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Oahu Island: Hawaii - A Romantic Vacation and Travel Destination

Oahu is the second oldest - nearly four million years old - of the Hawaiian Islands and is made from two mountains which were formed from two volcanoes and the lava that flowed between them. These are the Waianae and the Koolau Mountains. The land between the two mountains is called the Leilehua Plateau. Oahu is the island that has Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach on it. The Koolau Mountains separate Honolulu from the rest of the island. There are three tunnels that can be taken to get to the other side of the island. The harbor of Honolulu is where most food and other goods come into Hawaii from.

Oahu has 75% of the states population also. The average temperature of Oahu is from 68 to 85 degrees F throughout the year. Rainfall is around 23 inches each year. This island's highest point is in the Waianae Mountain range at 4,020 feet.

Hotels on Oahu

Here are a couple of the nicer hotels on Oahu:

Turtle Bay Resort: http://www.turtlebayresort.com/
Halekulani: http://www.halekulani.com/

Beaches on Oahu

Waikiki Beach - Waikiki is likely the most famous beach in the world! It is made up of a 2 mile long beach area consisting of several beaches. It about 3 miles east of Honolulu. There is something for everyone at this beach! Swimming, surfing, canoeing, diving, sailing, snorkeling and sunbathing. There are many hotels that located along Waikiki.

Makaha Beach - Makaha has white sand and part of the movie 'From Here to Eternity' was made here. It has nice bathrooms and showers, as well as a lifeguard.

Places to see on Oahu

Arizona Memorial Museum - This museum marks the spot in Pearl Harbor where the battleship 'USS Arizona' sunk after being attacked on December 7, 1941 by the Japanese. 1,177 crewmen were killed in the attack. The Museum is around 2 miles from the Honolulu Airport and is open 7 days a week, except major holidays. It is managed by the National Park Service.

Diamond Head State Monument - is on the east border of Waikiki and was formed by some volcanoe eruptions 100,000 or more years ago. It is named Diamond Head because in the 19th century British sailors thought the calcite crystals in the crater were diamonds. The actual Diamond Head is a summit of 761 feet that Hawaiians used to light navigational fires from. At the top of the summit a great view of Honolulu can be seen.

Battleship Missouri Memorial - This Memorial is where Japan officially surrendered in 1945.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - At this nature preserve you can swim with tropical fish and turtles!

'Iolani Palace State Monument and Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden - This palace is the only royal palace in the United States! It was the home of Hawaii's last reining monarch, Queen Liliuokalani and was built in 1882. The Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden is 7.5 acres, and part of this land once belonged to Queen Liliuokalani.

Damien Museum - Information about Father Damien who worked with lepers in Hawaii.

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific - A National cemetary located in an extinct volcano with Americans who died in World War II, Korea or Vietnam.

Golf on Oahu

There are more golf courses on Oahu than on any of the other Hawaiian Islands! Here are a few of those to choose from:

Coral Creek - very beautiful and challenging!
Hawaii Kai - only 13 miles from Waikiki - ocean can be viewed from every hole!
Hawaii Prince - 27 hole course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay.
Kapolei Golf Course - highly rated and with a beautiful landscape.
Ko Olina Golf Club - highly regarded course with 16 water features
Ko'olau Golf Club - possibly the most challenging course in the world.
Luana Hills - beautiful and only 20 minutes from Honolulu.
Makaha Resort - secluded - 45 minutes away from Waikiki.
Turtle Bay Palmer - the home of the PGA Champion's Tour Turtle Bay Championship!

See other articles about taking a romantic vacation to Hawaii!

Hawaiian Vacations (introduction)
Island of Kauai
Island of Maui