Discover the 10 must see places when taking a tour of Oahu, also known as “The Gathering Place”. Included in this lense are links to important information, maps, photos and other fun things to see and do while you are on Oahu.

Waikiki Beach is probably the best known beach in the world, and definitely the most popular beach in Hawaii. Waikiki was the favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century. At the time, Waikiki, which literally means “spouting waters”, was once an area of wetlands fed by streams from the valleys above Honolulu. This changed in the 1920s when the government built what would become the Ala Wai Canal, which drained the wetlands and paved the way for later development.While on Waikiki Beach you can also see Diamond Head towering above you. This is a great landmark if you are ever lost on the island, but you can also climb to the top for a great view of Waikiki and Honolulu below.

Pearl Harbor was a U.S. naval base attacked by the Japanese navy on December 7, 1941, which became known as a “Date which will live in infamy” when then US President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation with the news. The attack sank 4 US Naval battleships, most notably the USS Arizona which is where the Pearl Harbor memorial now resides.Today there are many ways to remember one of the most historic days in US and World history by taking Pearl Harbor Tours.

Originally operated as a fruit stand in the 1950’s the Dole Plantation is now one of the most visited attractions during Hawaii Tours. The Pineapple maze at Dole Plantation is home to the World’s largest maze, which winds through the Pineapple fields.Many Hawaii Tours will take you to this interesting and amazing place.

The North Shore of Oahu is one of the most famous surfing destinationsin the World, particularly in the winter which is when you will see some of the largest waves in the World. A short drive from Honolulu (Town), the North Shore is considered “The Country” by Oahu locals. The North Shore of Oahu is also where the Triple Crown of Surfing is held, where 3 Professional Surfing events take place during a six week stretch in the winter.Cool Oahu Circle Island Tour Map

Located in the Northeast corner of Oahu, Laie Point offers spectacular views of rock formations, mountains, and beaches. Only the most comprehensive Oahu Tours will stop at this location, it is a little off the beaten path and a difficult road to navigate, but well worth the effort. The coolest rock formation at Laie Point is an arch that was created by a tsunami wave that struck the island in 1960.Check out some more pictures of Laie Point Oahu

Chinaman’s Hat Island Oahu (Mokoli’i Island) is a famous island on the Windward side of Oahu in Kane’ohe Bay, due to its distinct shape similar to that of the chapeau straw hat worn by farmers throughout China. You can walk out to Chinaman’s Hat Island on the reef during low tide, but it is best to take a kayak or paddle board. Once on the island you can explore the little beach carved out of the lava, check out a cave, or climb to the peak – about a 20 minute climb.

The Koolau Mountains and Valley might be familiar to you if you have seen the movies Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, Godzilla or the TV show ‘Lost’.This is a great filming location because of the stunning views of lush green mountains, open plain areas, and the beach and ocean below. The Koolau Mountain range is actually the eastern side of the shield volcano that helped form the island of Oahu. If you have the time you can take a tour of the ranch on ATVs.

This Buddhist Temple located on the Windward side of Oahu is a tranquil stop and a must see during a Hawaii Tour. The temple is actually a replica of the Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Japan. There are koi ponds, gardens, a 3 ton brass bell, and a 9 foot lotus Buddha statue inside.

9. Polynesian Cultural Center

Experience the many cultures of Polynesia

End of another great day in Hawaii