Hawaii is one of the most beautiful travel destinations of the Pacific and is well known for its hospitality - "The Aloha Spirit".  The temperature of this tropical island of the United States ranges from 68°F to 88°F year around with the water temperature at about 74°F. There are six major islands in Hawaii with each island offering its own unique personality.  Home to the legendary Waikiki beach, the Island of Oahu is the 2nd oldest island and the 3rd largest in size.  It is made up of two major mountain ranges that run almost parallel to each and offers spectacular scenery, hidden valleys and beaches.  It is the epicenter of Hawaii with a population of about 900,000.  This is an island of activities:

Ocean Activities

Oahu is surrounded by more than 100 miles of beaches and offers water activities that will invigorate everyone from the novice to the most adventurous.  In addition to swimming, surfing, sport fishing and paddling, you will also find:

• Dolphin Swim and snorkel tours on the west shore of Oahu (if conditions permit)

• Kayaking and exploration in the protected waters surrounding Kailua and Lanikai Beach, one of the best beaches in the U.S

• North Shores' Shark adventure

• Snorkel at the Hanauma Bay which is home to over 450 species of tropical fish

• Submarine tours

• Sunset dinner cruises

Hiking and Eco Tour

You will find many hiking trails with spectacular scenery on Oahu.  Of these trails, Diamond Head Crater trail is located less than 3 miles from the Waikiki and is the most traveled by visitors.  This 100-year-old trail climbs 560-feet to a spectacular view of the entire southern coast of Oahu.  Other established trails within a short distance from Waikiki include Manoa Fall Trails in Manoa Valley and Jack Memorial Trail in Tantalus region.

Many blockbuster movies and TV series including Jurassic Park, Windtalkers and Lost! have been filmed at the Kualoa Ranch.  The property stretches for five miles along the coast and includes three mountains, two valleys and 4,000 acres. It offers half-day and full day tours including horseback riding to the mountains, All Terrain Vehicle Tours, Ocean voyaging, Hawaiian fishpond and garden tour etc.

Golf

If you love to golf, you have to consider Oahu.  Year-round golfing at some of the world-class courses that host the PGA and LPGA events is not a possibility but reality.  With more than 30 golf courses on Oahu to choose from, you will find one that you will enjoy whether you are beginner or pro.  You may want to visit:

• Bayview Golf Links

• Coral Creek Golf Course

• Ko Olina Golf Club

• Olomana Golf Links

• Turtle Bay Golf Course

Historical sites

With the code words “Tora Tora Tora”, the Japanese navy airplanes launched a surprise attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.  The USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated in 1962 to honor those brave men and women who died in the attack on this fateful day.  In addition to visiting the memorial and the visitors’ center, you may also want to tour the decommissioned battleship, USS Missouri - the “Mighty Mo!”, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and the Pacific Aviation Museum. Other popular sites are:

• Bishop Museum

• Iolani Palace

• National Cemetery of the Pacific

• Pali Lookout

• Queen Emma Summer Palace

• Shanqri La

Hawaiian Show/Entertainment

Enjoy an evening of entertainment at one of the variety of productions which are the highlight of Hawaii's night life. From the Society of Seven show, the perennial fan favorite for the last three decades, to the latest addition of Level4 Nightclub and Ultra Lounge, there is an abundance of non-stop action to keep you busy well into the evening or morning.  Here are some of the exciting shows in town:

• Cirque Hawaii

• Magic of Polynesian

• Society of Seven

• Stars in Concert

Luau

What could be better than spending an evening under the beautiful tropical sky sprinkled with stars at a Hawaiian luau and mesmerized by the mystical Hawaiian chants?  Most luau shows on the Island of Oahu include performance of both traditional and modern Hawaiian songs, hulas and fire knife dances.  Here are some of the popular shows:

• Germaine’s Luau

• Polynesian Cultural Center Alii Luau

• Paradise Cove Luau

• Sea Life Park Luau

Other Attractions

There are many more exciting and great attractions on Oahu, here are just a few:

• Dole Plantation
• Halona Blow Hole
• Hawaii State Art Mueseum
• Hawaiian Water Adventure Park
• Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
• Mt. Tantalus & Round Top State Park
• Polynesian Cultural Center
• Sealife Park
• Waimea Falls Park