What is Honolulu, a popular city on the island of Oahu? About 10 recommended sightseeing spots and dining information

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

Oahu is the most popular center of the Hawaiian Islands, which are renowned as one of the most popular resort destinations in the world.

Oahu is the core of the Hawaiian Islands, consisting of more than 130 islands, eight of which are inhabited, and is home to Honolulu, the capital of the State of Hawaii.

As far as politics and economics are concerned, Oahu has a wonderful environment for tourism, and most of the famous tourist attractions, such as Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, are located on the island of Oahu.

There are many popular towns on Oahu such as Haleiwa and Kailua, but this time we would like to focus on Honolulu.

 

What is Oahu like?

To begin, let's look at some rough data for Oahu.

Oahu has an area of 1,545 square kilometers and a population of approximately 980,000. Of these, only about 350,000 live in Honolulu, and although it is the state capital, the population is not concentrated in Honolulu. There are several towns in all directions of the island in a well-balanced manner, and the population is also distributed in those towns.

Hawaii is one of the states of the United States, so of course Oahu is also a territory of the United States, but it is characterized not only by the United States, but also by a culture that has continued unbroken from the Hawaiian Kingdom that lasted until the late 1800s.

Even today, one can still see strong traces of those days in historical sites and traditional performing arts, and a unique, peaceful mood has been firmly inherited.

Although the official language is English, Hawaiian words such as "aloha," used in greetings and expressions of friendliness, can be heard in a variety of situations, and their gentle sound will make you feel at home.

 

How to get to Oahu

Since Oahu is an island in the Pacific Ocean, access by air is essential.

Honolulu Airport is the gateway to the island. There are direct flights from six airports (Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka, and Shin-Chitose), and there is a wide variety of airlines, from major carriers to LCCs.

One attraction is the accessibility of a wide range of time slots and price points, which allows you to freely choose your flights.

The flight takes about 7 hours to get there and about 9 hours to get back. There is a time difference of about 19 hours from Japan, so you will want to take this into account when planning your trip.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Oahu is an island of many attractions, but one of the most notable among its many advantages is its mild climate. Oahu boasts an exceptionally warm climate, with average highs of 25°C (77°F) or higher in mid-winter.

The comfortable environment is ideal as a resort and winter getaway, no matter when you visit.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

If you can stay warm in spring and summer, as well as fall and winter, you will inevitably have many opportunities to play in the ocean on Oahu.

Oahu's ocean is extremely beautiful, with coral and tropical fish creating a colorful underwater landscape that resembles a natural aquarium.

Many visitors to Oahu's beaches are surprised by the blue, clear water, and this is due to the fact that coral is a photosynthetic organism in the ocean.

The water absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen and minerals, thus purifying the water and increasing its transparency. The strange combination of colors with the white sandy beaches is worthy of being called an art created by nature.

And Oahu is full of beautiful sights on land as well, with a wide variety of terrain, including scenic mountains, brave valleys, and rainbow-fringed jungles.

No matter how long you stay, the environment of Oahu will captivate you.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Oahu is considered one of the top resort destinations in the world, attracting more than 10 million visitors a year in most years.

Oahu offers a rare level of well-equipped resort environments to welcome visitors seeking a relaxing and extraordinary escape from their busy lives.

Several world-class hotel chains compete with each other in terms of quality of service, and they are in friendly competition in pursuit of the best locations and unique services. Driven by such high-level competition, hotels in various price ranges are providing services that exceed the required standards.

The high level of various things related to sightseeing, including not only accommodations but also spots and tours, is maintained, and we assure you that you will want to visit not only once but also twice or thrice.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Another of Oahu's attractions is its diverse shopping environment. Oahu is densely populated with several shopping centers, and you can browse from one to the other with a dizzying array of choices.

There is a wide variety in fashion alone, from the well-known high-end brands that everyone has heard of to local apparel brands that are loved by the locals.

Other interesting features include the sale of anything and everything from aloha shirts and Hawaiian crafts to various products and household items suitable as souvenirs.

