Oahu Travel Guide

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Oahu

Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head © HVCB/Joe Solem

Oahu is only the third largest of the inhabited Hawaiian islands, but it is home to nearly three-quarters of the state's residents, most of them living in the ultra-modern capital city, Honolulu, and its adjacent beach resort suburb of Waikiki, on the south coast of the island. Beyond the urban bustle of the south, Oahu is quiet and enchanting; flaunting 23 state parks and punctuated by ancient stone heiau (temples). The island's most recognisable landmark is the 761ft (232m) tall Diamond Head to the east of Waikiki. This mountain is a 'tuff cone' formed 100,000 years ago when an eruption of volcanic ash hardened into solid rock. The extinct volcano is traditionally believed to be the home of Pele, the fire goddess. Oahu means 'gathering place', and the island certainly lives up to its name in its ethnic diversity, which becomes evident at a glance at the annual festival calendar. From the Chinese New Year in late January to King Kamehameha Day in June and the Aloha Festivals in September there is barely a dull moment and always a reason for celebration.

Attractions

Arizona Memorial Museum

The USS Arizona was one of several United States battle ships that were sunk by the Japanese Imperial Navy during its surprise historic attack on Pearl Harbour, Oahu, on December 7, 1941, causing the US to enter into World War II. Visitors are... see full details

Beaches

The main attraction for visitors to Oahu are the range of 139 beaches which, from the pounding waves of the north shore to the gentle swells of Waikiki in the south, offer the chance to bathe and soak up the sun, or tackle... see full details

Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum in Honolulu is the largest museum in Hawaii and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognised worldwide for its cultural collections, research projects and educational programmes. The museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop, in... see full details

Honolulu’s Chinatown

Enter Honolulu’s Chinatown neighbourhood through the Gateway Plaza on the corner of Bethel and Hotel streets in the city’s downtown business district, and you step into an exciting and exotic world made up of a colourful and eclectic blend of Southeast Asian cultures. Here... see full details

Iolani Palace

The only royal residence in the United States, the Iolani Palace, stands on the corner of King and Richard Streets in Honolulu, its opulent interior giving a glimpse into the lives of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs between 1882 and 1893. Initially it was home... see full details

Polynesian Cultural Centre

Hawaii's top tourist attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Centre, is situated on the Kamehameha Highway in Laie on the scenic north shore of Oahu island. This remarkable venue, visited by more than one million people a year, consists of seven Polynesian 'islands' in a beautifully... see full details

Valley of the Temples

Opposite a bustling shopping centre on the Kahekili Highway in Kaneohe, below the Koolau mountains, nestles a little piece of Japan tucked away in Hawaii. The Valley of the Temples Memorial Park contains oriental gardens and koi ponds, a massive nine-foot Buddha statue, Japanese... see full details

Events

Moloka'i Hoe Canoe Racing

Outrigger canoe racing is embedded in the culture of Hawaii, and each year the race, considered to be the world championship, attracts thousands of fans. The canoes form a large part of the way of life of the islanders and in the past the prestige allocated upon those who would win the race was enormous. Nowadays, although the symbolic nature of the victory remains, the festival enjoys a relative influx of tourist interest and media attention.

Venue: Duke Kahanamoku Beach
Date: 4 October 2008
Time: 7.30am

World Invitational Hula Festival

This celebration of Hawaiian culture, customs, history, language and relationship to all natural things attracts many curious visitors from all over the world. With a number of events taking place across the three days there will be more than enough to entertain the whole family, and, of course, plenty of inspirational hula dancing for those willing to participate or just to relax and observe.

Venue: Waikiki Shell, Honolulu
Date: 13-15 November 2008
Website: www.worldhula.com