Here under Oahu - Honolulu, you will find travel information about the Island of Oahu and Honolulu as well as general information.
Oahu, also called "The Gathering Place", is the most visited and with nearly three quarters of the state's population also the most populated of the Hawaiian Islands. But despite all its development, you can still find the special beauty of Hawaii with palm-fringed beaches and rocky shores, jungles and waterfalls, serene valleys and majestic mountains.
The third largest of the main islands is an island of amazing diversity and contrasts. The island is divided from northwest to southeast by two mountain ranges, the Waianae range and the Koolau range.
The lush and jungly eastern side of the island offers great views and beautiful bays, which are perfect or swimming, sunbathing and Kailua Bay is the island's number one windsurfing spot. The east coast is also home to Oahu's second popular attraction,the Polynesian cultural center, representing seven different cultures. The western coast is the sunniest, driest and less touristy side of the island with long white-sand beaches. It features good swimming conditions in the summer and big surf in the winter.
But the world's best surf spot is found on the North shore, where the international surf pros show their skills each winter in a number of top surfing competitions. Central Oahu offers some nice scenic drives, a number of pineapple plantations and a laid back country feeling. People looking for vibrating nightlife and endless entertainment are drawn to the southern end of the island, which is home to bustling metropolis of Honolulu and famous Waikiki Beach. All over Oahu you can find great spots for all kinds of watersports, hiking, horseback riding, tennis, golf, skydiving or gliding.
Oahu - Honolulu, which means “protected bay” in Hawaiian, is the state's capital and largest city. It also serves as Hawaii's principal port, major airport, business, financial and educational center and as the seat of the state government.
Oahu - Honolulu contains the most attractions of the island: hundreds of superb shops, restaurants, bars and clubs, cruises, a number of great art galleries and museums, many concerts and events and other points of interests like the Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium. Some beautiful historical architecture and sights of the city include the Iolani Palace, the famous statue of King Kamehameha or historic Chinatown. West of Honolulu International Airport you'll find the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii's most visited attraction.
Waikiki is the southeastern quarter of the city and one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. This magical mile of beachfront hotels and high-rises accounts for nearly half of the state's visitor accommodations. The beautiful Waikiki Beach is very crowded during the day, but its waters are a perfect place to learn how to surf and it has amazing sunsets. Just beyond Waikiki, in the east, are Diamond Head, one os the pacific's best known landmarks, and Hanauma Bay, the best year-round snorkeling spot.
Nickname: "The Gathering Place" Capital: Honolulu County: Oahu Area: 600 sq miles Population: 900,000 Highest Point: Mount Kaala (4020 feet) Official Colour: yellow Official Flower ilima
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But the world's best surf spot is found on the North shore, where the international surf pros show their skills each winter in a number of top surfing competitions. Central Oahu offers some nice scenic drives, a number of pineapple plantations and a laid back country feeling. People looking for vibrating nightlife and endless entertainment are drawn to the southern end of the island, which is home to bustling metropolis of Honolulu and famous Waikiki Beach. All over Oahu you can find great spots for all kinds of watersports, hiking, horseback riding, tennis, golf, skydiving or gliding.
