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Welcome to the Island of Oahu - "The Gathering Place"
The island of Oahu is the third largest in square miles in the Hawaiian chain, but it is by far the Hawaiian island with the largest population. There are more people living on Oahu than all of the other Hawaiian islands combined.
The North Shore also boasts the biggest and best Surfing in the world and is the "Mecca" of surfers from around the world. Not to be outdone, the North Western Waianae coast is truly the best Dolphin watching spot in all of Hawaii. Seeing dolphins there on our special fleet of dolphin watching boats is almost a given and quite often Swimming with dolphins is in the cards as well.
 Air Tours Price Range: (From: $95.00 - To: $310.00) |
 Attractions Price Range: (From: $29.00 - To: $299.00) |
 ATV Off-Road Price Range: (From: $60.17 - To: $138.48) |
 Bike Tours Price Range: (From: $54.90 - To: $142.99) |
Oahu is also the sight of some of the most popular and dynamic attractions in Hawaii. Certainly leading the pack would be the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor along with the historic Battleship Missouri. The Polynesian Cultural Center which is considered the busiest Attraction in Hawaii is a true Hawaii landmark. Waikiki is home to the famous shows such as the Cirque Hawaii, Society of Seven and the Magic of Polynesia.
Oahu Tours and Oahu Activities
Air Tours - Fixed Wing in Oahu - Fixed wing air tours on Oahu are fun and they take many forms. One great tour is a seaplane that takes off and lands on the water. Others are glider rides that are towed from the ground to thousands of feet in the air where you glide on the quiet and gentle currents of air viewing the beautiful sites below.
Attractions in Oahu - The island of Oahu has more special attractions than any other island by far. You can visit Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missouri Memorial, tour the Hawaiian Waters 25 acre water adventure park, participate in horseback riding, ATV rides, Hawaiian sailing and fishing, visit Hawaiian movie sites at the Kualoa Ranch, spend a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center or visit Oahu's famous Sea Life Park and interact with dolphins at this World Class Ocean Center.
ATV Off-Road Tours in Oahu - The island of Oahu is a natural for ATV riders. The rugged outdoor environment is ideal for these four-wheeled vehicles and ATV’s provide a means to explore areas of the island that would be out of the question for the average visitor. Literally thousands of acres of private property are available to be driven upon varying in topography from cane fields to hills and streams with swimming stops at beautiful waterfalls.
Bike Tours in Oahu - Everywhere you go on Oahu you'll find bikers bike riding, bike rides, bicycle rentals, bike rental companies, bike tours, bike eco-adventures, mountain bike tours and virtually everything pertaining to bikes.
Dinner Cruises in Oahu - Most Oahu dinner cruises will include an open bar with your dinner as well as pick-up from your Honolulu or Waikiki hotel. All sunset dinner cruises on Oahu will include entertainment and dancing and the dinners will vary from basic to seven course "French style" dinners with premium bar and limousine pick-up and after cruise entertainment at a Honolulu nightclub.
Dinner Shows in Oahu - If you're looking for nightlife in Hawaii, the dinner shows, dinner theater and evening entertainment in Oahu's Honolulu and Waikiki are the places to be in the islands. Honolulu is definitely the "Broadway" of the Pacific and you should consider taking in one of Honolulu's great shows such as "The Magic of Polynesia", "Cirque" or the "Society of Seven".
Diving - Scuba Tours in Oahu - Diving on Oahu can include beach dives, boat dives, multiple dive sites and dive locations, scuba certification, night dives and PADI courses. Some of the scuba dives available on Oahu are dives to shipwrecks, a Corsair Fighter plane wreck, cave dives and dives to lava tubes and beautiful coral reefs. Many of the scuba dives on Oahu are off the coast of Waikiki and the South Shore, but some of the more adventurous scuba diving is off the coast of the North Shore.
Dolphin Watching Tours in Oahu - The Wai'anae coast off leeward Oahu is arguably the very best spot to view dolphins in Hawaii. Hundreds of Spinner dolphins are located just moments from the harbor and trained professionals are there to introduce you to the dolphin environment. A remarkable 95% of the time these "dolphin watches" depart they are successful in finding the dolphins, but what is even more remarkable is that 80% of those times you are able to experience swimming and snorkeling with the dolphins. These dolphin eco-adventures are the best kept secret on Oahu.
