The Top 5 Things To Do In Oahu

The most visited of the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is known as "The Gathering Place." It is an incredible natural paradise with any number of exciting and intriguing activities to enjoy. While you will have a hard time paring down your adventures to fit into your brief vacation timeframe, consider booking luxurious accommodations at one of the many Oahu hotels and head off to explore at least a couple of the activities from the list below.

Experience a Luau

No Hawaiian vacation is complete without experiencing an authentic luau, and the Island of Oahu has a number of standing luaus from which to choose. The Polynesian Cultural Center holds its Ali'I Luau in the town of La'ie on Oahu's North Shore. Barber's Point, a private beach located just east of Honolulu, is the site of the Germaine Luau. The Paradise Cove Luau hosted at the Ko Olina Resort is one that draws large crowds but still manages to make you feel right at home.

The traditional Ali'I Luau held at the Polynesian Cultural Center gives guests a look at the historic customs of native Hawaii. You'll have an opportunity to learn about the island's royalty in addition to experiencing some of the traditional dishes served to special guests at the luaus of days gone by.

Most of Oahu's better luaus dispatch buses to each of the major hotels on the island to pick up patrons. Enjoy a buffet-style Hawaiian feast, traditional music, dance performances, historic Hawaiian games, and other cultural events. Spend some time learning to make a lei or get a temporary, traditional Hawaiian tattoo. Some Luaus host marketplaces and gift shops. Most will provide guests with pre-dinner activities in addition to a fantastic after-dinner show.

Explore the Polynesian Cultural Center

Among the biggest attractions the island has to offer, the Polynesian Cultural Center draws tourists from around the world. The phenomenally landscaped 42-acre park includes eight distinct areas, each depicting the culture, traditions and customs of a different Polynesian island.

Among the center's biggest attractions are the Rainbow of Paradise Canoe Pageant and the HA Breath of Life show. The Rainbow of Paradise Canoe Pageant is performed daily where the ornately decorated, historic canoes wind their way through the lagoon on the park's property. Dancers, musicians and singers perform aboard the canoes as they make their way through the lagoon.

Using more than 100 performers to tell the tale of a native boy's path through life, HA Breath of Life is a visual and musical extravaganza that will certainly take your breath away. The traditional costumes, dance performances and music in addition to the heartfelt and timeless storyline of this show will remain with you long after you return home.

The center provides activities and attractions for all ages. Dining, shopping, educational opportunities and interactive activities abound at the park. Though a paid venue, the Polynesian Cultural Center is well worth the expense and admittance can often be included in vacation package deals from many travel agencies and websites.

Survey Historic Honolulu

Take a walking tour of the city's historic district or venture out to explore the historic sites on your own in Honolulu. Visit the Hawaii State capital, the first Christian Church built in Hawaii - Kawaiaha'o Church, the Old Federal Building and the Mission Houses Museum. Be sure to spend some time in looking around the Iolani Palace as well. The only royal palace to be found in the United States, Iolani was the home of the last two ruling members of the Hawaiian royal family, King Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani.

Visit the Bishop Museum

The official State Museum of Natural and Cultural History for Hawaii, the Bishop Museum features historical and cultural exhibits as well as programs on the Pacific Ocean's marine life, Hawaiian ecology and geology, and on-site planetarium shows. An exciting and educational way to spend an entire day, the Bishop Museum is a wonderful adventure for the entire family.

Tour the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium

The Honolulu Zoo is located in the eastern part of Waikiki in Kapi'olani Park and home to more than 12,000 animals, including 28 endangered species. Learn about the animals and their natural habitats, and plan your trip to the zoo for the morning or evening hours, as this is the time of day when the most activity occurs, with most animals retreating in the middle of the day to avoid the hot, tropical sun.

Take the opportunity to visit the Waikiki Aquarium as well, located just across from Kapi'olani Park on Oahu's Waikiki Beach. Adjacent to the living reef, the Aquarium focuses its research, exhibits and programs on the aquatic life of the Pacific and Hawaiian Islands.