Known as "The Gathering Place," Oahu is both the most popular and the most populated of the Hawaiian islands. This distinction is due in great part to Honolulu, the business, cultural and political center of the islands, where more than 80 percent of Hawaii's people live. Home to luxurious hotels, restaurants and shops , Oahu is blessed by a near perfect climate and offers alot of things to see and do. . .Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay to name a few. From the buzz of vibrant Honolulu and world-famous Waikiki Beach to the tranquility of the North Shore, Oahu has all the ingredients for an unforgettable experience.

ALOHA TOWER-Hololulu's familiar landmark is open to visitors and offers an excellent view of the harbor area.

AQUARIUM-on Kalakaua Avenue across from Kapiolani Park at Waikiki, the Aquarium contains a world famous collection of brilliantly colored tropical fish.

BEACHES-beautiful beaches, wherever you go, for swimming, surfing, fishing, or a picnic.

BISHOP MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM-at 1525 Bernice Street, the museum houses thw orld's foremost collection of Hawaiiana and Polynesian antiquities.

BLOW HOLE-near Koko Head, playful Mother Nature forces the mighty sea through a tiny hole in a lava ledge and blows miniature geysers high into the air.

BYODO-IN TEMPLE-Japan's 900 year old architectural treasure is duplicated in exact detail at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, beaneath the majestic cliffs of the Koolau mountains. The beautiful Oriental garden setting also has a carp pool, massive nine foot Buddha statue, and tea house.

CASTLE PARK-Hawaii's first theme park, this fanous entertainment center is adjacent to Aloha Stadium.

CHINATOWN-unlike the chinatowns in other American cities, this section of downtown Honolulu is an exciting blend of shops, restaurants and markets displaying not only Chinese goods but wares and foods typical of the countries of origin of Hawaii's early day immigrants.

DIAMOND HEAD-this world renowned landmark bounds Waikiki Beach on the south. An extinct volcano, it is said to have once been home to Pele, the Fire Goddess.

FOSTER BOTANIC GARDEN-remarkable botanic displays including photogenic orchid section, in a 20 acre setting in downtown Honolulu.

HAWAII MARITIME CENTER-includes Aloha Tower plus the square rigged Falls of Clyde and the Hokule'a Polynesian sailing canoe.

IOLANI PALACE-only throne room under the American flag, where Hawaii's last two monarchs lived and ruled. Completed in 1882, the building has been entirely renovated, displaying a magnificent interior.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOLLS-established by a member of Hawaii's royal family for boys and girls of Hawaiian ancestry.

KANEANA CAVE-near Makau just before the end of Farrington Highway, Kaneana, the sharkman deity, is supposed to have made his home in this cave which is volcanic and coral in formation.

KAWAIAHAO CHURCH-dedicated in 1842, the "Westminster Abbey" of Hawaii offers Sunday services in Hawaiian and English.

KEWALO BASIN-sampans and other fishing boats moor in this small boat harbor which is also the departure point for Pearl Harbor cruises.

MISSION HOUSES-the oldest existing buildings erected by the first missionary contingent to Honolulu are in the civic center area, which is also the locale of many other historic sites.

MORMON TEMPLE-built in beautiful Laie in 1920, it is the first Mormon Temple to be constructed out of Salt Lake City.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEMETERY OF THE PACIFIC-Punchbowl of Puowaina, literally translated "Hill of Sacrifice" is the final resting palce of thousands of World War ll, Korean and Vietnam war veterans. Open 7 days a week, it overlooks the vast expanse of Pearl Harbor, Honolulu and Waikiki.

NUUANU PALI-Oahu's scenic masterpeice, at the head of Nuuanu Valley, is where Kamehameha the Great defeated the Oahuans in a bloody battle in 1795, by forcing thousands of warriors over the precipice, to meet death on the jagged rocks below, thus adding Oahu to his realm.

OLD SUGAR MILL-near Kaaawa are the stone ruins of the first sugar mill on Oahu erected in 1864.

PARADISE PARK-situated in Manoa Valley, the park is and extensive tropical exhibit set amidst ethnic gardens depicting Hawaii's golden people. Hundreds of tropical birds inhabit the park, which features an entertaining demonstration of trained birds. Strool along trails through bamboo forests, hau jungle growth , mountain streams and waterfalls.

PEARL HARBOR-the USS Arizona Memorial above the sunken battleship, is a tribute to American fighting men killed during the attack on December 7, 1941. The USS Bowfin, a restored Wolrd War ll submarine, is on exhibit next to the Arizona Memorial ground facility.

POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER AT LAIE-located on the north shore of Oahu, the center is made up of native villages representative of those in Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand, Tahiti, Samoa. Marquesas, and Hawaii.

QUEEN EMMA SUMMER PALACE -a charming home, located in Nuuanu Valley, the former summer palace has been restored to its original appearance and houses a fine collection of Hawaiiana.

ROYAL MAUSOLEUM-resting palce of Hawaii's former rulers, with well informed guide custodian.

SACRED FALLS-off the highway near Hauula is this clear stream leaping out of sheer cliffs to the cool pool below. Lower falls drop over an 87 foot cliff.

SEA LIFE PARK-located at Makapuu Point, Sea Life Park features an outstanding display of Hawaii's exotic marine life in a truly beautiful oceanside setting. he 300,000 gallon Hawaiian Reef Tank is one of America's finest aquariums, housing 2,000 island specimens: sharks, rays, moray eels, turtles and exotic reef fish. Giant whales, dolphins, sea lions, penguins and a variety of sea birds can also be enjoyed.

WAIMEA BAY-between Haleiwa and Kahuku, the beach is fine for picnicking but the bay is dangerous for swimming when surf is 6 feet or more.

WAIMEA FALLS PARK-this narrow canyon extending into the Koolau mountains was once a heavily populated Hawaiian village. Today, the 1,800 acre site between Haleiwa and Kahuku, is a dwelling for Nature's lovely, unspoiled environment of tropical plantlife, birds, hiking trails and a truly beautiful waterfall.