If you are thinking about visiting Hawaii, the island of Oahu has so much to offer! I just returned from spending 2 glorious weeks in Hawaii and our time on Oahu was incredible. Here are just a few of the things we experienced:
Waikiki:
This world famous city is the main hotel and resort area on Oahu. Here you’ll see a bustling city located right on the beach with lots of visitors from around the world, and incredible shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. Waikiki beach is mesmerizing. We loved playing in the gorgeous ocean here! We walked the beach every night too and the city lights shining onto the ocean amazed us. With its beautiful nighttime landscape, tiki torches blazing, island music drifting from the resorts, charming beachfront shops - Waikiki is a truly magical place!
Pearl Harbor:
Pearl Harbor is located about 30 minutes from Waikiki. Named for the pearl oysters once harvested there, is the largest natural harbor in Hawaii. It holds 5 historic sites honoring the events that occurred here during World War II. It is the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark. The devastating aerial attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in 2,390 dead and hundreds wounded, and drove the United States into World War II. Pearl Harbor honors this history-changing event with the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.
We visited the USS Arizona Memorial. It is a place to learn about the attack and pay respects to the brave soldiers that fell that day. You will begin at the visitor’s center where you’ll watch a film about the attack. Then, you’ll take a boat shuttle out to the USS Arizona Memorial. It is a floating memorial built over the sunken hull of the Battleship USS Arizona. This sunken ship is the final resting place for many of the ship’s crew. Since her sinking, oil still leaks from the hull, with more than 2.3 quarts escaping into the harbor per day.
It is a powerful place to visit, and a reminder of the devastating effects of war.
Laie LDS Temple Grounds and Visitor Center:
Waikiki:
This world famous city is the main hotel and resort area on Oahu. Here you’ll see a bustling city located right on the beach with lots of visitors from around the world, and incredible shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. Waikiki beach is mesmerizing. We loved playing in the gorgeous ocean here! We walked the beach every night too and the city lights shining onto the ocean amazed us. With its beautiful nighttime landscape, tiki torches blazing, island music drifting from the resorts, charming beachfront shops - Waikiki is a truly magical place!
Pearl Harbor:
Pearl Harbor is located about 30 minutes from Waikiki. Named for the pearl oysters once harvested there, is the largest natural harbor in Hawaii. It holds 5 historic sites honoring the events that occurred here during World War II. It is the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark. The devastating aerial attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in 2,390 dead and hundreds wounded, and drove the United States into World War II. Pearl Harbor honors this history-changing event with the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.
We visited the USS Arizona Memorial. It is a place to learn about the attack and pay respects to the brave soldiers that fell that day. You will begin at the visitor’s center where you’ll watch a film about the attack. Then, you’ll take a boat shuttle out to the USS Arizona Memorial. It is a floating memorial built over the sunken hull of the Battleship USS Arizona. This sunken ship is the final resting place for many of the ship’s crew. Since her sinking, oil still leaks from the hull, with more than 2.3 quarts escaping into the harbor per day.
It is a powerful place to visit, and a reminder of the devastating effects of war.
Laie LDS Temple Grounds and Visitor Center:
Just before we visited the famous Polynesian Cultural Center, we stopped to enjoy the lush gardens on the Laie Hawaii LDS Temple grounds. The temple is surrounded by colorful Hawaiian flowers and sits up on a hill that features cascading pools and a large fountain. It is beautiful! It is located on the North Shore of Oahu, just a half-mile from the ocean. The gorgeous Hale Laa Boulevard that leads the short distance from the highway to the temple is breathtaking.
The Polynesian Cultural Center:
This is the most popular attraction on Oahu for visitors. The PCC is 42 acres of beautiful lush grounds and showcases 7 different Polynesian cultures in simulated villages.
In each village, you’ll experience performers demonstrating various arts and crafts from that culture, and you’ll be awed and entertained! While visiting “Samoa”, we watched in amazement as a Samoan performer climbed clear to the top of a huge palm tree!
In Tahiti we were able to practice our spear throwing skills.
After you've visited all the villages, you can enjoy the “parade” of canoes that showcase the signature dances of each Polynesian culture, and then attend a delicious Luau where you’ll be adorned with a beautiful flower lei, feast on traditional food and enjoy lively Hawaiian entertainment.
When your belly is full, get ready to be awed at the Ha-Breath of Life evening show. It is an incredible live fire and dance show featuring songs and dances from throughout Polynesia. The Polynesian Culture Center is a must do experience on Oahu!
Sunset Beach:
The north shore of Oahu is absolutely breathtaking. Make sure you spend some time exploring the beautiful beaches. We loved playing in the waves and watching the surfers! The time we spent at Sunset beach was so fun, and we will never forget the spectacular sunset we witnessed there.
Diamond Head State Monument:
Hiking Diamond Head crater is a must! At the top you’ll see stunning costal views and the Waikiki coastline. It’s a workout getting to the top, but the views are worth it!
Waimea Falls:
We also made time to hike to Waimea Falls. The lush, beautiful botanical gardens you see along the way are so green and beautiful! It is an easy “hike” (more of a walk along a paved road) to the falls.
Once you reach the falls, you can grab a life jacket and swim!
No matter what you choose to do on your Hawaiian adventure, you are sure to make memories to last a lifetime! Let Get Away Today help you with all the details. Book your Hawaii vacation online or call 855-GET-AWAY!
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Join the Conversation!
Leave A CommentAnonymousAugust 21 2019
Thank you Jennifer, your experience was super useful. My husband and I are searching for where to go inon the Islands. So far I choose Oahu!
AnonymousMay 29 2018
Great ideas. Thanks