In addition, there are countless gourmet restaurants, and local eats such as loco moco, garlic shrimp, and Hawaiian pancakes are very popular.

Not only that, but many popular restaurants from all over the world are also located in the area, making it a great place to choose from a variety of options to suit your mood.

 

What is Honolulu like?

Now, I would like to get closer to Honolulu, which is the theme of this issue. If I were to describe Honolulu in one word, it would be that it is a city that sums up the charm of the huge tourist island of Oahu.

Of all the temperate islands on Oahu, Honolulu has particularly low humidity. While warmer areas are often humid, Honolulu's very low humidity and moderately dry climate is a very welcome feature.

 

Honolulu Attractions

I have already told you about Honolulu, the capital of the state of Hawaii, a huge city with a population of about 350,000.

So, what are some of the attractions of Honolulu? We have picked up a few points.

 

Enjoy popular beaches!

One of Honolulu's greatest features is Waikiki Beach, which stretches along the southern oceanfront. The details of the beach will be introduced below, but many of Honolulu's luxury hotels and other facilities are built along Waikiki Beach.

Honolulu itself is a city designed with this beach in mind.

 

Many popular tourist spots

Not only Waikiki Beach, but also Diamond Head, a landmark whose name is mentioned throughout Hawaii, is located in Honolulu.

There are so many other popular tourist attractions all over Honolulu that you could spend days just getting around Honolulu and its suburbs. The variety of locations within the city makes it an incredibly appealing place to visit.

 

Enjoy shopping and dining!

Of course, being the center of the economy and tourism, many shopping and dining establishments are located here.

The Ala Moana Center, the largest of its kind, and several shopping centers on Kalakaua Avenue, the main street, are always bustling with a mixture of tourists and local residents.

Gourmet food ranges from traditional local dishes to the most fashionable and trendy, and is sure to satisfy men and women of all ages!

 

10 recommended sightseeing spots

We have selected 10 of the most popular and recommended sightseeing spots in Honolulu. We hope you will not regret visiting any of them!

 

diamond head

First, I would like to introduce Diamond Head, one of the most famous spots on Oahu, which I have already mentioned by name.

Even if you are not that knowledgeable about Hawaii or Oahu, you have probably heard of this place. Diamond Head was originally a volcano, but that was as far back as 300,000 years ago.

The volcano is now dormant and has become a popular spot where many people gather every day, from early in the morning until late at night.

 

Recommendations

The history of Diamond Head's evolution reveals that in times of war, the military installed cannons here. Although this is a disturbing episode, all that remains today are the ruins of the gun emplacements.

More importantly, the fact that the military used to set up batteries to intercept the enemy proves that it is one of the best viewpoints on the island of Oahu. In fact, the view from the summit is spectacular.

The trail to the summit is only about 1.3 kilometers, and there are handrails along the way, making the well-maintained environment a major attraction.

It is loved as a safe and affordable trekking spot, and is a must-visit when touring Honolulu.

 

Access

The recommended route to Diamond Head from Waikiki by rental car is to proceed along Kalakaua Avenue, Monsarrat Street, and Diamond Head Road.

When you see the chapel on your left, you will see a sign for Diamond Head, so do not miss it and turn right to reach it. If you are taking the bus, the best and easiest route is to take bus No. 23 from the ocean side bus stop on Kuhio Avenue.

 

Waikiki Beach

The next beach is Waikiki Beach, one of Oahu's signature spots, where you can enjoy the beautiful ocean and white sands to your heart's content. This beach is characterized by its long length, reaching 3 kilometers.

In fact, this spot consists of several beaches, eight in all, from Duke Kahanamoku Beach on the west end to Outrigger Canoe Club Beach on the east end!

The term "Waikiki Beach" does not refer to a single beach, but is a generic term for them.

 

Recommendations

Each of the eight beaches has its own character, the most popular being Duke Kahanamoku Beach.

The environment is suitable not only for swimming, but also for activities, and will surely satisfy your desire to spend time on a beautiful tropical beach to the fullest.

