O’ahu
Most visitors to Hawaii arrive through Honolulu International Airport on the state’s most populous island. O‘ahu is home to almost three quarters of Hawaii’s population – hence its nickname, ‘The Gathering Place’. But the state’s third-largest island is more than a transit hub – it’s a destination in its own right with fascinating cities and enticing wilds begging to be explored.
Honolulu was once home to the Hawaiian monarchy (it’s actually the site of the only royal palace ever to stand on American soil, the Tolani Palace), but today you’ll find a thoroughly modern metropolis that holds its multicultural roots close. Visit Oahu Market in Chinatown to try foods from across Asia, or delve into the local nightlife and art scene. If you’re feeling adventurous, Honolulu is the place to arrange a shark dive: observing and respecting these apex predators outside of an aquarium is the embodiment of the aloha attitude.
To the west of the city is Pearl Harbor. 2016 marks the 75th anniversary of the attacks, so the city will be busy with commemorations. Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, a visually stunning tribute to the fallen crewmen that’s positioned directly over the still-visible wreck of the US battleship. You can only access the site by boat but the 75-minute tour, which includes a short film and lets you view cutaways into the innards of the ship, is well worth the trip.
Down the coast you’ll find Waikiki, Oahu’s legendary and sophisticated seafront city. Once upon a time, only Hawaiian royalty was allowed to surf the gentle waters here, but today we’re all permitted to practice our skills on the waves. Spend a day riding the kahunas before enjoying a sunset cruise out to the volcanic ridge of Diamond Head, where you can sip mai tais to the strains of the slack key guitar.
