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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,
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.
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