The name Duke Kahanamoku is the name of a legendary surfer who is considered a hero in Hawaii, and Prince Kuhio Beach, where a statue of Mr. Kahanamoku stands, is one of the recommended spots. The statue is so magnificent that it is the perfect place to take a commemorative photo of your visit to Oahu.

Another interesting spot on Gray's Beach is Kavehevehe, where you can see the crystal clear mix of fresh and salt water.

In ancient times, Hawaiians immersed themselves in this sacred water to pray for healing from injuries and illnesses, and the beautiful water is still a popular power spot today.

There are many other unique beaches in the area, so it is interesting to take the time to visit all of them.

 

Access

Waikiki Beach is located in the most prominent area of Honolulu and, at 3 km long, is easily accessible by foot or rental car from anywhere.

There are also many buses heading toward the beach, and the closest route to the beach is to get off at Kuhio and Kaiulani streets.

 

Ala Moana Center

Then check out the huge shopping center that is the pride of Oahu.

Ala Moana Center is located a short distance west of Waikiki Beach, near Ala Moana Beach and Ala Moana Park. Being near the beach and park, Ala Moana Center is not only a commercial center, but also a very scenic location.

And once inside, one is first struck by the scale of the building.

 

Recommendations

The Ala Moana Center itself has an unusual structure, characterized by an open-air atrium from the ground floor to the ceiling.

The open ceiling structure is a perfect match for Oahu's bright climate, and it is a great way to enjoy the pleasant sunlight and fresh air while shopping in the facility.

The main feature of this area is that it is lined with a variety of high-brand stores, with the core of the area including very famous U.S. department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Macy's.

The wide range of products sold there, from souvenirs for tourists to daily necessities and groceries for locals, as well as a friendly supermarket, is a major attraction.

The shop offers not only high-end items but also inexpensive ones as well, making it a place where visitors can enjoy shopping according to their budgets.

 

Access

Ala Moana Center is easily accessible.

If you head west from Waikiki Beach along the oceanfront road, you can quickly reach the Ala Moana Center. The parking lot is very large and you can park for free.

Bus transportation is also available from the mountain side of Kuhio Street on numerous routes, including routes 8, 19, 20, 23, 24, 42, and Route E, so you can easily visit without getting lost.

 

Honolulu Zoo

Next, we would like to introduce a spot suitable for family sightseeing: the Honolulu Zoo. The zoo is a facility that requires visitors to walk around outdoors, and Honolulu's pleasant climate is perfect for such a zoo walk!

The location is within walking distance from Waikiki, and the spacious location will surely refresh and clear your mind as you watch the animals spend their time leisurely walking around and relaxing.

In addition to viewing the animals, the grassy area and playground equipment is a long point of interest that should not be missed.

 

Recommendations

From the Honolulu Zoo, you can see the powerful landmark Diamond Head in the distance.

The park is home to 220 different species of animals, including orangutans, Indian elephants, giraffes, lions, flamingos, crocodiles, and many other popular creatures. The Keiki Zoo area is a petting zoo where visitors can enjoy touching cute baby goats and other animals.

As mentioned earlier, there is a large area set aside for picnicking, and you can bring your own lunch or enjoy the refreshments sold in the park.

The facility has strollers available for rent, diaper changing stations, and maximum barrier-free access for families with babies.

 

Access

The Honolulu Zoo is located near the eastern end of Waikiki Beach. Like Waikiki Beach, it is easily accessible.

If you are taking a bus, take bus #2, 8, 19, 20, 22, or 23 from the ocean side of Kuhio Street. Get off at the intersection of Kalakaua Avenue and Kapahulu Avenue, and the Honolulu Zoo is a short walk away.

 

Royal Hawaiian Center

Next, we would like to introduce another popular shopping center. The Royal Hawaiian Center is located on Kalakaua Avenue in the heart of Waikiki.

With a total area of 28,800 square meters, it is one of the largest shopping centers in Waikiki. With more than 110 stores on the premises, it is a great shopping experience.

