LOCATION: OUTRIGGER WAIKIKI
Oahu, the most populous island, provides unique diversity not found on the other islands and is often referred to as “The Gathering Place.” For years we’ve recommended visiting Oahu first before heading off to other islands. It may not end up being your favorite island, but when considering the breadth of things you can do and see, it truly stands alone. No other island provides visitors such contrasting settings that will pique the interest of everyone in your vacationing party. Consider these: a modern cosmopolitan big city like Honolulu poles apart from nearby quaint fishing towns; a dynamic activity-filled beach area like Waikiki in sharp dissimilarity to many other quiet, secluded beaches around the island; the diverse fusion of Eastern and Western cultures; the native Hawaiian traditions surviving comfortably with our American heritage; and the ultimate contrast- bountiful, natural, pristine beauty within minutes of horrific memory-filled World War ll sites.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO: Naturally, on all the islands there are many similar things to see and do, such as a multitude of water activities, golf courses, botanical gardens, and air and boat adventures to name a few. But for this article, we want to concentrate on those things that are really unique to Oahu. Let’s start with touring Iolani Palace, the largest, most ornate and one of only two legitimate royal palaces on American soil. (The other much smaller palace is on the Big Island). The original Hawaiian monarchs were considered royalty by all reigning sovereigns of the world and were invited to most other nations’ regal gatherings throughout the globe for many years until the monarchy ended (iolanipalace.com). Attend a free weekly concert by the incredible Royal Hawaiian Band on the grounds of the palace, weather permitting. This great band has been playing concerts continuously since 1836, is America’s oldest concert band and only fulltime municipal band in the U.S. The concert we attended was first-rate
VALLEY LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2013
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