Island of Oahu, Regions - IndigoGuide Oahu

The Island of Oahu

Like the rest of the Hawaiian archipelago, the island of Oahu is one summit of a chain of submarine volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean, about two thousand miles off the west coast of America. Oahu is known as a "volcanic doublet" because it consists of two separate, but overlapping, volcanoes.

Oahu is shaped like an unsymmetrical butterfly with its wings formed by the Waianae Range in the west and the Ko'olau Range in the east. In between lies the narrow, flat Leilehua Plateau forming the slim body of the butterfly. The only thing keeping the island from being completely symmetrical is the more recent volcanic eruptions along the southeast coastline, forming the craters of Diamond Head, Koko Head and Punchbowl. Geologists claim that more eruptions may be possible, with the last one only about 10 000 years ago.

Oahu Island Explored!

Oahu is Hawaii's third biggest island with an area of 600 square miles. It is dwarfed by the sheer size of the aptly named " Big Island " and yet Oahu is home to roughly three-quarters of the state's population. Almost 900 000 people call Oahu home and half of these live in the narrow strip on the southeast coast, namely Honolulu and Waikiki. This is the financial hub of Oahu and is greatly responsible for keeping Hawaii's economy going. Honolulu and Waikiki have no shortage of tourist attractions. They range from Honolulu's State Capitol, museums and churches to Waikiki's beaches, Diamond Head and many spectacular shops.

Other then these two important cities, Oahu can be divided into five regions. These consist of Central Oahu, the Leeward Coast, Southeast Oahu, Windward Oahu and the North Shore.

Hawaii is considered to be the most militarised state in the country. This is evident in Central Oahu as the region has a very strong military presence. An attraction that shouldn't be missed is Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial that pays tribute to those who gave their lives for their country.

The Leeward Coast is on the western edge of the island known as the Waianae Coast. The towns of Ma'ili, Waianae and Makaha are considered to be the last domains of the local Hawaiians. This area has miraculously escaped mass development thus far.

Southeast Oahu boasts many secluded beaches just past the bulge of Diamond Head. Wander a little further and you will fine the beautiful Hanauma Bay and Koko Head.

Windward Oahu remains relatively uncrowded and offers excellent beaches. The winds in this side of the island are great for sailing and windsurfing. An attraction not to be missed is the Valley of Temples that houses the famous Byodo-In Temple.

North Shore is famous for its waves and magnificent beaches. Surfing is king here and the conditions are perfect for the ultimate waves. Look out for the Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay.
The Island of Oahu is rich in beauty, history and culture and is an extraordinary place to spend a vacation.
Also see information on Hawaii Travel - Big Island Travel - Kauai Travel - Lanai Travel - Maui Travel - Molokai Travel - Hawaii Cruise Guide

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