Official Language:
English
Secondary Language:
Pidgin, an English-based mixture of mostly English, Japanese and Phillipine.
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Currency:
US dollar
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Population:
More than 875,000 people call Oahu home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Oahu Honolulu:Hawaii has only two seasons winter and summer. The climate on Oahu is the favorite of Hawaii, as it is less windy than Maui, not as humid as the Big Island, and less rain than Kauai.
Average daily temperatures are between 70-84°F/21-29°C. Afternoon or morning rain showers are common, yet light and brief.
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Port: Honolulu Oahu
Oahu withs its contrast and diversity will keep you feeling fresh and exhilarating. Waikiki and Honolulu are the two main cities on the island, and while they are home to the majority of the attention from tourists, the island as a whole is wonderful, with a variety of fabulous sights and attractions, as well as beautiful beaches. Oahu is the third largest, yet the most populous, of the Hawaiian Islands.
This happy island welcomes over five million visitors every year. Nine out of ten tourists stay on Oahu. Oahu was given the nickname “The Gathering Place” many years ago, significant because the island was and continues to be a melting pot of all South Pacific people and cultures. Giving the Polynesian Cultural Center an added appeal. It is a mixture of history, heritage, and theme park, and is one of numerous outstanding locations on Oahu that combine entertainment with education.
Oahu offers something for everyone. From golf to perfect waves, hiking to tide pooling, Oahu has it all. The beauty of Oahu is complimented by Waikiki and Honolulu, 2 cities specifically devoted to tourism. Tourism provides the island virtually with all of its income. Today's Oahu is a stunning tropical paradise, and the perfect vacation destination.
Oahu was once the home to the last reigning Hawaiian monarchs, the only monarchs to ever govern from within the United States. The Hawaiian Islands are believed to have been first inhabited approximate two thousand years ago.
Downtown Honolulu offers historical and educational attractions. The city is the political and economic center of the entire state. Honolulu happily welcomes slower pace and gentle ways. Expect to see street vendors at the foot of skyscrapers, working women wearing muumuus, and doctors and lawyers sharing their favorite surfing hangouts with local waiters and college students.
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Attractions |
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Aloha Week Floral Parade: Mid-September
Honolulu Marathon: The annual, 26-mile marathon in early December
Aloha Tower: An outdoor mall, Aloha Marketplace, with boutiques and Hawaiian-theme shops and restaurants.
Chinatown: Hawaii's Chinatown is similar to many of the Chinatowns you might find in your home town, however here it feels more "authentic."
Iolani Palace: It is the last official residence of the kings and queens of the Hawaiian monarchy and the only royal palace on U.S. soil. A history of life in the Hawaiian kingdom before and after the monarchy was overthrown.
Waikiki and Waikiki Beach: A famous name known for sandy beaches, surfing, and palm-framed sunsets. Home to beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, restaurants, shops, and endless summer days.
Diamond Head: Waikiki's most famous landmark. Adventure seekers can hike the 560-foot trail to the summit for a panoramic view of the island.
Kodak Hula Show: The popular, touristy, hula show is held several times a week at the Waikiki Shell in Kapiolani Park near Diamond Head, where visitors can watch the ancient Hawaiian dance.
Ala Moana Center: The country's largest outdoor shopping center. The Ala Moana Center is 1.6 million square feet.
Bishop Museum and Planetarium: The museum focuses on Hawaii's 2000 years of cultural and natural history. Exhibits feature hands-on fun for children as well as some 2 million artifacts, original documents, and photographs.
Manoa Falls: Deep in the heart of Manoa Valley (only minutes from Waikiki, but a world away), you'll find a waterfall and rain forest that make for one of the best hikes on Oahu. The 3/4-mile Manoa Falls Trail ends with a cool off in a natural pool at the base of the 100-foot falls.
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific: Known as the "Punchbowl" for its round, bowl-like shape. The 116-acre U.S. military cemetery is a final resting place for the men and women who served their country in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Pearl Harbor: Over 1,110 crewmen lost their lives when the Japanese struck the USS Arizona during the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. The ship's deck lies six feet below the surface of the water. A 184-foot memorial was built above, allowing visitors to view the watery grave. To this day, oil still seeps from the ship. This memorial is the second most visited attraction in Hawaii. Next door to the Arizona Memorial floats the USS Missouri open to tour.
Dole Pineapple Plantation: Pineapple candy, pineapple ice cream, & pineapple. The fruit is not native to Hawaii. They were first imported from Spain, in 1813, but their commercial success here has linked them to the state.
Polynesian Cultural Center : The most popular paid attraction in Hawaii is an interactive museum of cultures. Learn about the people of the South Pacific islands. The center features taro-pounding demonstrations, Hawaiian games, hula lessons, and a Polynesian revue of song, dance, and fire walking.
North Shore: Hawaii's well known surfing coast is a sharp contrast to the hustle of Waikiki. The hotels, traffic, and tourists are replaced by sugarcane, pastures, and grazing animals. The winds from the north, send the North Shore the tall, white-capped waves at Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach.
Waimea Bay Beach Park: This Famous surfing beach is a favorite among locals, visitors, and daring cliff jumpers.
Pali Highway: The highway, connecting Windward Oahu to Downtown Honolulu, is one of the most scenic drives on the island. Be sure to make a stop at the Pali Lookout for spectacular views of Windward Oahu.
Hanauma Bay: Known for its tropical fish, Hanauma Bay (curved bay), is an eroded volcanic crater now filled with the blue Pacific and more than 400 species of fish. The bay was nearly fished out before being designated a marine life conservation district in 1967.
International Marketplace: Home to the largest selection of Polynesian souvenirs. It’s crowded, maybe a bit tacky, but a fun place to visit.
shops, as well as some of the city’s favorite restaurants.
Sports & Activities-
Surfing: Choose from almost 600 surfing sites. This is where it all started!
Golf: Koolau Golf Course has the highest slope rating of any golf course in the U.S.
Tennis: There are more than 175 county courts available. Tennis galore!
Snorkeling: Hanauma Bay is world famous for its spectacular coral reefs and swarms of fish.
Scuba: The Waianae Coast and the south shore of Hanauma Bay are two of the top dive sites on the island.
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