Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head © HVCB/Joe Solem
Oahu is only the third largest of the inhabited Hawaiian
islands, but it is home to nearly three-quarters of the state's
residents, most of them living in the ultra-modern capital city,
Honolulu, and its adjacent beach resort suburb of Waikiki, on the
south coast of the island. 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.
Attractions
USS Arizona Memorial © National Park Service
Arizona Memorial Museum
The USS Arizona was one of several United States battle ships
that were sunk by the Japanese Imperial Navy during its surprise
historic attack on Pearl Harbour, Oahu, on December 7, 1941,
causing the US to enter into World War II. Visitors are...
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Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach © O'hau Visitors Bureau
Beaches
The main attraction for visitors to Oahu are the range of 139
beaches which, from the pounding waves of the north shore to the
gentle swells of Waikiki in the south, offer the chance to bathe
and soak up the sun, or tackle...
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Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum © cliff1066
Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum in Honolulu is the largest museum in Hawaii
and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the
Pacific, recognised worldwide for its cultural collections,
research projects and educational programmes. The museum was
founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop, in...
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San Francisco's Chinatown © Don Danz www.DanzFamily.com
Honolulu’s Chinatown
Enter Honolulu’s Chinatown neighbourhood through the
Gateway Plaza on the corner of Bethel and Hotel streets in the
city’s downtown business district, and you step into an
exciting and exotic world made up of a colourful and eclectic blend
of Southeast Asian cultures. Here...
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Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace
The only royal residence in the United States, the Iolani
Palace, stands on the corner of King and Richard Streets in
Honolulu, its opulent interior giving a glimpse into the lives of
Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs between 1882 and 1893.
Initially it was home...
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Polynesian Cultural Center © coconut wireless
Polynesian Cultural Centre
Hawaii's top tourist attraction, the Polynesian Cultural Centre,
is situated on the Kamehameha Highway in Laie on the scenic north
shore of Oahu island. This remarkable venue, visited by more than
one million people a year, consists of seven Polynesian 'islands'
in a beautifully...
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Valley of the Temples
Valley of the Temples
Opposite a bustling shopping centre on the Kahekili Highway in
Kaneohe, below the Koolau mountains, nestles a little piece of
Japan tucked away in Hawaii. The Valley of the Temples Memorial
Park contains oriental gardens and koi ponds, a massive nine-foot
Buddha statue, Japanese...
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Moloka'i Hoe Canoe Racing © takaokun
Moloka'i Hoe Canoe Racing
Outrigger canoe racing is embedded in the culture of Hawaii, and
each year the race, considered to be the world championship,
attracts thousands of fans. The canoes form a large part of the way
of life of the islanders and in the past the prestige allocated
upon those who would win the race was enormous. Nowadays, although
the symbolic nature of the victory remains, the festival enjoys a
relative influx of tourist interest and media attention.
Venue: Duke Kahanamoku Beach
Date: 10 November 2009
Time: 7.30am
Website: www.molokaihoe.org
Hula kahiko © Ron Ardis
World Invitational Hula Festival
This celebration of Hawaiian culture, customs, history, language
and relationship to all natural things attracts many curious
visitors from all over the world. With a number of events taking
place across the three days there will be more than enough to
entertain the whole family, and, of course, plenty of inspirational
hula dancing for those willing to participate or just to relax and
observe.
Venue: Waikiki Shell, Honolulu
Date: 12 - 15 November 2009
Website: www.worldhula.com