 

Recommendations

Tiffany & Co, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Jimmy Choo.

The Royal Hawaiian Center is home to some of the world's most prestigious high-brand stores, creating a glamorous space that lives up to its name, "Royal. There is a wide variety of restaurants, from upscale establishments to an easy-to-use food court, where you can enjoy gourmet food along with shopping.

The center is also a place where visitors can experience the culture of Oahu.

You can enjoy a hula dance show, listen to live Hawaiian music, or try your hand at making ukuleles and leis (garlands). This is a place where you can have a lot of fun in addition to shopping.

 

Access

This facility is located on Kalakaua Avenue, the main street in Waikiki, making it a very accessible spot. It is easily accessible from Waikiki by rental car or on foot!

 

Hanauma Bay

One of Oahu's most beautifully scenic waters is Hanauma Bay, located east of Waikiki.

In the annual ranking of the best beaches in the U.S., this beach has been voted No. 1 twice, in 2004 and 2016.

The beauty of the bay is supported by the abundance of coral that fills the bay. If you look at the ocean floor through the crystal clear water, you will see a beautiful sight as if you were looking into a jewel box.

 

Recommendations

As we mentioned above, the clarity of coral-rich waters increases the clarity of the water, and that is where the beauty of Hanauma Bay comes from. Its color is also known as turquoise blue, and the light blue color is a great feature that weaves a wonderful landscape that looks like a picture of paradise.

It is known as one of the best snorkeling spots on the large island of Oahu, with calm waters, beautiful water quality, and abundant underwater scenery, it has everything one could wish for in a snorkeling location.

Incidentally, this spot is designated as a marine nature reserve because of its rare and favorable environment, and you will be severely warned if you litter, so please be careful with your manners.

 

Access

If you are renting a car from Waikiki, take Kalakaua Avenue via Diamond Head Road, Kahala Avenue, and Kealaole Avenue. Take Kalanianaole Highway east and go up the hill past the intersection near Koko Marina Center.

You will see the entrance to Hanauma Bay, and all you have to do is follow the road to get there.
Or, if you are going by bus, take the number 22 in the lane that goes to the ocean on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.

All you have to do is just keep riding and you will arrive at the bus stop in front of Hanauma Bay.

 

Iolani Palace

Honolulu is also home to a number of places that allow visitors to experience its precious history. One of the most unusual of these that I would like to introduce is Iolani Palace, located on a street called King Street.

The United States, with its short history as a country, has few buildings called palaces, but this is the only known palace in the country.

The prestigious appearance of the building makes it clear that Oahu and Hawaii are not overnight destinations, but are built on a long history of development.

 

Recommendations

The palace was built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, the seventh of the Hawaiian dynasty, as the official residence of the royal family; the monarchy was abolished in an 1893 coup d'état, and the palace was used as an executive residence for a short period of time.

It has a history of serving as the political center of Hawaii for more than 70 years until the Hawaii State Office Building was built in 1969. Some of the furniture used by the royal family still remains in the building, and visitors can still feel the remnants of its former glory.

You can visit the inside of the palace, as well as the underground museum, and receive a Japanese-speaking tour guide.

 

Access

Iolani Palace is located on King Street, which is very accessible and right in front of places like Honolulu's City Hall and the King Kamehameha Statue.

The center of the city is very easy to find, so whether you choose to walk or rent a car, it is unlikely that you will get lost.

If you use a bus, you can take the number 2 bus straight from Kuhio Street, making it a very convenient spot for transportation.

 

Pearl Harbor

This spot, known as Pearl Harbor or Pearl Harbor, was the starting point of the Pacific War and has a close connection to Japan.

You may have learned about it in society or history, it may have been the subject of a movie, and there is almost no one who has not heard of it by name.

Once the scene of a fierce war, this place can now be easily visited and various exhibits related to the war can be seen. The museum is not only a place where visitors can deepen their knowledge of war, but it is also a very powerful and interesting place to visit even as a simple exhibition.

