Beach houses in Oahu

Hawaii’s magical island of Oahu is a tropical destination on many travelers’ bucket lists. And for good reason. Travelers will find awesome adventures to write about in their travel journals with photos of incredible scenery and cultural activities to go with it. Some of the vistas include dormant volcanos and jagged mountains so amazing, they were featured in Jurassic Park! On the cultural side, you’ll be able to wander through palace grounds, witness authentic Hawaiian dance, and experience the Hawaiian Island lifestyle. So, book your tickets and find out why Hawaii is among the most beautiful tropical paradises on Earth!

Oahu is home to amazing world-renowned beaches along the cobalt blue ocean and abundant tropical flowers. Stay in lovely beach houses ranging from luxurious, upscale accommodations loaded with amenities or a more laid-back mid-range beach house with mountain views but still close to the action. These beach houses feature terraces, swimming pools, kitchen and some have a yard perfect for families with pets. Why not indulge in a beach house with a sauna, hot tub and huge outdoor and indoor seating area for your large group? These oceanfront rentals make it possible for any traveler to get the most out of their trip.

Oahu is known for its tropical paradise features and Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden stands up to that reputation. In this lush tranquil setting, there are mountains and exotic plants from tropical countries like the Philippines and Sri Lanka offering epic photo ops for your collection. Byodo-in Temple is nestled at the base of the Ko'olau Mountains in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park which is famous for its breathtaking Japanese temples surrounded by waterfalls, koi ponds, wild peacocks, and rich gardens. Several movies and series used the park for its background including Magnum P.I. and Lost!

Although Hawaii is famous for surfing, there are plenty of other exhilarating experiences that can be had. For instance, kayaking to the Moke islands, especially Moku Nui, is a very special experience. You can rent equipment from Kailua beach and head out for your two-hour round-trip journey to enjoy the Queen’s pool and hiking around the island. If you snorkel, you’ll likely find monk seals and sea turtles. Be brave and take to the skies with the Pacific Skydiving Center. They offer a variety of world-class skydiving tours that will have you free-falling while surrounded by jaw-droppingly gorgeous scenery. And that’s just the beginning!

Hawaii is a beach hoppers paradise. Lanikai beach means heavenly ocean in Hawaiian. It is ranked number one in the world and definitely worth the visit. Halona Beach Cove or hidden beach is famous for its blowhole where waves rush into its lava tubes and get blown 20 feet into the air, creating a dramatic show. Pirates of the Caribbean 4 was filmed here so it may look familiar. Take a tour with Living Ocean to snorkel Turtle Canyon and swim with the majestic hawksbill and green sea turtles for a life-changing experience. Or paddleboard into the sunset from Waikiki for an awesome adventure.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a full day event incorporating interactive experiences from the six Polynesian villages including, Samoa, Fiji, Hawaii, Tahiti, Tonga, and Aotearoa. You’ll be amazed by the unique culture of each village. The final fire dance is preceded by a buffet dinner from each country’s specialties. This is a must-do in Oahu.

Diamond Head’s last eruption is calculated to have been 150,000 years ago! So, enjoy a hike around this extinct volcano’s rim and photograph one of Hawaii’s most iconic natural landmarks!

Hanauma Bay is a beautiful vista that’s been popular since the 1800s for its abundance of fish and natural beauty. It was also one of the favorite hangouts of Hawaiian Royalty. These days it’s a snorkeling paradise with 400 species of tropical fish in the coral reefs. Recently a nature preserve was established to protect turtles and the reef.

Iolani Palace, built in 1882, was uniquely designed in what’s known as the American Florentine style. It was the residence of the last monarchs before the Safety Committee overthrew the kingdom in 1893. The restored palace museum displays many original furnishings and personal memorabilia of the monarchs.

Kualoa Regional Park features 4000 acres of possibilities and 10 adventure tours including zip-lining, and ATV rides. One of the popular tours you can take is the movie sets which includes, Jurassic Park, Lost TV series, and more. No matter what you choose, you’ll have the time of your life!

Experience an Alii Luau with the traditional Lei greeting, dinner and a dramatic Polynesian show. Another authentic Hawaiian delight to try is the recently in-vogue poke bowl, which will give your taste buds a flavor explosion called umami, meaning the ultimate flavor combos. Start with a rice base with raw tuna or salmon with diced veggies and awesome sauces!

Take to the trails with three popular hikes on Oahu starting with the magnificent Makapu Lighthouse with its red contrasting roof against the blue sea. Then continue down to the Makapu Tide Pools. Manoa Falls is another excellent hike where you’ll be rewarded with views of 150-foot falls. However, swimming in the falls is not recommended!