Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu, Hawaii, United States

Surrounded by the green verdant mountains of dormant volcanoes, and the roar of the Pacific beating down upon palm-fringed white beaches, the island Oahu is an incredibly idyllic holiday destination. With an abundance of natural beauty and the attractions of the vibrant and buzzing metropolis Honolulu, Oahu is sure to please all those who plan and come to visit, providing every experience, from beach bum to culture vulture.

Population:

Oahu: 953,200
Honolulu: 387,170

Currency:

1 US Dollar = 100 Cents

Emergency Numbers:

911

Opening Hours:

Most stores are open daily from 10h - 18h or even longer, while most of the bars and clubs close down at 2h.

Newspapers:

Honolulu Star Advertiser
East Oahu Sun
The Hawaii Independent (online)

The Island

While hula-clad dancers, sun-kissed beaches and killer surf shape Oahu's image, this island has all this and much more: The downtown district of Honolulu, the most populous city, features many of the island's finest landmarks, such as the Aloha Tower and the Iolani Palace, and it is also home to some of Honolulu’s finest restaurants and cultural institutions.

Nearby, Chinatown is one of the most interesting and vibrant areas, where you will find beautiful temples, cutting-edge cultural and entertainment venues, a fine array of restaurants as well as some Chinese herbal and medicinal shops that sell a range of cure-alls.

To the North of the city, Pearl Harbor reminds of the Japanese surprise attack that led to the American intervention in World War II. To the East, the famous suburb of Waikiki awaits with its beautiful beaches, pounding surf, resort hotels, bars, and restaurants. Manoa, Hawaii's university town, is a tranquil yet beautiful suburb tucked in between the mountains and towering above everything, while Diamond Head dominates the impressive skyline over all.

Do & See

The breathtaking island of Oahu offers an endless array of activities and sights. While relaxing on the beaches or braving the surf will always be Hawaiian specialties, culture and adventure should also be on the bucket-list: celebrate Polynesian culture at a luau, get a dose of modern culture in Honolulu or admire the mesmerizing natural reserve wildlife.

Dining

The cuisine of Oahu has naturally been influenced by its surroundings – seafood, therefore, plays a large part in the local cuisine, complemented by excellent roast meats (the traditional kalua pork should not be missed), as well as by daring Asian influences. Dishes are served with a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables including the local root vegetable taro, which is usually mashed to turn poi, a staple in the Hawaiian cuisine.

Cafes

Coffee culture is on the rise in Oahu, and skilled baristas can whip up special coffees for any taste. So, sit down and savour a coffee while also enjoying the most spectacular atmospheres. Let the gentle sea breeze caress your face, while the fragrance of the colourful flowers soothe your soul, and the views of the Pacific Ocean tantalise your imagination.