 

Recommendations

The museum at Pearl Harbor is called the Arizona Memorial Museum, and the key point is that it is built on the battleship Arizona, which sank during the war. Since it is on the sunken ship, the museum building is of course located on the sea, making it a unique structure.

Other visitors can learn more by seeing actual fighter planes used in the war and seeing various war records in a realistic way.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the sunken Arizona, which lies quietly in the sea and gives visitors a glimpse of the horrific battles of that era.

It is possible to receive guidance from a Japanese-speaking guide, making it a very easy place to visit.

 

Access

If you are traveling by rental car from Waikiki, take the H1 Freeway and then Kamehameha Highway. At the Kalaloa intersection, turn left and you will reach the Pearl Harbor Museum.

If you are traveling by bus, take bus No. 20 or 42. There is no need to change buses, and you can get to Pearl Harbor in a straight line.

 

Makapuu Cape

Next, I would like to introduce one of Oahu's most popular scenic spots, Cape Makapuu. It is so popular among tourists and locals alike that they often visit the cape to enjoy the view.

This spot is located in the eastern part of Oahu, known for its rich natural scenery, which gives a sense of the original landscape of Oahu. And the main feature of Cape Makapu'u is that it has several spectacular viewpoints.

 

Recommendations

There are three main attractions at Cape Makapuu.

The trail, called the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, is easy to follow, taking only 30 minutes one way, and offers the best panoramic view from the summit.

Off the trail, on a side road, sits a rock called Pele's Chair, which is associated with Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of mythology. The Pele's Chair also offers a spectacular view and is the second viewpoint.

The third viewpoint, Makapuu Lookout, is located along the road that passes through the cape, where you will also find a great view of the beach and the island.

 

Access

If you are driving to Cape Makapuu in a rental car, follow the H1 Freeway and Kalanianaole Highway to the east. You will soon see a golf course called Hawaii Kai Golf Course, and you will soon reach the cape.

If you are taking a bus from Waikiki, take bus No. 22 or 23. There is no need to change buses and you can go straight to Makapuu Cape.

 

Manoa Falls

Another natural scenic spot that I would like to introduce to you is Manoa Falls, which should be called the quintessential Oahu natural scenic spot with its abundance of variation. Oahu has an image of stable temperatures and dry weather in Honolulu and Waikiki, but in fact there are some areas of the island where this is not the case.

The area around Manoa Falls has a humid climate due to its mountainous terrain, giving the valley a jungle-like environment. The Manoa Valley is popular as an easy-to-visit trekking course, the Manoa Falls Trail, and is set as a trekking destination.

 

Recommendations

On the way to Manoa Falls, visitors can see many plants that have grown lushly in the warm tropical climate.

The hot and humid Manoa Valley often receives thin, fine rainfall, and the unique attraction of such rainfall combined with tropical sunlight is the high frequency of rainbow bridges.

It is a wonderful scenic spot, sometimes nicknamed the Rainbow Canyon.

Even though it is a jungle, it is beautifully maintained and not at all dense and gloomy, as it is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

And Manoa Falls, located in the backcountry, is a dynamic spot with a fascinating altitude of 60 meters. Breathing in the negative ions, you will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of Oahu with your whole body.

 

Access

If you are driving from Waikiki by rental car, simply follow Kalakaua Avenue to South King Street, Punahou Street, and Manoa Avenue, and then follow the road straight ahead.

If you are heading there by bus, take the number 5 from Ala Moana Center, and its terminus is at Manoa Valley. It is one of the most easily recognizable of the many spots.

 

Recommended Gourmet in Honolulu

After introducing a number of tourist attractions, we would like to introduce some of Honolulu's best gourmet spots.

We have selected three of the best restaurants from among the countless great restaurants that exist, and we hope you will find them useful in your dining experience!

 

Boots & Chimos

First and foremost, we would like to mention Boots & Kimos, which has a reputation for its delicious Hawaiian pancakes, a specialty of Hawaii! Hawaiian-style pancakes have recently become popular in Japan, so many of you may have had pancakes themselves.

