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Things to do / Travel Guide
Oahu Tourist Attractions
Oahu is the most developed and crowded Hawaiian Island. With centrally-located world-famous beaches and a strong Asian influence, Honolulu is unlike any other U.S. city.
Honolulu Tourist Attractions
Even if you go to Hawaii exclusively for the secluded nature, volcanoes, beaches, and outdoor activities, you'd be missing out if you didn't stop in the city of Honolulu. The energy level in Honolulu is high, the attractions are varied, and it is all-in-all a fun place where travelers from the East meet up with American and European tourists for some sightseeing, surfing lessons, hula shows, and island shopping. And, by the way – the spelling is not Honalulu.
Like most places in Hawaii, Honolulu offers tourists with an old and a new picture of the great island. The old is rich with Hawaiian history and that mystical air that Hawaii is famous for; and then there's the modern, extremely built-up, extremely popular, and extremely expensive side of the city—expensive resorts, high-end shopping, and stunning (though rather crowded) white sand beaches.
Anyone who tells you that Honolulu is not the real Hawaii should bear in minds that this is where King Kamehameha, the first king of Hawaii, based his ships for naval operations. Honolulu has a rich history that can be explored in Honolulu's historic district (among other places).
While you may need to seek out the ancient side of Honolulu, the modern aspects of the city will scream out and bump you in the eye. The city's tall apartment complexes, office buildings, and hotels create a rather stunning city skyline, especially when you take into account the gorgeous beaches in front and the mountains behind.
Honolulu, Hawaii Vacation Spots
If this is the only Hawaiian Island you plan on visiting, make sure spend ample time in the city of Honolulu, but that you spend a few days on excursions from the city, to get a feel for what the rest of the state is like. Beyond the city, you will find lush plantations, green valleys, sea cliffs, and tropical beaches.
Before you head out of the city, make sure you spend a day exploring downtown Honolulu and Chinatown. Between these two populous areas you'll find the lovely Tamarind Park, a great place for a picnic, and of course you're never too far from the Honolulu Harbor. Consider boating across to Sand Island.
It would be impossible to discuss Hawaii vacation spots without saying a word or two about the magnificence of Hawaiian spas. All major hotels offer spa services, ranging from small and intimate to grand and intimate. Each offers luxurious treatments that use the finest of Hawaii's natural ingredients and that help reinforce the idea that you are, indeed, a king or a queen in this island that focuses on awakening the senses and indulging in pleasure. A few of Oahu's top spas include the Mandara Spa at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (Honolulu), the Turtle Bay Resort & Spa Luana (Kahuku), and the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Resort & Spa (Honolulu). Relax, indulge, and enjoy the uniquely Hawaiian spa experience!
Waikiki Getaways
Waikiki: Expect character, charm, glitz, glamour, and a whole lot of natural beauty. This Honolulu neighborhood is located on the southern shore of Hawaii; it's name means "fresh water" in Hawaiian, which should tell you a thing or two about the quality of the water in and around Waikiki, a city that was once cut off from the mainland with fresh springs and streams.
Waikiki is an extremely popular spot for surfers to gather. The Waikiki Beach has a large portion of water sectioned off for surfers, but because the surf can be long rolling, the conditions are ideal for expert surfers as well as beginners.
Not to be missed: The new Waikiki boardwalk has been in the making for many years and today offers visitors with a luxurious walk along the beach, perfect for power walkers, bike riders, and tourists who simply want to take a leisurely stroll but don't feel like getting their sandals filled with sand.
Honolulu & Oahu Road Trip Getaway Planner
Enjoy the variety of cultures and outdoor activities in Waikiki for 3-5 days. Take a few more days to explore beyond Honolulu, especially if you will not be visiting the other Hawaiian islands. Grab a map of Oahu and don't miss the unique feel of a Hawaii road trip.
Tourist Attractions and Highlights in Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu, Hawaii
Tourist-Attractions-Highlights
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