Oahu

Oahu is the third largest of the islands of Hawaii ,second only to Big Island and Maui , and the most popular tourist destination.
 It's nicknamed "The Gathering Place", as here it's placed the state's capital, Honolulu, and as about 85% of Hawaii's population live here.

Two mountain ranges make up the island of Oahu. The Koolau Range runs along the east side of the island and forms the backdrop for Honolulu; the Waianae Range runs parallel to the Koolau range along the west side.

Most visitors to Oahu stay near the capital city of Honolulu and the beaches of Waikiki. The rest of the island is less visibly touched by tourism, with only a few B&B's among the houses and natural sites on the Windward Coast and the endless beaches and small local towns of the North Shore. Renting a vacation rental house is a great way to stay on any of the Hawaiian islands. Vacation rentals are often located right on the beach and offer a much more private stay than what you would recieve staying in a Hotel or Motel.

"Oahu is a favorite for people wanting a romantic place to get married" says Diana of Hanalei Bay Weddings. "The white sand beaches make for a perfect location for a memorable wedding." Each year people flock to Hawaii to get married or renew their wedding vows.

• Honolulu is the center of all the action on Oahu; it's where virtually all the hotels, major restaurants, and historic and cultural venues are located.
• Central Oahu is a mostly suburban mix of bedroom communities for Honolulu (Aiea, Pearl City, and Waipahu). Further inland, in the central valley between the two mountain ranges, are two other suburbs (Mililani and Wahiawa) and miles of pineapple fields.
• The North Shore is home to some of the largest waves on earth in the winter, and the ocean and surfing are a way of life here. The region is anchored by the town of Haleiwa. Only one major resort, the Turtle Bay Hilton is located at the northern tip of the island near Kahuku.
• The Windward Coast has two distinct personalities. Its northern end is home to many secluded beaches, sleepy villages, and one major tourist attraction (the Polynesian Cultural Center). Its southern end is anchored by one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the Pacific, two commercial centers (Kailua and Kaneohe), and a popular white sand beach (Kailua Beach).
• The Leeward Coast is home to four rural communities (Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, and Makaha) and two up-and-coming resort areas.

Beach Vacation Ideas