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If you are travelling to Hawaii for the first time, you will probably be starting your trip on Hawaii’s most visited island: Oahu. Known as “The Gathering Place”, Oahu has a lot to offer travelers from beautiful scenery and beaches to great shopping and nightlife. Honolulu is Oahu’s main city, with easy connections to much of the world.
There is no doubt that there is a lot to do on Oahu, but here are some of the top things to do on this beautiful Hawaiian island.
North Shore
When most people think of Hawaii, one of the first things that comes to mind is surfing as Hawaii is of course the birth place of this popular sport. Oahu’s North Shore is known as the surfing capital of the world, and it’s huge waves and the surfers that tackle them shouldn’t be missed. An easy drive from Waikiki, the North Shore also has many other places to visit nearby such as Turtle Bay and Waimea Valley.
Waikiki and Honolulu
It is most likely that you will be staying in either Honolulu or Waikiki, and both of these places have a lot to see. Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular in all of Hawaii, and there is great shopping and nightlife to be enjoyed in both of these places.
Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial
The most popular tourist attraction in all of Hawaii, this historic site is a must see. Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial can be a very sad experience as you are literally standing over the grave site of 1177 people who died in the Pearl Harbor attack during WWII. Around the memorial are several navy vessels, now museums that you can visit.
Hike to Makapu’u Point
Hawaii is well known for it’s great hiking trails, and one of the best on Oahu is Makapu’u Point. This 2.5 mile hike takes you to the lighthouse on the most eastern point of Oahu, and provides great views out to Waimanalo Bay and Sandy Beach.
Hike to the top of Diamond Head
Another must do for hikers on Oahu is the trail to the top of Diamond Head. This 1.4 mile trail takes you to the summit of Diamond Head where you can enjoy 360 degree views of Oahu and with spectacular views of Honolulu and Waikiki.
Attend a Luau
To really get into the Hawaiian culture, any first visit to Hawaii should include a traditional Luau. A Luau is a traditional party that includes delicious Hawaiian food, music and dancing. Oahu has many different Luaus that you can attend.
Oahu is an island that is full of amazing experiences to be had, and these are just a few to get you started when you travel to this beautiful island in Hawaii.
Photo credits: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4
