Oahu Hawaii Center Of 2 worlds

by Frank Vanderlugt
Oahu is the third largest of the islands that make up the state of Hawaii. Oahu is the most heavily populated of the islands. It is approximately 44 miles long and 30 miles across. The land mass was formed by two separate volcanoes. The highest point on the island is Mt. Ka 'ala which rises 4003 feet above sea level. Oahu is home nearly 900,000 people.

The well-known city of Honolulu is the largest city on the island of Oahu. It also serves as the state capital for Hawaii. Other popular areas of Oahu include Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head and the North Shore.

Oahu's Waikiki area is a wonderful blending of influences. The area features high-end shopping to attract tourists. Oahu history is recounted through colorful, energetic performances. And the dining options utilize the abundance of fresh, local ingredients. Tourists can enjoy a relaxed, beach front restaurant or a fancy white linen experience in the Waikiki district on Oahu Hawaii.

Beach lovers flock to Oahu for some of the best sun and surf in the world. Just a short drive from Waikiki is the Eastern Shore area of Oahu and the island's longest, uninterrupted beach. The tradewinds provide breezes to cool the hot Hawaiian days. The waters here are a bit too calm for surfing but are excellent for Oahu tourists and residents who enjoy kayaking, diving and sailing.

Oahu Hawaii has a great deal to offer to those seeking to learn about the area marine life. At Makapu'u Beach, tourists can visit the Sea Life Park, Oahu's most popular marine attraction. The unique geography of the beach makes learning easy. This Oahu beach is situated on a sloping area between a cliff and lava rocks. The area is filled with large tidepools. These pools are filled with a wide array of marine creatures and the calm tidepools make exploration easy and fun.

Oahu has plenty of quiet, secluded beaches for a slower pace. Waimanalo Beach is an area with quaint farms and horse stables. The beach is a public park that allows Oahu visitors and residents plenty of room to enjoy a picnic or calm stroll on the beach.

For a view that is more than just beach, visitors to Oahu can head to the Kualoa Regional Park. The park is adjacent to the Kualoa Ranch and offers views of grassy plains. The beach area is a great place to find sea shells. A small islet is just off the coast and can be reached by kayak or sailboat.

Many residents of Oahu are involved in the agricultural industry. The Leilehua Plateau is a rich region which produces pineapple, coffee, papaya and other fruits and vegetables. Oahu has an amazing 11,500 acres devoted to pineapple fields. Dole runs a large harvesting and canning operation on Oahu.

The city of Wahiawa is more than 100 years old. It is located in central Oahu. Despite recent growth, the city still retains much of its rural charm. One such area of beauty if the Wahiawa Botanical Gardens. Here Oahu visitors can come and enjoy 27 acres of exotic plants from around the world. Just north of the gardens are the Kukaniloko birthing stones. According to Hawaiian legend, this spot on Oahu is where Hawaiian royalty came to give birth. The legend comes from the indentations in the stones that mimic the shape of a woman's body in labor.

For those who come to Oahu Hawaii to surf, the destination is the North Shore area. Here surfers know the names of Banzai Pipeline, Sunset, Ehukai and Waimea Bay as the places to catch the perfect wave. Some spots are promoting only by word of mouth from one surfer to the next.
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