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Oahu Experiences
Oahu Weddings
If you’re planning a wedding on Oahu the options are endless. Whether you would like to get married on one of Oahu’s beautiful beaches, in a historic venue like Kawaiahao Church or a reception by moonlight or in the comforts of a resort banquet hall, Oahu can be one of your best choices. Combining your wedding and honeymoon as well as keeping your guest list small for a more personal and intimate ceremony can also save you money. The world-class service and amenities of the many hotels and resorts on Oahu are custom-made for weddings.
Family Fun on Oahu
On Oahu there’s a wealth of activities that will create indelible family memories. Sure your kids can always build a sand castle on Oahu’s beautiful beaches, but how about taking them inside a real submarine at Pearl Harbor or letting them pet a dolphin at Sea Life Park? Take your kids to see the fish at the Waikiki Aquarium or get a bird’s eye view of a giraffe at the Honolulu Zoo. Explore Hawaiian artifacts in the Bishop Museum or get lost together in the 1.7-mile garden maze at Dole Plantation are all excellent choices.
Oahu Adventures
From watching the harrowing winter waves of the North Shore to taking your own surf lesson in the calm waters of Waikiki, adventure on Oahu begins at sea. Oahu’s 112 linear miles of shoreline create endless possibilities for world-class water activities. Every sea adventure you can think of is a possibility on Oahu: boating, diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, parasailing, whale watching and more. On land, feel the exhilaration of riding down a trail on a mountain bike, off-roading on an ATV, or hiking one of Oahu’s thirty-five trails. For the truly fearless, take a 17,000 foot skydive and marvel at a North Shore view few have seen. On Oahu, you can explore a variety of adventures by land, air or sea.
Oahu Relaxation
The sound of the slack key guitar soothes you. You close your eyes, losing yourself in this truly unique sound of live music in the Islands. From nightlife to spas, you’ll see why sunning yourself on a quiet beach is just one way to relax on Oahu.
During the day, experience the serenity of a Buddhist temple in the Valley of the Temples or browse the collections of the Honolulu Museum of Art. Play a round of golf, window shop at a variety of shopping malls, or spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Oahu. After a full day of activity, indulge in unique Hawaii spa services like the rhythmic strokes of a lomilomi massage. You can even add heated pohaku (stones) for extra relief.
Heritage Sites of Oahu
There are eight Heritage Sites of Hawaii on Oahu. Diamond Head (Leahi) State Monument is one of Hawaii’s most recognized natural landmarks. Hike to the top of crater for panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu.
WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Pearl Harbor is where the attack of Pearl Harbor took place on December 7th, 1941 marking the beginning of the U.S.A.’s involvement in World War II. Best known for the USS Arizona Memorial, there are four other Pearl Harbor Historic Sites to experience including the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, the Pacific Aviation Museum and the USS Oklahoma Memorial.
Iolani Palace State Monument was dedicated in 1882 and is the only official state residence of royalty in the United States. Iolani Palace’s grounds and galleries are now open to the public as a museum. The iconic King Kamehameha I statue stands just across the street.
Nuuanu Pali State Wayside (Pali Lookout) is a historic site that provides an impressive, 1,200-foot view of the Windward side. This is the site where King Kamehameha I conquered Oahu in one of the most famous battles in Hawaii’s history.
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl is one of the nation’s prominent national cemeteries with more than 49,000 internments, including more than 13,000 soldiers and sailors who died during World War II. Over five million visitors come to pay their respects here. The memorial lookouts also offer panoramic views of Honolulu.
Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline (Makapuu Trail) is located on Oahu’s eastern coastline. The Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a one-mile hike that features breathtaking ocean views.
Known as Hanaiakamalama, the Queen Emma Summer Palace was the summer retreat of Queen Emma, wife of King Kamehameha IV. This museum houses a collection of her belongings, furnishings and artifacts. Learn more about the other Heritage Sites of Hawaii.
The premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific region, Bishop Museum is known through the world for its research projects, public education programs, and cultural exhibits – including a unique and unparalleled collection of Hawaii cultural artifacts.
