Oahu's Edge

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