But the pancakes at Boots & Kimos are a gastronomic masterpiece that sets them apart from the rest. It is an extremely popular restaurant that we cannot fail to introduce you to.

 

Recommendations

Boots & Kimos' signature macadamia nut pancakes feature a sauce rich in macadamia nuts, a popular Hawaiian souvenir.

The pale yellowish creamy sauce is poured over the pancakes so generously that it hides them, and the appearance of the nuts sprinkled on top of them is highly appetizing.

Although the visual may make you worry that it may be too sweet, the actual taste is extremely well-balanced. The rich, full-bodied, yet not cloying taste is so refined that it will linger in your mouth even if you do not have a sweet tooth.

In addition to pancakes, the restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious menu items, from meals to sweets, so please visit us!

 

Hours of Operation / Access

Boots & Kimos is closed for relocation as of April 2021.

Before the relocation, Boots & Kimos was open Mondays, Wednesdays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays through Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closed on Tuesdays; it is not yet known what will happen after the relocation; the store is scheduled to reopen after August 2021, so please check the information before visiting.

 

Giovanni

The second restaurant we would like to introduce is Giovanni's, a famous garlic shrimp restaurant, which is one of the most famous local gourmet restaurants on Oahu. This restaurant is located in Haleiwa, a town that represents the North Shore, a popular area in the northern part of the island.

Garlic Shrimp is a B gourmet dish made with garlic flavored Kahuku shrimp from the North Shore. Served with a side of rice, the garlic shrimp is a perfect match for the rice, making it a delightful menu item for the Japanese.

 

Recommendations

When you visit Giovanni's, be sure to start with the signature Shrimp Scampi. The garlic, butter, and fresh shrimp combine to create a flavor that is truly exquisite, and the savory aroma is truly drool-worthy.

For those who like spicy food, the Hot & Spicy menu is also recommended, but it is so hot that it is warned to be very hot, so be prepared for the challenge.

The lemon butter also has the perfect balance of freshness and richness, and in any case, you will be very satisfied with any of the dishes! Since the restaurant is close to Haleiwa's beautiful beaches, we recommend eating your take-out garlic shrimp by the sea.

 

Hours of Operation / Access

Giovanni's is open from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.

It is open basically every day of the year, making it easy to incorporate into your travel plans.

From Waikiki, follow the H1 freeway and H2, and then Giovanni's is across the road from the McDonald's on Kamehameha Highway. If you are traveling by bus, you can take the 52 bus from Ala Moana Center to get close to the store.

 

Ruth's Chris

The third restaurant we would like to introduce is Ruth's Chris, one of the most popular and exquisite steak restaurants in Hawaii. It is very popular among Japanese people, and many celebrities also patronize this restaurant.

Although it is an upscale steak restaurant and therefore moderately priced, there is no strict dress code, and casual attire is acceptable.

Loose's Chris offers prime beef, the highest grade of American beef, grilled to perfection, making it a rich meal worthy of a sightseeing trip.

 

Recommendations

At Ruth's Chris, we don't just serve prime beef, we take the extra step of aging the meat well.

A high level of skill is required to age the meat without damaging it, but the extra effort is worth it for the deep flavor it brings out. Many of you may have heard of this method since it has become a boom in Japan.

And although steak is the restaurant's main dish, the seafood and other menu items, such as lobster, are also of a very high caliber. The interior of the restaurant is very chic and moody, and you can enjoy your meal in a relaxing atmosphere.

 

Hours of Operation / Access

The hours of operation at Ruth's Chris are different on weekdays and weekends.

Lunch hours are from 11:00 to 15:00 on all days; weekday dinner hours are from 17:30 to 23:00, and from 17:30 to 22:30 on weekends.

Also, Lewes Chris is located in Waikiki Beach Walk, a shopping center near Waikiki Beach. It is located on Lewers Street, one turn from the main street, Kalakaua Street, making it very accessible!

