Destination Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii, the Aloha State, welcomes visitors with its floral-scented sea breezes and tropical warmth. This is where East merges with West in a blend of hula and disco, soap operas and creation myths, Shinto shrines and surf clubs. Mark Twain said that Hawaii is "the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean," which 30 years of mass tourism hasn’t proven wrong.

There is never a wrong time to visit Hawaii, but the busiest tourist season is during winter, since many visitors are escaping the cold climates of home. June through October are the hottest months with temperatures ranging near 90, but with hotter temperatures comes lower prices – which is very appealing to many.

Honolulu is the capitol of Hawaii and is located on the island of Oahu. Oahu, nicknamed the "Gathering Place," is the most populous and developed of the Hawaiian Islands.

Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and Sunset Beach are a few of the main attractions on this lovely island. If you love to snorkel, a visit to Hanaumu Bay on the southeastern coast of Oahu is a necessity. Or visit Nuuanu Pali Lookout in the southern Koolau Range, where the view of the windward coast from its 1,200-foot elevation is breathtaking, Take a Circle Island tour and visit a pineapple plantation, eat poi – a traditional Hawaiian dish served Luau style – or if your interest is surfing, point your board toward the North Shore, where professional surfing championships are held yearly.

Getting to Oahu is easy and convenient with daily flights into Honolulu International Airport from most major cities. Honolulu is also a major Pacific hub and an intermediate stop between the U.S. mainland and Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Inter – island air flights are plentiful between Honolulu and airports on the other main islands.

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