Mount Leahi is the Hawaiiain name for Diamond Head off of Waikiki Beach.
The island of Oahu is not the largest of the Hawaiian Islands but it is the most populated. Originally home to the Hawaiian monarchy, Oahu now has the capital, Honolulu, which houses nearly 70 percent of the state population. A vacation to Oahu gives you access to world renowned beaches, busy international markets and a list of activities that can never be accomplished in any two-week trip.
Lodging
The traditional place to stay when vacationing in Hawaii is in the heart of Waikiki. This is where the majority of hotels and resorts are located, giving tourists easy access to trolleys and beaches, tours and other activities. Popular resorts are the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Royal Hawaiian, both on Waikiki Beach. For those looking for a less hectic getaway, the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore offers a more relaxed atmosphere just minutes from the famous surf of the North Shore's Pipeline. The JW Marriot Ihilani provides a similar atmosphere on the southwest shore with three bays for visitors to swim, snorkel and fish.
Activities
Regardless of where you stay, you are never far from the many activities that Oahu has to offer. In fact, you could drive around the entire island in half a day. Stopping to enjoy the many sights and local eateries can provide your party with an unforgettable day. There are dozens of sea tours that will take you scuba diving, snorkeling, dolphin watching or para-sailing. The concierge at your hotel can likely provide you with recommendations and discounts. For land-lovers who want more than sunbathing, hiking to the crest of Diamond Head is challenging but rewarding. History buffs will enjoy a day at the Arizona Memorial, the site where the USS Arizona and more than 1100 of its crew are entombed commemorating their sacrifice on the day Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese. The Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum offer cultural insights in to the Hawaiian Monarchy and how Hawaii became a state. End your cultural experience with one of the many luau dinner shows around the island.
Beaches
Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous postcard beaches in the world with Diamond Head completing the background landscape. Waikiki Beach is beloved for its wide sandy shore---shipped in from California in 1973---and moderate wave action making it ideal for families playing in the surf, basking in the sun or taking surfing lessons. For serious waves, the North Shore's Pipeline has 20 foot monster waves during the winter, but is relatively flat during the summer. You can explore the coves of Ko'Olina, three man-made coves with wave protection on the southwest shore of Oahu. This is a public beach but accessed through the JW Ihilani Resort, keeping it a quiet spot for locals and tourists.
Tags: Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, North Shore, activities that, more than, North Shore Pipeline, Shore Pipeline