Oahu is considered by many to be the heart of Hawaii. While there is no official meaning for the word Oahu, long-standing oral traditions attribute its significance to the legendary explorer Hawaiiloa who named it after his son. Also referred to as "The Gathering Place", the island is home to more than 900,000 locals and is the definitive center of the archipelago's tourism industry. It is the third largest land mass in the State of Hawaii measuring a total of 596.7 square miles.

Within its boundaries is a booming metropolis that offers visitors and locals all the conveniences of city life wrapped in the enigmatic charm of the tropics. In addition, there are an impressive number of beaches and engaging attractions to discover. It forms an integral part of Hawaii's distinct history and indeed that of the United States. It continues to develop at a rapid pace attracting large numbers of tourists each year and maintains the natural appeal expected of the astonishingly beautiful island chain.

From Past to Present
Oahu has a long history of being ruled by great monarchs. The very first of these revered kings was Malilikukahi who established the laws and successfully passed on a successive line of rulers. The monarchs up until the rule of Kualii were for the most part, pacifists who enjoyed prolonged periods of peace. The line of Kualii was considered the start to a new era of warlike rulers. By 1773 Kahahana inherited the throne but was later usurped by Kahekili II, the king of Maui who replaced him with his own son Kalanikupule. Within that same period Kamehameha the Great defeated Kalanikupule's warriors and established the Kingdom of Hawaii once he took control of the island. By 1845 Kamehameha III declared Honolulu the new capital of the Kingdom. The Iolani Palace, built by members of the royal family, can still be viewed on the island today and demonstrates the lifestyle associated with the great monarchs.

According to historical records, Oahu was actually the first island in the archipelago that was sighted by Captain James Cook and his crew on January 18, 1778. While the island was observed from the safety of the ship, it was never actually visited by Cook's HMS Discovery. An entire year would pass before Europeans disembarked on the island on February 28, 1779. This occurred just 14 days after the death of Captain James Cook at the hands of the native Hawaiians on the Big Island.

The events leading up to World War II were closely connected to the island. On a sunny morning on December 7, 1941 the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a massive attack on Pearl Harbor. The sudden and unforeseen attack was a major hit to the United States Navy. Its Pacific Fleet, much of its Army Air Corps and Marine forces were stationed on Oahu during the period. Twelve American warships were severely damaged, 188 air-crafts were obliterated and as many as 2,403 servicemen on duty and 68 civilians were killed during the attack.

Oahu is now one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world and a viable center for trade and commerce. Each year as many as 5 million tourists visit the island primarily from Japan and North America. It is considered an ideal vacation spot because of the diverse activities and natural attractions to see once there.

Hawaii's Metropolis
There is no other island in the archipelago which displays the level of development observed in Oahu. The region is home to a metropolitan area that rivals many larger cities across the world. It offers visitors all the conveniences and several other bonuses.

Honolulu, its capital and major city, has a variety of activities to entice locals and tourists alike. There are numerous cultural events held throughout the year, a provocative night scene, several shopping and dining possibilities and a vast selection of hotels, villas and other forms of lodging. This is not the Hawaii that is depicted as total peace and tranquillity. While that option is still available for tourists in the less developed sections of the island, Honolulu remains ideal for the individual who enjoys the occasional indulgence in a diverse set of activities. Like all major cities it has its share of problems too. The housing market is challenging and properties are sold for ridiculously high prices, the crime rate is a serious concern in some areas, the cost of living is high and the volume of traffic that passes through the city is considerable.

Yet there are wonderfully serene places in some sections of Oahu. Resorts like those located just outside of Waikiki are far less crowded and are ideal for the traveller who is looking for absolute rest and relaxation. The two high peaks Koolau and Waianae present a fantastic opportunity for hikers or tourists wishing to enjoy the breathtaking scenery from either summit. There are also white sand beaches that are less populated and perfect for romantic getaways, isolated beach towns, the option to surf on the north shore during winter periods and delightful scenery.

Regional Divisions of Oahu
The diamond shaped island is segregated into different regions that are, interestingly, not considered in the typical fashion using standard northern, southern, eastern and western associations. The locals identify the western portion of the island with the term ewa which is also deemed the "Diamond Head". The eastern section of the island is called mauka which is in the direction of the large mountains and makai which points in the direction of the sea.

The island is divided in other distinct areas. The most accepted divisions are the City, Town and Town side. The Town side is deemed the southern section of the island which spans Halawa to the Diamond Head. Then they are other divisions. West Oahu extends from Pearl Harbor to Kalope. Ewa includes Makaha and Waianae. The North Shore is indicative of the north-western coast of the island and the Windward side identifies the north-eastern coast of the island. The East side is the eastern section of the island which envelopes the Windward side and the eastern portion of the diamond head. The valley is considered the north-eastern section that extends from Pearl Harbor to Haleiwa. These definitions are not concrete and many change slightly according to the area that a local inhabits.

Major Attractions and Beaches in Oahu
Oahu has a wealth of attractions, several exotic beaches, wonderful sights to absorb and a variety of activities to keep visitors thoroughly entertained. Each year as many as 5 million tourists enter Hawaiian territory looking to be thrilled while enjoying a sense of ease and total relaxation. The options are more than adequate and quite often visitors may not necessarily indulge in many of the activities presented to them.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is among the top tourist attractions on the island. It opens the viewer's eyes to the dynamic culture of Hawaii and several other Polynesian islands. The learning experience is further enhanced by the recreation of villages that once existed in Hawaii, Aotearoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Rapa Nui, Samoa, and the Marquesas. There are also educational exhibits that are conducted by locals and a Horizon evening show which demonstrates Polynesian entertainment.

Other attractions include the National Memorial Cemetery which is the final resting place for servicemen who were on active duty during World War II. The area is well maintained and the surrounding scenery is absolutely gorgeous. Wet 'n Wild is an amusement park with 25 rides and several more family oriented attractions. The Honolulu Academy of Arts has an exhaustive display of art produced locally and internationally. Its Asian art section is considered its crowning glory and several of the collections have been deemed priceless. Queen Emma's Summer Palace and the Ionai Palace are two of the few remaining homes of the monarchy still standing. They offer a look into the lifestyle of the monarchs in one comprehensive tour.

There are numerous beaches in Oahu, many of which are absolutely breathtaking. Sunset Beach, which derives its name from the beautiful view of the sunset that can be seen daily along the two mile stretch, is ideal for surfing in the winter periods and perfect for snorkeling during the summer months when the tides are less forceful. Kahana Bay Beach is completely secluded with tranquil waters and several shaded areas to enhance the relaxation experience. It is considered the island's hidden gem. Lanikai Beach offers the most enchanting waters that are crystal clear and visibly blue near the coastline. Kailua Beach Park is ideal for wind surfing and swimming with its clean white sand and scenic off Shore Island. There are several more beaches located in the region, each with its own unique allure.

Oahu is the epitome of the Hawaiian vacation experience. It offers the best of both worlds, from the hustle and bustle of the fiery metropolis to the calm and tranquillity of the more secluded regions. The island is full of life and remains one of the archipelago's most vibrant locations. Its rich heritage and intriguing past further strengthens its connection to the unified set of majestic islands. Its development has been integral to its survival, yet it is its natural beauty which is considered a hallmark of the enviable island.

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