Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu, also known as the Gathering Place, is the most populated and developed of the Hawaiian Islands and is considered the center of Hawaii. Visitors will find a large variety of activities on Oahu, ranging from world class shopping, fine dining, water sports, sightseeing, and more.  Waikiki Beach, located in the city of Honolulu (state capital and Hawaii’s largest city), is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world and home to an endless number of beach front resorts, white sand beaches, and scenic views, including world famous Diamond Head Crater. The island also boasts the largest variety of activities geared towards visitors including: Oahu catamaran cruises, whale watching tours, USS Arizona / Pearl Harbor Memorial tours, Hawaiian history and cultural exhibits, sightseeing, snorkeling, Hawaii shore excursions, sunset dinner cruises, shopping, dining, Oahu luaus, and much more.  

From the Hawaiian monarchy to the attack on Pearl Harbor, an exploration of Oahu’s history reflects the key influences that have impacted all of Hawaii. In 1795, King Kamehameha I led his forces in the legendary Battle of Nuuanu near the scenic precipices of the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. This pivotal battle resulted in the conquering of Oahu and the eventual unification of the Hawaiian Islands under one rule in 1810.

Seven Hawaiian monarchs followed after Kamehameha the Great. King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) permanently established the Hawaiian Kingdom’s government on Oahu. King Kamehameha IV (Alexander Liholiho) and his wife Emma’s summer retreat, the Queen Emma Summer Palace, can still be visited in Honolulu’s Nuuanu Valley today. King Kalakaua, also known as the Merrie Monarch, built the majestic Iolani Palace in Downtown Honolulu. Queen Liliuokalani was Hawaii’s last reigning monarch after American colonists overthrew the Hawaiian Kingdom in a controversial coup in 1893. In 1898, Hawaii became a territory of the United States.