Oahu, Hawaii
There is no place like Oahu. Magnificent panoramas, white sand beaches,
soaring volcanic peaks, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Oahu is the most
frequently visited Hawaiian Island, and it has many diverse and interesting
things to offer. Beyond the bustling Honolulu-Waikiki area, the majority
of the island is relatively undeveloped, so for those seeking a truly
relaxing vacation, Oahu is still a great choice.
History
The Hawaiian Islands have no truly indigenous people. The first Polynesians
arrived from the Marquesas
Islands between 500 and 700 AD. Four or five hundred years later they
were invaded by Polynesians from Tahiti. The Tahitians introduced the
concept of kapu -- a society regulated by taboos. They also introduced
the custom of human sacrifice to appease the Gods. Today, the remains
of these stone temples called heiau can still be visited.
Life on the islands remained the same until Englishman Captain James
Cook arrived in 1778. His discovery made the islands a port of call for
Europeans engaging in the lucrative fur trade between what is now known
as the Pacific Northwest and China. Puritan missionaries arrived and became
the dominant and governing culture on the islands. In the first four decades
of the twentieth century, the 'big five' agricultural business conglomerations
were run by descendents of these Puritan missionaries, with sugar and
pineapples providing huge profits. The tourism market also grew and Hawaii
became a favorite port of call for wealthy vacationers. In 1941 the attack
on Pearl Harbor and World War II brought massive turmoil, but it also
marked the entry of Hawaii into mainstream America. Servicemen, enchanted
by the islands, returned after the war to settle there. In 1959, the Hawaiian
people voted seventeen to one in favor of becoming the 50th state of the
United States.
Climate
Oahu is always 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. Waikiki and the areas to the southwest remain fairly dry, but
the winter winds make for especially magnificent surf on Oahu's north
coast. Warm weather apparel is the order of the day.
Waikiki
Waikiki is probably the most famous resort in the world. Many visitors
never wander from its long sandy beach, hotels and retail area, and for
lovers of sun, surf and an upbeat lifestyle, there is really no need to
leave. Accommodations range from premier luxury, to simple but perfectly
adequate hotels and studio condominiums. Similarly, eating opportunities
abound - from world class restaurants with their own 'designer' chefs,
to simple low cost buffets and fast food establishments.
The shopping is fantastic, and 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. Open 9:30 to 9pm Monday to Saturday,
and 10 to 5 on Sundays. The Dole Cannery Square is a wonderful place to
sample the best of what Hawaii has to offer. There is a free shuttle from
Waikiki.
The Waikiki Aquarium is the third oldest public aquarium in the United
States. It’s located next to a living reef on the Waikiki shoreline,
and there are over 420 species, which reside there. The Aquarium is open
every day from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with special hours on holidays.
Honolulu
Honolulu is the hub of commerce for the entire state. 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
sculpture. Visitors can witness Hawaii’s rapid development through
various artists’ eyes. Included is a sketch of Waikiki dating from
1838. Don’t miss the impressive collection of Impressionists, including
Van Gogh's, Monet, and Gaughin. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-4:30, Sunday
1:00-5:00 p.m. Call (808) 538-1006.
Honolulu's Chinatown seems a world apart from the rest of the city and
Waikiki Beach. Consult with a traditional herbalist, or browse through
their amazing collection of remedies. Inexpensive, yet delicious restaurants
are in abundance, as are various temples and shrines. The Chinese Historical
Society (808- 521- 3045) offers guided walking tours, which begin at the
Asian Mall at 10.00 a.m. and last about 2 hours.
Another interesting site is the Iolani Palace, which was built during
the rule of King Kalakaua who wanted the palace to be as impressive as
any of those found 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. Tours are held from Wednesday to Saturday 9:00 a.m.
to 2:15 p.m. Make early reservations by calling 808-522-0832.
Pearl Harbor
The events of December 7, 1941 changed the entire course of World War
II, and the attack on Pearl Harbor was devastating. The death toll was
considerable, with over 2,500 people losing their lives, 21 U.S. ships
sunk or damaged, and 347 aircraft destroyed.
Today, Pearl Harbor remains a military compound. Though 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. The memorial is open Sunday through Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. There are interpretive programs, including a documentary film about
the attack, which begins at 8:00 a.m. (7:45 a.m. in summer). The last
program each day begins at 3:00 p.m. It is closed on holidays.
Surf's Up
Oahu beaches offer a range of water sports including swimming, surfing,
windsurfing, boogie boarding
and snorkeling. The North Shore is best known for its world-class surfing
and huge winter swells. During the winter months, waves reach heights
of 25 feet, and Sunset Beach is where you can see some of the world's
greatest surfers. The fifteen-foot waves are too high for safe swimming,
but they are a must-see.
Waimea Beach is surfer heaven, with the longest rideable surf break in
the world. During the winter, the waves are so high that if you’re
not an accomplished swimmer you should stay out of the ocean. During the
summer, the Bay is generally calm, providing one of the best swimming
spots on the island.
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.
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