Washington Place is most commonly known as the home of Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last reigning monarch. This storied mansion sits in Downtown Honolulu in the heart of the Hawaii Capital Historic District and is registered as a National Historic Landmark.Oahu Romance
Romance is ubiquitous here. Whether you’re planning a wedding proposal on the sands of Waikiki or at the top of Leahi (Diamond Head); renewing your vows overlooking a North Shore sunset or inside at the historic Kawaiahao Church; seal your romantic getaway with the words, “Aloha Ia Oe,” and say “I love you” the Hawaiian way.
Oahu Ecotourism
An important value for Native Hawaiians and Hawaii locals is the idea of “malama aina” or to care for the land. On Oahu there are a variety of activities visitors can explore to see how Hawaiians of the past worked the land and how locals today are keeping Hawaii more sustainable for generations to come.
Take an Oahu farm tour and learn about the farm-to-table process that is such a vital part of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Explore one of Oahu’s botanical gardens featuring native Hawaiian plants and tropical flowers. The Honolulu Botanical Gardens feature five diverse sites on Oahu to explore. During winter, from December through May, you can also go on a whale watching tour off of Oahu’s southern coast to learn about humpback whales and their annual visit back to Hawaii’s warm waters.
Oahu Arts & Culture
If you’re looking to meet the people of Hawaii, Oahu is a good place to start. Here you’ll discover a true melting pot of diverse ethnicities, cultures and lifestyles bound together by the spirit of aloha.
The history and majesty of the Native Hawaiian people are evident throughout the historic places of Oahu. Significant landmarks like Iolani Palace, the King Kamehameha I Statue across the street, the Duke Kahanamoku statue on Waikiki beach, and the Bishop Museum celebrate the accomplishments of the people of Hawaii. Today, Oahu has diverse cultures that have blended and transformed the island’s traditions, festivals and foods. You can experience this blend of cultures by enjoying Oahu’s local food or attending the island’s many festivals during your stay.
Oahu Honeymoons
More than you imagined, Oahu is a rich and romantic honeymoon destination. Hold hands under the blue skies of Waimea Bay, leaving footprints in the sand. Unwind in the gentle waves of Waikiki. Enjoy a couples-lomilomi massage in one of Oahu’s fine resorts. 112 miles of sandy beaches and endless activities await the two of you on Oahu.
Unexpected Oahu
Located on Oahu’s North Shore, Kahuku’s shrimp trucks don’t look like much. But watching the blissful customers walk away from these humble road-side restaurants with heaping plates of fresh, garlic shrimp scampi and your mouth can’t help but water. The locally raised, jumbo prawns sold at about a half dozen shrimp trucks in Kahuku are just one example of the hidden gems Oahu has to offer beyond the bright lights of Waikiki. Travel to the eastern tip of Oahu and hike the Makapuu Lighthouse trail for breathtaking ocean views.
Oahu Golf
With more golf courses than any other island, golfers of every skill level from around the world head to Oahu. Choose from 40 public and private courses, ranging from casual municipal links to elegant resort courses. Most notably, Hawaii’s trade winds can exaggerate mistakes in your swing on a windy day. Luckily, most Oahu courses have wide, forgiving fairways.
Full list of Oahu golf courses：
- Kahuku Golf Course
- Turtle Bay Resort - Arnold Palmer Course
- Turtle Bay Resort - George Fazio Course
- Bay View Golf Park
- Koolau Golf Club
- Royal Hawaiian Golf Club
- Olomana Golf Club
- Pali Golf Course
- Ala Wai Golf Club
- Hawaii Kai Golf Course - Championship Course
- Hawaii Kai Golf Course - Executive Course
- Moanalua Golf Club
- Hawaii Country Club
- Mililani Golf Course
- Pearl Country Club
- Royal Kunia Country Club
- Ted Makalena Golf Course
- Waikele Country Club
- Coral Creek Golf Course
- Ewa Beach Golf Club
- Ewa Villages Golf Course
- Hawaii Prince Golf Club - A, B & C Courses
- Kapolei Golf Course
- Ko Olina Golf Club
- Makaha Valley Country Club
- West Loch Golf Course