When you're ready to venture past Waikiki, there are plenty of choices. Museums, zoos, luaus, hiking, biking, golfing surfing and snorkeling are all available. The following list of great Oahu activities can help you plan your stay on Oahu, the Gathering Place.
Culture & History: Experience the natural beauty and culture of the vast Pacific in just one day at the Polynesian Cultural Museum, featuring the lifestyles, songs, dance, costumes, and architecture of seven Pacific islands (Fiji, New Zealand, Marquesas, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Hawaii ) in re-created villages scattered throughout the 42-acre lagoon park. The Pearl Harbor Memorial invites a look at history from aboard the USS Missouri, the site of Japanese surrender in WWII as it guards the watery grave of the USS Arizona. Iolani Palace, the only official state residence of royalty in the United States, was the center of social and political activity in the Kingdom of Hawaii during the reign of its last 2 monarchs. Luaus are probably the best known Hawaiian party and Oahu boasts several good choices, the largest being Paradise Cove, Germaine's and the Polynesian Cultural Center luaus. While none of these are in downtown Waikiki, bus service is available and well worth the ride. Book it now!
Nature: Hiking at any skill level is available with scenery ranging from volcanic Ka'au Crater to the death defying cliffs of Kahana Valley or the welcoming waterfalls and swimming holes of Ma'akua Gulch. Diamond Head, with its extinct crater, beckons tantalizingly close from the end of Waikiki beach, offering another opportunity for a great day hike. The Honolulu Zoo, part of the 300-acre Kapiolani Park, has been delighting animal lovers since 1914 and offers several special programs such as the overnight Snooze in the Zoo or the after hours Twilight Tour that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the animals' lives. For an up-close and personal encounter with Hawaii marine life, Oahu offers the best and most consistent "Swim with the Dolphins" opportunities or, for the extreme adventurer, the Hawaii Shark Encounters program is sure to get the adrenaline flowing. Book it now!
Diving/Snorkeling: Great Oahu snorkeling spots can be found off the coast of Waikiki and Honolulu but many excellent snorkel areas can also be found off the coast of Waianae, Kailua, and Haleiwa. Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Oahu and has easy access from the shore. The North Shore may be best known for its surfing, but it also offers a wide variety of dives in every skill level, many of which can be accessed from shore instead of requiring a boat to get to. Turtle Street and Turtle Heaven are two such shore-accessible dives at the North Shore. West Shore and South Shore offer the most beginner-friendly dives while advanced divers will find their best challenges at East Shore's Lanai Lookout, Moku Manu or Manana "Rabbit" Island. Diving and snorkeling classes are readily available anywhere on Oahu, but be sure to take the time to investigate dive companies and choose carefully. Book it now!
Surfing: The North Shore, where winter month waves can reach heights of around 40 feet or more, is famous as the world’s best surf spot. International surf pros make the North Shore their second home and show their skills in many competitions that take place between November and March. Waimea and Pipeline are the beaches of choice if surfing is your Hawaiian vacation dream. If you're not yet ready for hanging ten on a 40-foot wave, surf lessons are available in Waikiki as well as the North Shore beaches. Book it now!
Whale Watching: Whale watching season on Oahu runs from mid-December to mid-April when humpback whales visit the warm Hawaiian waters. The best months are February and March when most of Waikiki's whale watch tour companies offer guaranteed sightings. Book it now!
Golfing: Oahu has more golf courses than any other island, boasting over 30 public and private courses! Here are some suggested Oahu golf highlights: With tropical jungle and deep ravines, Koolau Golf Course, considered the toughest course in the nation from the back tees with a slope rating of 162, offers narrow and hilly conditions for an adventurous golf experience that winds through 3 distinct climate zones . Gentler Kapolei Golf Course serves as host for the LPGA Cup-o-Noodles Hawaiian Ladies Open each February. Hawaii Prince Hotel of Waikiki offers visitors a variety of challenges with its 27-hole course. Ala Wai Golf Course has been called "the world's busiest golf course" by the Guinness Book of World Records. The Turtle Bay Resort Golf Club on the North Shore, which hosts the annual PGA Turtle Bay Championship, is the only resort course on Oahu that boasts 36 holes. The Arnold Palmer course is reminiscent of Scottish Links with its sand, water, wind and rolling terrain. The George Fazio Course has generous fairways, deep bunkers and immaculately sculpted greens. Book it now!