Experience Hawaii: Oahu travel guide for dummies

Here is a basic map of Oahu. Get familiar with all the areas. The most popular places are Honolulu (Waikiki) area, and the North Shore.

Here is a brief intro:

Oahu is the most populated island in Hawaii. It is the most visited of the islands and has a variety of attractions suited for every need. You will have a great time in Oahu no matter what you love.

Honolulu is the biggest city in Oahu. 4 out of every 5 Hawaiians live in this city. It is also the capital of the state and nicknamed "the Gathering Place".

Waikiki is a one of the most popular beach resorts located in Honolulu.

Polynesian Cultural Center. Image by: steventom

One of the first places you must visit when you go to Oahu is the Polynesian Cultural Center. It is by far the best place to visit whether you are single, married, or have kids. The PCC is currently the number 1 paid attraction in all of Hawaii, so you know it's a must go place! At night they have a featured show, one of the best multicultural shows you will ever see. When you enter the Polynesian Cultural Center, you will have the option to have a guide walk you through for a tour. There are six villages: Hawaii, Samoa, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga. In each village you will experience its unique culture, diversity, and you'll really feel like you've been transported there. Here is a brief synopsis of each village and some activities you can do there.

Hawaii Village Highlights
Hula lessons
How poi is made from taro
How leis are made
Kids: Hawaiian bowling konane
Hale Ulana - Weaving house

Samoa
- "the heart of Polynesia" - Samoans are known as very happy people.
Make fire rubbing two sticks
How to open a coconut
Coconut tree climbing show - very entertaining

Aotearoa
Twirling poi balls
tititorea - A stick game that helps with hand eye coordination.
Kids - Face tatoos

Fiji
Demonstration in coconut's role in cooking.
Play Derua, a bamboo percussion instrument.
Experience the historical weapons used.

Tahiti
Learn the exciting movements of Tahitian dance
Kids: Fishing with a stick tied with a string and some fish food.

Tonga
Watch their drumming show
Mauluulu a sitting dance
Tolo - Spear throwing.

In addition to experiencing each village culture, you can also stay watch an IMAX show or stay for the nightly evening show and dinner.

Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway
Laie, Hawaii (HI) 96762
800-367-7060
Monday-Saturday (closed Sundays, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays). Other blackout dates may apply

Part of the University of Hawaii, it's a great place to experience all the exotic flora of Hawaii. There are almost 200 acres to explore. It is the only botanical garden inside a tropical rainforest in the United States. You can pay a $5 fee and have a tour guide take you through the sights and explain the conservation efforts for the rare plant species.

Lyon Arboretum hike. Image by: danramarch

Lyon Arboretum
3860 Manoa Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9am - 4pm; SATURDAY, 9am - 3pm
(808)988-0456

Magnificent scenery leading to an even more magnificent waterfall. It is an easy one mile hike through the rainforest. The 1 mile hike may be slippery so bring some dirty shoes or rain boots. You pay $5 for parking. If you love scenery and a bit of exercise, this is a must visit for you.

Travel to end of Manoa Road Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96822

This is a common attraction for many visitors to Hawaii. It is a marvelous place for first time snorklers to try to swim with the fishes. You can see beautiful tropical fish and sea turtles as well. Make sure you go there very early or very late so it will not only be less crowded but you won't burn under the searing heat of the sun. Remember to put on a thick layer of sunscreen. You will have to watch a 15 minute video presentation prior to entering Hanauma Bay. It is basically a video that tells you not to step on to corals or feed the fish. Personally having gone to this attraction, I did not like it that the water was a bit cloudy and not as clear as I imagined. For a better experience I suggest you go snorkeling at the more smaller places, such as Kuilima Cove or Kahe Point Beach Park.

Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. Image by: cosmic_kid99

Hanauma Bay
7455 Kalanianaole Highway
Honolulu, Hawaii 96825
(808)-396-4229