Search Holidays
Oahu
Most of the residents in Hawaii live on the third largest island, which is Oahu that is home to the modern metropolis of Honolulu and the magnificent beach resort of Waikiki. Beyond the urban bustle of the south, Oahu is quiet and enchanting; flaunting 23 state parks and punctuated by ancient stone heiau (temples). The island's most recognisable landmark is the 761ft (232m) tall Diamond Head to the east of Waikiki. This mountain is a 'tuff cone' formed 100,000 years ago when an eruption of volcanic ash hardened into solid rock. The extinct volcano is traditionally believed to be the home of Pele, the fire goddess. Oahu means 'gathering place', and the island certainly lives up to its name in its ethnic diversity, which becomes evident at a glance at the annual festival calendar. From the Chinese New Year in late January to King Kamehameha Day in June and the Aloha Festivals in September there is barely a dull moment and always a reason for celebration.
Beaches
Hawaiian holidays in the Oahu are exceptional with over one hundred and thirty beaches, offering a diverse choice from the calm waters of Waikiki and an ideal sunbathing setting, to the wild surfing waves on the northern shores. Families, offering picnic spots and opportunities for snorkelling, tide pooling and swimming, favour the south shore. Magic Island near Waikiki is a peninsula where the beach is protected by a man-made breakwater offering safe bathing and a stretch of shady, grassy areas on which to picnic. At Ala Moana Beach is protected by a reef and the half-mile of white sands are washed by calm shallow waters. Hanauma Bay marine sanctuary is located in the crater of an extinct volcano and is an ideal snorkelling spot while Waikiki Beach, the most famous stretch of sand in the world, draws about four million visitors a year to its sands where sun worshippers can buy fast food, snacks and cocktails to enjoy under their rented umbrellas. On the West coast the Ko Olina Resort and Marina offers seven crescent shaped sandy beaches with palm trees and views of the Waianae Mountains, and Yokohama Bay is a quiet, beautiful spot away from the madding crowds. Surfers favour the North shore, particularly during the winter months when waves can reach heights of 25 feet (8m) at beaches like Ehukai with its famed Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Beach. The East shore boasts lush tropical beach settings with conditions ideal for windsurfing and sailing. Kailua Beach Park is picturesque and usually in the 'top ten beaches in the United States' lists. Lanikai is even better. Sandy Beach is popular for kite-flying, and Waimanalo offers four miles of uninterrupted white sand framed by palm trees.
Bishop Museum
Honolulu's Bishop Museum offers visitors the chance to explore the cultural and natural history of the region, with some world-renowned collections and research projects. Charles Reed Bishop founded the museum in 1889 in honour of his late wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha family of Hawaii. Originally the museum housed the extensive family heirlooms of the royal family, but now the collection includes millions of artefacts, documents and photographs relating to Hawaii and other Pacific island cultures. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. All these treasures are housed in the former Kamehameha School for Boys in Bernice Street, Honolulu, established by the princess, which moved to a new location in 1940.
Address: 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu; Telephone: (808) 847 3511; Website: www.bishopmuseum.org; Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm; Admission: $14.95 (adults), $11.95 (children 4-12)
Valley of the Temples
Situated on the Kahekili Highway in Kaneohe and under the Koolau mountains are some enchanting remnants of Japanese culture. The Valley of the Temples Memorial Park contains oriental gardens and koi ponds, a massive nine-foot Buddha statue, Japanese Tea House and an exact replica of Japan's 900-year-old Byodo-in Temple, the original of which stands in Uji near Kyoto. The temple was recreated to honour the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.
Telephone: (808) 239 8811; Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 4.30pm; Admission: Free
Iolani Palace
The opulent Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the USA, which offers glimpse into the last reigning monarchs in Hawaii from 1882 to 1893 and it is located on the corner of the King and Richard Streets in Honolulu. Initially it was home to King Kalakaua and his Queen, until he died in 1891. His successor, Queen Lili'uokalani, then took up residence until the US Marines in a palace coup overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. The palace has been fully restored. Visitors on guided tours can see the portraits of Hawaiian kings and queens, valuable vases and statuary, the grand staircase, the throne room decorated in crimson and gold, the state dining room and the royal family's private quarters.
Address: 364 South King Street, Honolulu; Telephone: (808) 522 0822; Website: www.iolanipalace.org; Opening time: Guided tours are offered every 30 minutes from Tuesday to Saturday between 9am and 2pm. Tours must be booked in advance; Admission: Grand Tour: $20 (adults), $5 (children 5-17); no under 5s permitted
Honolulu's Chinatown
Chinatown in Honolulu gives visitors the chance to step into to the vibrantly colourful and exotic world of Southeast Asia, and it is located in the cities downtown business Region. Here Vietnamese, Laotian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, and a myriad of other ethnic groups work in harmony to sell their wares, serve their delicacies and perpetuate their cultural traditions. The market sells an array of delicacies from noodles to duck eggs, and tantalising smells issue from the numerous inexpensive speciality restaurants in this 15-block area. Visitors can also consult a herbalist, view an art exhibit, watch a dragon procession, make an offering at a Buddhist temple, or perhaps buy a precious jade memento in this rich and memorable part of town.
Website: www.chinatownhi.com
