Oahu, Hawaii Must See Highlights
Oahu intoxicates your senses with frangipani-scented sea breezes and tropical warmth. Her surface shimmers with clear sapphire-blue waters, flawless beaches, the North Shores famous waves, majestic Diamond Head Crater and a nearly perfect year-round climate. Honolulu sizzles with sophisticated excitement, chic beaches, dazzling nightclubs, great shopping, and stirring historical landmarks and monuments.
Pearl HarborIt's hard to believe that over 60 years ago, this sun-kissed tropical paradise was the tragic battleground that pulled the United States into World War II. Today, a nostalgic memorial has been created where the remains of the USS Missouri, the USS Arizona and the USS Bowfin Submarine can be toured. It's an emotional historical site that must not be missed. |
USS Battleship Missouri MemorialOnce a wartime juggernaut, the USS Battleship Missouri now serves as an interactive museum and memorial at Pearl Harbor, alongside other historic attractions such as the USS Arizona Memorial and USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. |
North ShoreThis coastline, blessed with pristine, white-sand beaches, and perfect, glassy-walled epic waves, is known for its world-class surfing, body boarding and body surfing. However, at certain times of the year, Sunset Beach, the Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay become the Holy Grail for die-hard, professional surfers as the waves reach a thrilling (and dangerous) 30 feet high. |
Polynesian Cultural CenterExperience all of Polynesia when you tour this remarkable cultural center located on the beautiful North Shore of Oahu. A day-long adventure here will inclde the seven island villagesw, canoe rides between the villages, the famous Pageant of the Long Canoes, admission to the IMAX film of your choice, dinner at the Ambassador Buffet, VIP premium seating, and souvenir video and program. There are over 100 performers, fire, waterfalls and a volcanic eruption. |
Bishop MuseumOriginally built in 1889 in honor of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop of the royal Kamehameha family, the Bishop Museum was established to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms. Today it is the largest musum in Hawaii and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. |
Diamond HeadThe most identifiable landmark in Hawaii, and Oahu's cherished gem, this dormant volcano crater is beautiful and easy to explore. It got its name in the late 1700s when British seamen saw calcite crystals sparkling in the sunshine and thought they had found diamonds. Geologically, it is a cinder cone formed by a series of explosive eruptions over 150,000 years ago. |
Waikiki BeachWaikiki Beach is considered the world's most famous beach thanks to its long days of endless sun, fine golden sand, excellent surfing, shallow, sandy-bottomed laggon ideal for swimmers, and its protected area with no waves and exposed areas with frolicking waves. Along its exciting shores are restaurants, bars, lounges, and resorts, fun both day and night. |
Ko'olau Golf ClubNestled at the foot of beautiful Pali Lookout, Ko'olau Golf Club offers breathtaking views of majestic 2,000-foot high cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Ko'olau's natural setting provided master architect Dick Nugent the opportunity to create one of the world's most challenging golf courses. |
Punchbowl National CemeteryAlso known as "The Punchbowl," it lies in the middle of Puowaina Crater, an extinct volcano. It was officially dedicated on September 2, 1949, on the 4th anniversary of V-J Day. Of all the national cemeteries, this one has been described as the most beautiful and the most moving. |
King Kamehameha StatueThe most beloved and illustrious of Hawaii's heroes, Kamehameha I unified the Hawaii Island. His government maintained peace and traditional values under intense Western influence. American artist T.R. Gould created casts for three different versions of this influential leader. This one is located in front of Ali'iolani Hale on Oahu, another is in Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii and the third is in Statuary Hall in Washington D.C. |
Dole PlantationThis 20,000-acre plantation began in 1950 as a pineapple fruit stand. One of the most popular attractions here is the Pineapple Garden Maze, made from 11,400 colorful Hawaiian plants. In the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records, it was recorded as the "world's largest maze." |
Hanauma BayIt was voted the best beach in America for 2004. It provides the best snorkeling in Hawaii in the safe, calm waters protected by an offshore reef. The small, palm-studded beach is situated in the crater of an ocean-breached volcano. All in all, this is an idyllic place to spend the day sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling or diving. |
Some content and photos used with permission from Norwegian Cruise Line.
