It’s a city of dreams, hopes and bustling activity. Honolulu has grown leaps and bounds over the years, and today even more skyscrapers are filling the beautiful tropical island of Oahu, Hawaii. Nevertheless, the city itself is impeccable and an international shopping mecca for locals and tourists alike. Oahu is a special place and quite the destination for travelers seeking the calm respite of turquoise seas and cobalt skies. The people are friendly and its natural breathtaking beauty and unique culture is what draws people to its shores. There is always something fun to do in Oahu, from extreme sports to simply lounging around in a cabana by the pool at a fancy resort.
2. On the NorthShore, at Turtle Bay Resort, it’s the Legends of the North Shore Luau, every Friday night. There’s an exciting dinner show with special entrees for the kids. You can enjoy tropical drinks at the outdoor Surfside Hang Ten bar as well as late night entertainment and dancing at the Bay Club. There’s even live Hawaiian entertainment in the lobby daily from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Waikiki is the place to be for the best of live Hawaiian music. You will enjoy the mystical sounds of old Hawaii daily from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the poolside Sandbar.
There is also live entertainment by Stardust beginning at 8:30 p.m. in the Hanohano Room.
Plantation is a haven for Pineapple lovers. The grounds are immense and well manicured, featuring the world’s largest maze. There’s also Pineapple ice cream, taffy, jam and clothing and other merchandise for the whole family.
Hawaii since 1963. Here you’ll find anything and everything Hawaiian. You can take a free shuttle bus from various hotels in Honolulu and once you’re there, you are greeted with a shell lei and fresh passion fruit juice.
Gathering Place” that you normally cannot see by car. You’ll be entranced by majestic waterfalls, breathtaking vistas, and razor-sharp ridges—the hidden Oahu few experience. Check with your hotel concierge for the best value and availability.
Hawaii. The best cruise on the island is the Kai’ Oli” Oli. The $1.5 million catamaran takes you out to see dolphins and flying fish in their native habitat, and they stop and allow you to snorkel in an underwater marine preserve. The surrounding areas you will see starboard include the homes of the CEO for Harley Davidson as well as actress Cameron Diaz. A delicious lunch is also included. It is only 20 minutes from Honolulu and a wonderful way to spend part of your vacation.
Hawaii features award winning artists from around the world that display an exotic blend of strength, balance, humour, skill and beauty. The circus performers are experienced and graceful as they accompany you on your journey into a magical world.
Hawaii’s #1 paid attraction, this center takes you back to old Polynesia. You will experience first-hand the 42-acre grounds with seven native villages. Activities allow visitors to throw Tongan spears, prepare Tahitian coconut bread, and even train with Samoan fireknife practice batons. You’ll also encounter one of Hawaii’s most authentic luaus.
SeaLifePark is an adventure for the family. You can learn about dolphins and other sea creatures through touch and play. Their manta ray encounter brings you face to face with stingrays as you snorkel through their lagoon as these animals glide through the water. You can also hang out with sea lions and dolphins and witness the amazing personalities of these fun loving creatures. Sea Trek Adventure takes you three fathoms down into their 300,000 gallon tank to explore and photograph eels and sea turtles and colorful salt water fish.
Hanauma Bay isn't the only to-die-for snorkeling spot on Oahu. TryPupukeaBeachPark. This 80-acre beach park, on the NorthShore, is a Marine Life Conservation District teeming with fish, coral and shells. And compared to Hanauma, where snorkelers are jammed into the bay like M&Ms in cellophane, Pupukea is usually uncrowded. The beach park, also known as Shark's Cove, is the site of a reef where a large variety of marine life can be seen in their natural environment.
Oahu is truly an island of many opportunities for fun for the whole family. Discover Oahu and the excitement and relaxation it has to offer. You can visit a travel agent or simply book your airfare, accommodations and rental care on-line. You may also check in with your hotel’s concierge for the various activities of your choice. As they say in the islands, “Aloha!”
Connieis.pacbell.net or at 530.277.4560. Please visit her blog at http://conniereichert.livejournal.com
Connie Werner Reichert has been a travel journalist for 22 years. The President of Write Side Up Travel Journalism in Latrobe, California may be reached at
Travel tip:
Airlines still have restrictions of no gels, lotions, toothpaste or perfume and other items of similar consistency allowed on carry-on luggage. Pack these belongings in your suitcase to avoid hassles and the confiscation of these items. Plus, there is usually a $15 fee now for each suitcase you do check in. And yes, you still have to take off your shoes at checkpoint.
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12. The Polynesian Cultural Center is magnificent. As
11. Ever try parasailing? Perhaps now is the time. Extreme Parasail is one company that will give you an experience you won’t ever forget. It’s the only parasail company that flies side-by-side tandem so you can sit next to your loved one as you sail above the turquiose waters. It averages about 15 minutes of airtime and will be sure to give you an adrenaline rush!
10. Cirque
9. You must play in the water if you want to truly enjoy
8. Helicopter tours are a wonderful way to see the “
7. Sportsfishing is a must if you have never had the experience. There are a variety of charters that will take you out for about 4 ½ hours on the deep blue ocean as you wrestle with Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Ono and Ahi. There’s nothing quite like catching your own dinner. Many of the charter boats will allow you to clean, gut and cook your own catch right on the boat!
6. Hilo Hattie is the store of
5. The Dole
4. North Shore Shark Cage Tours are definitely for the adventurous. You only need a mask and snorkel that is included in this tour, as they immerse you into thrilling shark infested waters. There is no diving experience needed and it is without age restriction. This tour is guaranteed to change your feelings about sharks.
3. The Sheraton
1. Almost every weekend families are invited to Waikiki’s “Sunset on the Beach” in Honolulu. It’s a free event for the entire family, spotlighting documentary films and feature movies, all showcased on a 30 foot screen. There’s a certain feeling of aloha being amongst all the locals and tourists to gather and watch a film or two. Simply bring your own lawn chairs and beach blankets to kickback on the sand and enjoy the show.
Here are 15 “Must Do” Activities to give you a memorable vacation:
