Oahu Island
Oahu, also known as “The Gathering Place,” certainly lives up to its name. It is Hawaii’s third-largest island and is home to the majority of the island’s diverse population; a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures rooted in the values and traditions of native Hawaiians. It is precisely this contrast between old and new that makes discovering Oahu – from its bustling city life to its laid-back surf towns – so enjoyable. You’ll find plenty of different options for exploring Oahu’s various regions, the island’s many activities, its eclectic restaurants and its accommodations.
Honolulu, the state capital and Hawaii’s largest city, is a unique combination of tropical charm and bustling international metropolis, where sandy shores meet city streets. If Oahu is Hawaii’s heart, then Honolulu is its racing pulse. In this cosmopolitan capital city, you'll find everything from historic landmarks to fine dining and world-class shopping. Honolulu is home to the majority of Oahu's population, stretching along the island's southeastern shores from Pearl Harbor to Makapuu Point and encompassing the world-famous Waikiki Beach. It is home to the Bishop Museum, the most important museum of Polynesian culture; the Honolulu Academy of Arts, an art museum with a major collection of Asian art; and the Lyon Arboretum, a tropical botanical garden.
Waikiki, Hawaii's major tourist centre par excellence. Located on the south coast of Oahu, it is home to 90% of the hotels. Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous in the world, offers sun, sand and surf. In the 19th century, it was already a resting place for the Hawaiian royal family. The Hawaiian name Waikīkī means 'drained water' as it was once surrounded by wetlands.
Pearl Harbor is a bay west of Honolulu. Most of the harbour and the area around the bay is a US naval base, the headquarters of the Pacific Fleet. The attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 led to the United States entering World War II. The wrecks of the USS Arizona and USS Missouri are war memorials.
Diamond Head (Hawaiian: Lē'ahi) is a volcanic cone east of Waikiki, offering a panoramic view that has become a tourist symbol. The name was given to the island by 19th-century English sailors who mistook the calcite crystals embedded in the rock for diamonds. It is a designated State Monument.
Leeward Coast, this area on the west side of Oahu is home to rural towns, secluded beaches and a luxury resort area, Ko Olina. Oahu’s sunny and dry Leeward Coast lies at the foot of the Waianae Mountains, just 30 miles from Waikiki, but the contrast between the regions is striking. While Waikiki offers the hustle and bustle of the city, Oahu’s Leeward area is less developed and has quaint towns, beautiful secluded beaches and rural landscapes to explore. It is home to Kaena Point, a sacred vantage point where, according to legend, the souls of ancient Hawaiians leapt into the spirit world to meet the souls of their ancestors. Makaha Beach, the most popular beach on the Leeward Coast, offers ocean lovers a long stretch of golden sand to enjoy the beach and relax.
North Shore, the surfing capital of the world. There you can rub shoulders with pro surfers and laid-back locals.
Windward Coast - It's just a short drive from Honolulu to experience this lush part of the island. As you drive up the slopes of the Pali Highway, the skyscrapers and sprawling city of Honolulu give way to lush valleys and countryside. As you emerge from the tunnels east of the Koolau Mountains, it feels like you've entered another world, with the turquoise waters of the sea sparkling in the distance. A trip to the Windward Coast reveals the laid-back side of Oahu and some of the most stunning natural beauty found in Hawaii.
Oahu Beaches - Whether you're looking to brave the waves or just find a great spot to lay out on the sand, Oahu has a beach to suit everyone's desires. Oahu's beaches are a perfect example of paradise. There are options for those seeking adventures on the water, gentle waves for their first surf lesson, a romantic sunset view or a spot for a swim with the family. Even if you already know the world-famous Waikiki Beach and the powerful winter waves of the North Shore, there is still much to discover along the island's 180 km of coastline.