DESTINATIONS
OAHU By Michael W. Sasser
THE GREAT GATHERING SPACE
here's little wonder that Oahu has been known as "The Gathering Place" for longer than even locals remember. The third largest, but today most populated, Hawaiian island is a crossroads for the immense Pacific, a multicultural breeding ground, a way station for everyone from early Asian/Pacific Islanders to Capt. James Cook on his third Pacific expedition, to the U.S. forces housed there in World War II when Pearl Harbor became the focal point of the global conflict.
Oahu is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and the famous beach known as Waikiki. Understand that most attractions and accommodations are packed into these fairly small areas, which means they are prone to crowds, and some sing the praises of more remote parts of Hawaii. But there is a reason that 60-plus percent of visitors end up here: pretty much everything Hawaii has to offer is right here, in easy reach.
"ALOHA IS THE UNCONDITIONAL DESIRE TO PROMOTE THE TRUE GOOD OF OTHER PEOPLE IN A FRIENDLY SPIRIT OUT OF A SENSE OF KINSHIP." - ABRAHAM AKAKA
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PHOTO BY VINCE SOLIVEN. PROVIDED BY HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY
And, oh yes, it also has a reputation for being one of the most scenic places on the planet, which can't help but accentuate its status as "The Gathering Place." When you consider the ideal climate, multitude of diverse attractions and gay friendly culture, the gorgeous reality of Oahu comes even further into focus.