Things to Do on Oahu Hawaii

About Oahu
Nicknamed "The Gathering Place", and rightly so, Oahu (O'ahu to the locals) is the best known and most visited among all the islands of Hawaii. Oahu is the third largest of all Hawaii islands.

Perfect weather (65 to 85 degrees F) year-through, coastal rainfall, valleys and breathtaking waterfalls, majestic mountains, and the best sunsets that you may ever see make Oahu a must visit if you are planning a holiday. Add to this the wonderful white sand beaches that are a paradise if you love surfing or snorkeling.

There are plenty of flights daily from the US to Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii. Cruise ships leave from most of the sea ports in the US for Hawaii.

Things to do on Oahu
The island of Oahu offers something for everyone to do. It has over 125 pristine white sand beaches, luxury hotels, a great nightlife, good food and entertainment. Nature and history lovers have a lot that they can do here.

Famous Beaches to Visit on Oahu
Oahu is famous for its more than 125 beaches. Mentioned here are just a few of these awesome white sand beaches.

Kalama Beach
Situated on Kailua Bay, the ocean here is calmer than most other beaches. The waves here are great for those who are learning to surf.

Kailua Beach Park
Situated in East Oahu, this is one the best beaches with clean, fine sand. Good for sunbathing, and windsurfing.

Lanikai Beach
Access to the beach is via public walkways. Lanikai beach has very fine, soft sand. Ideal for swimming, sailing and windsurfing.

Hanauma Bay
This curved beach is a haven for snorkelers and divers as it is rich in marine life and has a large live coral reef. Hanauma Bay is a Marine Life Conservation Area where pets, alcohol and fishing are not allowed.

Waikiki Beach
This is undoubtedly one of the most well known beaches worldwide. This is also one of the most crowded beaches throughout the year. Fine, clean and soft sand is found all along this 1 1/2-mile-long beach. The world's longest running beach parties can be found here.

Kailua Beach
A must visit for anyone holidaying in Oahu. Kailua Beach has a 30-acre public park with picnic tables, restrooms, food courts, and a public boat ramp. It is great for swimming, windsurfing, and snorkeling. Can get very crowded during weekends.

Sunset Beach
Sunset beach can also be called 'Surfers Paradise'. Waves can reach a peak of 20 feet during the winter. If in Oahu during winter, you can just come here and see professional surfers ride the huge waves. During summer the waves calm down and Sunset beach becomes ideal for swimming.

Waimea Bay
Another beach for the surfers. During winters waves can rise 30 feet, giving the jitters even to professional surfers. As with Sunset beach, even Waimea calms down during the summer and becomes ideal for swimming, and snorkeling.

Places of Interest in Oahu
Besides the wonderful beach visits there is a lot more you can do and see in Oahu.

Iolani Palace
Located on South King Street in downtown Honolulu, the Iolani Palace was completed in 1882 and is the only royal palace in the US. Guided tours are conducted every 15 minutes, from 9a.m. to 2:15p.m., Tuesday to Saturday.

War Memorial Natatorium
This war memorial is dedicated to the 102 soldiers who were killed in World War I. It was built in 1927 and is situated on the Waikiki beach.

The US Army Museum
Here you will get to know the role Hawaii played in military matters right from World War I to the Vietnam conflict. Situated at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki, it is open from 10a.m. to 4p.m. daily except Mondays.

Aloha Tower
One of the most symbolic representations of Oahu, the Aloha Tower is situated in Honolulu Harbor. Built in 1926 this was the tallest tower till the late 60's. You can go to the 10th floor of the tower (daily from 9a.m to sunset) from where you get a magnificent view of Honolulu and the harbour.

Diamond Head
Undoubtedly the most famous volcanic crater in the world, Diamond Head is situated at the end of Waikiki overlooking the Pacific ocean. Originally known as Laeahi (brow of the tuna), its new name was given by British sailors in the 1800's. The hike to the top of Diamond Head should take approximately 1 1/2 hours and is of moderate intensity. It consists of an unlit tunnel, so you must carry your own torchlight. Also carry your own bottles of water.

Fort DeRussy
Situated in Waikiki, Fort DeRussy was built in 1915 to protect Honolulu and Pearl Harbour.

Hawaii Convention Center
Located in Honolulu the 1 million+ square feet Hawaii Convention Center is built on 10 acres and consists of 2,00,000 square feet exhibit space, a rooftop garden, and plenty of parking space. A must see when in Oahu.

Honolulu Zoo
Situated at the Diamond Head end in Waikiki on an area of approximately 42 acres, the Honolulu Zoo contains many birds native to Hawaii. Animals roam free on 12 acres of barricaded land. A wonderful place to visit, especially if you have kids, Honolulu Zoo is open daily from 9a.m. to 4:30p.m.

Waikiki Aquarium
Noted for its coral reef exhibit, the Waikiki Aquarium allows you to have a close look at reef sharks and fish, sea jellies, and living coral, and is open daily from 9a.m. to 5p.m.

There are many more places that you can visit in Oahu. Following is a list of some of these places.

-- Waimea Falls - North Shore
-- Washington House - Honolulu
-- Pacific Aerospace Museum - Honolulu International Airport
-- Mission House Museum - Honolulu
-- Japanese Cultural Center - Honolulu
-- Hawaii Maritime Center - Honolulu Harbor
-- Arizona Memorial - Pearl Harbor
-- Makapu Lighthouse - Windward coast
-- Wizard Stones - Waikiki

There are many more places you can visit in Oahu. You will need to be on a real long holiday if you want to see and experience Oahu to the fullest.

Caution at Oahu Beaches
While at any beach in Oahu, always obey all postings and warnings. Some of the beaches here are unpredictable, especially during the winter months.