Shaped by centuries of seismic and volcanic activity, the largest Hawaiian island promises days of unlimited adventures, exotic days and truly romantic nights. The name of Oahu evokes the delicate, sweet perfume of frangipani and resonate like the sound of a soft ukelele.
The moment you step off the plane, you will feel embraced by mana, a life force and spirit that surrounds and connects all living things, a power that makes this world so special to the Hawaiian people. The chanted aloha greetings, the fresh floral air, the coconut plants on golden sand beaches, the graceful Hula dancers, the inimitable laid-back lifestyle and the pineapple plantations are really good reasons to say aloha to Oahu!
Fragant leis
Warm and inviting, frangipani flowers certainly capture the beauty and romance of the Hawaiian islands. The first thing I do when I land in this amazing island is to get a necklace of fresh white pikake flowers, and adorn my hair with plumeria. I also pick up some freshly fallen blooms and float them in a bubble bath in the evening before going out for some Mai Tai along the beach.
Located in the colorful Honolulu, Cindy´s Lei & Flower shop, is one of the oldest lei stands in Hawaii. Offering a large variety of fresh Hawaiian leis, Oahu´s finest flower shop will pleasantly surprise you with each garland of tropical flowers.
Lei maker in Waikiki
Pearl Harbor
The Pearl Harbor museum and memorial depicts the most significant moment for the U.S. during World War II. The devastating surprise attack killed 2,403 and wounded over 1,000 others altering the course of history forever. A visit to the museum will give you the opportunity to pay respects to the fallen sailors and all of those who bravely served in World War II.
Iolani Palace
With a fascinating royal history, Oahu will delight you with fascinating landmarks such as Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu.
Registered as a National Historic Landmark since 1962, this beautiful palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs from 1882 to 1893.
Byodo Temple
Located in the Valley of the Temples on Oahu, the beauty and serenity of this Buddhist temple is beyond description. The day of our visit, Brigadier general Jerome T. Hagen (the author of the critically acclaimed War in the Pacific) was signing books and greeting readers from all around the world. Click here to read about my meeting with him.
Pali Lookout
Just a five-mile drive northeast of downtown Honolulu, Pali Lookout is a site of deep historical significance. Located just over 1,000 ft high atop the Ko’olau Mountain Range, the viewpoint offers arguably the most stunning view on Oahu. This was the site of the epic battle that finally unified the Hawaiian islands under King Kamehameha’s rule.
Sultry Nights
After a fun day filled with countless activities, there´s nothing more appealing than being pampered with a massage with the ocean only a few meters away in a seaside cabana. From time to time, we also like to attend a traditional torch-lit Luau celebration and feast on roasted kale pig while Hawaii’s finest performers share they love for Hawaiian hula. Click here to read about our experience at Ali’i Luau at Polynesian Cultural Center.
Beaches
Waikiki
The mention of Waikiki calls to mind visions of surfing´s golden years. With magnificent Diamond Head as a backdrop, the legendary 2-mile sweep of golden sand beach is the ideal place to catch some waves or to take an outrigger canoe out onto the water.
Lanikai Beach
Peace and relaxation can be found in Lanikai where the waters are crystal blue every day.
Banzai Pipeline
We always pack some bathing suits, towels, and some sunscreen and head to Oahu´s fabled North shore for a taste of Old Hawaii. Driving along this ribbon of coastline is so exciting as the two-lane road passes quaint towns and serene strands of sand where locals come to surf. From October through March, monstrous waves turn Pipeline into one of surfing’s most sacred spots. Click here to read my article about this tropical dream beach.
With awesome Bohemian aloha vibes, Haleiwa is such a boho paradise and the ideal place for a day trip. Haleiwa is also known for its refreshing shave ice so dont forget to visit the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice, probably the most well-known shave ice stand in the world!
After visiting our favorites stores and art galleries, we always love tantalizing our taste buds with authentic shrimp plates from the colorful food trucks.
Mokule’ia – “Lost Beach”
Do you remember the hugely popular ABC TV series Lost? The producers chose the secluded Mokule´ia beach as the fictional crash site for Oceanic Flight 815. Secluded and wild, this is the ideal beach if you dream of getting lost in paradise!
Turtle Beach
This special beach is known for its special residents, the Honu, a sacred symbol for the the islands of aloha. These endangered sea turtles come to this rocky beach in order to feed on abundant green algae called “limu”. Click here to read my article about this unique beach.
