Oahu Family Vacation

The “Gathering Place” island in the Hawaiian chain, Oahu is home to the capital of Honolulu and claims some of the most well-known surfing spots in the state. Waikiki, adjacent to Honolulu, is a main tourist destination, full of fine dining, designer boutiques and several luxury hotels. Nearby, Diamond Head State Park offers a great day hike up to the volcanic crater. Oahu’s North Shore differs drastically, known for its rugged beauty and world-class surfing at Waimea BayBanzai Pipeline and . In the southeastern part of the island, feed the tropical fish at Hanauma Bay, where green sea turtles swim among the coral reef.

Other Oahu landmarks include Battleship Missouri Memorial and USS Arizona Memorial that are found at the island’s famous historic site, Pearl Harbor.

Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the capital and largest city of the state of Hawaii. It is the government, transportation, and commercial center for the state, and home to its best known tourist destination, Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki Beach is definitely not the place to go for a "get-away-from-it-all" Hawaiian vacation. It is as fast-paced and dynamic, and also a good place to learn to surf. But Honolulu has not entirely lost its laid-back atmosphere and culture. Looking for something closer to nature? Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, a bay formed in the crater of an extinct volcano and filled with a wonderful coral reef and many fish, is a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Or check out the Pali Lookout for a panoramic view of Windward Oahu.

If you’re looking to stay indoors, the Bishop Museum has an excellent collection of Hawaiian artifacts, as well as a number of science-based exhibits. The new Science Adventure Center is centered around vulcanology, with a large simulated volcano in the center that "erupts" regularly. The museum also features a planetarium.

Since 1901, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach, considered the first hotel opened in Waikiki, has offered luxurious accommodations to its guests in a Victorian-style setting by the beach, and is approximately 12 miles from Honolulu International Airport. Local attractions include Diamond Head, approximately two miles away, and Pearl Harbor, located 14 miles from the hotel.Known as the First Lady of Waikiki, this hotel's signature attraction is the Banyan Tree. Planted in 1901, the 150-foot-wide tree provides shade under which lei making and Hawaiian crafts classes are held. Walking tours and the Historical Room detail the hotel's storied past. The hotel features a private beach, and surfing lessons, snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing can all be arranged. The outdoor pool is situated next to the beach, and towels and lounge chairs are provided. Afternoon tea, sandwiches, and finger foods are served daily on the Banyan Veranda, a tradition continued since the hotel's early days. Additional amenities include a kids' program, business center, boutique shops, laundry facilities, dry cleaning services, tour desk, multilingual staff, parking, beauty salon, free coffee, poolside food and beverage services, 24-hour medical services, and beach service. Dining options include the Beachside Cafe, the Snack Bar, the Banyan Grill, and the Beach Bar.Guest rooms feature cable TV, movies on-demand, magazines, newspapers, video games, bath amenities, slippers, bathrobes, hairdryers, high-speed Internet access (for a fee), dataports, alarm clocks, voicemail, outlet adaptors, bottled water, 24-hour room service, refrigerators, safes, work desks, laundry bags, sewing kits, air-conditioning, irons, ironing boards, and shoe shine kits.

This crater of an extinct volcano got its name when Western explorers mistook calcite crystals they found there for diamonds. The historic trail to the 761-foot summit starts inside the crater and is an easy, but steep, 45-minute hike to the top. Stay on the trail, wear appropriate footgear and sunscreen, take along water and bring a flashlight to light your way through the tunnels. Those who reach the summit are rewarded by a spectacular 360-degree view of O'ahu. The tunnel gates close promptly at 6p. Admission: USD1 per person, USD5 per vehicle.

If you've ever been to a Chinatown (New York, San Francisco, etc.) the Chinese Cultural Plaza on O'ahu will be something of a familiar sight. In the heart of Honolulu's Chinatown, this plaza is surrounded by diverse businesses, from restaurants and travel agencies to herbalists and acupuncturists. The plaza itself is situated in the midst of a modern commercial district, surrounded by all sorts of shops. The center of the plaza proudly displays a statue of Asian political figure Sun Yat-Sen.

Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the city's liveliest districts, containing every aspect of a big city within a fifteen block area. During they day, plenty of shop-owners open their doors for tourists and locals to browse at their leisure. When the shopping is done and your appetite is worked up, fill your belly with Dim Sum or go a bit further out to find Korean, Thai, Filipino, and Japanese restaurants waiting to calm your hunger. When the day is done, relax at a bar and have a few drinks with some friends, or go out and see a show. Chinatown theaters present everything from stand-up comedy to vaudeville, musicals, silent films, and plays.

