| Hawaiian
Island of Oahu
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to Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki & the North Shore |
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From
ancient stone heiau (Hawaiian temples) to 21st-Century
high-rises, Oahu is an island of endless contrasts. Geographically
only the third largest of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands, it is
nonetheless home to nearly three-quarters of the state's 1.2 million
residents — 370,000 of whom are concentrated in urban Honolulu,
the ultra-modern, south-coast cityscape kama'aina (residents)
refer to simply as "Town."
But take a 45-minute drive to "Country" — the famed
surfing Mecca on the island's north shore — and you'll find sleepy
Hale'iwa town (pop. 2,225) existing much as it has since it was
established by missionaries in 1832.
Getting Around
Getting around Oahu is fun and easy, whether it's two wheels, four
wheels or otherwise. You can circle Oahu in less
than three hours by car. Or you can take TheBus, our public
transportation system. It's one of the best ways to experience the
local communities and people firsthand.
Taxis are plentiful and easily available. Or, if you prefer,
there are a number of two-wheeled options, like motorcycles, mopeds
or bicycles.
To get around, we have three major freeways, connecting you to
all points of the island. And just so you know, on Oahu, when people
head east they say they're going "Diamond Head"; west is
"Ewa"; "Mauka" means toward the mountains; and
"Makai" means toward the ocean.
Waikiki Beach - A Great Family Beach
World-renowned Waikiki Beach is an aquatic playground for swimming,
snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, or just relaxing under a palm tree!
It is also ideal for people-watching while enjoying the balmy island
weather.
North Shore Beaches - A Surfing Mecca
In the winter, Oahu's North Shore plays host to major surfing
contests at world-famous beaches including Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay
Beach Park and Ehukai Beach, home of the famous Banzai Pipeline.
Here, waves can reach as high as 25 feet in the winter!
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - Snorkeling Nature Preserve
Home to some of the best snorkeling on Oahu, Hanauma Bay Nature
Preserve offers crystal-clear waters, where schools of fish swim
through the fragile coral reef. Here, you will appreciate observing
the beauty and color of this marine sanctuary. Located in the crater
of an extinct volcano, this unique habitat is home to a colorful
variety of tropical fish. Hours Wednesday through Monday (closed
Tuesdays): 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. For Information Telephone: (808)
396-4229 - for information about admission fees and park regulations
Kailua & Lanikai Beaches - Magnificent Beaches for
Watersports
These are the picture-postcard beaches of Oahu, consistently voted
as some of the best beaches in the U.S. Situated on the Windward
shore of Oahu, these beaches are not only beautiful, but they are
also great for most water sports. Windsurfing and ocean kayaking are
popular water sports at these famous beaches.
Ala Moana Beach Park - Picnics by the Sea
Conveniently located only one mile from the Hilton Hawaiian Village,
this beach park offers a perfect setting for picnics by the ocean.
Visitors appreciate the convenience of being just across the street
from Ala Moana Center, Oahu's largest shopping center. This beach
provides excellent views of Waikiki and Honolulu.
Sandy Beach - A Beautiful Beach
Sandy Beach is one of Hawaii's most beautiful, yet dangerous
beaches. "Sandy's" is a favorite spot for the local
bodysurfing and boogie boarding crowd. Constant trade winds and
sunny conditions make it ideal for sunbathing and people watching.
This beach is also known for its excellent kite-flying conditions.
Swimming off Sandy Beach, however, is recommended only for those
experienced in navigating through rough ocean water. Conditions of
Sandy Beach can be dangerous because of strong water currents and
powerful waves that break directly onto the shoreline.
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Fun
in the Sun |
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Diamond
Head Snorkel & BBQ |
| Island: |
Oahu |
| Area: |
Waikiki |
| Category: |
Activities |
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Hours:
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Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
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Services:
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Waikiki snorkeling excursion with an
all-you-can-eat barbecue lunch. All equipment provided.
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Review:
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Here's your chance to swim and snorkel
next to famous Diamond Head. Splash into the ocean from a water
slide, bounce on a giant water trampoline, sail on a windsurfer, or
simply float your cares away on a comfortable raft. After a scenic
cruise to Diamond Head, the Starlet will anchor at Kewalo Reef for
some fun in the waters off Waikiki and Diamond Head. Activities
include snorkeling (all gear and instruction provided), playing with
the water toys, rafts, kayaking and windsurfing. Want a break from
the water activities? Enjoy the sunbathing deck, or relax in the
shade of the cabin. Advance reservations are required.
