Best Reasons To Visit Oahu
Table of Contents:
1. What is unique about Oahu?
2. What are the main attractions?
3. Where to stay on Oahu, from economy to luxury hotels
4. Book Oahu vacation package at special rate
- NEVER-ENDING FUN OF HONOLULU
Honolulu is the 11th largest city in the US, and the only big city in Hawaii. Spread along 5 oceanfront miles, it offers trendy nightspots and eateries, sophisticated galleries and museums, zoo, and historical attractions. Waikiki, the ultimate mega-beach of Hawaii, is the center of resort energy, the perfect place to begin your island visit.
- BEACHES
Waikiki Beach gives the rhythm to Honolulu and Oahu, but it doesn't represent the entire island. If you venture beyond Waikiki, you will find secluded tropical beaches surrounded by small villages, lush valleys, waterfalls, and mountain hiking paths.
There are 139 beaches on the island, with water temperatures ranging from 75°F to 80°F year round. Oahu beaches offer a range of water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, boogie boarding and snorkeling. Some of the popular spots are Kahana Bay Beach Park - sheltered cove that is safe even for small babies, and Lanikai Beach - perfect spot for morning sunbathing and swimming.
- ABUNDANT SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
Oahu boasts more shops and restaurants than all the other islands put together. Variety is endless - from upscale Ala Moana and Royal Hawaiian Shopping Centers, to the funky International Marketplace that features arts and crafts from throughout the Pacific Rim, to the Duty Free Shoppers' Galleria that offers free shuttle from your hotel, to the outlet malls.
- HISTORIC AND CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Oahu gives visitors not only sun, sand and surf, but also journey into Hawaiian culture and history. Some of the popular sites include Iolani Palace, Kawaiaha'o Church, Governor's Mansion, Chinatown and Punchbowl Crater, the burial ground for 350,000 WWII soldiers. Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial remain Hawaii's number one visitor destination.
- BEST VALUE FOR YOUR DOLLAR
Vacation on Oahu will cost you less than any other island. Accommodations in Oahu are priced slightly less than similar accommodations on other islands, you do not need to take any inter-island flights, and you do not need to rent a car if you are staying in Waikiki - all these factors definitely help keep the cost down. This island is perfect for a quick getaway, honeymoon on a budget, or a spring break trip.
2. What are the main attractions on Oahu?
- Honolulu (Central Oahu)
Vibrant and diverse city of Honolulu is an intriguing blend of East and West, past and present, Aloha spirit and world-class luxury. Here you will find an abundance of world-renowned shopping, dining, famous attractions and entertainment.There are many interesting places to visit, including Iolani Palace (the only royal palace in the United States), Kawaiahao Church (Honolulu's oldest church built of coral blocks), Bishop Museum (world's largest collection of Polynesian artifacts), and Chinatown. Honolulu area offers a lot of activities for the entire family, including Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and Kapiolani Park.
- Pearl Harbor (Central Oahu)
The most visited spot of the island, Pearl Harbor, is just west of Honolulu. The USS Arizona Memorial honors over 1,100 American fighting men killed on December 7, 1941 during the Japanese attack. It features a theatre presentation that shows footage of the attach and its aftermath. Next to the USS Arizona Memorial, you can see Pearl Harbor's newest arrival, the USS Missouri, affectionately known as "Mighty Mo", where the surrender was signed.Also at Pearl Harbor, is the USS Bowfin Museum, one of only 15 World War II submarines in existence. There are daily tours inside the submarine.
- Waikiki Beach (South Oahu)
Waikiki Beach is probably the world's most famous beach, known for fun sand and gentle waves, lovely scenery and ideal year-round climate. It stretches along 2-1/2 miles of spangled sea, from the famous Diamond Head crater on the east to the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor on the west.Waikiki is the center of the island's life, with its beachside strip of accommodations, stores, restaurants, nightclubs, and activities like excellent swimming, surfing for beginners, catamaran and outrigger canoe rides, diving, sailing, picnicing, snorkeling, pole fishing, and, of course, sunbathing.
