Hawaii Islands: Oahu
Oahu
is home to historic Honolulu, exciting Waikiki, the legendary
North Shore
and much more. Enchanting for naturalists to explore tropical
gardens, exotic
rainforests and miles of white sandy beaches. Famous Waikiki
Beach, the heart
of the island and a world class resort area, offers outstanding
dining,
entertainment, shopping, attractions and hotel accommodations
to fit any budget
and is perfect for every type of travel, romantic getaways to
family vacations.
Down the shore from Waikiki Beach is one of the most recognizable
landmarks in
Hawaii, Diamond Head. This extinct volcano crater sits solemnly
above another
fabulous beach filled with sun worshippers and surfers. Beyond
Waikiki, Oahu
becomes a quietly enchanting island. There are 23 state parks
on the ocean and
throughout the interior. On the North Shore, the ocean's fury
comes to life as
massive waves pound the shore in an unforgettable rhythm. History
buffs can
trace the million year history of the islands on Oahu, or experience
more
recent history at Pearl Harbor.
For outdoor enthusiasts partake in one of the many adventure
opportunities,
hike exotic mountain ranges, kayak in sapphire bays, golf
the most challenging
courses, and surf at the world’s best beaches. Oahu
is fascinating for history
buffs to discover Hawaiian heiau, plantation history, and
Pearl Harbor.
Experience local traditions, learn to make a quilt, string
a lei, surf, eat
shave ice and dance hula. Swim with dolphins, snorkel Hanauma
Bay and ride
outrigger canoes. Oahu is where the Heart of Hawaii beats
the loudest.
OAHU RESORTS
Dream Cruises
Pacific Splash Barefoot Brunch Cruise
Cruise toward Diamond Head and anchor off the beach for a
morning full of fun in the sun! Splash off the giant water
slide, jump into the ocean from the huge trampoline or just
relax on the spacious sun deck. Sanitized snorkels, fins and
masks along with other water toys are provided.
Island Grill Sunset Fun Cruise
A tropical, casual evening to view a colorful sunset, then
the stars & city lights of the Waikiki Coastline and Diamond
Head. Stroll the expansive outer decks, visit with the captain,
dance or rest at the rail as the sea and sights slide by.
Pacific Splash Barefoot Fun Cruise
Cruise toward Diamond Head and anchor off the beach for an
afternoon of fun in the sun. Splash off the giant water slide,
jump into the ocean from the huge trampoline or just relax
on the spacious sun deck. Sanitized snorkels, fins and masks
along with other water toys are provided. Be sure to bring
beach gear (Swimsuit, towels, sunscreen lotion, hats, sunglasses,
camera etc.)
Atlantis Submarines, Oahu Odyssey Adventure
See real marine life up close and a host of interesting reef
structures. This unforgettable tour takes you one mile off
shore on the Atlantis discovery shuttle boat, which offers
sweeping views of Diamond Head and the famous Waikiki coastline.
From the shuttle, board one of the two 48 passenger subs where
they will view coral reefs, marine life, two sunken ships,
the remains of two airliners and other artificial reef structures.
Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Arizona Memorial & Honolulu City Tour
This tour is a 4-hour fully narrated, scenic Hawaiian history
tour in an air-conditioned motor coach. Stop at the Arizona
Memorial Center in Pearl Harbor and watch a 25-minute movie
provided by the National Parks. Take the ferry to the Arizona
Memorial, your tour continues, exploring Punchbowl National
Cemetery of the Pacific, the state capitol, downtown Honolulu,
Iolani palace, King Kamehameha statue and China Town.
Paradise Cruise
Hawaiiana Cultural Deluxe Cruise
With beautiful panoramic vistas of Diamond Head and the Kahala
Gold Coast as a backdrop, cruise goers have the chance to
learn about and participate in Hawaii's popular island traditions
including the art of lei-making, palm frond weaving, playing
the ukulele, and dancing the hula. Indulge in a fabulous Hawaiian
buffet featuring Keawe-smoked paniolo roast beef carved on
board, poi and macadamia nut breads, Huli Huli chicken, steamed
Mahi Mahi with ginger butter sauce, salads, fresh fruit and
dessert. Visit the theatre deck for a video presentation.
Transportation included. December 15, 2002 through April 2003--
humpback whale sightings are guaranteed; if cruise goers don't
see a humpback whale, they receive a free return standard
ticket (cruise only, no transportation) until a whale is spotted.