 

What is Honolulu's famous luau?

Have you ever heard of a luau, a major tourist attraction in Honolulu? A luau is a Hawaiian word meaning "banquet," where traditional dances and songs are performed.

The modern luau is such a ritual sublimated into a tourist event, where you can enjoy a gourmet meal along with a spectacular performance.

 

Recommended Luau Shows

There are several luau shows in multiple locations on Oahu, and we are pleased to introduce you to some of the best quality ones. Check them out carefully to get a taste of the splendor of a glittering luau!

 

Polynesian Cultural Center

One of the best traditional luau spots on Oahu is the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore. This is a very popular tourist attraction, with Hawaii state government research indicating that it is the most popular paid attraction in Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

Here, visitors are exposed to the Polynesian culture created not only on Oahu, but also in several island countries, including Fiji and Samoa.

The luau has won the Kahili Award, which is given to luau that respect ancient traditions, and the shows are very prestigious.

You can enjoy the show while savoring a traditional Hawaiian dinner at one of the park's restaurants, and enjoy delicious gastronomic delights while experiencing the culture!

 

Magic of Polynesia

Next, let me introduce you to the cutting edge of the luau industry found in Waikiki.

The Magic of Polynesia is a spectacular showtime featuring Hawaiian-born illusionist John Hirokawa, who incorporates elements of magic into a traditional luau.

The innovative performances have been highly acclaimed in various fields, and the company has continued to perform long-running shows as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Waikiki.

 

Recommendations

This show can be seen on Kalakaua Avenue in the heart of Waikiki, which has been mentioned frequently.

The location makes it easy to visit and enjoy a technical and glittering show with a delicious dinner.
John Hirokawa's light-hearted talk in between sessions creates a fun and friendly atmosphere in the hall.

The one hour and fifteen minute performance time will fly by as you are dazzled by the exuberant and beautiful dances of the performers and the brilliant illusions of Mr. Hirokawa.

 

Activity experiences are popular on Oahu

One of the most important elements of sightseeing in Honolulu and Oahu is the wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed. There are a number of activities that allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful ocean and various natural landscapes.

 

Recommended Activities

From here, we have selected some of the most highly recommended activities from among the many available. All of them are wonderful, and you will enjoy them to the fullest if you participate in them!

 

snorkeling

First, let me introduce snorkeling, a typical activity on the beautiful island of Oahu.

Snorkeling is an activity in which one wears a snorkel with underwater glasses and a breathing tube, and dives into the ocean with light clothing such as fins and a wetsuit. Oahu's warm temperatures make it an ideal snorkeling environment for year-round underwater swimming.

 

Recommendations

The main attraction of snorkeling is that the snorkel allows you to open your eyes without worrying about seawater and breathe without having to raise your face above the surface of the sea.

The clarity of Oahu's waters is especially high, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing view of coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, and other sea creatures living at their leisure.

Snorkeling equipment can be rented at various locations, so all you need to bring is your swimsuit. The scenery differs from beach to beach, so it is highly recommended to visit a number of snorkeling spots to compare and contrast!

 

SUP

The activity known as Stand Up Paddle Boarding, or SUP, is believed to have originated on Honolulu's Waikiki Beach.

This involves floating a surfboard or similar board in the ocean, standing on it, and paddling through the water with a paddle.

Balancing on the waves is a popular activity because it is a highly effective exercise, and it also provides a deep relaxation effect as if you are one with nature.

 

Recommendations

The prototype of SUP is surfing, but SUP itself is not as challenging as surfing.

The use of large boards makes it easy to keep one's balance, and because the board does not challenge the waves, but only allows one to enjoy the sensation of drifting on the surface of the ocean, it is a relaxing way to spend time.

It is a great activity that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, with little or no effect on physical fitness or athletic ability. It is a friendly activity that anyone can participate in and is the perfect way to experience the ocean at a resort.

 

trekking

Trekking is an activity that falls somewhere between mountain climbing and hiking, and is very popular on the island of Oahu, where the natural landscape is abundant.