The most elegant restaurant in the colorful Chinatown district, this place features a creative mix of traditional Asian and avant garden European cuisine. On the vast, pricey and impressive menu, diners will find everything from potstickers to pizza and pasta. Dim sum, Asian noodle dishes, wok-charred fish and Mongolian Lamb Chops are among the many choices. The wine list offers vintages from every part of the world. Patrons claim this is one of the best bars in Honolulu thanks to good food, great drinks, and Friday night festivities. This internationally renowned eatery offers a true multi-cultural dining experience. Hawaiian theater performances take place on Friday and Saturday.

Never has a beach been as fabled as Waikiki. Since the 1950s, this beach has been a tourist destination extraordinaire. While much of it has been eroded, trampled by millions of feet, or encroached upon by towering skyscrapers, hints of its original beauty can still be seen in the crashing waves and the warm sand. Come night time, the hipsters strut their clubwear on the beachwalk, and lovers find peaceful little nooks under the cover of sweeping palm trees.

Ono means "delicious" in the Hawaiian language. This restaurant serves authentic, ono Hawaiian food, from jerky-like pipikalua to laulau (ti-leaf wrapped steamed packets filled chunks of pork). Most dishes come as complete combination plates, including a square of haupia (coconut pudding) for dessert. This is not a place for vegetarians, and the drinks are limited to canned sodas. Check out the wall-to-wall autographed photos of celebrity customers. No reservations are accepted.

When the water is calm, this beach is a lovely swimming spot. The tide pools, located in a sheltered spot on the point of the beach, are great for snorkeling during calm days. It should be mentioned that, as with most beaches on the north shore, the surf here gets dangerously high during the wintertime. It also "cranks" sometimes during the summer. If you are not a strong swimmer or avid surfer, definitely check the local surf report before driving to this North Shore park.

When someone hears the name "Waimea", chances are that images of 20-foot waves and daredevil surf monsters come to mind. That stereotype is correct. This beach is ranked among the top ten big-wave surf spots in the world, and when the waves are high, hardcore surfers come from the far corners of the globe to test their mettle. Novices are discouraged from swimming in the wintertime, which is the big-wave season at this beach. During the summer it is usually safe to take a dip, but make sure to consult the lifeguard first.

Located around 28 miles from Honolulu, Hawaiian Ethnic Art Museum is situated in the picturesque Hale'iwa. Visitors are treated to a display of Maui Loa rock image collection and other such ethnic art works. And while you're there, get a taste of aboriginal heritage and culture. Admission is free.

One of Hawaii's top visitor attractions, this tropical 42-acre site showcases seven Polynesian regions: Fiji, Hawai'i, the Marquesas, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga. Visitors enjoy frequent crafts demonstrations, musical performances, games and more. The famous Canoe Pageant reenacts the myths and legends of Polynesia through song and dance, all atop floating canoes. A spectacular show, Horizons, is presented nightly. There's also an IMAX theater. Entertainment packages start at USD54 for adults, USD37 for children ages 5-11. Shuttle bus transportation from Waikiki hotels is available for an extra charge.

This is the final resting place for 34,000 veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as Challenger casualty Ellison Onizuka. Marble walls flanking the monumental staircase list the names of American heroes missing in action. A 30-foot statue of Lady Columbia symbolizes all grieving mothers. There is a sweeping view of Diamond Head to the glistening bays of Pearl Harbor. In ancient times, the crater of the long-dormant volcano served as a site of human sacrifices. Admission is free.

The tragic occurrences and subsequent world-changing events associated with this naval base make it a crucial part of American history and heritage. While the harbor is quite large, the Visitor's Center and Arizona Memorial are the hubs of tourism. Both places are free to enter, and both draw huge crowds. Several tours are available through activity brokers or tour companies. To reach Pearl Harbor from Waikiki Beach, take Nimitz Highway past the airport to Highway 99, and continue past the naval community.

Stand on the deck of this imposing old structure that has been painstakingly cared for and extensively renovated. The "Mighty Mo" is where General Douglas MacArthur proclaimed the end of World War II in September of 1945 in Tokyo Bay. The great vintage battleship now sits at permanent anchor across from the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Admission: USD16 Adults, USD7 Children ages 4-12. Adult admission for guided tours starts at USD22. Visit the Arizona Memorial first to get a sense of the complete story.

