Destination Oahu
Known as "The Gathering Place", Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and home to about two thirds of the population of the state. Among its many charms are the breathtaking rainbows which are a common sight. Its area is 596.7 square miles, with an average sea level temperature of 70ºF - 85ºF. The state capital of Honolulu, is on Oahu's southeast coast.
Oahu is composed of two separate shield volcanoes: the Waianae and Koolau Ranges, with a broad "valley" or saddle between them. The highest point is Ka'ala in the Waianae Range, rising to 4,003 feet above sea level. The windward side is known for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Oahu is also the most visited of all the Hawaiian Islands -- approximately 5 million visitors annually -- about half of all the visitors to the state each year.
Oahu Coasts
The eastern coast of Oahu is hemmed in by a gorgeous mountain range and boasts three of the island's best beaches. Surprisingly, you'll find no major accommodations here -- just a few vacation homes along the quaint towns that dot the coast.
The famous north shore of Oahu is a surfer's paradise, especially in the winter months when the surf is up. The monster waves and laid-back atmosphere have professional surfers flocking to Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay to ride some of the most killer waves in the Pacific.
The western, northwestern, and central regions are where most of the island's residents live. For the most part, there isn't much here for island visitors -- just a few scattered beaches. Central Oahu does, however, have one of the island's largest attractions: Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.
Beyond Honolulu's skyscrapers and decidedly urban nature of the southern tip of the island is an Oahu of great natural beauty and old-time charm. For the traveler looking to experience a modern paradise, Oahu has it all -- the excitement and culture of a large metropolitan city, the unspoiled beauty of tropical coastlines, verdant mountains... and everything in between.
Waikiki
Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Known in Hawaiian as "spouting waters," Waikiki was introduced to the world when the first hotel was built on its shores in 1901. Today, Waikiki is Oahu’s main hotel and resort area and a
vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue you'll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, activities and resorts.
Waikiki is most famous for its magnificent beaches. With magical Leahi (Diamond Head) as a backdrop, the calm waters of Waikiki are perfect for a surfing lesson. Legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki. This Olympic swimming gold medalist began teaching visitors how to
surf at the turn of the century and later became known as “the father of modern surfing.” Today, the Waikiki Beach Boys perpetuate Duke’s legacy by teaching visitors how to surf and canoe. The Duke Kahanamoku Statue has become an iconic symbol of Waikiki.
But there’s more to Waikiki than just the beach. Attractions of Waikiki like the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium offer fun for everyone. You can learn about the history of Waikiki by reading the surfboard markers along the Waikiki Historical Trail. High-end boutiques, shops, and restaurants can be found all along Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues and at gathering places like the Royal Hawaiian Center, the Waikiki Beach Walk and the newly transformed International Market Place. After sunset, the fun continues with amazing nightlife and live music.
Waikiki is within a half hour of a variety of important Oahu historic attractions, including Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, the Nuuanu Pali Lookout and Hanauma Bay. Other notable points of interest nearby include the Ala Moana Center (the world's largest open-air shopping center), the local neighborhood of Kapahulu and the arts district of Chinatown. From Hawaiian royalty to Hawaiian regional cuisine, Waikiki continues to be an evolving expression of the ancient spirit of aloha.
