Oahu's long-held position as the most popular of all the Hawaiian islands is due in good measure to the incredible variety - and quality - of attractions on this island. There is something exciting fascinating, and fun for every age, every interest, and every budget.

There are historic monuments like Punchbowl National Cemetery and Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor which you can visit on official Navy tours. And there are historic Hawaiian sites like 'Iolani palace, America's only Royal Palace where Kings and Queens of old Hawaii once ruled. Oahu also has Hawaii's largest collection of museums where fascinating exhibits and demonstrations let you learn about everything from how ancient Polynesians navigated the Pacific in outrigger canoes to how Nantucket whalers fashioned harpoons.

The city of Honolulu is a diverse and ongoing attraction itself with distinct and intriguing districts like the thriving downtown / Chinatown business district set alongside busy Honolulu Harbor.

Oahu also boasts dozens of private or city-owned attractions that are simply pure fun vacation experiences. Luaus, Polynesian shows, dancing dolphins, sunset cruises, submarine rides, a world class zoo and aquarium, garden tours, "ghost walks"… the list goes on and on. This is the Hawaiian island that can fill all the days and nights of your vacation with fun and fascinating new experiences.

Beaches on Oahu offer more than sun bathing and people watching on powder white sand in the embrace of warm Hawaiian rays. Oahu beaches also offer a range of fun and active water sports such as swimming, surfing, windsurfing, body boarding and snorkeling. With water temperatures at the island's 139 beaches ranging from 75ºF to 80ºF year round, it's easy to understand why locals and visitors alike are regularly drawn to the blue waters off Oahu.

From the powerful, pounding waves of the North Shore to the gentle shore break of Waikiki, there is a beach on Oahu that will fit a range of needs from a sunbathing visitor to the more athletic windsurfer.

The South Shore coastline is known for its many family beaches. Outings such as snorkeling, tide pooling and swimming are great recreational activities for local families picnicking along the beach.

The West Shore (Leeward side) has many excellent beaches. This coast is known for offshore fishing spots. Winter months see the largest waves, which reach heights of more than 15 feet.

The North Shore is best known for its world-class surfing and huge winter swells. During the winter months, waves reach heights of 25 feet.

The East Shore (Windward side) has lush tropical beach settings, which are favorite locations for windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts. Northeast tradewinds keep the coast cool 90 percent of the year.