Island Hopping: Oahu

Oahu Diving Site

Oahu

It is has earned the nickname “the Gathering Place and is the most populous and developed island. It is the home of Honolulu, the home of the many Hawaii residents. This is where Waikiki beach is found, the world’s famous beach with its bikini clad parading girls. It is the center for commercial and governmental activities. Pineapple fields grace outside of the city and North Shore is the home of the largest waves in the world. At the famous Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona National Memorial is visitors’ favorite destination.

Oahu and Obama’s Tourism

US President Barack Obama

Since his election as US president in 2008, Oahu tops the lists of visitors’ wishing to see and visit the place where the current Obama’s generations had set foot. This is a welcome addition to the tourism industry since many people are making profits in giving tours and trips to these places as part of vacation packages which include trips to President Obama’s favorite burger joint, Kua ‘Aina Sandwich Shop. Individual or group tours in these places are also included in many vacation deals. 

Obama’s popularity had diverted people’s interest in his former place of home. Many ordinary folks are earning extra money by offering services such as tour’s guide and selling guide maps. Indeed, Obama’s being a former resident of this island had made Oahu, Hawaii’s pride.

Oahu had been immortalized in many ways, in films, TV shows, fashions and pop culture but it is more than this accolade.  Oahu is Hawaii’s most beautiful island. It is rich in nature’s beauty and its people are proud of their heritage. Oahu is what Hawaii is all about.

Oahu World War Memorial

USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is found in this island and the chilling memories of t it’s bombing on December 7, 1941 are immortalized in USS Arizona Memorial. The monument is dedicated to the 1,177 crew members who died on that ill-fated day. 

It also houses the USS Missouri battleship where the significant signing of Japan’s surrender took place. It is now a museum ship and it is open for public viewing. If people remember Pearl Harbor as a memorial of humanity, they could not forget Oahu as an island of nature’s beauty and bounty.

Oahu as the queen of the surfing sport

Surfing at Oahu

All   surfing fanatics would not dare to refuse to ride the fabled waves of the famous North Shores. Riding its magnificent waves is a dream come true for every surfing fanatic. Experts would welcome the world-class breaks of Waimea bay, the Banzai Pipeline and the Sunset beach during the winter when waves swells is 30 ft or 9 m. high. 

Those who want the calm sea, they can enjoy the summer here when the water is much calmer and more ideal for snorkeling. Haleiwa, a neighboring town is known as Surf City U.S.A. Surfing and snorkeling is two of the activities in many vacation packages available for the sporty souls. A champion surfer will take pride to claim he had ridden the famous wave’s break in this island.

Oahu, the home of the famous Waikiki Beach

Waikiki beach

The famous pink sand of Waikiki makes it as the favorite of every beach lover. Here glitzy Hawaii Hotels lined the long sandy area where the finest dining and shopping centers can be found. Waikiki is synonymous for people-watching, surfing and canoeing excursions. Each day on the beach is a day of fun and activities designed to make people forget about the harsh city life back home. 

This beach is a favorite location for films and commercial ads and had made Oahu the most visited island in the world. Most of the world’s largest hotels chains are located here making Oahu, the location of the world’s best hotels.

Oahu, Famous for TV and Movie locations

TV fans around the world would recognize Oahu and its wonderful tiki settings on the famous TV show Brandy Bunch. The birth of tiki culture was made possible in this island and each episode showcased the mesmerizing beauty of Oahu beach. The classic movie From Here to Eternity also had immortalized the waves of North shores and its spell of romance and eternal love. Surfing commercial ads also showcased Oahu‘s famous Waikiki beach and Northern Shores.

The Jurassic Park movie setting is one of the famous in Oahu.

Hawaii the Top Tourist Destination

Aloha! The Famous Hula Dance in Hawaii

Hawaii still ranked as one of the top tourist destination. Many countries offering their island beaches are trying hard to displace Hawaii as an island paradise by introduction of so many innovations in their tourism industries. But none had victoriously displaced Hawaii since it still continuously gaining support from millions of visitors each year. One of the contributing factors is the availability of many well and internationally well-known hotel chains in the island serving the loyal and satisfied guests.