OUR TOP 5 REASONS TO VISIT OAHU RIGHT NOW

P.C: Salty Glass Co

You’ve been putting off a trip to Hawaii for a while now. But with the end of 2017 fast approaching, now is the perfect time to make a visit to Oahu one of your New Year’s resolutions.

With so much to see, experience, taste and do – Oahu is one of the top destinations not just in the United States, but in the world. Home to Hawaii’s state capital, Honolulu, and the celebrated Waikiki Beach, Oahu is a great introduction for visitors to the islands.

The state’s major airport, Honolulu International Airport (HNL), welcomes major domestic and international carriers from around the world – making it convenient to access. And with many hotel options in Waikiki and throughout the island, finding a place to rest between your adventures is easy.

Here are our top five reasons to plan your trip to Oahu:

The rich culture

You don’t have to look too hard on Oahu to expose yourself to the rich Hawaii culture – unlike anything else in the world. From the pidgin English spoken on the streets to the historic landmarks sprinkled throughout the islands you’re sure to encounter some of Hawaii’s breathtaking aloha spirit wherever you go.

To get a feel for authentic Polynesian culture and traditions from the Pacific, make a trip out to the Polynesian Cultural Center. This living museum features customs and artifacts from many cultures including Hawaiian, Samoan, Maori, and Tongan. You will be lei-mazed by the variety of activities available for you to try your hand at including lei making, canoe rides, spear throwing, tree climbing, coconut husking, fire walking and more.

The history

Oahu is the only place in the United States that was physically affected by World War II. On December 7th, 1949, Japanese bombers flew over Pearl Harbor dropping the bombs that would officially bring the USA into the war. A trip to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is great for history buffs and families looking to add an element of education to their trip. Take the ferry out over harbor waters to view the sunken USS Arizona and learn about the fateful day that changed the country forever.

And did you know that the only royal residence in the United States is in Oahu? A visit to the Iolani Palace will reveal how royalty lived in old Hawaii. Home of King Kamehameha III and his descendants until the late 1800s, the palace is open for tours and is a wealth of antiques, history, and royal artifacts.

The food

For foodies, Hawaii offers flavors found exclusively in the islands. The unique mix of culture and people that have inhabited Hawaii, and especially Oahu, since the plantation days have contributed to a special food scene that will have your mouth watering.

Sink your teeth into traditional Hawaiian fare such as pig cooked in an imu (underground oven heated by hot rocks), lomi lomi salmon or lau lau (meat cooked in leaves).

There are also some “local delicacies” you typically can only find in the islands. Be sure to try a loco moco, white rice topped with a hamburger patty and a fried egg covered in gravy. Or head to a mainstay from home like 7-Eleven (yes, the convenience store) and pick up a few spam musubi, (teriyaki fried spam on rice wrapped in seaweed) for the drive to the beach. In the morning visit McDonald’s and order their local breakfast – white rice and scrambled egg with your choice of spam or Portuguese sausage. As we say in the islands, “that buggah is guuuuud!”

The weather

It is no secret that Hawaii has near perfect weather all year round. Escape the sub-zero temperatures, pervasive snowdrifts or 100+ degree desert heat for something a little more comfortable.

Our local “beach weather” means that daytime highs hover in the low 90s in the summer months and dip into the low 60s in the winter. When planning your trip remember that November through March tend to be the islands’ “rainy period.” But no matter when you’re here be prepared for a “Hawaiian blessing” as we call them. Because without rain there are no rainbows!

The beach

When you live in Hawaii, life’s a beach. There is nothing quite like a dip in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. With water temperatures ranging between 77 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, make sure to allow time for simply swimming in the clean, clear, warm Pacific. Whether you choose to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, a nature reserve on Oahu’s south east side, or try your hand at surf lessons in Waikiki, we promise it will be an experience you won’t soon forget.