On December 7, 1941, the battleship USS Arizona was sunk, taking 1,100 sailors with it. In 1961, a solemn white monument was erected above the midsection of the ship. The deck of the Arizona lies now six feet below the surface of Pearl Harbor and is clearly visible from the monument. Take the shuttle launch from shore to the monument and view the dark shape of a once-great ship with its silent crew. Free guided tours are offered 8am-3pm daily. Visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial afterward.

There is more to breakfast in Hawaii than sliced pineapple and banana bread at your hotel buffet. Eat like the locals without breaking the bank. Grace's Inn has tasty, homemade Hawaiian-style breakfasts for under $5. Try the Corned Beef Hash Loco Moco. For something simpler, get two eggs any way you like it with rice and your choice of favorite pork product—bacon, SPAM, Portuguese sausage, and more. Can't get there before 11 a.m.? For under $8, you can still enjoy plate lunches and daily specials from Chili to Tonkatsu to Spaghetti to Korean-style BBQ for lunch or dinner. -JoAnn Takasaki

Built in 1882 by Hawaii's last king, David Kalakaua, this stately old three-story building is a real treat to tour. After the overthrow of the King's sister Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, the structure served as the territorial and state capitol until 1969. The Palace Galleries showcases jewels and regalia from the days of Hawaiian royalty. Guided tours are offered every 30 minutes and reservations are suggested.

Tucked in the back of lush Manoa Valley is this waterfall, which is commonly thought to be one of the most beautiful sights on O'ahu. It rushes over a precipice and drops 100 feet to the pool below. The briskly cold water makes a refreshing change from the sticky Hawaiian air. The hike to the waterfall takes approximately an hour and is not particularly difficult. The trail can get slippery during the rain, but on sunny days, it's clearly marked and easy to follow.

Tucked away on the third floor of a nondescript office building in the Mo'ili'ili district is one of Honolulu's best restaurants. Celebrity chef Alan Wong marries fresh local ingredients with a solid French cooking foundation and spectacular, towering presentations. Wong likes to describe his cooking as "playful," and each dish has an element of surprise. An extensive wine list—ranging from inexpensive blush wines to rare California estate vintages (Arujo Eisele Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1994, USD325)—complements the menu. Stylish Hawaiian contemporary ambiance is augmented by a mountain view from the glassed-in terrace. Monday through Sunday 5pm onwards.

Hawaii's Plantation Village is a museum that shows the lives of Hawaii's multi-ethnic plantation workers. The outdoor museum shows life in the early 1900s and there are guided tours each hour. There are homes and other buildings you can explore that showcase Hawaii's heritage, such as Asian art and original sculptures. Price of admission is $13 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for children between four and eleven years old and children younger than four can visit for free.

All that is left of the vast Dole plantation is a pictorial display of the pineapple's history and a country store offers fresh pineapples and gifts. In the back, nearly two acres of rich, red earth have been turned into the world's largest maze (recognized by the Guinness Book of Records) with a path 1.7 miles long. It is built from 11,400 tropical plants, including hibiscus and fragrant plumeria; in the center is a garden in the form of a golden pineapple. Maze admission is USD5 for adults and USD3 for children ages 4-12.

Famed for its beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandy beach and clear, calm turquoise waters, this natural marine sanctuary is home to thousands of colorful tropical fish. The waist-deep water inside the reef is perfect for novice snorkelers to explore. More experienced snorkelers might want to check with the lifeguard before venturing beyond to deeper waters to see sea turtles and other marine life. The Bay is least crowded in the early morning or late afternoon. Admission: non-resident adult visitors USD3, free to all others. Parking fee is USD1 per vehicle.

Hiroshi Fukui (master chef), Chuck Furuya (master sommelier) and D.K. Kodama (chef and restaurateur) have come together to create one of Hawaii's, if not the most hippest place to dine at in Oahu. The cuisine is a fusion of Japanese and European to create eclectic dishes that are an experience in themselves. The melt in your mouth crabs, scallop and seafood tapas are specially sought after as are the fusion meat preparations. The wine pairing deserve a mention, with up to 20 wines that one can order by the glass. If you've never tried fusion and didn't know where to start, this would be your best bet.