| If a Hawaiian vacation exists in your future, | | | | one that's important to see is the USS |
| you won't go wrong in randomly choosing an | | | | Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Boat access |
| island to settle down on for your foray into | | | | to the memorial, which spans the length of |
| a fantasyland of beaches, rainforests, and | | | | the sunken ship that contains the remains of |
| sunsets complemented by the caress of the | | | | 1,102 sailors killed by Japanese bombers in |
| trade winds and the gentle strum of ukuleles. | | | | 1941, and a visitor's center will offer |
| Savvy travelers admit, however, that there's | | | | guidance to you and your traveling companions |
| something about Oahu that sets it apart from | | | | as you learn about this important historical |
| its siblings. Nicknamed "The Gathering | | | | event. |
| Place," this sumptuous island has enough | | | | |
| charms, cultural draws and beauty to give it | | | | Another magnet for tourists that is |
| a slight edge over its temptingly gorgeous | | | | deservedly popular is the Polynesian Cultural |
| neighbors. | | | | Center in Laie in North Oahu. Seven different |
| | | | island cultures are represented in this |
| The center of Hawaii's tourist industry, | | | | living museum, including Samoa, Fiji, and |
| Waikiki, can be found on Oahu's south shore. | | | | Tahiti. The World Fire Knife Dance |
| This area was a retreat for royalty in the | | | | Competition takes place here every year, an |
| 1800's and is now the place to be for regular | | | | Imax theatre can be found on the premises, |
| people looking for relief from the stresses | | | | and a lagoon is available for canoe rides |
| of modern life, as well. Well-known beaches, | | | | unlike any you've taken before. Stay for the |
| plentiful activities, and historic sites make | | | | evening multicultural show and the festive |
| this a tourist's mecca, so stop by for a peek | | | | luau for a full experience. |
| if you've always wondered what all the fuss | | | | |
| was about. | | | | The Dole Pineapple Plantation, Kahuku Sugar |
| | | | Mill, and Historic Mission Houses will teach |
| You may also have heard of Ala Moana, a | | | | you more about the traditional Hawaiian ways, |
| district of Honolulu just next to Waikiki. | | | | and water parks, nature preserves, and |
| Vast white sandy beaches and the largest open | | | | botanical gardens will complete your outdoor |
| air shopping area in the world give this | | | | experience. Enjoy the lovely scenery, breath |
| region its claim to fame, and a visit here | | | | the fresh garden air, and keep your eyes open |
| will certainly give you some great photo ops | | | | for chances to explore and appreciate this |
| and all the souvenirs you were hoping to | | | | active, energetic, and friendly island. |
| bring home for those mainlanders unlucky | | | | |
| enough to be left behind. Soak it all in so | | | | In a place that sees five million visitors a |
| that you can report back with detailed | | | | year, you can bet that there are plenty of |
| descriptions; they'll surely appreciate it. | | | | lodging options. However, to achieve true |
| | | | relaxation by having everything taken care of |
| If you'd like to stay away from the more | | | | just so, consider renting a condo that will |
| well-worn paths, Oahu has many quieter areas | | | | be filled to the brim with great amenities |
| that will offer a more authentic island | | | | and conveniently located to all that you want |
| experience with room for solitude and | | | | to see. As opposed to a hotel, which may look |
| romance. The North Shore is famed for its | | | | the same as so many others, a one-of-a-kind |
| beaches, and surfers should especially take | | | | property will add a little extra oomph to |
| note of the healthy waves that tend to be | | | | this trip. If you're coming all the way, |
| produced in the winter months. If you're not | | | | resist the urge to play it safe. |
| a boarder, stroll the wide swaths of sand and | | | | |
| sunbathe to your heart's content. If you do | | | | Planning early will give you the most options |
| happen to be a daredevil wave runner, prepare | | | | and best possibilities for finding good |
| to face some of the best terrain you'll ever | | | | deals, so go online to pick out a gem from |
| see. The summer is a bit more peaceful, so | | | | among the many Oahu Condo Rentals available |
| grab some snorkel or diving gear and feel | | | | and start allowing the anticipation to build. |
| comfortable entering the friendly surf. | | | | Oahu is definitely something to look forward |
| | | | to. |
| An admittedly popular tourist attraction and | | | | |