Fishing Charters in Oahu - Head out in search of the legendary blue marlin or to troll the schools of ahi or aku that swim the channel between Oahu and Kauai. While Oahu is well - known for its nightlife, the Arizona Memorial and other world-class attractions, it is also known as a great location for sport fishing charters and deep sea fishing charters.
Helicopter
Tours in Oahu - Helicopter and air tours are undoubtedly
the most spectacular way to see the island of Oahu. Most people
think of Oahu as just Honolulu and Waikiki but its scenic North
Shore and beautiful Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges are
truly spectacular. Our favorite Oahu tours are the full island
which include a return to the heliport in the valley between
the two mountain ranges in the same path that was taken by
the Japanese when they bombed Pearl Harbor. Other helicopter
tours on Oahu include an evening flight which highlights the
Honolulu city lights.
Hiking Tours in Oahu - Nature tours, hiking trips, eco-tours, walking tours, bird watching tours: these items are all among the list of activities and tours that most people don't associate with the island of Oahu. In actuality Oahu is covered with hiking trails to beautiful jungles, forests, mountain ridges and waterfalls. The island of Oahu is the second oldest of the major Hawaiian Islands and the volcanos have been extinct for over three million years. The huge amount of rainfall in portions of Oahu gives the island many carved and chiseled features.
Horseback
Riding Tours in Oahu - You will have to drive to the more
remote areas of Oahu, far from the streets of Honolulu and
Waikiki, in order to search out your horseback riding adventure
but when you arrive at your horseback riding stable you'll
be able to enjoy a more "laid back" Oahu experience.
Some of our horseback rides on Oahu are on a working cattle
or horse ranches on the North Shore and others are in a scenic
East Shore location that is famous for the blockbuster films
that have been filmed their over the years.
Inter-Island Excursions from Oahu - Don't forget that you can choose to visit another island for a day while still staying on Oahu. Special one-day trips are offered that fly you to Maui to view the Hana Coastline, fly you to the Big Island to view the lava in Volcano's National Park. These are great ways to get another island adventure into your schedule without having to change islands or to change hotel rooms.
Kayaking Tours in Oahu - Although the beaches off Waikiki and Honolulu are the most frequented by visitors, some of the most exotic waterscapes can be found on Oahu's eastern and northern windward coasts. The Mokulua Islands just lie about a mile or so off the coast of windward Oahu and the shallow water in between provides excellent coral formations and plenty of sea life within a few minutes kayak paddle.
Land Tours in Oahu - Oahu is the perfect size island for bus tours and van tours. It is just the right size to circle the island in one day and many varied tours are offered. Probably the most famous Oahu tours however are the bus and van tours that take you to Pearl Harbor to visit the Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri. Many Oahu land tours will also take you through Honolulu and Punchbowl, the Cemetery of the Pacific.
Luaus in Oahu - Oahu is the home of three of the most famous Hawaiian luaus; the "Polynesian Cultural Center" Luau, Germaine's Luau and Paradise Cove Luau. The Hawaiian luaus and feasts on Oahu are heavily steeped in Hawaiian history, Polynesian history, hula dancing and all facets of Hawaiian culture. Luaus on Oahu are all similar to the extent that they all include a full compliment of Hawaiian foods such as lomi lomi salmon, chicken long rice, kalua pork (prepared underground in a pit or "imu") haupia and of course poi. Some of Oahu's Hawaiian luaus include various options that allow for special seating and upgraded food choices.
Parasailing
Tours in Oahu - Parasailing is a sport which makes use
of a parachute being pulled by a speed boat. The parachutist
is floated via a 400' to 800' pull rope and raises to heights
of 400' to 500' above the ocean surface. Parasailers can either
fly by themselves or be accompanied by another person and seated
in tandum. Take-offs and landings are from the back of the
parasail boat which makes use of a wench system to reel the
parasail up into the Oahu sky.
Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu - The Polynesian Cultural Center is the most visited attraction in all of Hawaii. This is a great place to spend and afternoon and evening. You'll be able to visit seven Polynesian island cultural presentations during the afternoon and then have a fantastic luau feast in the evening and attend the Horizon's Dinner Show. Other events include an IMAX Theater presentation and an exciting "canoe show".
Rental Cars and Motorcycles in Oahu - If your visiting Oahu you'll most likely want to book a Rent-a-Car, so you'll have the freedom to travel about as you'd like.