- Diamond Head (South Oahu)
Diamond Head, 760-feet extinct volcanic peak is Waikiki's most famous landmark. Walking enthusiasts can enjoy a day of adventure, hiking and exploring the Diamond Head crater. If you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with a stunning 360-degrees view of East Shore in one direction, and Honolulu and Waikiki in the other. - Polynesian Cultural Center (East Oahu)
The famous Polynesian Cultural Center is a "must" for first-time visitors to Hawaii. When you visit Polynesian Cultural Center, you visit Fiji, the Marquesas, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga and Hawaii at the same time. There are seven island villages that show different cultures and lifestyles of the people of Polynesia. Numerous shows and demonstrations enliven the area, including daily colorful canoe pageant and the most spectacular Polynesian revue. The best of all Polynesia is waiting for you! - Hanauma Bay (East Oahu)
Hanauma Bay is number one snorkeling spot on the island. Imagine swimming side by side with some of the world's most colorful fishes in this fish sanctuary! The steep hills that surround the bay provide breathtaking views of the sandy beach and the crystal-clear water below. Not far from Hanauma Bay, there is Sandy Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu. The sand there is white as clouds and the deep turquoise ocean is bright as the sky. - Sea Life Park (East Oahu)
Sea Life Park is located on a magnificent ocean side setting and has the beautiful Koolau Mountain Range as its background. From the park, you can enjoy a fine view of the off-shore Manana Island. Inside the park, take a walk around the 300,000-gallon Hawaiian reef tank to meet face-to-face with over 4,000 sea creatures. Some of the park's inhabitants, such as dolphins, penguins and killer whales, also perform in the marine shows. - Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden (East Oahu)
This wonderful botanical garden has a large collection of trees and plants from all over the world. It is located at the base of Koolau Mountains and offers panoramic views of Kaneohe Bay. - Kualoa Ranch (East Oahu)
If you want to spend a day in a peaceful, beautiful place that has enough activities to keep you and your family busy, then head to Kualoa Ranch. Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000 acre paradise with panoramic views of mountain peaks and beautiful valleys, the ocean and Mokolii Island ("Chinaman's Hat"). You can go horseback riding in the beautiful valley that was a filming site for "Jurassic Park", take a thrilling helicopter ride over the mountains, snorkel, do some windsurfing or jet skiing, take the kids to the petting zoo, or just relax on a secluded beach called "Secret Island". Kualoa Ranch is a unique place where beauty, history, and excitement come together. - Byodo-in Temple (East Oahu)
To visit this replica of the Temple at Uji in Japan, one must first travel through the Valley of the Temples cemetery to the back. Here the temple is presided over by a 2 ton statue of Buddha, alongside a meditation house, Japanese style rock gardens, carp ponds and a 5 foot, 3 ton brass bell that even visitors can gong for good luck. - Haleiwa Town and North Shore (North Oahu)
North Shore is yet another face of this amazing island. It is still a mostly rural area of ranches, quiet banana plantations, fields of exotic flowers, secret hiking trails, deserted beaches and old picturesque towns, but its best known as the "surf country". "The surfing capital of the world" is the town of Haleiwa. This charming town, the only developed part of the North Shore, hosts some small restaurants, a bunch of surf shops, arts and crafts galleries, and tiny stores of all sorts. Nearby Turtle Bay will impress you with its raw, natural, lush beauty.North Shore offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, such as a hike up Mount Kaala in the Waianae Mountain range - a must for the nature lover to experience the true beauty of Hawaii. You will pass through guava and mango forests, and, at higher elevations, misty rainforests with giant ferns, mosses and molds. When you reach the top, you'll be able to see the entire island! If you are looking for serenity and peace, you will really enjoy the North Shore.
- Waimea Valley (West Oahu)
West Oahu faces the tradewinds and enjoys heavy rainfall that produces magnificent forests and jungles, and an ocean of various greenery. Waimea Valley is on the most terrific spots in West Oahu. There is a world-class botanic garden where you can take a leisurely stroll through many different collections, all the way up to a crystal waterfall.You will find a lot of great activities to keep you busy - hiking in the 1,800-acre Waimea Valley Adventure Park, all terrain vehicle rides, scenic mountain biking trails, kayaking, touring ancient Hawaiian sites, watching cliff diving or hula performances, swimming, surfing (Waimea's gigantic winter waves have earned fame through the Guinness Book of World Records), or just relaxing on the beach. You can end your memorable trip to Waimea with a moonlit dinner on the sands of the bay.
