When people who have never been to the islands, first think about Hawaii, they often picture bustling Honolulu, the 5-star hotels and golden sand of Waikiki beach, or the island’s most famous landmark, Diamond Head. The island of Oahu, also known as “the Gathering Place,” is indeed a gathering place for nearly 900,000 people (or three quarters of the island’s population) who call this 600 square mile island home. As cosmopolitan as any mainland city, Honolulu has it all –sun and surf, fine dining, theater and world class shopping. As the state’s capital and financial district, the vast majority of the island’s many visitors come to the fabulous resorts of Honolulu to begin their island vacation.
Of course, no visit to Honolulu would be complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor. Although still an active U.S. military base, you can visit the somber USS Arizona memorials and the Battleship Missouri to step back in time and relive the memories of the December 7, 1941 attack on the American fleet in Pearl Harbor. You can also get a feeling for what life under the ocean might have been like by visiting the USS Bowfin Submarine and visit the Submarine Museum. Take a trip to the volcanic crater called Punchbowl Cemetery which not only was used for the burial of ancient Hawaiian royalty but also served as a place of human sacrifice in ancient times. Since 1949, the Punchbowl has also served as a final resting place for military personnel who sacrificed their lives in the Pacific. On the large statue that sits within the crater walls are the names of over 28,000 servicemen who died in such large numbers that their names were simply carved into the monument walls.
Of course, everyone knows that Hawaii is known for sugar cane as well as sweet, juicy pineapples. While the fields of crops may be mostly gone in the islands, the legacy of these crops still lives on. The warm days and cool nights found on the center of the island on a plateau of 1,000 ft above sea level, provided good conditions for pineapple growth. Here you can find 11,500 acres which still are cultivated by the Dole Pineapple Company. Here you can tour the fields, learn about pineapple cultivation or enjoy a fresh bit of pineapple or pineapple ice-cream at the Dole Company Store. A fun hedge maze is located here that both young and old will enjoy.
If thrills and surf action is what you seek, then there is no better place to master the waves than on Oahu’s north shore beaches. Some of the biggest waves in the islands hit these shores so surfing is definitely a favorite activity on this part of the island. You will find the northern areas more laid back and peaceful than the hustle, bustle of the Honolulu area so be sure to take time to visit the northern beaches and small, peaceful towns located here. While you need to check on current conditions here before you swim, there are many areas with good snorkeling and more protected beaches which make good swimming possible.
Finally, while we have just touched on the many sights and things to do on the island of Oahu, one cannot forget to mention exploring Diamond Head Crater nor feeding the fish in the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on the eastern side of the island. The island hotels have plenty of information available for you on the things to see and do on the island and can accommodate your every wish so be sure to ask them to advise you on things to see and do on Oahu that fit your interests as well as your budget.