The Diamond Head Snorkel & BBQ Cruise
There’s no better way to enjoy Hawaii’s crystal-clear
waters, colorful marine life, and gorgeous year-round weather
than on Paradise Cruise’s Diamond Head Snorkel &
BBQ cruise, a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.
This daily cruise takes passengers along the famous Waikiki
coastline, where a multitude of water activities awaits
you. For those more interested in relaxation, floating tubes,
fishing poles, and sun decks are also available.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Admission & IMAX Show
Get admission to all 7 Villages, activities and seating at
the evening extravaganza "Horizons".
Germaine's Luau
Step onto a beautiful, secluded and private beach and be
greeted with a special "aloha." Experience the
"Ohana" (family) of a backyard style Hawaiian
luau. You will be greeted with a Hawaiian shell lei and
photographs are taken. As the Imu is uncovered, the savory
aroma of the Kalua Pua'a fills the air. Talented Kane (men)
and Wahine (women) take everyone on a non-stop, musical
journey throughout the islands of Polynesia. Featured dances:
Hawaii, Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand and Hawaii.
Duck Tours
Arizona Memorial and Honolulu City Tour
You have never seen Pearl Harbor and Honolulu like this! Just
imagine yourself riding around in a fully-restored, authentic
World War II amphibious vehicle called the "Duck."
Can't picture it? Think of 32 feet of land and seaworthy steel,
which drives on the road and floats in the ocean. your captain
will narrate this fun and exciting half-day tour, beginning
with a visit to Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial. Next,
prepare for splashdown at historic Sand Island. Remain in your seat on "The Duck" as you launch into the Hawaiian
Ocean! Enjoy picturesque views of Diamond Head and Waikiki.
Complete you day with a tour through historic Honolulu.
Arizona Memorial: This simple, gleaming white
structure shields the hull of the USS Arizona, which sank
with over 1,000 men aboard when the Japanese attacked Pearl
Harbor on December 7, 1941. This unprovoked massacre ushered
the US into World War II. your visit includes a short documentary
chronicling the tragic events and a shuttle boat ride to the
memorial located above the waters where the USS Arizona remains,
a sunken tomb for many brave men.
Click here for Books and Videos about Pearl Harbor
Hanauma Bay Snorkel Tour
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of Hawaii’s most famous
natural attractions. It is a natural pristine beach park
in the center of a partially sunken volcano and has many
attractions for the visitor. The waters in the park are
teeming with fish and other marine life. The bay is protected
by the walls of the volcano making the inner reef beach
area, a long gradual decent from zero to about 13 feet.
This area is perfect for children and casual snorkeling.
The first stop is at Koko Marina Center for a short but
informative geological and educational briefing about Hanauma
Bay. From here you’ll be transported by taxi into Hanauma
Bay and ride the tram down to the snorkel shop on the beach
for your equipment. Flexible return times every hour so
you select how long you want to stay, up to 4pm.
Mauka Makai Excursions
Mauka Makai Excursions is a Hawaiian owned and operated
eco-tour company specializing in cultural and archeological
field trips and hiking ecotours to legendary and sacred
sites on Oahu. Guides will accurately describe each site,
the gods dedicated there, the ceremonies conducted there
and any natural history connected with the area. See sites
and hear legends and myths that very few visitors ever experience
while visiting Oahu. Full and half day excursions in a small
group format are available.
Half Day Ko’olau Poko-South Windward Oahu
This half day excursion packs in 3 to 4 sites and still
gets you back in time for lunch. Afternoon fieldtrips allows
later risers to still get outdoors and explore Hawaii’s
rich culture. Sites include Kapena Falls, petroglyphs, a
twelfth century war temple, sacred offering stones and more.
Total walking is about 4 miles.
Bring hiking boots or good walking shoes, sunscreen, and
camera.
Full Day Ko’olau Poko- South Windward Oahu
Visit archeological sites while trekking through varied
terrain with beautiful views of the natural environment
and changing topography. Sites include ancient temples,
petroglyphs, sacred stones and waterfalls. Total walking
is less than 2.5 miles and is broken up between 6 sites.
Bring hiking boots or good walking shoes, sunscreen, camera,
money for lunch, change of clothes and towel if swimming.
Full Day- Ka’ena Point- Waialua- Oahu’s
North Shore
Kukaniloko (Royal Birthing Stone/ Heiau) is perhaps one
of the most sacred sites on Oahu. A chief or chiefess born
here was assured high-ranking status. Then hike out to Ka’ena
Point stopping at Leina Kauhane (leaping souls) Rock. You
will also visit Haleiwa Town, two hiau (ancient temples)
and a Ko’a (fishing shrine). Refresh with a quick swim afterwards.
