{"id":16808,"date":"2015-04-27T22:30:00","date_gmt":"2015-04-27T22:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=16808"},"modified":"2021-10-28T16:35:33","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T16:35:33","slug":"6-reasons-to-visit-oahu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/6-reasons-to-visit-oahu\/","title":{"rendered":"6 reasons to visit Oahu"},"content":{"rendered":"

The moment you step off the plane in Honolulu, the heady perfume of pikake<\/em> (jasmine) leis<\/a> and the tropical heat of the Islands embrace you. Oahu\u2014Hawaii’s most populous island\u2014is truly a paradise for sun-seeking travelers.<\/p>\n

Lively downtown Honolulu offers a range of urban activities, from hole-in-the-wall ethnic eateries in the city center to the beachfront hotels and round-the-clock bustle of Waikiki. Beyond the city limits, there’s a wealth of natural beauty to explore\u2014white-sand beaches, dramatic and lushly forested mountain ridges, fresh water waterfalls, and pristine coral reefs. Add in the relaxed pace of island living and a good dash of aloha <\/em>spirit, and you’ve got a recipe for the perfect vacation.<\/p>\n

Here are six reasons to make Oahu your next destination.<\/p>\n

1. A powerful sense of history<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some believe the history of the Hawaiian Islands dates back to the 3rd century, to the arrival of Polynesians from other islands in the South Pacific. These original settlers crossed the waters in canoes, navigating with the stars, and their distinctive culture flourished until the 19th c<\/span>entury, when King Kamehameha united all the islands into one royal kingdom. You can discover Hawaii’s ancient <\/span>kapu <\/em>system and way of life at the Bishop Museum (in Honolulu), learn about the lives of the islands’ beloved monarchs with a visit to the beautiful Iolani Palace (also in Honolulu), and trek along the coast to ancient sacred locations. The island is, of course, the setting for more recent history, as well. <\/span>Visit Pearl Harbor<\/a> to see the site of the infamous attack that drew the United States into World War II. Cruise across the water to the USS<\/span> Arizona <\/em>Memorial, which straddles the sunken hull of the battleship that it honors, and make your way to Punchbowl Crater\u2014the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.<\/p>\n

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2. Fascinating tropical sea life<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oahu’s balmy waters are a haven for all kinds of colorful, strange, and exotic underwater creatures, from neon parrotfish that look like they’re dressed up for an underwater 1980s dance party to playful spinner dolphins. Get an unforgettable, up-close look at the latter with a <\/span>dolphin or whale-watching cruise<\/a>, and don’t miss a chance to immerse yourself in the majesty of the oceanic realm with a <\/span>snorkeling trip<\/a>. Hanauma Bay in particular is famous for good reason; its coral gardens are protected from the waves, and the remarkable clarity of the water gives you unobstructed views of vibrant fish, gentle sea turtles, and coral formations. If you want to avoid the crowds for some undersea solitude, a local guide can take you to the best secluded locations for snorkeling and diving around the island’s life-filled shores. Not a swimmer? An <\/span>excursion on the Atlantis submarine<\/a> lets you stay dry and take in the spectacle 100 feet beneath the water’s surface.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Outdoor adventure<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Take advantage of Oahu’s year-round sunshine and tropical temps to get out and enjoy some active excursions, such as\u00a0<\/span>stand-up paddle boarding<\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>kayaking for the first time<\/a>, or\u00a0<\/span>trekking through the rainforest<\/a> to a cool, fresh water waterfall. Work off your saimin and malasadas with a strenuous hike along a mountain ridge, a heart-pumping stair <\/span>climb to the top of Koko Crater<\/a>, or a leisurely trail walk under the shade of rustling palms. There truly is a way to explore the island’s lush interior for visitors of every fitness level. Adrenaline junkies will find plenty of excitement, from <\/span>parasailing<\/a>, <\/span>ziplining<\/a>, and <\/span>jet skiing<\/a> to <\/span>ATV rides<\/a> down red dirt roads and past pineapple plantations. Even if your idea of exercise is <\/span>hitting the shops<\/a>, here you can do it at an outdoor mall and work on your tan while you’re at it.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

4. The Green Flash<\/strong><\/p>\n

Catch a glimpse of this optical phenomenon right as the sun dips behind the horizon. Even if you blink and miss it, the sunsets in the islands are enough to take your breath away, and they’re particularly beautiful when enjoyed with a cool Mai Tai in hand. Head to the Halekulani as the day comes to a close to have your sunset accompanied by hula dancing, live music, and a slice of classic coconut cake. Or set sail for an <\/span>evening cruise<\/a>, so you can savor some fresh island-style cuisine along with your views of the tropical sunset and the sparkling lights of Waikiki.<\/span><\/p>\n

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