Blogs
Dive Deep Into Oahu’s Stunning Jewel
Beyond the Waves and Into the Soul of Hawaii’s Gathering Place
Imagine an island where cascading waterfalls share the same landscape as urban skylines, where pristine beaches stretch out next to bustling markets, and where the echoes of ancient Polynesian chants can be felt amidst the modern beats of Honolulu. Welcome to Oahu, often called the ‘Heart of Hawaii’. With sun-kissed shorelines and hushed mountain trails, stories are waiting to be told, memories eager to be made. Dive deep with us into this treasure trove of experiences, as we peel back the layers of Oahu and reveal the myriad reasons it has ensnared our hearts. From the bustling alleys of Waikiki to the sacred groves of the Waimea Valley, come on a journey to discover Oahu in all its multifaceted glory, and see why we’re hopelessly in love with this Pacific gem.
For those seeking a fun, interactive evening activity while traveling in this Hawaiian hot spot, a luau offers the perfect blend of cultural education and cuisine, live entertainment and intrigue for all... More
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While Pearl Harbor’s crown jewel, the USS Arizona Memorial, has closed indefinitely due to structural problems, its visitor center remains open to the public. As the #1 attraction in the state, it... More
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Nestled on Oahu’s striking windward side, Lanikai Beach lives up to its name of “heavenly sea” with its half-mile stretch of spotless white sand, crystalline water, and proximity to “The Mokes”—two islets... More
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It’s one thing to unexpectedly encounter a shark while paddle boarding in peace; it’s yet another to actively seek out sharks to interact with them safely. The Pelagic Shark Dive Tour offers... More
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There’s something so splendid about the glittering Pacific that most visitors to Hawaii are keen on experiencing it in every manner they can. Enter the appeal of kayaking, an accessible sport, aboard... More
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Traditionally called Leahi due to its resemblance to a tuna’s brow, the image of Diamond Head has been seared into the memories of kama’aina, visitors—and people from afar—for centuries. Formed over 300,000... More
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There’s something undeniably striking about a birds-eye view perspective. Naturally, it comes as no surprise that helicopter tours are regarded as one of Oahu’s must-do activities. While it’s easy to appreciate the... More
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While snorkeling tends to get the lion’s share of love on Oahu, intrepid travelers and experienced divers alike turn to scuba to explore the island’s reefs more deeply (literally!). With kaleidoscopic corals,... More
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Breathtaking views may be seen around every corner of Oahu but they’re taken to new heights—literally—on the trail to Makapuu Lighthouse. Located roughly a mile past Hawaii Kai golf course, the relatively... More
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Hawaii may be the most isolated populous archipelago in the world but in the early 19th century it was considered to possess the grandest palace on the globe. Now, visitors can get... More
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And speaking of food trucks: If you happen to be on Oahu on the last Friday of the month, be sure to make your way to the district of Kaka’ako to sample... More
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Chances are if a movie or show was filmed in Hawaii, Kualoa Ranch was used as the set. Its iconic beauty has served as the backdrop to many of your favorite... More
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Luminous weather, warm water, gentle waves, lofty palms—it’s no wonder Waikiki Beach is one of the most recognizable shorelines on the planet. With Diamond Head glittering in the distance, surfers, stand-up paddlers,... More
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Established in 1947, this 42-acre exhibit has gone through several iterations since its first Park Director, Ben Hollinger, brought a monkey, bear, and African elephant to Oahu for the “children of Hawaii.”... More
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Spend all of your time in Waikiki—as tempting as it may be—and you’ll miss out on the fact that part of Oahu’s allure rests in its mix of metropolitan and country. Kualoa... More
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Deemed the third most popular destination on the island of Oahu—and prized by kama’aina and visitors alike—Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is an ocean enthusiast’s haven. Boasting some of the best snorkeling opps... More
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Waikiki may receive the lion’s share of visitors’ love, but Downtown Honolulu underscores why it’s often considered one of the most exciting cities in the world. Steeped in history, abuzz with budding... More
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Shopping in Hawaii isn’t exclusively reserved for buying shell necklace souvenirs for your pals back home. Ala Moana is a testament this fact, presenting an array of stores that stretches from the... More
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Layson Albatrosses, wedge-tailed shearwaters, and Hawaiian Monk Seals are just a few of the rare species that can be found at this Natural Reserve on Oahu’s westernmost point. Reaching this jewel requires... More
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No trip to Oahu would be complete without a journey to its gorgeous North Shore. Frequently dubbed the epicenter of surfing, the towns that line its legendary beaches straddle the mark between... More
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The nearby Manoa Falls may capture the interest of most, but this botanical garden—and part of the University of Hawai‘i—is equally deserving of your time and energy. Established in 1918 as a... More
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Founded in 1927 and presenting more than 50,000 works spanning 5,000 years, the Honolulu Museum of Art earns every bit of its acclaim as one of the most imposing exhibition halls in... More
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We have some of the most remarkable beaches on Earth. Why not get married on one? We’ve put together 8 of our favorite Oahu beach wedding locations with photos and descriptions.... More
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Polynesia’s breadth stretches far and wide, from New Zealand in the southwestern-most part of the South Pacific to Tahiti in French Polynesia. Oahu’s Polynesian Cultural Center—a theme park and “living museum” that’s... More
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American icon, competitive surfer, and tobacco heiress Doris Duke fell in love with Hawaii in the mid-1930s, ultimately building from the ground-up a seaside mansion minutes away from Diamond Head. She spent... More
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It’s impossible to visit Oahu without being stunned by the radical Pali Cliffs—green, dizzying beauties that scissor across the skies of the island. One of the sagest ways to experience their splendor... More
READY TO EMBARK ON OAHU ADVENTURES OF A LIFETIME?
The sheer number of things to do on Oahu is enough to make even the most organized traveler’s head spin. With that in mind, we’ve narrowed down Oahu’s musts so that you can experience the extent of “The Gathering Place’s” wonder:
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