Oahu
The Gathering Place
Oahu is the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands and it’s easy to understand why – there’s so
much to do on Oahu!
With Waikiki as a central hub, you can explore the legendary North Shore of Oahu one day, and
spend the next day on the east side snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, a protected marine sanctuary
with tons of colorful fish. It’s clear that Oahu offers just the right amount of diversity for
the adventurous as well as the cautious visitor. Thrill seekers can skydive at Mokuleia while
daydreamers can relax peacefully on the beach. Exquisite dining and exciting nightlife also
entice people to Oahu again and again.
Facts: Population 876,156, Area 597 sq. miles
The most populated island, where Honolulu is the Capital City, the principal port, the major
airport, and business and financial center, and the educational heart of the State. Oahu is the
military command center of the Pacific. Waikiki is the visitor center. Landmarks: Nuuanu Pali,
Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor.
Flower: Ilima
Island Color: Yellow
Family Fun: In Hawaii, it’s evident that caring for keiki (children) is very
important. On Oahu, there are a variety of exciting activities designed specifically with kids
and families in mind. Take a submarine ride and witness sunken ships, airliners and reef
structures. Ride the thrilling waterslides at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. Get up close and
personal with dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and moray eels at Sea Life Park. Spend
the day at the Honolulu Zoo or Waikiki Aquarium and see animal and marine life like you’ve
never seen anywhere else. Or explore 4,000-acres of fun at Kualoa Ranch by horse, ATV,
helicopter, jet ski or kayak.
There are also plenty of other educational and cultural excursions for kids and families
year-round, including nature walks, hikes, wildlife feedings, fishing, catamaran sails and
more. Many hotels and condominiums also offer programs for kids that include activities such as
lei and kite making, lauhala weaving, and sandcastle building. This is one family vacation
where boredom is never a problem!
Adventures: The lure of adventure is strong, and nowhere in the world does it
find greater expression than here in the Hawaiian Islands. Is hang-gliding your thing? Do you
long to leap from the heights at Makapuu, and soaring high above the beach, make lazy circles
for an afternoon? Perhaps you'd like the heart-pounding intensity of the big winter surf at
Waimea. The beaches here offer far more than sunbathing and people watching. They’re ideal for
all kinds of water sports including swimming, surfing, windsurfing, boogie boarding, snorkeling
and fishing. Whether you’re looking for high adventure on the waves, a romantic spot to watch
the sunset, or a protected swimming area for the kids, it’s sure to be nearby.
Golf: Great golf is one of the main reasons Oahu is a favorite destination.
There are more golf courses on Oahu than any other island. You can choose from more than forty
public and private courses, ranging from casual municipal links to elegant resort courses. They
offer not only superb challenges, but also spectacular vistas. The backdrop for a shot here
might be forested mountains, desert-like terrain or the impressive sweep of the Pacific. There
are even courses built on former ranch lands, fields of sugar cane, and seaside layouts that
resemble British links. Constant sunshine makes for long hours of dependable golfing weather,
and the spectacular surrounding scenery quiets the mind and stirs the heart. So relax and enjoy
some of the most pleasant golf in the world. It’s all right here.
