Map of Oahu (167k)

Most tourists arrive by air at Honolulu Airport...and many tourists don't get past Waikiki Beach, which is right next to the City of Honolulu. Waikiki is a great place to stay for a few days, but there is so much more to the Hawaiian Islands.

Waikiki has some interesting sights to see. The International Marketplace is a great place to pick up souvenirs, have some lunch, or just relax in the shade under the trees in the plaza. It's right in the center of Waikiki, so it is within walking distance of almost every hotel and condo. The the Zoo is at the far end of Waikiki Beach.  The Kodak Hula Show is no longer staged, but was an institution for decades in Waikiki.

In Honolulu, there are also several sites to see. Don't forget to have a stroll though Chinatown. It is quite large, and there are always some very interesting sites and smells to experience. The Bishop Museum holds some astounding cultural treasures that reflect the rich history of Hawaii and it's former royalty. And don't forget to make a stop to the Ala Moana Shopping Center, and Hilo Hatti's. The shopping center has all sorts of interesting shops, as well as the usual department stores. Hilo Hatti's specializes in Hawaiian clothing (Hawaiian shirts, Mumus, as well as sports and kid's clothes), however they also have a good selection of Hawaiian coffee, macademia nuts, and souvenirs. Hilo Hatti's run shuttle buses from Waikiki, and the city buses run right past the main store as well.

Pearl Harbour is a must see. There are lots of shuttles and buses that run between Waikiki and Pearl Harbour, and the Arizona Memorial is worth a look. You can almost see the Japanese bombers swooping in over the mountains...

Hanauma Bay is just a short drive from Waikiki/Honolulu, and is worth a visit, however it can get very busy. There are many fish to be found by snorkeling in the bay, including: Angel fish, Tangs, and Yellowfins, among others. Bring a disposable underwater camera with you, and get some great shots for your photo album!

I haven't made the trip around Oahu yet, however that is something I would like to do the next time I visit Hawaii. The Polynesian Cultural Center is on the other side of the island, and I understand it is well worth the visit. The north shore of Oahu has some of the most spectacular surf to be found anywhere in Hawaii, and is home to many surfers and surfing competitions.

I am a sucker for sunsets. Here is a classic shot of a sunset from the Royal Hawaiian's patio, looking out over Waikiki Beach. Here is a curious shot of a sunset over Fort deRussey Park, which is located between Waikiki and Honolulu. Note the moon is in this sunset...an odd combination! (No, I didn't double expose.)