Waikiki Beach is the face of Oahu
You can take pilgrimage to the USS Arizona Memorial
Kualoa Ranch offers many fun family activities
Koolau Mountains have great hiking trails
Get close to the dolphins at Sea Life Park
One of Oahu's unforgettable sunsets
At Polynesian Cultural Center, you can learn a lot about Hawaiian history and culture
Atlantis Submarines is one of the most exciting ocean adventures
You will definitely see a lot of hula
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Are you planning a vacation to Oahu? Hawaii Travel Bureau offers special discounted rates on Oahu vacation packages.
Our customers say:
We had a really good time in Hawaii. The Aston was nice, had everything we needed. We could walk to almost everything, including Waikiki Beach. Plenty of shops and restaurants around. The hotel itself was a little bit old and maybe not the most beautiful, but we got a very good price. Overall, the trip was great. It was so nice to deal with Hawaii Travel Bureau over the computer, and so easy to get all the arrangements done. You were able to give us the best price for this trip, and you were a pleasure to work with. Made our part easy. Thanks again and we hope to be planning another trip with you soon! Dori, Mike and Makayla B., San Francisco, CA
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3. Where to stay on Oahu, from economy to luxury hotels
4. Book Oahu vacation package at special rate
Finding a good vacation package is tricky. How can you decide which hotel to choose among four or five that look similar? Is ocean view worth the extra money? How can you be sure the hotel you booked doesn't disappoint? What if you find out that the person next to you on the plane paid 40% less for his ticket than you?
Hawaii Travel Bureau is here to make you feel very good about your vacation. We can put together a custom vacation package for you that will cost 10-65% lower than published rates, and less than Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity rates.
You want to know what's special about Hawaii Travel Bureau? First, we have a team of highly-trained agents who know all there is to know about Hawaii, and can recommend hotel, condo or tour that will work best for you. Second, our rates are really good (you'll see!) because we have our own wholesale contracts with airlines, hotels, car rental and activity companies.
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Here is how you can receive a fast and detailed quote for your trip:
Need some ideas for your vacation? Here are some of our special deals to get you started:
| Price for 2 people | Package description |
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Lowest-Priced Luxury Package From $1,380.00 + airfare at our discounted rate |
At Hyatt Regency Waikiki, you can go swimming or snorkeling on a beautiful white-sand beach in the morning, then hit Waikiki's exciting shops or trendy nightclubs.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in mountain view room at Hyatt Regency Waikiki, airport transfers with flower lei greeting, full buffet breakfast daily... |
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Best Oceanfront Deal From $808.00 + airfare at our discounted rate |
ResortQuest Waikiki Beachside is a small elegant hotel with fantastic oceanfront location on Waikiki Beach.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in oceanfront room at ResortQuest Waikiki Beachside (3 stars), airport transfers with flower lei greeting, continental breakfast daily... |
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Affordable Honeymoon Package From $608.00 + airfare at our discounted rate |
ResortQuest Waikiki Joy is a small boutique hotel 3 blocks from the beach.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in superior room at ResortQuest Waikiki Joy, in-room jacuzzi bathtub, space available upgrade to club suite, airport transfers with flower lei greeting, continental breakfast daily, split of champagne when you arrive... |
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Luxury Honeymoon Package From $1,560.00 + airfare at our discounted rate |
At Hyatt Regency Waikiki, you can start the day by swimming or snorkeling on a beautiful white-sand beach, then hit Waikiki's exciting shops or trendy nightclubs.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in ocean view room at Hyatt Regency Waikiki (5 stars), airport transfers with flower lei greeting, full buffet breakfast daily, bottle of champagne... |
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Best Family Deal From $2,152.00 (for 1-4 people) + airfare at our discounted rate |
ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Tower offers truly luxurious 1,200-sq-ft condos with gourmet kitchen, private lanai, washer/dryer, and maid service twice a day.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in 2-bedroom partial ocean view at ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Tower (4 stars), airport transfers with flower lei greeting... |
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Best Bang for the Buck From $456.00 + airfare at our discounted rate |
Aqua Aloha Surf is a nice and simple hotel 3 blocks from the beach.
Package includes: Airfare from your city, 5 nights in standard room at Aqua Aloha Surf (2 stars), continental breakfast daily, airport transfers with flower lei greeting... |
We are here to help you with your Oahu vacation planning!
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