Restaurant and Food Tours in Oahu - If you have a sense of adventure and are passionate about wining and dining, Hawaii Food tours on Oahu is a First-Class ticket for food lovers! There are three different guided restaurant tours in and around Honolulu (Oahu) for you to choose from. Includes pick up and return from your hotel or condo.
Shark Watching Tours in Oahu - When was the last time you were in the water with live sharks! Its not as scary as it seems. These are among the most exciting and interesting tours to be offered on Oahu. You will be taken of the North Shore by boat and then jump into a cage that is attached to the stern. You'll get closer to sharks than you've ever imagined. This popular Oahu tour can book up fast so make reservations early.
Sightseeing Tours in Oahu - Oahu is the perfect size island for bus tours and van tours. It is just the right size to circle the island in one day and many varied tours are offered. Probably the most famous Oahu tours however are the bus and van tours that take you to Pearl Harbor to visit the Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri. Many Oahu land tours will also take you through Honolulu and Punchbowl, the Cemetery of the Pacific.
Snorkeling Tours in Oahu - Great Oahu snorkeling spots can be found off the coast of Waikiki and Honolulu but many excellent snorkel areas can be found off the coast of Waianae, Kailua, and Haleiwa as well. One such trip takes you over the mountains through the Pali Tunnel to Kaneohe Bay where you'll sail to a sand bar that overlooks the film site of Gilligan's Island and the picturesque island called Chinaman's Hat. There are numerous snorkeling boats on Oahu and many will include round-trip transportation from your Waikiki hotel.
Submarine
Tours in Oahu - Atlantis Submarine cruises will take you
on a submarine cruise on one of their 4.5 million dollar underwater
viewing vessels to depths of over 100 feet and stay submerged
for approximately 40 minutes! These are great for children
but remember that they have to be at lest 3' tall.
Sunset Sails and Cruises in Oahu - A variation of the dinner sunset cruise is what is fondly referred to in Hawaii as the "booze cruise". This usually includes just "pupus" (appetizers) and an open bar plus entertainment. These "booze cruises" are very popular and are a fun way to begin an evening in Honolulu.
Surfing Lessons in Oahu - Surfing fans and observers flock to O'ahu's famous surfing beaches every year for the best waves in the world. Don't feel that you have to be a pro surfer to enjoy the fun. Oahu has a number of great surf schools to assist you in learning how. One Oahu surfing school's instructors are Honolulu fireman and in another all instructors are women.
Theatres and Shows in Oahu - Oahu is the home of many of the most famous theatres and shows including the Cirque Hawaii, Magic of Polynesia, and Society of Seven.
Visit Another Island from Oahu - Don't forget that you can choose to visit another island for a day while still staying on Oahu. Special one-day trips are offered that fly you to Maui to view the Hana Coastline, fly you to the Big Island to view the lava in Volcano's National Park. These are great ways to get another island adventure into your schedule without having to change islands or to change hotel rooms.
Whale Watching Tours in Oahu - The whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of December and usually lasts through Easter. The best way to observe humpback whales, is by taking one of the many whale watching tours on one of a variety of whale watch boats off the coast of Oahu. Pick-up and return are generally provided from your Waikiki hotel. Whale watch tours usually last about 2 hours which is plenty of time to visit these gentle humpback whales. Almost all whale watching tours will include whale naturalists to explain the fascinating whale behavior such as breaching, sounding and the various mating rituals displayed.
X-Treme Activities in Oahu - Interest in extreme tours and activities on Oahu is growing rapidly. Enjoy extreme watersports, scenic and aerobatic glider flights and watching sharks swimming underwater in Oahu.
Oahu - General Information:
Oahu,
the "Gathering Place", is the third largest
of the Hawaiian Islands and most populous of the islands in the State
of Hawaii. The state capital Honolulu is located on the southeast coast.
Including small close-in offshore islands such as Ford Island and the
islands in Kaneohe Bay and off the eastern coast, it has a total land
area of 1,545.3 km² (596.7 mile²), making it the 20th largest
island in the United States. In greatest dimension, this volcanic island
is 71 km (44 mi) long and 48 km (30 mi) across. The length of the shoreline
is 366 km (227 mi). The island is the result of two separate shield volcanoes:
Waianae and Koolau, with a broad "valley" or saddle (the central
Oahu Plain) between them. The highest point is Mt. Kaala in the Waianae
Range, rising to 1,220 m (4,003 ft) above sea level.
