Hawaii Dream Vacations

The island of Oahu is known as the "Gathering Place" and with a population of just under 900,000 people, this is the most populated and developed of the Hawaiian Islands.  This is the island that I live on and love, and I think Oahu doesn’t get enough credit sometimes because so many people just stay in Waikiki when they come here and think that Waikiki is Oahu.  Oahu is actually, in my opinion, one of the most diverse and beautiful of the islands.  And there’s so much to do here!  Basically anything you want to experience on your Hawaii vacation you can find on this island. 

Below are my top personal recommendations for "must-do" activities while you’re here.

• Learn about island culture and enjoy a luau feast at the Polynesian Cultural Center
  The Polynesian Cultural Center is located about one hour from Waikiki on the unspoiled north shore.  The center has been Hawaii’s top paid visitor attraction since 1977 and features seven Polynesian "islands" representing Samoa, New Zealand (Aotearoa), Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga.  Visitors learn about island life and Polynesian culture through displays, hands-on activities, an IMAX movie, and a canoe pageant show.  At 6:00 pm, the islands close and the center offers the Ali’i Luau dinner buffet, complete with an imu ceremony (the traditional roasting of the pig).  The highlight of the experience, however, is the spectacular evening show Horizons! A Celebration of Polynesian Discovery, the largest Polynesian revue in the world, featuring a cast of over 100 islanders, with multi-level stages and special effects.  There are several packages for the Polynesian Cultural Center - I recommend the Ali’i Luau Package for $100/person ($79 for children), which includes roundtrip transportation from Waikiki, admission to all the villages, the Pageant of the Long Canoes afternoon show, an optional free tour of Laie town and the Mormon Temple Grounds, the IMAX show, Ali’i dinner buffet, and admission to the evening show.

• Step back in time with a visit to Pearl Harbor
  This is a definite must for history buffs and a moving experience for most everyone.  Although the center is open daily to the public, I definitely recommending visiting as part of a guided tour.  Aloha VIP Tours operate daily tours that will pick you up right from your hotel in Waikiki for a full day tour of Pearl Harbor and an insight into the history of WWII.  Your journey begins with a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial, a somber reminder of the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the US into the war, followed by a guided tour of the battleship USS Missouri where General MacArthur accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese marking the end of the war.   After spending the day at Pearl Harbor, you’ll return to Honolulu with a drive through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl Crater and stop at the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii where you will experience the history of the U.S. Army in Hawaii and the Pacific as well as a tribute to ancient Hawaiian warriors.  Full day tours are $59/person.

• Get wet at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park
  Located only 30 minutes from Waikiki, this is Hawaii’s only water park, and one of the larger water park in the world, and definitely a lot of fun for the whole family!   The park is located along a set of cliffs in West Oahu, filled with natural tropical plants and animals, and the rides are catered to children of all agents, and adults as well.  The Big Splash Package ($85 for adults and $58 for kids 3-11) is the best deal, and includes roundtrip transportation from Waikiki, a passport for all the park attractions, a Body Board lesson and session at Hurricane Bay, unlimited soft drinks, a BBQ lunch, souvenir logo gift, and unlimited Body Board rides on Da’ FlowRider, a standing wave.
  

• Explore the 4,000 acres of Kualoa Ranch by horse, ATV, helicopter, jet ski or kayak 

• Be like the locals and learn to surf!
  If you’ve never tried surfing, this is the perfect place to learn.  World-class surfers come from all over the world to ride the big waves on the north shore.  If you’re not quite a professional, however, Waikiki Beach has the ideal conditions for learning.  There are several companies that offer surf lessons, but Hans Hedemann Surf School is the best.  Group lessons are $78/person for 2 hours and guarantee to get you up and riding.
  

• Play a round of golf on one of Hawaii’s world-famous courses  

• Kayak to the famous Mokulua Islands

  The eastern coast of Oahu has the two most beautiful beaches on the island (and I would argue in all of Hawaii) - Kailua and Lanikai.  Off the coast are two sister islands, the Mokuluas, which are bird sanctuaries and a wonderful spot to paddle out to for a picnic lunch.  Two Good Kayaks, a small, local paddle sports company, offers great guided kayak tours daily that depart from Kailua and Lanikai Beach.  Tours start as low as $63 for adults.  The best package is $115 ($57 for children) and is a full day guided tour that includes transportation from Waikiki, kayaking equipment and accessories, snorkeling equipment, instruction, a picnic on one of the secluded Mokulua Islands, a visit to the seabird sanctuary, and a small trek to a secret cove to swim in the tidepools.

• People watch at Waikiki Beach
  

• Go Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

I’m very passionate about sharing this wonderful island with you, so please don’t hesitate to contact me any time to discuss the details of your travel plans and how we can work together to customize the most memorable vacation for you.

 
Abby Lapointe
Hawaii Aloha Travel
1-800-843-8771 ext. 23
abby@hawaii-aloha.com