A vacation in Oahu, Hawaii, provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the island's culture and history while enjoying a scenic, tropical location. For those interested in activity-packed vacations, Oahu offers museums, zoos, aquariums and historical sites. Individuals who prefer a laid-back and relaxing vacation will find dozens of beaches along Oahu's 112 miles of coastline.
The WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument was constructed in remembrance of the events at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. One part of the monument, the USS Arizona Memorial, is constructed over the sunken remains of the USS Arizona. The monument also includes the USS Oklahoma Memorial and the USS Utah Memorial.
Scheduled tours are available seven days a week and include a film that details the history of the Pearl Harbor attack and the construction of the memorials. The tour then takes guests on a Navy-operated boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial.
WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument
No. 1 Arizona Memorial Pl
Honolulu, HI 96818
808-422-3300
pacifichistoricparks.org
In downtown Honolulu, tourists can visit the 'Iolani Palace, the former home of the Hawaiian monarchy, which was used for government functions until 1969. Visitors can take guided or self-directed tours. Both tours include the first and second floors of the palace as well as the basement, which includes features like the Hawaiian crown jewels and historic photographs of events held in the palace.
Visitors can also explore the palace grounds, which feature a variety of other buildings, including the Coronation Pavilion, barracks and the Sacred Mound, a tomb for Hawaiian kings, queens and chiefs.
'Iolani Palace
364 S. King St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-522-0822
iolanipalace.org
The Polynesian Cultural Center is located on the north shore of Oahu and includes 42 acres of property. Within the center are six villages that showcase demonstrations, performances and activities specific to different island cultures. Guests can receive hands-on instruction in activities like dancing, canoe-making, spear throwing and fire walking. There are also several dining and shopping establishments throughout the center.
Two live performances of Polynesian song and dance are held each day at the center. Luaus are also held each night and feature traditional Hawaiian cuisine and entertainment.
Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Hwy.
Laie, HI 96762
800-367-7060
polynesia.com
In Waimanalo, the Sea Life Park Hawaii provides guests with the opportunity to watch and learn about aquatic life in open air theaters as well as in aquariums. The park features dolphins, penguins, sea turtles, sea birds, stingrays and many other types of fish.
For those interested in a more hands-on experience, the park offers three programs that provide guests with the chance to touch and swim with the park's dolphins. Visitors can also choose from programs that allow them to interact with sea lions or stingrays, or to snuba in the park's reef tank.
Sea Life Park Hawaii
41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy. #7
Waimanalo, HI 96795
808-259-2500
sealifeparkhawaii.com
Scenic beaches are easy to come by in Oahu and worth a visit if only for the aesthetic appeal. On the south shore, the Waikiki Beach stretches for approximately two miles and is a popular destination for surfers. In east Honolulu, the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve allows visitors the opportunity to swim or snorkel near the bay's reefs. Waimea Bay, on the north shore of the island, features wide stretches of sand as well as rock outcroppings.
