Oahu, Hawaii

Makapu'u Point, Oahu
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Makapu%CA%BBu_Point.jpg
Author: Lukas


Oahu is the third largest as well as most populous island of Hawaii. It covers 596.7 sq mi (1,545.4 sq km) and has a population of 953,000 (2011 estimate). Oahu has been regarded since ancient times as "the gathering place" of the Hawaiians, although the name Oahu itself does not carry any specific meaning in their language. Three quarters of Hawaii's population live on Oahu. The island is where the state capital, Honolulu, is located. Oahu measures 44 miles (71 km) from end to end and 30 miles (48 km) across.

As with the other islans of Hawaii, Oahu is volcanic in nature. It was created by two separate shield volcanies, Waianae and Koolau, with a valley separating the two. The tallest mountain in Oahu is the 4,003 ft (1,220 m) Mount Kaala.

Surfing at Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore, Oahu
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Surfer_at_Banzai_Pipeline,_North_Shore_%28Oahu%29.jpg
Author: Mandolin Davis


As with the island of Bali, directions on Oahu is referred according to the position of significant places. The locals say "ewa" to mean towards the western tip of the island, "Diamond Head" means towards the namesake on the eastern tip, "mauka" means towards the mountains and "makai" means towards the sea.

Today Oahu is the most developed of the Hawaiian islands. It is home to the only real metropolitan area in Hawaii. Most visitors to Hawaii confine themselves to the major tourist destinations on this island. It has tbe best tourist infrastructure, from accommodation to nightlife, shopping, dining and cultural performances.

Kukaniloko Birth Site, listed on the National Register of Historic Place, Oahu
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oahu-Kukaniloko-entrance%26KolekolePass.jpg
Author: Joel Bradshaw

Visiting Oahu

The Honolulu International Airport is the gateway to Oahu. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Honolulu, the airport is connected to the city center by the free Wiki-Wiki shuttle bus (eventually this will be replaced by a moving walkway).

To get around, the best is to rent a car. Otherwise you can take the Oahu public bus, which is simply called, ahem, TheBus. The fare for taking TheBus is $2.50 regardless where on the island you are going. The driver does not make change, so it is necessary to have the exact amount.

Dolphin show at Sea Life Park in Waimanolo, Oahu
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dolphins_Sea_Life_Park_2009.jpg
Author: Sbraden92

Cities in Oahu

Honolulu cityscape, Oahu
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Honolulu01.jpg
Author: ErgoSum88

Places of Interest in Oahu

Performance at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Polynesian_Cultural_Center_Rower.jpg
Author: JayH

Beaches in Oahu

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