When organizing a one-of-a-lifetime trip, finding a holiday spot that has a little bit of everything amazing can be rather difficult. Everything has meaning: perfect cultural experiences, must-see attractions, wonderful Hawaii’s most popular activities, restaurants so good they make foodies flush, historically and culturally significant sites, a breathtaking environment, a prominent nightlife—all with a great climate and nice people. ile finding a venue that offers everything is rare, it does happen occasionally. And, fantastically, Oahu has it all as well.
Oahu: The Gathering Place
Hawaiian culture has long regarded Oahu as “the gathering place” for good reason. In a fascinating way, it combines current city life with ancient history and the amazing power of nature. On Oahu, you never live too far away from experiencing any of Hawaii’s most popular activities. Though it is the third-biggest island in Hawaii, almost a million people call this tropical paradise home, so this island has the highest population among the Hawaiian ones.
Honolulu’s Balance of Bustle and Peace
However, don’t let Honolulu’s glitz and glamor fool you. Don’t let Honolulu’s status as a capital city lead you to believe that Oahu is completely clogged with traffic. While this is a busy metropolis, peace is never far away. Ironically, Pearl Harbor offers perhaps the most peaceful area on the whole island. Apart from its natural beauty, Oahu’s history is among its most valuable riches; it spans decades before it acquired US territory in 1898 and plays a major influence in world politics thereafter.
Hawaii’s Most Popular Activities: The Pearl Harbor Attack
Under the turquoise waves of Pearl Harbor, the sneak attack of the Empire of Japan destroyed the US forces in the Pacific and detained over 1,000 sailors and marines. Today is a lovely homage to the dead. This one incident during World War Two drove the US into the fighting. This provocation by Japan and US involvement into the war later on helped to turn the tide and enable the allied forces to defeat the aggressors. The depth of feelings you will experience at this hallowed spot cannot be adequately expressed in words. Even if you’re not very interested in history, it really is not to be missed.
With many displays highlighting the events of December 7, 1941, “A date that will live in infamy,” you may view genuine footage of the Imperial Empire of Japan’s navy assaulting the oblivious US fleet and surrounding airfields while touring Pearl Harbor’s Visitor Center.
USS Arizona Memorial: Built atop its sunken remnants, etched with the names of more than 1100 sailors and marines dead that day, while taking a boat ride aboard an actual US Navy launch. This is a strong but somber history lesson.
USS Missouri Battleship: Explore the deck to find the exact position on deck where the Empire of Japan signed the conditions of surrender in Tokyo Bay September 2, 1945, effectively bringing an end to World War Two. Anchored in Tokyo Bay for the signing were almost 250 allied ships. On the USS Missouri’s deck, flags of the US, Britain, USSR, China, Netherlands, Australia, France, New Zealand, and Canada were raised, so announcing peace.
USS Bowfin Submarine: Explore the once operating submarine “The Pearl Harbor Avenger.” See how the ship was built; find more about the missions it accomplished and more.
Hawaii’s Most Popular Activities: The Polynesian Culture Center
Is American military history too recent? Perhaps your interest lies in ancient Polynesian history. The Polynesian Cultural Center, then, is an ideal example of this, providing opportunities for contact with real Polynesian culture. Discover the rich legacy of Hawaii, Aotearoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Fiji, and Samoa through food, tales, traditional attire, music, dancing, and more. The boat procession, concerts, dancing, and the six different communities standing in for those areas all help to depict Polynesian civilization. The boat then makes its way to the Dole Plantation, showcasing more modern Hawaiian history and all things pineapple. On Oahu, today is calm and restful.
Hawaii’s Most Popular Activities: Discover the Whole Island Inside a Circle
How much of Oahu could you want? Consider booking a Circle Island Tour. This is the ideal daily activity. See a quick summary of the island and snap lots of pictures. Pearl Harbor Tours can fulfill your wishes, whether your destination is the Polynesian Cultural Center, the island of Oahu, or Pearl Harbor itself. Pearl Harbor Tours takes pride in showcasing the best that Oahu has to offer. Including island, inter-island, small group, private excursions, and large group tours.