Trekking is almost synonymous with mountain climbing in Japan, with one difference: trekking is not necessarily about reaching the summit. Trekking is a casual activity that allows you to return to the summit at any time, even if you do not reach it.

 

Recommendations

Oahu is full of trekking spots that attract visitors with their scenic beauty.

Diamond Head is one of the most popular trekking spots in the above list, and the courses at Makapu'u Cape and Manoa Falls are also very popular.

Other popular courses include a climb up the mountain to an old military watchtower called a pillbox, all of which offer spectacular scenery.

The climate is also favorable, so anyone can enjoy trekking without any hesitation.

 

marine sports

Marine sports such as water bikes, banana boats, flyboards, and jet levees are the main attractions of the resort beaches. Of course, various marine sports can also be enjoyed at the tourist beaches located throughout Oahu.

The experience of marine sports under the beautiful ocean, beach, and sunshine is guaranteed to make your Oahu sightseeing experience even more vivid and memorable.

 

Recommendations

Marine sports are excellent as an activity because they are suitable for a large number of people to get together and have fun. The number of people who can participate at one time is large, and group travelers can have a lively time together.

Basically, there are few questions of individual strength or skill, so it is nice to know that the whole group can enjoy the experience equally. Oahu's waters are warm year-round, so you won't feel cold when you fall into the water, and you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

 

parasailing

To get the most out of Oahu's location, you'll also want to take in the view from the sky. Parasailing is an activity that will meet your expectations, allowing you to soar into the sky with the momentum of a water bike in tow.

Parasailing altitudes vary by location, but on Oahu you can soar as high as 150 meters.

 

Recommendations

Soaring into the clear blue skies of Oahu, it is possible to see a panoramic view of the faraway horizon and the beautiful natural scenery of the island. The beauty of the scenery will make you feel good.

On the other hand, some people may be so moved by the view that they may even be moved to exclamations of joy. We hope you will enjoy the spectacular view from the sky of Oahu, which some people say has changed their outlook on life!

 

Recommended Tours

In order to efficiently enjoy the various attractions of Oahu that we have introduced, we recommend that you take one of the various sightseeing tours.

Oahu is an island that offers an environment conducive to sightseeing, but even so, it is still a foreign country, and visitors tend to experience unexpected difficulties in moving from spot to spot and going through the various procedures.

In order to alleviate such difficulties, we would like to actively consider the use of tours. We have selected three tours that we highly recommend, so please take a look at the links below for more detailed information.

 

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

This tour allows you to enjoy snorkeling for up to 5 hours in the beautiful Hanauma Bay, which we have already introduced to you. The clear waters and snorkeling are a perfect match, and the spectacular scenery, which has been voted the best beach in the U.S., is truly inspiring.

Some plans even include meals and wetsuit preparation, so you can concentrate on your activities without worrying about anything else.

 

Diamond Head Sunrise Hiking Tour

To get the most out of your day of sightseeing on Oahu, why not climb Diamond Head first thing in the morning and watch the sunrise?

Although it may sound intimidating to climb a mountain in the morning, as mentioned above, it is only about 1.3 km to the top of Diamond Head, which is quite easy. The beautiful sunrise and the power it gives you are sure to make your day a meaningful one!

 

Manoa Falls Hiking Tour

How about hiking in the great outdoors at Manoa Valley and Manoa Falls, known as the Rainbow Valley?

The scenery of the Manoa Valley, filled with tropical plants, will give you a great sense of exoticism and adventure. A delicious organic lunch is also included in the tour, making this tour a great way to kill two birds with one stone, while enjoying physical exercise and getting fit.

 

summary

In this issue, we have introduced various attractions of Oahu while focusing on tourist information about Honolulu, the state capital. Oahu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Hawaiian Islands, and no matter when you go there, you will always be greeted with the best environment. Once you have been there, it is not the end of the world, and you will definitely want to visit again and again.

We hope you will find this article useful when you travel!