Vacationing in Oahu Hawaii
Author: Jennifer Weiss
Article:
Although only the third largest of the
Hawaiian Islands,
Oahu is
the most populated and most visited due to its striking beauty
and abundance of activities. Home to the capital city of
Honolulu and a surfer's paradise on the North Shore, Oahu has
everything visitors could desire from a tropical, sand-filled
vacation destination. Make your way to Oahu for the sights,
swimming, and surfing, all while taking in a little history
along the way, and you certainly will be pleased with your
well-rounded trip on this popular island.
A vacation to the
Hawaiian Islands means plenty of time spent at
beautiful, white sand beaches and a trip to Oahu undoubtedly
will be no different. While there are many gorgeous places to
throw down a towel and listen to the sounds of the waves rolling
in, two places stand out for their remarkable sights and crystal
clear water.
Hanauma Bay is the perfect place to view the
numerous ocean life that thrive close to the shore, particularly
sea turtles and colorful fish, either by snorkeling or scuba
diving. However, it is a well-known tourist destination so
expect large crowds and plenty of noise when venturing here on a
warm sunny day.
Waikiki Beach fronts the shores of
Waikiki, which is located on
the southern shore of Oahu and houses the famous Diamond Head on
its east side. This two mile stretch of sand is the picture
perfect image of what visitors expect from a
Hawaiian beach with
its high-rise forests, numerous hotels and resorts, and masses
of tourists spread out among the sand. Waikiki Beach is an ideal
location for sunning, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, but most of
all canoeing. For the ultimate
Oahu and Waikiki Beach
experience, plan a trip out to sea on an
outrigger canoe and rid
the waves next to the surfers while soaking in views of the city
and Diamond Head.
Diamond Head is quite possibly the most famous volcanic crater
in the world and is a worthwhile hike for vacationers who want
to take in unparalleled views of the Island. The hike to the rim
is considered easy to moderate and requires visitors to climb
stairs, walk trails, and make their way through an unlit tunnel
(don't forget your flashlight!). Once the top is reached,
however, visitors can enjoy views from Waikiki to
Koki Head and
of the
Pacific Ocean.
Oahu's North Shore is famous for its massive waves that draw
world-class surfers here year after year. In the winter, the
high surf's waves can rise to over 25 feet before rolling over
due to the swells coming out of the stormy North Pacific. While
surfing is popular at places such as
Sunset Beach and
Waimea Bay
Beach Park (where waves have been reaching over 50 feet in
recent years), the North Shore also offers great swimming and
snorkeling opportunities to summer visitors at Ali'i Beach Park.
No
Oahu outdoor adventure is complete without a trip to Honolulu
to view the
USS Arizona Memorial at
Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor
holds a special place in our nation's history and is an
important tourist destination even for those who were not alive
when the attacks occurred. Every visitor will find the tour of
the Arizona Memorial thoughtful and informative, while the
addition of the
Battleship Missouri and
USS Missouri Memorial
further highlights the historical importance of this area.
On the spectacular island of Oahu, the right accommodations can
make the difference between an ordinary Hawaiian adventure and
an amazing Oahu experience.
Oahu vacation
rentals are located throughout the island, surrounded by its
numerous breathtaking features such as the
Pacific Ocean,
Diamond Head, and lush green forests. The choice between a
sterile hotel room that you want to escape every morning and a
cozy vacation rental that invites you to soak in the beauty of
the island is an easy one, so begin your search for the perfect
vacation rental today and surround yourself with all that is
stunning in
Oahu.
About the author:
HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation
rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option,
consider
Oahu vacation rentals for your next trip to
the Hawaiian Islands.
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