About Oahu
Sometimes called “The Gathering Place,” Oahu certainly lives up to its name. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population. Here you’ll find a fusion of East and West cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. It’s this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering Oahu — from bustling city life to laidback surf towns — so enjoyable. You’ll find plenty of different options for exploring Oahu’s different regions, the island’s many activities, its eclectic restaurants and accommodations.
OAHU POINTS OF INTEREST
Haleiwa Town – Rich with island history, Haleiwa is the social and artistic hub of the North Shore. Here you’ll find surfers fueling up at the restaurants in its plantation era buildings before hitting the famous beaches of Waimea Bay, Ehukai (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach. You’ll also find locals and visitors shopping and winding down after a day in the sun.
Dole Plantation – Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, the plantation welcomes over one million visitors a year. Enjoy a variety of activities, including the Pineapple Express, the Plantation Garden Tour and the Pineapple Garden Maze.
USS Arizona Memorial – Millions of people from all over the world come to this majestic setting to see for themselves where World War II began for the United States on December 7, 1941. Built in memoriam to those who lost their lives in the battle at Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial floats above the wrecked remains of the USS Arizona. Learn more about the history of the Memorial and the events that took place that fateful day at the museum.
Iolani Palace – Iolani Palace was the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii beginning with Kamehameha III under the Kamehameha Dynasty in 1845 and ending with Queen Liliuokalani After the monarchy was overthrown in 1893, the building was used as the capitol building for the State of Hawaii until 1969. It is the only royal residence on U.S. soil.
Bishop Museum – Founded in 1889, it is the largest museum in Hawaii and has the world’s largest collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts and natural history specimens. Here you’ll find the Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center which showcases exhibits that are immersive and interactive. Become an active participant with fun displays on volcanology, oceanography and biodiversity.
Queen Emma Summer Palace – Known as Hanaiakamalama (The Southern Cross) in Hawaiian, this served as a summer retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii from 1857 to 1885, as well as for her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward. Today it is a museum displaying Queen Emma’s and other members of the Hawaiian royal families.
Pali Lookout – The panoriamic lookout overlooks the 985′ cliffs of the Ko‘olau Mountain Range. It is extremely windy some days, as the high mountains on either side form a strong wind tunnel. Named “Pali” meaning ‘cliff’ in Hawaiian, the Pali Lookout is the site of the Battle of Nuuanu, where in 1795 King Kamehameha I won the struggle that finally united O‘ahu under his rule. This fierce battle claimed hundreds of soldiers’ lives, many of which were forced off of the Pali’s sheer cliffs.
Diamond Head Lookout– Also known to Hawaiians as “Leahi” deriving its name from most likely from lae ‘browridge, promontory’ plus ahi ‘tuna’ because the shape of the ridgeline resembles the shape of a tuna’s dorsal fin. Its English name was given by British sailors in the 19th century, who mistook calcite crystals on the adjacent beach for diamonds. Today, the iconic volcanic tuft cone serves as a symbol of the worldwide recognition of the Hawaiian Islands.
Halona Blowhole – Formed by molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. When the surf is right, the blowhole shoots water up to 30 feet in the air! The larger the waves, the larger the spray! Situated to the right is the Halona Beach Cove, also known at the “Peering Place.” This small sandy beach is known for the famous love scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the movie, From Here to Eternity (1953).
