Things to See in Oahu, Hawaii

No trip to Oahu is complete without a visit to one of the nation's most moving memorials, the U.S.S. Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Located near the Honolulu International airport, the Pearl Harbor visitor's center is chock full of information about the attack on Pearl Harbor and there is a boat ride out to view the still submerged U.S.S. Arizona. If you're at Pearl Harbor, you may also want to visit the U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park and the U.S.S. Missouri, on which General MacArthur accepted the Japanese surrender that ended World War II.

Famous for its beautiful beaches, Waikiki has grown into a huge tourist destination, replete with hotels, shopping, fine dining and plenty of water sports. Among the highlights are enjoying a cocktail on the deck of the Royal Hawaiian (also known as the Pink Hotel) at sunset, visiting the International Market to sample food and crafts from around the world or taking a surfing lesson right on Waikiki Beach. The Waikiki Aquarium, an excellent small facility and the Honolulu Zoo are close by, too.

Even if surfing isn't your thing, the beaches, snorkeling and spectacular surf on this part of Oahu are certainly worth the trip. Snorkeling in this area is the best on Oahu outside of Hanauma Bay. The Kuilima Cove at the Turtle Bay Resort is almost always calm and provides moderately good snorkeling while Haliewa Beach Park has good snorkeling during the summer months. In the winter, grab a seat for a spectacular surfing show on the Banzai Pipeline. The best places to see surfing contests or just watching the waves are at Sunset Beach near Waimea and Alii Beach Park in Haliewa. If you do get to the North Shore, be sure to stop into Matsumoto's for a traditional shave ice you won't forget.

Originally the cone of a volcano, Haunama Bay is a can't miss opportunity for snorkelers. Located about 10 miles from Waikiki, the reef has become quite crowded and there is now a nominal entry fee, but the bay is known as a "fish bowl" for good reason. The water is crystal clear and there are more than 400 species of fish. The best time to visit is in the morning as it is less crowded. If you don't have snorkeling equipment, don't fear, there are plenty of tourist shops that sell equipment on the roads around the bay.

Located in Laie, near the North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center offers a glimpse into Polynesian crafts, dance, food and music. The educational center is divided into seven "villages" from around Polynesia: Tongan, Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, Fijian, Maori and Marquesan. Small shows are put on throughout the day but the premiere show is the afternoon "Rainbows of Paradise." The center gets nearly one million visitors annually.

Located just east of Waikiki, the Diamond Head Crater offers a great hike that is rewarded by a spectacular view of Honolulu and the beaches of Waikiki. The hike is moderate and well-marked. The ascent takes about an hour. When you've finished with the hike, reward yourself with a treat from the Diamond Head Market (3158 Monsarrat Ave. Honolulu), which makes mouthwatering blueberry-cream cheese scones and have tasty, reasonable plate lunches.

Known by locals as "the Country," the center of Oahu is home to lush fields and pineapple plantations. The Dole Plantation (64-1550 Kamehameha Highway) offers daily tours and a gift shop.

If you've got plenty of time, visit the Ko Olina Resort for its great beaches or spend some time exploring in Kaneohe on the Windward side. The village is filled with kitschy shops, eclectic dining and lovely beaches. There's also plenty of golf to be played on Oahu, including a round at Koolau, considered one of the most challenging golf courses in the world. Set in the shadow of Koolau Mountains on the Windward side, you'll be rewarded with incredible views and lush vegetation.