Oahu, the third largest island and the most popular tourist destination in Hawaii. Nicknamed “the gathering place” as it is home to 85% of the state's population. Oahu is also the only “real” metropolitan area among the islands of Hawaii. Ironically, considering that this is a metropolitan area, peace and quiet can still be found here.
Get in:
Flights from all over the world land at the Honolulu International Airport located just outside downtown Honolulu. Free Wiki-Wiki (Hawaiian for 'quick') shuttle buses operate between the main terminal and inter-island terminal every 15 minutes.
Get around:
You would need a car if you plan to visit the North Shore or if you're staying outside of Waikiki and Honolulu. Car rental companies can be seen at the airport and in some downtown locations.
TheBus is Oahu's bus system that runs between almost all towns and to most tourist destinations.
See:
The beaches
Gardens and views
Polynesian Cultural Center
Sea Life Park
Do:
Windsurfing, surfing and body-boarding
Snorkeling and diving
Horseback riding
Hiking
Kayak
Bird watching
Driving tour
Ice skating
Get out:
Other destinations in Hawaii can be reached by plane. You can also opt to ride a cruise ship.
While Oahu's Waikiki beach may be the most popular Hawaiian destination, the main island offers several family friendly hiking adventures to balance out those hours of surf and sand. Here are the top three, must see hiking sites on Oahu.
Whether you come to Honolulu as a stop on your cruise ship itinerary or you fly in to Hawaii, there is plenty to see and do in this beachside city and beyond. Ships dock right next to the five-story tower of the Aloha Tower Marketplace, which is a shopping center, cruise terminal and focal point promenade all rolled into one. When you disembark from your ship, you will see the Hawaii Maritime Center next to the pier, with exhibits on all sorts of maritime history, from sailing and whaling to a real Polynesian canoe. Just a short walk away you'll find Iolani Palace, the only royal residence in America, where the last Hawaiian monarch ruled until 1893. Other sights you will find just a short walk away include Kawaiahao Church, which houses a royal burial ground, Mission House Museum, and America’s oldest Chinatown.
Hawaii is rich with culture, history and educational experiences. When visiting Oahu, there are a few family friendly attractions that simply should not be missed. These one of a kind experiences are so spectacular that they define the Hawaii experience for many families.
One of the problems with going on vacation is that the days are so action packed that you don’t have any time to rest and recharge your batteries. This is usually the case for those who head to the islands of Hawaii. Hawaii’s visitors often spend so much time soaking up paradise that they wear themselves out! The best way to combat this problem without wasting a day in paradise by spending it in your hotel is to take a scenic drive.
If you have a Hawaiian vacation in your plans I suggest you check out the North Shore of Oahu. With some of the most beautiful beaches you'll ever see, most of the surfing that you see on t.v. is performed in this part of the country. If your a surfer yourself there is plenty of room for you to do your thing. What I liked most about this part of Oahu was the laid back and relaxed feeling you got just being there.
Oahu
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