Visitors Guide To Oahu

Many millions of visitors each year land at Honolulu International Airport expecting a holiday of a lifetime on these islands. Soon upon arrival, visitors crowd the cabs or buses sent to them by the hotel, and start their journey through the hub of mid town Honolulu and reach their reserved accommodation at a Waikiki hotel. The allure of Waikiki is immediate - the packed streets, sounds of the beach, and exotic histories call to the traveler who soon hits the streets. This area is so full of things to do that many visitors never discover any other part of the island, contained as they are within Waikiki's imaginary confines. Approximately 6 million of these visitors miss the very sites that locals find so endearing, remaining within the two square miles of Waikiki.

If you would prefer to see Oahu through the eyes of it's local population then you need to continue reading this article.

Magic Island Beach Park – If you reach Ala Moana Shopping Center, this much loved park is situated across the street, on the west of Waikiki. It may sound like a theme park but in actual fact it has two beaches, areas to run and play sports like tennis and much more. A leisurely stroll around the park would bring you closer to the essence of Hawaiian culture – where a large family with all the members spends a lively day together amidst delicious food and lots of sun. Since the beaches are comparatively empty, to get the maximum of your holiday, simply organize a barbecue and move on to the beaches of Magic Island.

The Contemporary Museum Honolulu – This is situated on a ridge at Makiki Heights Drive and when you drive up to the destination along the ridge the magnificent view of Oahu could be breathtaking, which unfortunately most visitors never get to see. The changing exhibits in this small museum spread across its 5 galleries could be an enthralling experience, and after this you could walk into gardens full of sculptures. 5 acres and offer visitors unparalleled views of Honolulu.

Leong's Cafe - Many visitors look to a lu'au for more than entertainment especially when they are after some great Hawaiian food. Leong's Cafe (along North king Street) can offer this type of experience and is a fantastic place to go if you want to experience the true taste of Hawaiian food. As a favorite for plate lunches, kalua pig, lu'au stew, lomi lomi, and more, locals have been visiting this cafe for over 50 years!

Champion Malasadas - Hawaii has a local dish called Malasadas which have become so entrenched in the everyday lives of Hawaiins that they renamed Fat Tuesday and called it Malasadas Day. The bakery that goes by the name 'Champion Malasadas' can be found along South Berertania Street, it is the most famous throughout the island. Anyone that enjoys donuts will like these (even though they do not have a hole) and they come with a variety of fillings or if you prefer, you can eat them without any type of filling.

Honolulu Chinatown - Step back in time and visit a small piece of China, it's quite magical. Chinatown has them all – dim sum, fresh produce, handmade leis or the ultra modern lounges. The things, which you get in these shops and streets, are impossible to get in any American grocer back home. Guided walking tours are available for this historic district, but often the best way is to simply meander through the streets, stopping whenever your interest has been piqued.

The best way to experience Oahu is to allocate enough time to see outside Waikiki for that is the way locals see it. Explore all or some of the points of interest as mentioned above and you would know why Hawaii is called a paradise on earth.

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