Beautiful Oahu
The third largest island in Hawaii- next to Big Island and Maui- is Oahu. It is also considered the most recognized tourist attraction. It is where the state capital of Honolulu is situated. Since it has the state capital and almost 85% of the population of Hawaii, Oahu is aptly referred to as "The Gathering Place."
Visitors of Oahu like the conveniences and amenities of Honolulu, from its bustling nightlife, interesting cultural events, and a wide array of dining, lodging, and shopping options. Honolulu, however, is far from what the traditional Hawaiian island are all about- serenity, peace, and relaxation. It is a very big metropolitan area, and it has the dilemmas that one would think of large cities like crime, high cost of living, lack of cheap housing, and most of all, traffic.
Since there is an increase in the number of airlines offering non-stop service to Hawaii, many tourists particularly from the US are opting to have their Hawaiian vacation and foregoing their trip to Oahu.
But Oahu also offers some form of serenity, peace, and seclusion, as long as the tourist knows where to head. There are a lot of resorts situated outside of Waikiki offering less crowded surrounds. Two mountain ranges- the Waianae and Koolau ranges offer awe-inspiring sights. Some great hikes likewise are located in the mountains of Waikiki.
One of the major attractions worth checking out is the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is the most popular of the paid tourist attractions in the islands. This center offers a sampling of traditional villages of the islands, as well as Samoa, Fiki, Tonga, Tahiti, Rapa Nui, Marquesas, and Aotearoa. There are award-winning evening shows offering Polynesian entertainment.
Those who want to get closer to nature can also visit the Sea Life Park, where dolphins, stingrays, and sea lions are the major attractions. Tourists can also try surfing, windsurfing, and bodyboarding at the Waikiki, Kailua Beach, and North Shore. Another good activity is snorkeling, as well as diving. For those who do not like the beach, they can always try horseback riding and hiking, particularly in the Diamond Head State Park. Tourists should also try to visit Lanikai's Pillbox for some history lessons.
Those who do not want to leave behind the conveniences of cosmopolitan life can also drop by some of the best shopping malls in Hawaii. Oahu shopping malls can easily be accessed by bus or car. Some of the best shopping malls are DFS Galleria, Ala Moana Center, Aloha Tower Marketplace, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Kahala Mall, and Waikiki Shopping Plaza.
Some of the best restaurants in Hawaii are also in Oahu, particularly Duke’s which features great cuisine as well as live local music.