Welcome to Oahu. Variety is the spice of
life, and nowhere else in Hawaii can you find the variety
that infuses this island. Oahu, aptly nicknamed “The Gathering
Place,” is an unparalleled melting pot ripe with many cultural
influences. As Hawaii’s most populated island, Oahu is diversity
personified. Here urban and rural communities exist side
by side, offering visitors and residents the best of both
worlds.
Visit the well-known Oahu beaches offering plenty of activities
and then trek to the pristine and secluded tropical beaches
surrounded by waterfalls, lush greenery and mountain hiking
paths. Snorkel at the well-known
Hanauma Bay, frolic with dolphins, or take a deep-sea
fishing trip. Play a few rounds at some of the most coveted
golf courses in the world, surf Waikiki where the sport
of kings originated, or hike up
Diamond Head for world-famous views.
During your pleasantly cooled evenings, take a short cocktail
cruise around the South Shore, eat at one of Honolulu’s
five star restaurants, try an Oahu
luau, or enjoy one of the many evening
events, from intimate local music shows to entertaining
Broadway plays. Whatever your island passion may be, Oahu
can accommodate. Oahu is the political and economic heart
of Hawaii, the location of the capital of
Honolulu and home to nearly 900,000 residents.
Geography and Climate
Oahu has a land area of 607.7 square miles and 112 miles
of coastline. Situated just below the Tropic of Cancer,
Oahu is 2,390 miles west of San Francisco, California and
one of the most remote spots on the globe. Oahu is the 3rd
largest island in the chain of 8 major Hawaiian Islands,
but it is home to 75% of the state’s total population.
Oahu’s temperatures stay mild year round between 68 and
85 degrees Fahrenheit (20-29.4 C). Winter months (November
to April) are a bit cooler with more frequent precipitation.
Cooling trades work wonders to keeping the island pleasantly
comfortable. Visitors love the warm temperature of the coastal
waters, which average around 76 to 78 degrees (24.4-25.5
C). Oahu is home to two monumental mountain ranges, the
Koolau Mountains, which reach along the northeastern side,
and the Waianae Mountains which lay to the west.
Beaches
One of the factors that draws people to Oahu is the broad
range of diversity in the beaches. Choose from 139 beaches
on Oahu, each with its own flavor and unique appeal. Whether
you’re into surfing, windsurfing, boogie boarding or snorkeling,
you can find the perfect outlet here. The world-famous North
Shore of Oahu features a number of beaches that are destinations
for people from all over the world. Banzai Pipeline and
Sunset Beach are big surf locations in the winter months.
The gorgeous
Waimea Bay is a perfect example of Oahu’s duality –
this beach can be as calm as a kiddy pool in the summer,
but may boast 20- to 40-foot (6-12 m) waves in the winter.
Waikiki
Waikiki, a one-and-a-half-mile stretch of beach on Oahu’s
South Shore, is undoubtedly the most famous Hawaiian destination.
Stroll through the bustling avenues of
Waikiki, where one can find everything from fresh sushi
and surfing lessons to five-star dining, glamorous night
clubs and world-class shopping plazas. Catch the top Elvis
impersonator on stage, or dance along with a hula halau.
Art lovers can find everything from handcrafted koa bowls
and Hawaiian heritage jewelry at Waikiki’s International
Marketplace to giant bronze statues and historic architecture
in nearby Honolulu.
Diamond Head
As the most famous landmark visible from anywhere at
Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head is a 760-foot (231 m) extinct
volcanic peak that is hiked by hundreds daily. Follow the
path leading up to the top, or explore on your own. Once
you reach the top, you’re rewarded with incredible 360-degree
views.
Shopping
Oahu boasts more shops and restaurants than all the other
islands put together. Variety is endless – from the upscale
Ala Moana and
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Centers to the funky
International Marketplace that features arts and crafts
from throughout the Pacific Rim, Oahu is a shopper’s paradise.
From affordable souvenirs to one-of-a-kind fine island art,
visitors will have no trouble finding gifts for friends
back home and unique mementos of their Hawaii trip. Visit
Haleiwa town on the North Shore for an eclectic mix
of trendy boutiques and local laid-back shops.
Surfing
What better place to surf than in Hawaii where the sport
of kings was born? The ancient Hawaiians used to surf on
long, heavy boards of solid wood, but then the sport almost
died out after Western contact. The famed father of surfing,
Hawaiian Olympic medalist
Duke Kahanamoku epitomized Hawaiian surfing aptitude
and is credited with popularizing the sport worldwide in
the 1920s. The surfing culture that sprung from Duke and
other notable “Beach Boys of Hawaii” was unstoppable and
continues to thrive today.
The North Shore is a Mecca for hardcore surfers looking
to push the envelope. The winter ground swells are larger
than life, drawing thousands of daredevils annually. Drive
up to the North Shore in November or December to catch the
famous surf competition named Triple Crown of Surfing, which
is held at Banzai Pipeline. For surfers who prefer milder,
less intimidating waves, Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana and Diamond
Head beaches are your best bet. Bodyboarders and bodysurfers
love the shallow breaks at a popular local spot called Sandy’s,
but this beach is not for beginners. Windsurfers and kitesurfers
stick to Kailua Beach on the island’s lower windward side
for its plentiful breezes and tame conditions.
Pearl Harbor
The world remembers the tragic day in 1941 when Japanese
war planes dropped bombs at
Pearl Harbor, killing many American soldiers. As the
most visited spot on Oahu, the Pearl Harbor museum pays
tribute to the souls who lost their lives that day. Tour
the USS Arizona Memorial to honor over 1,100 American fighting
men killed, visit the USS Missouri, the site where the Japanese
surrender documents were signed, and tour the USS Bowfin,
one of only 15 World War II submarines in existence.
What makes Oahu unique?
Oahu is an island that caters to all people. As the 11th
largest city in the U.S. and the only big city in Hawaii,
Honolulu hosts the gamut of activities from simple to sophisticated.
Whatever destinations you choose to visit on Oahu, you are
guaranteed stunning beauty, tropical views and cultural
infusion. The historic and cultural attractions are plentiful
and unmatched by the other islands.
Visit Oahu for its unique mix of sand, surf, art and culture.
Whether you are touring Iolani Palace, the only royal palace
in the country, having dim sum in Chinatown, cruising in
a catamaran off Diamond Head, or taking a romantic stroll
under the beach and stargazing, Oahu delivers a unique and
unforgettable vacation experience. Choosing Oahu as your
Hawaiian destination is not only because it is fun, but
economical. Oahu is also considered your best bet for successfully
pulling off an inexpensive vacation.
When searching for
Oahu real estate many buyers prefer to stay in
Oahu vacation rentals to see how they like the area.
Staying at
Oahu condos while on your Oahu vacation is a better
option than a hotel.
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