| The first in our four-part series of Hawaii | | | | here. |
| vacations takes us to the island of Oahu, | | | | |
| "the Gathering Place". In subsequent | | | | You can discover the underwater world on a |
| articles, we'll explore the islands of Maui, | | | | submarine tour. "Atlantis Submarines" will |
| Kauai, and the Big Island. | | | | take you directly to the island's plentiful |
| | | | sea life, from exotic fishes to coral and |
| Oahu is Hawaii's third-largest island and its | | | | turtles, all circling around you as you |
| most developed. Honolulu is the "hub" of all | | | | descend to the floor of the ocean. |
| the islands combined, providing many | | | | |
| activities and accommodations, along with a | | | | Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial |
| feeling of escape and pure relaxation in | | | | remain one of the most visited sights on the |
| year-round balmy weather. | | | | islands. Be sure to include it in your Oahu |
| | | | itinerary. The visitor center for the |
| Nearly three-quarters of Hawaii's approximate | | | | memorial is located six miles west of |
| 1.2 million reside on Oahu and about 400,000 | | | | Honolulu. |
| live in Honolulu. | | | | |
| | | | For the hardier, more adventurous traveler, |
| Oahu is a good place to start your Hawaiian | | | | the hiking possibilities are wide open. You |
| vacation. More flights arrive in Honolulu | | | | can either set out on your own (some very |
| from the U.S. mainland and elsewhere than at | | | | intricate but well-traveled hiking trails are |
| any other airport on the Hawaiian Islands. | | | | reachable by bus) or book a tour with one of |
| | | | the island's hiking companies. |
| It is also the cheapest Hawaiian island to | | | | |
| visit. The only one of the islands that has | | | | You can literally go from viewing ancient |
| inexpensive island-wide bus service, it is | | | | Hawaiian temples to 21st-Century high-rises, |
| possible to experience the island without | | | | then move from the "Town" to the "Country," |
| having to rent a car. | | | | just 45 minutes away. |
| | | | |
| Oahu boasts mountains rising from the coast | | | | No Oahu trip would be complete without a |
| to 2,000 feet with fragrant flowers, | | | | visit to the North Shore, the world's surfing |
| sparkling waterfalls, and a jungle-like | | | | capital. This part of Oahu remains rural and |
| tropical forest. Daily average temperatures | | | | undeveloped in places. The hotel and golf |
| are in the low 70s during the coolest months, | | | | course at Turtle Bay comprise the only resort |
| February and March, and around 85 degrees in | | | | in the area. |
| the hottest months, August and September. | | | | |
| | | | Haleiwa, the main town of the North Shore, is |
| Most hotels on Oahu are found around Waikiki, | | | | 24 miles north of Honolulu. It has been a |
| a good base for your adventures on the | | | | mecca for surfers from all over the world |
| island. In addition to the usual shopping | | | | since the 1960s, however it is not an area |
| malls, bookstores, restaurants, bars, art | | | | for inexperienced surfers. This is an easy |
| museums, entertainment and cultural | | | | day trip from Waikiki. |
| activities of a typical American city, | | | | |
| Honolulu has unique Hawaiian offerings. | | | | Whatever adventures you encounter on Oahu, |
| | | | whether it is learning to surf at Wakiki, |
| Hanauma Bay, east of Waikiki, is the best | | | | climbing the stack at Diamaond Head, or |
| snorkeling area in all of the islands, while | | | | enjoying the warm sand of a beach, your |
| Kailua Bay is the island's top windsurfing | | | | vacation will end too soon for you to |
| spot. There are many types of activity. From | | | | discover all this island has to offer. |
| surfing or snorkeling lessons to helicopter | | | | Perhaps next time.... |
| tours and dinner cruises, you can find it | | | | |