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Oahu, Hawaii Luxury Hotels and Destination


Luxury travelers seeking an exotic getaway should turn their sights to Oahu, Hawaii. Magnificent panoramas, white sand beaches, soaring volcanic peaks, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean combine to create a unique tropical setting for an unforgettable luxury vacation. History, culture, luxury and charm can all be found in Oahu. From the shopping and sun bathing of the well-known, bustling Honolulu-Waikiki area to the miles and miles of undeveloped island terrain, Oahu offers the best of both worlds to luxury travelers from all corners of the globe. Luxury hotel accommodations abound in Oahu, and each strives to make their guests feel like royalty. Luxury hotels enhance the Oahu island experience by providing luxurious amenities and superior services to create the ultimate dream getaway. When staying in Oahu, choose a luxury hotel that suits your preferences and offers you all the amenities you need for comfort and peace of mind.

Climate

Oahu is most often warm with temperatures ranging between 70 and 85 degrees. Northwesterly winds bring rain making the windward or eastern side of the island lush and moist. The rainy season is between December and March, which coincides with the most popular tourist season. Rain is not something to dread when staying in an Oahu luxury hotel—it is an excuse to explore all of the wonderful spa packages and services that your luxury hotel offers. Waikiki and the areas to the southwest remain fairly dry, but the winter winds make for extraordinary surf conditions on Oahu's north coast. When packing for your Oahu luxury hotels vacation, warm weather apparel is the order of the day.

Waikiki

Waikiki is one of the most famous luxury hotel resorts in the world. Many visitors never stray from its long stretches of sandy beaches, luxury hotels, and retail areas. For lovers of sun, surf and an upbeat lifestyle, there is really no need to leave as Waikiki never fails to deliver. Accommodations range from premier luxury hotels, to simple but adequate hotels and studio condominiums. Similarly, dining opportunities abound - from world class restaurants with their own 'designer' chefs, to simple cost-efficient buffets and fast food establishments.

Some of the best shopping in Oahu can be had in Waikiki. You can find everything from luxury boutiques to tee-shirt stands offering excellent deals. Try the AlaMoana Shopping Center, five minutes from Waikiki, with over 200 stores, a huge international food court and designer fashion outlets. The Dole Cannery Square is a wonderful place to sample the best of what Hawaii has to offer and is easily accessible by the free shuttle service from Waikiki.

Honolulu

Honolulu is the hub of commerce for the entire state of Hawaii. Most food and manufactured goods are shipped to Hawaii through Honolulu Harbor and then distributed to the neighboring islands.

Downtown Honolulu is the home of the Academy of Arts, which houses the finest American collection of Chinese ceramics, bronzes and other Asian sculptures. Visitors can witness Hawaii’s rapid development through various artists’ eyes. Included at the Academy is a sketch of Waikiki dating back to 1838. Don’t miss the impressive collection of Impressionists, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Gaughin.

Honolulu's Chinatown seems a world apart from the rest of the city and Waikiki Beach. Consult with a traditional herbalist, browse through the amazing collection of remedies, and gaze up at various temples and shrines, all within a few square blocks! Visit Chinatown during dining hours and choose from a plethora of delicious restaurants that won’t drain your wallet. For a more structured experience, the Chinese Historical Society offers guided walking tours beginning at the Asian Mall at 10.00 a.m. that last about 2 hours.

Don’t head back to your luxury hotel without checking out the Iolani Palace, built during the rule of King Kalakaua and constructed to be as impressive as any found palace in Europe. The Palace remained a royal residence until Queen Lili`uokalani was deposed in 1893. The Palace then served as the capitol of the Provisional Government, Republic, Territory and State of Hawaii until 1969

Surf's Up

Oahu beaches offer a range of water sports including swimming, surfing, windsurfing, boogie boarding and snorkeling, all a stone’s throw away from your luxury hotel. The North Shore is best known for its world-class surfing and huge winter swells that can reach heights of 25 feet. Sunset Beach is where you can see some of the world's greatest surfers. Though the fifteen-foot waves are too high for safe swimming, they are a sight to be seen by all luxury hotel travelers.

For the gentle at heart, try Ala Moana Beach and Magic Island. Magic Island has calm, clear waters and stretches of shaded, grassy areas that make it perfect for picnics and families with young children. Ala Moana Beach is a half-mile of sand protected by a reef. It has calm, shallow waters and is very safe. It is well liked by the locals and can be crowded on the weekends.

Oahu Attractions

Ko Olina Golf Club - Perhaps one of the best ways to soak in the tropical lushness of Oahu is while practicing your swing at the Ko Olina Golf Club. To play at this popular golf destination, you’ll want to make your booking well in advance as it is busy yearlong. The landscaping, rock gardens, and numerous waterfalls make this golf course a work of art. Put on your best colored shirt, grab your clubs, and get ready for a world of surprises at the Ko Olina Golf Club.

Diamond Head – This 750-foot volcano provides a prime vantage point to gaze down at the rest of the island. Head out from your luxury hotel with a good pair of sneakers or hiking shoes and take on the mostly unpaved trail to the summit. The hike under a mile and is estimated to take roughly 1.5-2 hours. With plenty of water and an occasional helping hand from a strong adult, travelers of all ages can experience Diamond Head, as it is not too treacherous.

U.S.S. Arizona

The events of December 7, 1941 changed the entire course of World War II, and the attack on Pearl Harbor was devastating. Today, Pearl Harbor remains a military compound and although most of it is closed to the public, the remnants of the U.S.S. Arizona remain a poignant and remarkably effective memorial to the events of that day. Launches carry visitors to the site where they can look directly into the ship's grave, and tours and discussions are often led by those who survived the attack.

Oahu Hawaii—The Luxury Experience

Whether you travel to Oahu seeking adventure, rest and relaxation, or cultural exploration, staying at a luxury hotel will raise your whole experience to a new level. Elegance and extravagance are recurring themes in most luxury hotels. You’ll find lavish décor, luxury linens, state-of-the-art mattresses, premier bathroom amenities, and high-quality entertainment equipment in every room. Some luxury hotels even offer spa services, sports facilities, and onsite gourmet dining. With every detail accounted for to ensure the very best in comfort and wellbeing, luxury hotels aim to take all the stresses and hassles out of traveling. Staying at a luxury hotel leaves your mind at ease and frees you to go out and explore. Whether it’s the 20-foot waves or the friendly aloha spirit that draws your heart to Oahu, choose a luxury hotel for the ultimate Oahu experience.




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