"Eating in great restaurants, shopping, going to North Shore for big waves, and walking Waikiki." That's Mary Charles' short list for the perfect pre- or post-meeting stay on Oahu. The CEO of one of Hawaii's largest destination management companies says, "By the time they get there, they're ready to calm down and just enjoy the scenery."
For tour activities, Oahu is more historically significant than any of the other islands. What's most important? The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, and the adjacent USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, where guests explore the innermost workings of a WWII submarine. The Bishop Museum, where Hawaii's rich natural and cultural heritage comes to life in music, dance, and hands-on crafts demonstrations, and the Iolani Palace, built in 1822, as the official residence of Hawaii's last monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, are also recommended. For those who prefer their history up close and personal, there's a "A Journey to Old Waikiki," a walking tour by noted historian Glen Grant.
As a 45-minute underwater journey to depths of 100 feet, viewing sunken ships, airliners and reefs, the Atlantis submarine is one of Waikiki's most popular attractions. On northern Oahu, DMCs suggest the 1,800-acre Waimea Valley and Adventure Park for all-terrain-vehicle and horseback riding, mountain biking, kayak paddle tours, and demonstrations of cliff diving, hula, and crafts.
Soon to arrive is a water park replete with slides, lazy river float, wave pool, and 10 group pavilions--each large enough to accommodate up to 250 people. Opening in May, "The Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park," is located in Kapolei, in West Oahu.
Oahu has more than 30 golf courses--more than any other island. They range from public resorts to private and municipal courses. Among them, the Ala Wai Municipal Golf Course has made it into the Guinness Book of World Records--ranked as world's busiest course! Oahu not only has the busiest course, but also America's most diffiicult--the Koolau Golf Course, with a slope rating of 162.