Everyone, at one time or another, has had a dream of having nothing to do, but lay out under the sun on a beautiful white sand beach, sipping a Mai Tai and watching the hypnotic waves of crystal blue water crash along the shore before them. Captivating sounds of the native islanders recreating the melodies of their forefathers off in the distance, the aromatic fragrances of the various tropical flowers blooming all around reminding you that 'Paradise' does exist' Aloha and Welcome to the beautiful islands of Hawaii.
For many decades, the islands of Hawaii have been on the top ten list of vacation destinations for many people from all around the world. With it's diversity of many different cultures intertwining together, it's combination of idyllic beauty and urban functionality, its natural wonders and its significance in our nations history makes Hawaii an attraction for almost every type of traveler. It's eight main islands each with their own unique offerings for the first time or seasoned vacationer makes it a destination to remember.
Oahu (the gathering place), the third largest island in the state, houses the states capital, as well as over one million of the states total population, is considered the Metropolis of the Pacific.
One of it's main attractions is Waikiki Beach, which was made famous in the days of long board surfing. It fronts the island's main resort area where you'll find hotels to fit every budget. Flanked by the city of Honolulu to its right and Diamond Head Crater to it's left, it creates one of the worlds most beautiful skylines with the Ko'olau mountain range in it's background and the Pacific ocean at it's feet. Getting around the island is very simple. Oahu is the only island that offers it's visitors the option of Public Transportation affectionately called 'The Bus', which I highly recommend especially during the morning and afternoon rush hours, or if you would prefer, you may include a car rental in your vacation plans. During your stay, you may choose to pay a visit to the Honolulu Zoo, or tour Iolani Palace, the only Royal Palace in the United States. Other attractions in the area include the Bishop Museum where you can learn about the history of the islands and its royalty, Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, The Polynesian Cultural Center where ancient Hawaii and it's culture are recreated followed by their world famous show of Polynesian Hula Dancers and Luau. Other attractions of interest located around the island are Hanauma Bay, located on the island's north shore, which is toted as Oahu's prime snorkeling spot. Being a sunken volcanic crater makes it a perfect environment for housing many of the islands tropical sea life. Waimea Valley Adventure Park located an hour away from Honolulu and Waikiki, is one of Hawaii's archaeological and historic treasures. It offers four different themed areas featuring adventure, nature, Hawaiian culture and a children's play area. You may choose from many different activities from cliff diving off a 65 foot waterfall to strolling through one of the 36 different gardens home to more than 6,000 different species of rare plants. You don't want to miss it.
There are many different dining experiences that are within walking distance of your hotel. Whether you're craving a hamburger to Pan Pacific cuisine, McDonald's, or a Sunset Dinner Cruise, Waikiki has it all. If you're looking for that perfect souvenir to remember your Hawaiian jaunt, look no further than the International Market Place located in the heart of Waikiki. Local vendors and artists can be found here selling everything from handcrafted Hawaiian jewelry & sculptures, to souvenir t-shirts and key chains just to name a few. It has it all. Another great shopping spot on the island is the Ala Moana Shopping Center. Just ten minutes away from the resort area , Ala Moana Shopping Center, one of the world's largest open air shopping malls in the world adorned with it's tall coconut palm trees and hand sculpted fountains has something for everyone. With over 220+ stores and restaurants from the likes of Tiffanys & Louis Vutton to local companies such as Hilo Hatties and the Hawaiian Quilt Collection, something is bound to catch your eye. Daily Hawaiian entertainment and activities makes Ala Moana Center a must do while on Oahu.
The island of Oahu is a unique experience, giving the visitor all the comforts of home and a taste of the old Hawaiian culture. It offers something for everyone, making it a definite stop on your journey through paradise. A short 20 minute shuttle ride from the Honolulu International Airport, Waikiki and the city of Honolulu lets you experience the essence of Hawaii in the 21st century.
