About
the Island of Oahu, Honolulu & Waikiki
Oahu is the most popular of the Hawaiian
Islands and it’s easy to understand why – there’s so much to do on Oahu! With
Waikiki as a central hub, you can explore the legendary North Shore of Oahu one
day, and spend the next day on the east side snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, a
protected marine sanctuary with tons of colorful fish. It’s clear that Oahu
offers just the right amount of diversity for the adventurous as well as the
cautious visitor. Thrill seekers can skydive at Mokuleia while daydreamers can
relax peacefully on the beach. Exquisite dining and exciting nightlife also
entice people to Oahu again and again!
Oahu
is the most populated island with a population of over 875,000. Honolulu is the capital city, the principal
port, the major airport, and business and financial center, and the educational
heart of the State. Waikiki is the visitor center. There are many historical,
cultural and natural sites within 30 minutes to an hour and a half of ICC. Some of the most interesting and spectacular
things to do and see are numbered on this map with descriptions below. ICC is located not far from #5, Duke Kahanamoku’s Statue.
1. North Shore ~ This 20-plus-mile stretch of coastline
from Kaena Point in the west to Turtle Bay in the east, comes alive during the
winter season when waves reach up 30 feet at Waimea Bay. In summer months, the
shore break is usually calm enough for snorkeling and swimming. Haleiwa, is the
North Shore's central town where there are interesting surf shops, dress
boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and not to mention Matsumoto Shave Ice,
serving the best local icy treat!
2. Pearl Harbor ~ was
originally a river, which early Hawaiians called Wai Momi or "river of
pearl," because of its numerous oyster beds. Today, Pearl Harbor is
Hawaii's largest harbor and the nation's only naval base designated as a
National Historic Landmark with three significant memorials: the USS Arizona
Memorial, honoring the 1,100 men of the Pearl Harbor attack; the Battleship
Missouri Memorial, a living museum of the most celebrated and last-built
battleship; and the USS Bowfin Museum, featuring a World War II submarine, a
Japanese mini submarine and extensive submarine history.
3. Bishop Museum ~ is the place to
take a historical walk through the Hawaiian Hall to see the over 76,000
Hawaiian artifacts from hand-made feather cloaks to ancient hand-carved bowls
to the skeleton of a 50-feet sperm whale hanging from the ceiling. Built in
1889 to honor Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last heir of the Kamehameha
dynasty, the museum has an impressive collection of the monarchy's artifacts.
4. Iolani Palace ~ was
completed in 1882. King David Kalakaua
held many grand parties and festivities here at Iolani Palace, America's only
royal palace. During this reign, Kalakaua installed modern upgrades such as
plumbing, electric lights and Hawaii's first telephone to the palace. The last
reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, lived here but was also imprisoned at the
palace after the Hawaiian government was overthrown in 1893. Hale Alii was the
original name for the royal resident, which was renamed by Kamehameha V in 1863
in honor of late his brother, Iolani.
5. Duke Kahanamoku Statue ~ Three-time
Olympic gold medalist, movie star, beach boy, the legendary Duke Paoa
Kahanamoku has been dubbed "ambassador of surfing" having introduced
surfing to the world. Early Hawaiians originated hee nalu (wave sliding), which
was part of their warrior training. The beach behind the Duke statue happens to
be one of the best swimming and surfing spots in Waikiki.
6. Diamond Head ~ is
Oahu's largest tuff cone formed over 100,000 years ago by an active bubbling
volcano. Nineteenth century British sailors nicknamed the crater Diamond Head
when they mistook the calcite crystals for diamonds. A well-graded trail leads
you up the 760-feet summit to a World War II bunker with a bird's eye view of
Honolulu.
7.
Hanauma Bay ~ is one of Oahu's natural wonders. It is a
world-class nature preserve and home to a huge assortment of sea life from
colorful rainbow parrotfish, convict tangs, trumpetfish, mullet, squid and
living coral reefs. Even with the "no fish food" rule, fish are eager
to swim right next to you. The new Marine Life Education Center explains more
about Hawaii's marine and coastal environment through the interactive exhibits,
displays and video presentations.
8.
Nuuanu Pali Lookout
~ Test your wind stamina at Nuuanu
Pali, where periodic wind gusts make it difficult for visitors to walk to the
lookout point. Perched 3,000 feet above Windward Oahu, Nuuanu Pali is the site
of a famous Battle of Nuuanu led by Kamehameha I in 1795 when he drove hundreds
of warriors over the cliff.
9.
Polynesian Cultural Center ~ is located on
Oahu's north shore and brings together the history and cultures of Hawaii,
Fiji, New Zealand, Marquesas, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga in authentic recreated
villages covering over 42-acres. Learn first-hand how Pacific islanders build
houses with no nails, expertly spear fish, climb 50-foot trees for coconuts,
pound bark into cloth, carve fishhooks, weave mats and cook with "hot
rocks" in an imu (underground oven). Don't miss the ancient war dances,
traditional wedding ceremonies and the spectacular luau show with a cast of
over 100 Polynesian dancers.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
