Oahu brags the reputation of being the most populated island and the third largest in Hawaii, the 50th American state. Surfers from all over the world are dreaming to test their surfing skills at the warm waters of the renowned Waikiki Beach or at the North Shore. History buffs would love to explore the royal quarters of Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor. Local hot donuts, called malasadas, served with shaved ice will bewilder you with their unique taste. If you are up for an outdoor activity follow the hike to Makapuu Lighthouse. Anyone can find so charming and magical here if he choose to spend at least a week at any of the various luxury vacation rentals.
Oahu is the paradise in Hawaii where stunning natural beauty mingles with contemporary luxuries. Dramatic mountain peaks like Nuuanu Pali Lookout are serving as majestic backdrop. The nightlife of Oahu is just staggering, full of promises for unforgettable entertainment, especially around Honolulu. Oahu is exotically extravagant, serving you both natural wonders and full-service urban amenities that would simply make you feel like in heaven.
Oahu undoubtedly deserves the description “The Gathering Place”- it is the home place for the majority of the Hawaii’s diverse population, an eclectic blend of the west and east cultures, fusing the customs and values of the native people. Even the holiday vacation home rentals have the specific charm and spirit of that heavenly spot.
The people are spirited and warmhearted, they will greet you no matter if they know you, everywhere they see you. Thousands of tourists are attracted by the magical spirit of Ohio annually and enjoy their stay in any of the charming vacation home rentals. Oahu is abound with outdoor adventures hiking, surfing, scuba-diving or kayaking, Oahu has it all. Museums and cathedrals will draw the attention of the art lovers. It is, however, the history and the religious beliefs of the natives, soaking in the air, in every street and stone, in very grain of sand that creates this special atmosphere.
In the beginning of the 19th century Christian missionaries influenced greatly the beliefs of the native people. This process probably would not have happened if King Kamehameha II (Liholiho) had not ended the conventional taboo system, called kapu. The rapidly developing Christianity resulted in the building of numerous churches, still evident today; such are: Kawaiahao Church in Honolulu’s downtown, which used to serve as a worship sanctuary for the Hawaiian royalty and kings. With the development of the commerce mainly involving whaling, pineapple and sugar industries, inflow of western settlers reached the lands of the island. In the end of 19th century during the agricultural flourishing new wave of immigrants from China, Korea, Japan, Russis, Portugal, the Philippines and Puerto Rico was attracted to Oahu, who arrived to work in the plantations. Currently, they and their ancestors, were assimilated contributing to the blend of ethnicities forming the present population. The Plantation Village, at Waipahu, will take for a walk across that ancient times. The historic Haleiwa town will add new details to the past history of the region, you can even try the smoke stack of the old Waialua Sugar Mill, if you want to imagine the full picture.
Meant to cater the coming tourist, the Moana Hotel opened doors in 1901 on the Wakiki Beach. Currently, the Westin Moana Surfrider is the oldest, still operating resort within the island. Series of luxury villa rentals and hotels also followed the example of the Moana Hotel- an eloquent evidence that the tourist industry gathered speed.
America was involved into World War II in 1941, December 7 when Pearl Harbour had been attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy. The Japanese aimed at the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy and at Army Air Corps and Marine Air Forces. The bloody act took the life of 2 403 American servicemen and 68 civilians. Almost 200 aircraft and 12 warships had be en destroyed.
Hawaii was officially proclaimed the 50th American stat in 1959. Oahu’s history had a significance impact upon the whole history of the state.
Grace Bailey is a passionate traveler, dreamer and content writer. She enjoys writing about interesting and attractive destinations.
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