The 2000 census showed a population of 876,151, which was essentially the entire population of Honolulu County except for 5 individuals who lived in the far-flung Northwestern Hawaiian Islands portion of the county in the United States Census Bureau's Census Tract 114.98 of Honolulu County, Hawaii.
The island is home to about 900,000 people (approximately 75% of the resident population of the state) and partly because of this, Oahu has for a long time been nicknamed "The Gathering Place". However, the term Oahu has no confirmed meaning in Hawaiian, other than that of the place itself. Ancient Hawaiian tradition attributes the name's origin in the legend of Hawaiiloa, the Polynesian navigator credited with discovery of the Hawaiian Islands. The story relates that he named the island after a son.
The city of Honolulu—largest city, state capital, and main deepwater marine port for the State of Hawaii—is located here. As a jurisdictional unit, the entire island of Oahu is in the City & County of Honolulu, although as a place name, Honolulu occupies only a portion of the southeast end of the island (essentially, the Honolulu District). The island extends from Kaena on the west end to Makapuu on the east. Well-known features found on Oahu include Waikīkī, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Kāneohe Bay, and the North Shore.
Oahu - History:
Kamehameha III moved his capital from Lāhainā, Maui to Oahu in 1845. Iolani Palace, built later by other members of the royal family, is still standing, and is the only royal palace on American soil.
Oahu was apparently the first of the Hawaiian Islands sighted by the crew of HMS Resolution on 18 January 1778 during Capt. James Cook's third Pacific expedition. Escorted by HMS Discovery, the expedition was surprised to find high islands this far north in the central Pacific. Oahu was not actually visited by Europeans until 28 February 1779 when Captain Clerke aboard HMS Resolution stepped ashore at Waimea Bay. Clerke had taken command of the ship after Capt. Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay (Island of Hawaii) on February 14, and was leaving the islands for the North Pacific.
The opening battle of the Second World War in the Pacific for the United States was the Imperial Japanese Navy attack on Pearl Harbor, Oahu on the morning of December 7, 1941. The surprise attack was aimed at the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy and its defending Army Air Corps and Marine Air Forces. The attack damaged or destroyed twelve American warships, destroyed 188 aircraft, and resulted in the deaths of 2,403 American servicemen and 68 civilians.
Today, Oahu has become a tourism and shopping haven as over 5 million visitors (mainly from the American mainland and Japan) flock there every year to enjoy the quintessential island holiday experience that the Hawaiian Islands and her multicultural people now personify.
A series of earthquakes struck Oahu and the surrounding islands on October 15, 2006, interrupting electrical supplies and knocking television broadcasting stations off the air. Preliminary reports said that the first earthquake measured 6.3 on the Richter scale and originated 155 miles (249 km) southeast of Honolulu.
Oahu has been featured in many movies and television shows, including, but not limited to: 50 First Dates, Blue Crush, Flight 29 Down, Hawaii Five-O, the Jurassic Park movies, Lost, Windtalkers, Mighty Joe Young, The Karate Kid , Magnum P.I., North Shore, and Pearl Harbor.
References: Official site of County of Honolulu Oahu; County of Honolulu Oahu QuickFacts from the U.S. Census Bureau; Hawaii Dept.of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; and Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
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Hearing Impaired - Read the full transcript for this page's audio narrative.
Oahu Tours and Oahu Activities - With regard to activities, the island of Oahu provides many unique adventures not offered by any other island. A few examples are its fabulous glider rides, it’s shark adventures, its tremendously successful dolphin viewing tours, its boat trips out to the sand bars, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, Hawaii’s only seaplane ride, its Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, Mathew Gray’s popular Hawaii Food Tour, the special kayak adventures out to the Mokulua Islands, Sea Life Parks fantastic dolphin interaction experiences, Kualoa Ranch and all the evening dinner shows which are so well known on Oahu. Many people view Oahu as simply a big city on an island. It is far more than this. You’re first trip on a helicopter or seaplane will show you the wide expanses of beautiful land that exists in Oahu’s country areas. There are magnificent ranch lands, jungles, mountain gorges and tropical areas. Oahu is the one island you can actually do quite well on without a car as most of the activities will pick you up for your tour event. I would suggest however that you rent a car if you can so you can visit some of the more scenic areas in your free time and view them in accord with your own time and pacing.