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People
Watch At Waikiki |
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Waikiki
Beach |
| Island: |
Oahu |
| Area: |
Waikiki |
| Category: |
Beaches |
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Hours:
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Services:
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Rentals, snack bar, restrooms, showers
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Review:
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Take a stroll on the world's most famous
beach! Waikiki is the one place you definitely don't want to miss
while visiting Oahu. Splash in the warm tropical waters, body surf,
windsurf, rent a water cycle and pedal through the waves, learn to
ride a surfboard, or simply walk barefoot and feel the sand between
your toes. If that sounds too much like work, why not rent a beach
chair and work on your tan? Also, there are plenty of shops and bars
right on the beach to meet your every need, from refreshment to
suntan oil.
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Discover
the Undersea World |
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Atlantis
Submarines Oahu |
| Island: |
Oahu |
| Area: |
Waikiki |
| Category: |
Tours |
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Hours:
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Operates daily
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Services:
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Undersea submarine tour
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Review:
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Explore Hawaii's underwater world without
getting wet! Your adventure begins at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in
Waikiki, where you'll be escorted to the Atlantis Pier. Here, you'll
board the Atlantis transfer vessel for a 15-minute boat ride and
enjoy scenic views of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Upon arrival at the
dive site, you'll step into the submarine. With its spacious
air-conditioned interior, large portholes and comfortable seating,
the sub allows firsthand access to Hawaii's plentiful sea life, from
exotic fish, corals and turtles to sunken ship wrecks at a full 100
feet below the surface. Throughout the experience, the friendly crew
will share with you their knowledge and love of the ocean. Advance
reservations are required.
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Hawaii
Shark Encounters |
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Hawaii
Shark Encounters |
| Island: |
Oahu |
| Area: |
North
Shore |
| Category: |
Tours |
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Hours:
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Daily at 6:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and 10:00
a.m.
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Services:
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Underwater encounters with sharks
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Review:
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This one is not for the faint-hearted.
Hawaii Shark Encounters offers what they call "experiences of a
lifetime." Their shark-boat, the Kainani, departs twice daily
for a three-mile cruise out to the "shark grounds," where
you'll get close and personal with these predators of the deep.
Their steel cage with Plexiglas windows lets you view the sharks in
perfect safety and there's no diving involved. The cage stays at the
surface and you'll be equipped with a mask and snorkel. Most of the
sharks are galapagos and sandbar sharks, though tiger, hammerhead
and gray reef sharks show up occasionally. The best part is that
they guarantee a shark encounter! Advance reservations are required.
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Tour
The USS Arizona on WWII Duck |
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Hawaii
Duck Tours |
| Island: |
Oahu |
| Area: |
Honolulu |
| Category: |
Tours |
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Hours:
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Operates every day
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Services:
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Tours of the USS Arizona (Pearl Harbor),
Honolulu, Waikiki and Hanauma Bay aboard a restored "Duck"
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Review:
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Climb aboard the "Duck" for the
most unique and fun trip on Oahu. The "Duck" is a
restored, brightly-painted World War II military vehicle that can
travel on both water and land. You'll visit points of interest on
the shore before driving right into the water for a close-up view of
the Arizona Memorial, other attractions and the sparkling Hawaiian
sea. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind tour that combines the
best of driving and boat tours, look no farther than the
"Duck." Advance reservations are required.
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Swim
With Dolphins |
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Dolphin
Excursions |
| Island: |
Oahu |
| Area: |
Leeward
Coast |
| Category: |
Activities |
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Hours:
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Two trips daily, at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30
a.m.
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Services:
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Swimming with dolphins in the wild
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Review:
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If you're like many people, you've
dreamed of swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat. What are
you waiting for? Oahu's west coast teems with colorful fish, curious
Hawaiian green sea turtles and wild spinner dolphins. Captain Victor
Lozano knows exactly where they are and takes small groups of lucky
adventurers out to their playground every day. Once in the midst of
a group (pod) of dolphins, you'll be able to jump in and snorkel
with these magnificent creatures. All equipment is provided on this
fun, safe, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Advance reservations are
required
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