Oahu, HI

The beach is the biggest draw in Oahu Island, and no two are the same. If you want to show off surfing daredevilry during your Hawaii holiday in Oahu Island, take on the monstrous breakers of Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline, or Makaha Beach. If you want to skip the adrenaline rush but still be a part of the beach action, body board and bodysurf at the Waimanalo Beach or head out into the open seas on a sailboard, kayak, or canoe at the Kailua Beach. If you would rather laze and loll around on the beach and maybe head out into the waters for an occasional dip or splash, go to the Yokohama Bay, Magic Island, or the Lanikai Beach. The waters here are calm, and the sparkling sand stretches for miles. On an Oahu Island holiday in Hawaii, beaches don’t get boring, and you can do a lot (or nothing at all) on the beach and without getting out of your swimming trunks!

Mother Nature sports many different garbs in a myriad of colours and a plethora of forms. But some of the most beautiful natural environs of Oahu are hidden from sight, under water or in the remote reaches of the island. On a Hawaii holiday to Oahu Island, go snorkelling to discover the magical undersea world with colourful coral reefs, caves so dark that they seemed to have swallowed up all light, the elusive Hawaiian green sea turtle, a myriad of fish and other marine animals, and an assortment of flora native to these depths. Some creatures, however, do come up once in a while. Go whale-watching to see these gigantic mammals break to the surface spewing a jet of water and then dive below, all in one graceful, rhythmic motion. The magical and misty Manoa Falls is tucked away in the wilderness. It is quiet around the waterfall. Its remoteness adds to its ethereal beauty and gives you the opportunity to pause, take a deep breath, and lose yourself in the solitude.

A Hawaii holiday to Oahu Island is a multi-cultural extravaganza replete with colourful artwork, exotic local cuisines that happily blend flavours from many cultures, natural history exhibits that tell the story of how this ancient landmass evolved through the centuries, and abundant shopping joints that store eclectic handicrafts that contain in them the passion of the local artisans and the aesthetic traditions of the people. During your Hawaii holidays to Oahu Island, dig into malasada burgers, waffle dogs with cheese, and other local delicacies at the Eat the Street festival. Take an art walk through Chinatown or Downtown Honolulu to watch artists at work and admire creations that infuse imagination and dreams into ancient traditions. Stroll through the corridors of the Iolani Palace where the carefully-preserved exhibits still carry about them the scent of royalty and a muted elegance that only sophistication can breed.

You don’t need to look far to find the wild, wacky, and partying-till-we-conk-out facet of Hawaii on your Honolulu holiday in Hawaii. Hotels, bars, restaurants, and lounges throng the streets from Waikiki to Chinatown. Step into any one to be greeted by swanky interiors, psychedelic lights, foot-tapping live music, and the sight of a bevy of moving and swaying bodies. Join in the party and let the trance continue till dawn. From wine bars to jazz clubs to plain well-stocked bars, the party scene in Oahu Island offers many heady choices. Choose your poison!

Oahu Island is an all-weather destination; the days are balmy, the nights are comfortable, and the verdant tropical greenery is lush across the seasons. So don’t bother to check historical temperatures or browse weather forecasts before planning a Hawaii holiday in Oahu Island. Hawaiians love life and live it large.

It is no surprise that whenever you visit Oahu Island, you will find a party is underway. Eat the Street is a monthly festival for the foodies. Land up in Kakaako on the last Friday of every month and hop from one food truck to another gorging on the delicious bites the chefs rustle up. The first Friday of every month is time for the First Friday celebrations in Chinatown. But make the most of your trip by scheduling your Hawaii holiday around the annual festivals in Oahu Island. These festivals showcase the unique cultural traditions of the region that date back centuries. Take part in them to celebrate life in the exuberant Hawaiian way.

Winter

Do not dread Hawaiian winters. Not all winters are dreary, wet, snowy, or stormy. Be prepared to be greeted by gloriously sunny days on your holiday to Hawaii this winter. There will be some rainy days. But the rains in Oahu Island don’t play spoilsport; they only freshen up the scenery and make the landscape more lush. If you are a surfing enthusiast, winter is THE time to visit Oahu Island to throw a challenge to the monstrous 20-30 foot breakers of North Shore. The Triple Crown of Surfing championship brings to the island the best professionals from around the globe. Be there to pick up tips or inspiration or just gaze on as the best surfers in the world glide on the crest of the waves. Winter is also the whale-watching season in Oahu Island.

Spring

Spring is the off-tourist season in Oahu Island, so expect to land plum discounts during a Hawaii holiday. But this is the best season to be a part of the traditional festivities of Oahu Island, some of which, like the Easter Sunrise Service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific of Honolulu, have been taking place for centuries. The Lantern Floating Hawaii is a magical experience. The warm glow from hundreds of floating lanterns light up the dark evening sky, and as they soar higher, they fill you with the resolve to spread light, peace, and harmony in the world. Oahu Island dresses up in festive wear, and there is pomp, gaiety, and cheer in the air and grand parades on the streets as the Hawaiians celebrate the life of King Kamehameha, the first monarch of the island.

Summer

Weather-wise, spring and summer in Oahu Island are not much different. But summers are definitely busier here with plenty of festivals that showcase the unique artistic and cultural traditions of the island and bring together master artisans. Hula is a cultural symbol of Hawaii. Marvel at the dancers swaying gracefully to lilting tunes and sonorous chants at the Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition and listen to songs that speak of tales and legends that are woven into the fabric of the Hawaiian social life. Get a taste of authentic Hawaiian beats at the Ukulele Festival and the Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival Gabby Festival. These events bring together musicians from all around the island who enthral you with their passionate renderings.

Autumn

Autumn is the time for the Aloha Celebrations throughout the island. These are occasions for the islanders to greet life, make merry, and once more show their friendly and warm persona to the world. Although the Hawaii International Film Festival showcases movies from all over the world, the stories from the region find special place here, and it is your rare opportunity to learn about the issues that touch the people here, the values and ideals they hold on to, and their dreams and aspirations through the moving medium.