Trifter

The island is the result of 2 separate shield volcanoes: Waianae and Hoolau, with a large valley (Oahu Plain) between them.  Legend has it that a Polynesian navigator named the island after one of his sons.  Oahu was the first Hawaiian Island sighted by Capt. James Cook in 1778, during his third Pacific expedition.

Oahu is a tourism and shopping haven for over 5 million visitors every year.  The city of Honolulu –the largest city, state capital, and marine port of the State of Hawaii- is located here.  The main attractions are: Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu Volcano Tour, Water Adventures, Sea Life Park, Hanauma Bay, Paradise Cove Luau, and the Hawaii Duck Tour.                       

Pearl Harbor is the home of the largest U.S. Navy fleet in the pacific.  On December 7, 1941 Japan attacked the U.S. forces by surprise and killed almost 2,400 military and civilians, most of them trapped in the USS Arizona.  Oahu Pearl Harbor Tour is one of the most popular landmarks in Hawaii, and it is a National Historical Landmark.  Here you can learn about the history and events of the past, through the 4 museums that include an emotional memorial, a battleship (which saw the war and the beginnings of peace), a fully restored World War II submarine, an aviation museum (complete with fighters planes and flight simulators), or the powerful, historical film of Japan’s attack on the harbor (with actual footage of the attack), and a visit to the Arizona Memorial (with the Shrine Room where you can reflect on the names of the 1,177 men resting on the sunken battleship below).

Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone.  It got his name from British sailors in the 19th century, who mistook its calcite crystals embedded in the rock for diamonds.  It is estimated to be about 200,000 years old and extinct for 150,000 years.  Geologists believe Diamond Head will not erupt again.  It is a United States State Monument.  A 0.75 mile (1.1 km.) hike leads to the edge of the crater’s rim.  It winds over uneven rock and ascends 74 steps.  It goes through a tunnel and up another 99 steep steps, followed by another tunnel to a narrow spiral staircase, to the observation platform (built in 1908).  From here you can see in detail Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean.

The Polynesian Cultural Center celebrates traditional Polynesian culture from 7 Polynesian villages: Tonga, Tahiti, the Marquesas, Fiji, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Samoa and Hawaii.  Immerse yourself in their lifestyles, habitats, entertainment and hospitality through different activities, authentic Hawaiian Luau (it begins at 5 pm with a shell lei greeting, followed by a traditional Hawaiian feast and hula kahiko-ancient dances that tell stories of old Hawaii), and the spectacular “Horizons Night Show” (a 90 minutes award winning show, with a cast of over 100 young Polynesians, who will enchant you in the largest Polynesian revue of song and dance in the world).  Watch islanders reenact war dances and wedding ceremonies, rub sticks to create fire, carve tiki figures, wield fire knives, or climb huge trees bare feet.  You can go at your own pace through the villages, take a double hulled canoe ride down the tropical river or watch an incredible Hawaii IMAX film.

Between these major attractions stop and take time to see the Byodo Temple, the Pali Lookout, Gilligan’s Island, premier surfing beaches, Laie Point, hot filming locations and Chinaman’s hat.  Or fly over the southern shores of Maui and the dramatic 2000 feet waterfalls and cliffs on the island of Molokai.  Experience the flavor of the plantation days at the Dole Pineapple Pavilion and treat yourself to fresh pineapple and chocolate macadamia nuts.

Oahu Volcano Tour is an adrenaline pumping experience.  Kilauea is the youngest volcano on the island of Hawaii and continues to erupt.  You can safely watch this “show” from an airplane or helicopter ride.  Or, you can take a tour through the Volcanoes National Park on the big Island of Hawaii and learn everything about volcanoes and the habitat and environment surrounding them.

If you are in the mood of a high speed ocean thrill ride try The Honolulu Screamer, a colorful, twin jet, water propelled jet boat that flies through the water at speeds of up to 40 miles/hour.  You’ll twist and turn at high speeds, as you boogie to the music blasting from 20 speaker audio system.  Rocket up the coast of Waikiki, to Diamond Head Crater, and enjoy views of Waikiki, green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, or Humpback whales (in the winter).

If the Screamer is not your type of ride, then try the Starlet.  From the Starlet you can enjoy snorkeling (all gear and instructions provided), bouncing on a giant water trampoline, water slide into the ocean, or jumps from the top deck jumping plank.  You can sail on a windsurfer, or use the kayaks, water toys and rafts.

Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park is the most fun you’ll ever have in the water.  Scream down The Cliffhanger, a free fall 7 stories ride, float down the Kapolei Kooler and enjoy an adult only island and pool with tasty beverages and spirits, play at the Keiki Kove (an interactive children’s pool with waterfalls, mini slides and animal floaties), enjoy the Hurricane Bay (a mega wave pool, that makes 2-4 foot waves where you can body surf or ride the waves in a tube.  Boogie Board lessons are available.), or hang on tight as you ride the Tornado, or Da Flowrider (a new action packed ride that combines surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding).

If you want to enjoy the ultimate dolphin adventure with not one, but two dolphins, go to Sea Life Park, in East Oahu.  Sea Life Park is a world class marine attraction where you can watch dolphins dance, sea lions sing and penguins perform.  The newest adventure, the Dolphin Royal Swim program features a Dolphin Duo ride.  You start with an affectionate hand shake and a kiss on the cheek, followed by a dorsal fin ride, and the foot push, when the dolphins lift you out of the water by your feet while pushing you across the lagoon. 

You can also take an underwater safari in the Hawaiian Reef Tank and walk among tropical fish, sea turtles or other marine life.  Take your first dive at Sea Life Park’s Sea Trek.  Hand feed schools of colorful tropical fish, explore the reef, and take pictures with underwater cameras.  Your special helmet (that the park provides) will enable you to have a crystal clear view of the life underwater. 

Hanauma Bay is a federally protected bay, one of the most spectacular natural resources in Hawaii.  Since 1990 it has been restored and it accommodates about 3 million visitors a year.  Here you can snorkel and delight in the 450 species of tropical fish swimming next to you (of which 20-30% are entirely unique and indigenous to Hawaii), you can explore the colorful and vibrant reef while your expert guide will share with you all the information you can take on the history and importance of this ecological treasure.

Paradise Cove Luau is the most respected Hawaii luaus, with its island games, arts and crafts, games of skill, songs, dances, Hawaiian feast and Oahu luau show, passing on the knowledge of rich history and traditions of the past and ending with the heart pounding Samoan fire knife dance.  Take part in the Hukilau, pulling the fishing net from the sea to the rhythms of a conch shell and island chants, and you will forever be under the spell of Hawaiian charm.  Set upon 12 acres of oceanfront white sand beach Paradise Cove Luau will offer you the most spectacular sunset Hawaii has to offer.

Hawaii Duck Tours is one of the funniest tours, taking you to places like Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki and Hanauma Bay.  You will ride in a fully restored amphibious WWII DUKW (or Duck), and have the time of your life.

Oahu is fun for singles, couples, or families. This is an adventure that all ages can enjoy, so don’t wait any longer, book your seat today!