Oahu's Edge

Oahu's Edge
By Caitlin Moore

If a Hawaiian vacation exists in your future, you won’t go wrong in randomly choosing an island to settle down on for your foray into a fantasyland of beaches, rainforests, and sunsets complemented by the caress of the trade winds and the gentle strum of ukuleles. Savvy travelers admit, however, that there’s something about Oahu that sets it apart from its siblings. Nicknamed “The Gathering Place,” this sumptuous island has enough charms, cultural draws and beauty to give it a slight edge over its temptingly gorgeous neighbors.

The center of Hawaii’s tourist industry, Waikiki, can be found on Oahu’s south shore. This area was a retreat for royalty in the 1800’s and is now the place to be for regular people looking for relief from the stresses of modern life, as well. Well-known beaches, plentiful activities, and historic sites make this a tourist’s mecca, so stop by for a peek if you’ve always wondered what all the fuss was about.

You may also have heard of Ala Moana, a district of Honolulu just next to Waikiki. Vast white sandy beaches and the largest open air shopping area in the world give this region its claim to fame, and a visit here will certainly give you some great photo ops and all the souvenirs you were hoping to bring home for those mainlanders unlucky enough to be left behind. Soak it all in so that you can report back with detailed descriptions; they’ll surely appreciate it.