Oahu: Home to Hawaiian Royalty, Big Wave Surfers and Adventurers

A blend of historic sites and modern vibrancy, Oahu has a variety of extraordinary attractions. This is the third largest island in the Hawaiian Islands and is known as the “Gathering House.” Travel here and experience sumptuous feasts, fireworks and natural beauty.

Once a resort for Hawaiian royalty in the 1800s, Waikiki is the pulse of Oahu. With its numerous beaches, the community epitomizes island life. Paddle boarders and families with children may prefer the calm saltwater lagoon of Ala Moana Beach Park. This tranquil beachfront is surrounded by a park with tennis courts, jogging tracks and food stalls. If you want to enjoy a peaceful swim in the morning, take a detour to Kailua to explore Lanikei Beach (meaning “Sea of Paradise”). Dip your feet into the silky white sand beaches and sapphire waters of this secluded place. Those looking for something more extreme can head to Waimea Bay, the birthplace of Big Wave surfing in the 20s of the 50th century.

Overlooking these pristine waters, the wonders of nature beckon. Millions of years ago, the Ko’olau Volcanic Range began to rumble beneath the sea. After an eruption some 300,000 years ago, the “Diamond Head” crater was formed. The name was inspired by 19th-century British sailors who thought they had struck it rich when they found glittering calcite crystals on the mountainside. For a panoramic view of the island from the top of the tuff cone, take the two-hour Diamond Head hike. There are more trails waiting to be explored along the edge of Oahu’s southeastern coast, with the Makapuu Point Lighthouse perched on a 183-meter-high cliff. With over a thousand prisms, this lighthouse has the largest lighthouse lens in the world. To reach this landmark, follow the four-kilometer Cape Macapuu Lighthouse Trail, which offers a glimpse of the Koko Crater.

Culminate your adventure at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, where people gather for a traditional pig roast, dine and celebrate local traditions. Or return to Waikiki to experience the grand carnival. For more than three decades, the sky over Oahu has been littered every Friday at 7:45 p.m. with fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian Village show. Find your ideal pursuit on the island and unleash your inner adventurer.

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