Tropical winds, sparkling ocean side luaus and famous Diamond Head are just a few of the wonders Oahu, the most populated island of Hawaii, has to offer. Renting a Waikiki Vacation Rental here you can appreciate the history by following in the sandy footsteps of surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku on the fabulous Waikiki Beach, tour Pearl Harbor or pay a trip to the royal Iolani Palace. Try out a hot malasada, (the local donuts,) or shaved ice while you shop for vintage shirts with festive floral patterns on Honolulu’s Kapahulu Avenue. You can even escape the regular tourist areas by hiking up to Makapuu Lighthouse, located on the South Shore – or you can even take a hula lesson!
When renting a property for your Oahu vacation, you will most likely be situated near to Waikiki, which has plenty of attractions that can easily be walked to from where you are staying in most cases. Besides the world renowned Waikiki Beach, which itself is a huge draw for the area, you may want to take a trip to the Honolulu Zoo, situated to the west of Kapi’olani Park. The Honolulu Zoo is the biggest zoo in all of Hawaii, with an impressive 2400 mile radius. Some key points of the zoo include the “African Savanna”, the “Tropical Rain Forest” as well as the “Islands of the Pacific” – a very relevant series of exhibits. If you are in Honolulu during a full moon you are able to enjoy their once a month “Moonlight Walk”. Nearby the zoo you will find the Waikiki Aquarium, originally built in 1904, making it over a century old. Exhibits here focus on Hawaiian marine life and include over 2,500 organisms and 420 different species of aquatic plants and animals.
Each year around 350,000 people take a trip to the Waikiki Aquarium. There are also other popular attractions in the area including the Damien Museum, where you will learn about the life of Father Damien, who is famous around the world for his work with people suffering from Hansen’s Disease. A visit to the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will also make for a great day out – it is amazing beautiful and while it is not a beach park designed for beach sport, one can still enjoy the first ever Marine Life Conservation District in all of Hawaii. You can take part in efforts to both protect and preserve the bay for future generations to enjoy.
Oahu caters to tourists in the way that is has a rich and fun filled nightlife; you will not be let down in this department. One of the most popular nightlife experiences here is the local Hawaiian music to enjoy, including Banyan Veranda which will see you enjoying traditional music in an authentic Hawaiian atmosphere.
There is also Chai’s Island Bistro, situated in the Aloha Tower Marketplace, where you can listen to live music almost every night of the week, with a lineup including the famous Brothers Cazimero.
If you are near Duke’s Canoe Club, that is another popular option for those of you who would like to experience sunset music.
Hawaiian Regent Hotel has the well known and very popular singer Genoa Keawe every Thursday night, along with other Hawaiian performers during the rest of the week. If you are staying at the Hilton Hotel you will be able to take part in luaus with local performers right on your doorstep, so it is a good choice for families. Those of you who enjoy a drink can take your pick from a whole plethora of clubs and bars in Oahu, with casual Hawaiian dress shirts becoming a very popular choice of clothing for male tourists here.
The three best spots to check out are; Moose McGillicuddy’s – a club offering live entertainment along with a regular bikini contest.
Pipeline, which is a hugely popular dance club featuring large TV screens, a pool and from time to time a concert. The regulars here tend to be younger, and there are plenty of theme nights to keep things fresh and interesting. The Opium Den and Champagne Bar at Indigo’s is the last place to check out, and is perfect if you want a more relaxed atmosphere than at the other locals clubs and bars.