If not for Oahu, Hawaii would be a state in search of a city. Nothing distinguishes Oahu more from its sister islands than its metropolitan lifestyle and its multitudes of human traffic ... about 75 percent of the state's population resides here. Waikiki and Honolulu are jam-packed with high rises, bright lights, places to go and things to see. And, like any big city, traffic can be an issue.
Oahu is the hub of island commerce, government, politics, education, tourism and the arts. Every day some 81,000 visitors mingle with nearly 903,000 (2003) residents on this small landmass of less than 600 square miles. Its major city, Honolulu, is fringed by bedroom communities and linked by three busy highways.
Vastly influenced by its reputation as a world-class travel destination, Oahu offers more of everything than the other islands combined. Visitors are drawn to the island by its signature attractions — Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center and its super-sized collection of scenic golf courses. Shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities here far eclipse those of neighbor islands.
Hawaii achieved statehood less than 50 years ago, leaving its history as a U.S. territory and before that a Hawaiian monarchy very much in evidence. Take a ... READ MORE
If not for Oahu, Hawaii would be a state in search of a city. Nothing distinguishes Oahu more from its sister islands than its metropolitan lifestyle and its multitudes of human traffic ... about 75 percent of the state's population resides here. Waikiki and Honolulu are jam-packed with high rises, bright lights, places to go and things to see. And, like any big city, traffic can be an issue.
Oahu is the hub of island commerce, government, politics, education, tourism and the arts. Every day some 81,000 visitors mingle with nearly 903,000 (2003) residents on this small landmass of less than 600 square miles. Its major city, Honolulu, is fringed by bedroom communities and linked by three busy highways.
Vastly influenced by its reputation as a world-class travel destination, Oahu offers more of everything than the other islands combined. Visitors are drawn to the island by its signature attractions — Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center and its super-sized collection of scenic golf courses. Shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities here far eclipse those of neighbor islands.
Hawaii achieved statehood less than 50 years ago, leaving its history as a U.S. territory and before that a Hawaiian monarchy very much in evidence. Take a walking tour of downtown Honolulu or Waikiki and get a feel for this state's colorful past.
Some of Oahu's most popular attractions are located outside the city. Hanauma Bay, a world-renown snorkeling destination, is a short drive from Waikiki along the southeast shore of the island. Sea Life Park, with its brilliant array of interactive marine life attractions, is located above Makapu'u Beach not far from Hanauma Bay.
The Polynesian Cultural Center, a unique and perennially popular attraction, is located in La'ie, more than an hour's drive from Honolulu, near the North Shore. Kualoa Ranch, past Kaneohe on Kahekili Highway, is another favorite destination. The Arizona Memorial, the biggest visitor draw in the state, is located close to Honolulu at Pearl Harbor. Ko Olina, the island's newest resort community, and Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, with its amazing array of water features, are located near Kapolei in Central Oahu.
Tour operators typically provide transportation to and from Waikiki making it easy to see the countryside on your way to amazing adventures like helicopter and glider tours, ultralight and skydiving experiences, kayaking tours, shark excursions, ATV and horseback rides. If you want to take a drive, Halew'iwa, on the North Shore, is a good bet. A surfers' Mecca, it has retained the character of its more than 100-year history. And for sheer beauty, you can't top a drive through the mountains on any of Oahu's three scenic highways.
You can drive the island in a day, but that would be only touching the surface. It'll take two, maybe three days to get a good look. Our intent is to provide a springboard to individual exploration and unique experiences. Remember, every side road is an adventure waiting to happen...
