Hawaii Vacations: Oahu Island Vacations
With your tour guide,
Anne P. Mitchell
| Summary: Oahu island vacations offer some of the most diverse Hawaii vacation attractions gathered all on one island. Oahu island vacations can include scuba diving and snorkeling, horse-back riding, tennis, a trip to the zoo, and night-clubbing all in the same day! |
The island of Oahu is the fourth largest major Hawaiian Island with the largest population and it’s home to many of Hawaii’s major attractions including Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center and some the islands’ longest running dinner theater shows. Oahu is also home of the largest and busiest city in Hawaii - Honolulu.
A major draw to Oahu is the wide variety of activities available every day of the week for couples, singles and families alike. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a variety of hiking trails, horseback riding, golf courses and off-road tours available. For sea lovers, opportunities to scuba dive, snorkel, swim and sail are endless, and for those seeking exciting nightlife, the city of Honolulu has plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants from which to choose.
Waikiki Beach, Kapiolani Park and Hanauma Bay are some of the most popular places to swim, snorkel and explore. Located on Oahu’s South Shore, Waikiki Beach is a two-mile stretch of coast, and home to a variety of hotels including the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Hotel and the Ohana Waikiki Beach Comber Hotel, to name a few. It is also home to the 500-acre Kapiolani Park which houses the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo, tennis courts, jogging trails and picnic areas. The park also hosts a variety of outdoor concerts and the popular Kodak Hula Show.
Hanauma Bay is a great place to snorkel, scuba dive or swim for all ages and levels. In addition, there are several scenic hiking trails along the coast and overlooking the bay. Hanauma Bay also has picnic areas and gift shops, and visitors may rent snorkeling equipment on the beach. There is a fee of $5.00 for persons over age 13. Children, Hawaii residents and military personnel are admitted free of charge. Hanauma Bay is located 10 miles east of Waikiki at 7455 Kalaniana’ole Highway. If you drive, a large parking lot is available and the cost is $1.00. You may also take advantage of the many scooter rental shops located throughout the island, as well as the city bus service. For recorded information about times, current conditions and fees call 808-396-4229. For other questions call toll free 866-268-7459.
When the sun goes down, the nightlife on the island comes to life. Head over to the Ohana Waikiki Beach Comber Hotel or the Outrigger Waikiki to check out one of the island’s popular dinner theater shows such as The Society of Seven or the Magic of Polynesia. The Society of Seven features a variety of musical skits, Vegas-style numbers and impressions, and the Magic of Polynesia show features dance, music and illusionist John Hirokana. Call 808-971-4321 to purchase tickets for Magic of Polynesia, and 808-923-0711 for Society of Seven tickets. The Ohana Waikiki Beach Comber hotel is located at 2300 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI., 808-922-4646, www.wakikibeachcomber.com. The Outrigger Waikiki is located at 2335 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI., 808-923-0711, www.outrigger.com.
Whether you are interested in rainforests or waterfalls, scuba diving or off-roading, nightclubs or theaters, look no further - the island of Oahu has it all!
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