Oahu has the “Aloha Spirit”!
There’s a reason that Oahu, Hawaii is known as the definition of paradise. The tropical weather, active volcanoes and iconic beaches combined with the rich Hawaiian culture make it seem like its own little world out in the Pacific. A Hawaiian get-away is unlike any other beach vacation. Known as the Aloha State, the “spirit of aloha” is what makes Hawaii so magical.
Oahu, often referred to as “The Gathering Place”, is a popular vacation destination. Once you visit this island paradise you’ll quickly see why. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to over 125 beaches, many hiking trails, endless natural beauty, the bustling city life of Honolulu, and famous world-class surf.
Oahu’s diverse population is a fusion of East and West cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. It’s this contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering Oahu — from bustling city life to laidback surf towns — so enjoyable.
Just imagine picturesque waterfalls, pristine beaches, soaring waves, hopping nightlife, crafty eateries, and an abundance of shopping! That’s Oahu!
There’s no shortage of things to do on Oahu. You can join in on a surfing competition on the North Shore, venture out on a whale watching expedition, experience the thrill of skydiving, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, swim for hours on end, or simply relax and sip a Mai Tai on one of the many picture-perfect beaches.
While many visitors spend most of their time in Honolulu and Waikiki, there are hidden treasures of Hawaii’s past and present waiting to be discovered throughout the island.
Let’s explore a few of those treasures.
The Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is Hawaii’s #1 visitor attraction. It has 6 island villages representing the unique island cultures of Hawaii, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga.
Set on 42 acres along Oahu’s North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center has a lagoon that hosts daily canoe tours and an exciting cultural Canoe Pageant.
Their award winning Ali’i Luau takes guests on a journey to learn about Hawaii’s royalty while enjoying traditional Polynesian food and entertainment.
You can also enjoy their immersive cinema presentation “Hawaiian Journey”, which is a tribute to the splendors of Hawaii.
Ha: Breath of Life show:
The symbolic story of Mana and his beloved Lani, punctuated by Polynesian dance, music and blazing fire knives, is told in “Hā: Breath of Life,” their stunning evening show featuring over 100 Polynesian natives, special effects, animation and surround sound. It is a Pacific isle saga of birth and death, love and family, tragedy, and triumph.
Oahu’s North Shore
If the perfect wave exists, you’ll find it on Oahu’s North Shore. The towering, glassy winter waves of this legendary surf mecca draw the best surfers in the world, while smaller and gentler summer waves are better for beginners.
Stretching for more than 7 miles, the beaches of the North Shore host the world’s premier surfing competitions during the peak winter months, including the biggest of them all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach and Sunset Beach are great places to sunbathe and stroll along the shore—just leave surfing the huge waves to the pros because they can be very dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
A few stops along the way…
Haleiwa Town
Your first stop along the North Shore will be charming Haleiwa, about a one-hour drive from Waikiki. More than the laid-back surf town it seems, Haleiwa is filled with local style and country ambiance, as well as cool surf shops and boutiques, charming art galleries and understated restaurants housed in plantation-era buildings.
Rich with island history, Haleiwa is now the social and artistic hub of the North Shore. Here you’ll find surfers fueling up on shrimp or other delicacies at one of the town’s abundant food trucks before hitting the famous beaches of Waimea Bay, Ehukai (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach. You’ll also find locals and visitors winding down with a shaved ice after a day in the sun or shopping at boutiques filled with unique gifts that will allow you to bring back a piece of Hawaii with you. Haleiwa is a far cry from the excitement of Waikiki, and that’s exactly how the people of the North Shore like it.
Waimea Bay Beach Park
Waimea is famous for its 30-foot waves in the winter and is a top place to watch some of the world’s best and bravest surfers. During summer, the water calms considerably and is a great destination for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
North Shore Food Trucks
North Shore Oahu is known for its beautiful beaches, amazing surf and epic sunsets, but it is also famous for its delicious food trucks. Offering everything from tacos and Thai food to pizza, to shrimp and local Hawaiian cuisine, there are so many tasty delights to enjoy!
Here are some of the top-rated food trucks along the North Shore:
- North Shore Tacos in Pupukea
- Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck along Kamehameha Highway
- Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp Truck
- The Elephant Truck
- Impossibles Pizza
- Leonard’s Malasada Truck
- Mike’s Huli-Huli Chicken
Hiking Diamond Head
The unique profile of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.
The trail to the summit of Lē‘ahi was built in 1908 as part of O‘ahu’s coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head.
A concrete walkway built to reduce erosion shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 mile up the trail with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior.
The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to enter the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. Built on the summit, the station directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater.
At the summit, you’ll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai‘anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales.
Hawaii is a magical destination filled with adventure, beauty, history and a “spirit of aloha”! If you are considering traveling to Hawaii, then I suggest you bookmark this site to obtain the most recent COVID protocols, island by island.
The state of Hawaii is made up of counties, however in this case, each county (basically each island is its own county with Lanai and Molokai falling under Maui County) has been allowed to create its own COVID requirements which has presented some challenges for inbound and inter-island travelers.
There is legislation being considered in Honolulu currently that would require all islands/counties to abide by the same laws and protocols concerning COVID. Hopefully it will pass so this can all get simplified, but it is VITAL as a Travel Advisor that you stay up to date.
Better yet use a Travel Advisor! I work hard to stay on top of the latest requirements, so you don’t have to.
If you are considering traveling to Hawaii, please drop me a line at: [email protected].
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