Oahu

Oahu, Honolulu, Waikiki and Hawaii are all the names you have heard the island of... Oahu called!  

All are fine with this Aloha island. Oahu is the Heart of Hawaii, the gathering place for many of the Hawaiian Islanders and this is where the fun begins for most of us tourists. 

First time visitors are in for a treat with the variety of activities on Oahu!  Oahu is a vibrant destination that combines cultural experiences, adventure, fun, sun and culinary excellence along with seeing the authentic Hawaiian hospitality firsthand. If you are looking to go surfing , find that unique purchase with some world class shopping, take in a spa, enjoy award winning cuisine and exciting nightlife then Waikiki is where you want to be.  Not only can you learn how to surf, visit a museum, go out for an amazing top chef dinner and dance the night away at a vibrant new club, you can do it all in one day!  

You may have already visited Hawaii and stopped off in Oahu or Honolulu for a night or two.  There are so many different reasons to go back and visit this island again and this time go out and explore something new.  

 

WELCOME TO THE ENERGIZING ISLAND OF OʻAHU!! 



Waikiki Beach is where the excitement begins.  Check out the surfers here every day!  It is a bit busy on this island so we dont recommend you drive around unless you are going to the other side of the island like Turtle Bay or Ko Olina area.  There is plenty to keep you busy here in Honolulu.

The spirit of ALOHA is alive and well on this bustling island.  There is a variety of options to keep everyone happy from Mom, dad, grandparents and even the kids.  

 

With the number #2 beach in all of America, Waikiki and its watersports will astound you.  Surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling and so many choices of boats will impress you.  The Atlantis submarine is here waiting to take you below.

Shopping, fireworks, Luau's, world class spas, live music, hula dancers and more will draw you in to this incredible Hawaiian island.  Oahu is also home to an enormous range of kid-friendly activities.

Here are some of First Choice Travel and Cruise's most popular family friendly sightseeing tours and tips to make the most out of your HAWAIIAN VACATION!

  • Pearl Harbor is home to the Arizona Memoral and one of the top sights not to be missed. Everyone needs to hear a bit of history of this final resting place of the crewman and battleship.
  • The Polynesian Cultural Center is another popular and favorite for all ages.  Authentic Villages featuring different Polynsian islands.  Each representing costumed natives who share thier cultures through dance, games, crafts and story telling.  There is also a package with a luau and live entertainment.  Depends on how long you have to spend here. 
  • The Bishop Museum offers exhibits highlighting cultures across the South Pacific along with history of Hawaii.  Stop at the Honolulu zoo for a chance to see komodo dragons and other animals.
  • Aloha Festivals are fun and filled with activities for everyone to enjoy and get into the ALOHA SPIRIT!
  • Looking for a little quieter area, Ko Olina might be just what you are thinking of.

 

SOME FUN AND FREE IDEAS FOR FAMILIES:

  • Family Fun at the Beach: Snorkel at Hanauma Bay, kyak at Kailua Beach or surf Waikiki Beach!
  • History Lesson: Discover WWII at Pearl Harbor and Hawaiian history at the Bishop Museum.
  • Royal Family:  Everyone is excited to hear about the royal family at 'lolani Palace and Queen Emma's Summer Palace.
  • Hiking: Climb Diamond Head and discover the beauty of sacred Wamea Valley.
  • Swim with the dolphins: The Sea Life Park is where you want to go.
  • Take some surf lessons and Surf with the pros. These instructors know where the waves are consistent and not as dangerous. 
  • Hawaiian Hula and Music: Catch te "Free" sunset Kuhio Beach Torch lighting and hula show in Waikiki.  Take the time for a free Ukeulele lesson at the Royal Hawaiian Center.

TIP: Spend the morning at the Honolulu Zoo or Waikiki Aquarium and then play at the beach all afternoon!  Keep everyone happy, busy and find time to relax too.

A LUAU is a MUST for everyone traveling to any of the Hawaiian Islands!

Ask for one of our Hawaii Specialists (AKAMAI) who have attended the school of Hawai'i again recently and about her last visit to Hawaii!  We visited the island of Oahu this time and was able to experience almost the whole island in 5 days.  Of course it was a whirlwind tour with the Oahu Visitors Bureau. Arriving in Honolulu driving to the beautiful quieter side of Ko Olina, to the iconic North Shore area where surfing is king, then off to the exciting Honolulu area where there is always something to do.  Plenty of night life, restaurants, world class shopping, sightseeing, museums, artisans and if you are looking for activity this is where you want to begin or end your trip!

 I absolutely loved the Ko Olina area with the Ihilani Resort, Disney Ihilani and the Ko Olina Golf club there.  Did you know there was anything FREE in Hawaii?  I couldn't believe that the Ko Olina Golf Club provides FREE transportation for guests coming to Ko Olina from Waikiki. Even for just one player, up to about 80 players. Kids play FREE after 3pm!!!   Imagine that they offer free golf lessons at certain times of the day!  Great for families who want to learn how to golf and the course was designed for beginners and experts alike.

 

KO OLINA VIEWS        

The JW Marriott Ko Olina Ihiliani view

 

The Turtle Bay Resort has been on my list for years.  I saw a lot of surfers and younger guests here.  Another sightseeing option I wanted to see since I sell it a lot is the Polynesian Cultural Center.  I had no idea how large it was.  I love how all the different Polynesian Islands are all authentic here!  Certainly an exciting worthwhile visit and why not stay for the LUAU!!

On my last visit to Maui, Molakai and Lanai' with the Maui Tourism board was very informative since the smaller quieter islands are lovely and unexplored as much as the big sister island of Maui.  Gayle says she just didn't visit hotels but explored everything that Maui, Molakai and Lanai' had to offer.  Meeting with the hotel managers and sales departments from all our top resorts is definately a plus in our business.  It pays to get to know them personally so our clients receive the VIP service we think they deserve!

"OHANA" FAMILY ACTIVITIES

 

Check out a LUAU option: Paradise Cove Hawaiian Luau Buffet Dinner Package, Hawaii, Oahu

A tropical Mai Tai greeting and live Hawaiian music set the festive mood of the evening. Casually stroll through the Hawaiian Village and learn the Arts and Crafts of the islands or test your skills at our Hawaiian Games. After the delightful Shower of Flowers, participate in the Hukilau on the Beach and learn the net fishing techniques of old Hawaii. Witness the pageantry of the Royal Court Procession and the time-honored techniques of underground oven cooking at the Imu Ceremony.

The evening continues with a feast in the company of friends, old and new, Bring your appetite to fully enjoy Paradise Cove's extensive menu which tastefully blends the best of traditional Hawaiian dishes, local favorites and continental cuisine. With the most spectacular Hawaiian sunset as a backdrop, our award-winning performers will entertain and amaze you with an unforgettable display of songs and dances of Hawaii and Polynesia at the incomparable Paradise Cove Extravaganza.

Celebrating the ALOHA spirit will be even easier with help from one of First Choice Travel and Cruise's HAWAII Destination Specialists!!  Not only have we studied the islands of Hawaii extensively but we have been to Hawaii many, many times. 

  • The hands on education we receive on the islands is the best way we can stay current and updated.  It is easy for us as Hawaii Specialists to make recommendations based our clients wishes, needs and interests!  With so many choices of Hawaiian islands, resorts and activities, ask for a First Choice Travel and Cruise Hawaii Akamai Specialist!