Everyone has had dreams of that great Hawaiian vacation. Whether you take it by yourself, with your significant other, or your entire family, you are sure to find many things that will please and excite you.

The island of Oahu is the third largest of the eight islands which make up the state of Hawaii. Oahu is now the most populated of all the Hawaiian Islands, and the most visited tourist spot. This is fitting, because ‘Oahu’ is the Hawaiian word meaning ‘the gathering place’, for people to congregate and spend time together.

More than three-quarters of the residents of Hawaii live on Oahu, despite it being one of the smaller islands in the chain. The state capital, Honolulu, is located on this island. The island is one of the most beautiful, containing some of the most scenic and impressive landmarks in Hawaii.

Waikiki

Located in the southern region of Oahu, it is most famous for its gorgeous white sandy beach. Some of the most luxurious hotels and residences line the beachfront here. Every once in a while, a resident will put offer their home for sale or to rent it out to tourists. If you are able to rent one of these, it will be one of the highlights of your Hawaiian vacation.

Pearl Harbour

This is a site well known to the world as the place where the Japanese bombed the United States military ships, which led to America entering World War Two. There is a memorial located here to commemorate the nearly 2,000 servicemen that were killed during the bombing. The remains of over 1,000 of these men remain here, leading to the location becoming somewhat of a shrine as a place of prayer and reflection. However, it is also a great place of natural beauty. The harbour is considered to be hauntingly beautiful by all who visit it.

Diamond Head

This is the location of one of the most impressive of all sites on the island. It is part of the cone of a very large inactive volcano. It stands starkly on the horizon, impressing everyone who observes it. Diamond Head has also been featured in many TV shows and movies throughout the past fifty years. One of the most popular was the show ‘Hawaii Five-O’ from the 1970s. The ‘grandeur of Diamond Head’ was a prominent visual feature which actually drew many tourists from the mainland of the United States and increased the island’s tourism revenue – all because of a TV show. Be sure to bring your camera because you will want to take many photographs!

North Shore

The North Shore is, logically, the northern coastal region of the island. It is one of the best locations for those interested in surfing. The famous Sunset Beach is located here, where the Northern Pacific swells make for an amazing surfing experience. There are locations near here where you can learn how to surf. Or maybe you just want to sit on the beach and watch other people surf the waves? Either way, it will prove to be an unforgettable experience. Many of the most famous photos and videos of surfers have been made from the Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay regions.

Kailua Bay

Although this region is primarily composed of residential areas, it is a wonderful place to shop at smaller curio shops and thrift stores, if the big city stores are too much for you. You will often find the prices are a little higher because they are small family run businesses, but the quality is, of course, much better. Many of the items available for purchase from these stores are handmade. Kailua Beach is also a great place to visit. In 1998 it was voted the best beach on Hawaii, and the best in the entire United States. You certainly do not want to miss it.

If you are looking for economical accommodations on the island there are many options available to you. Sometimes you can get great rates through travel agencies, or popular websites that encourage price competition. But because Hawaii is almost always warm, you will find lower prices during what is known as the ‘off season’ when tourism is lower. Most tourists visit in the summer, because summer vacations have become traditional. However if you visit in the spring you can find lower priced accommodation. a few examples are listed below:

Hawaiian Monarch Hotel

Rated four stars out of five, an average room costs only $100 during the height of the tourist season. During the off season, you can get a room for about $75. Because it is thirty-eight stories high you get a wonderful view of the island from your window. The rooms are not high luxury, but they are clean and tidy, and well maintained.

White Sands Hotel

Also rated four out of five stars by visitors, this hotel is slightly more luxurious than the Monarch, but in the same price range. It is located in a beautiful region of the island, and the rooms are very spacious. You will definitely want to check out the pool! Many of the rooms have a balcony where you can sit and enjoy the night air.

Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel

Averaging $200 per night, this hotel has a high rating from both visitors and islanders alike. It is located right on Waikiki Beach, and you have a wonderful view of the ocean.

Oahu is definitely one of the most beautiful locations in Hawaii, and in fact, the world. To see the local Hawaiian girls performing their traditional dance in their grass skirts is a sight to behold. The local people are charming, friendly and welcoming, and together with this spectacularly beautiful island; ensure your visit to Oahu in Hawaii is one to remember for ever.