Total walking is little more than 4 miles.
Bring hiking boots or good walking shoes, sunscreen, camera,
money for lunch, change of clothes and towel if swimming.
Dining
In recent years, the distinctive Hawaiian cuisine, known
as Pacific Rim or Hawaiian Regional, has emerged onto the
world culinary stage. Ideally, it combines ingredients and
techniques from all the countries and ethnic groups that figure
in Hawaiian history, with creative chefs enhancing traditional
dishes into a thoroughly contemporary cuisine. Thanks partly
to ethnic diversity and partly to the huge tourist market,
Honolulu boasts a dining scene to rival any in the world.
The restaurants are mostly concentrated in the Waikiki hotels,
but plenty of delicious and interesting eateries are scattered
through the city.
Gourmet: Ship's Tavern is an elegant,
award-winning restaurant offering a gourmet menu of classical
cuisine, including fresh island fish, Maine lobster, and
an excellent choice of steaks. 2365 Kalakaua Avenue in the
Sheraton Moana Surfrider, Waikiki
Highly Recommended: Alan Wong's Restaurant
has taken Hawaiian Regional cuisine to new heights, offering
combinations such as sautéed shrimp with lemongrass
and black bean salsa, and seared peppered ahi with miso
and vinaigrette. Alan Wong is one of the leaders in bringing
Pacific-Rim cuisine to the forefront of the culinary world,
and a meal from his kitchen will give you a taste of the
best food to be had in Hawaii! 1857 S King Street, Honolulu
Local Flair: Orchids is a feast for your
eyes as well as your palate. A tropical wonder of multi-colored
Hawaiian-grown orchids surrounds you and perfumes the air
as palm trees sway. The 4-star oceanfront, open-air dining
room catches the trade winds floating in off the water.
Creative Pacific Regional cuisine and seafood dishes reign
supreme, with contemporary American foods supplementing
the menu. They claim to have the best sunset views in the
city, and cocktails for the event are tradition. Hawaiian
music under the palms lasts till dark, when everyone moves
inside for soothing piano music. 2199 Kalia Road, Waikiki
Romantic: The Hanohano Room puts all of
Waikiki at your feet as a glass elevator zips you 30 stories
up to a lofty dining room where starlit skies, twinkling
city lights, and culinary supremacy surround you. "Hanohano"
is Hawaiian for a glorious, elevated position, and everyone
agrees that this restaurant is perfectly named. Its award-winning
Continental and Flavors of Hawaii menu is complemented by
a fine European and California wine list, scrumptious desserts,
and jazz and contemporary music. The sunrise lights up the
land from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor, the Koolau Mountains,
and the Pacific and you have a stunning panoramic view from your breakfast table. 2255 Kalakaua Avenue in the Sheraton
Waikiki
Nightlife
Much of Honolulu's nightlife is concentrated in Waikiki,
where the tone is set by tourists looking to let loose and
local bands dominate the music scene. Additionally, Honolulu
is fortunate to have some truly sophisticated entertainment,
for such a relatively small, out of the way town. The Hawaii
Opera Theater, the Hawaii Symphony, Legends in Concert, and
Broadway shows performances offer top-notch cultural arts
performances.
Legends Sports Pub: This is the kind of
pub that every town should have. Autographed photos and
memorabilia hang from the walls. Eight satellite TVs broadcast
sporting events from around the globe. Domestic beer is
on tap and $2.00 drink specials abound. Sunday fun starts
at 8:00am throughout the NFL season! Honolulu
Duke's Canoe Club: Smooth Hawaiian sounds
wash over this oceanfront cocktail bar that also showcases
big name "Concerts on the Beach" every weekend.
Waikiki
Ocean Club's: The modest dress code and
a minimum entrance age of 23 keeps it packed with professionals
in their late 20s and 30s. This high-energy nightclub plays
music of all types and is one of the Oahu's hottest nightclubs.
The trendy hang-out with an outdoor deck has a light appetizer
menu and 3 bars. Honolulu
Creation - A Polynesian Odyssey: More
than the traditional luau, this show incorporates special
effects and illusions in its story telling. The story explains
how the islands of the South Pacific were created and shows
the birth of the first man and woman from the earth as told
by ancient legends. Guests enjoy stories about a Polynesian
voyage of love, battles of Fijian and New Zealand warriors,
and the coming of Hawaii's statehood. Honolulu
The Hawaii Theater Center: This gilded
neo-classical palace stages performances by everyone from
the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra to Chinese acrobats. Honolulu
