AU$101 Oahu accommodation

Oahu is known as ‘the Gathering Place’, and definitely lives up to its reputation! The most heavily populated island in Hawaii (although the third largest), it’s the ideal spot to mix with the locals before venturing to some of the famous secluded spots. The diversity on offer is awe-inspiring: the busy city streets of Honolulu, the clear water and mountain views of the North Shore’s beaches, and famous attractions like Pearl Harbor and the Diamond Head Crater. Book your Oahu hotel with us and say ‘aloha!’ to the perfect starting point for your Hawaii experience.

In 1795, King Kamehameha I conquered Oahu in the famous Battle of Nuuanu, and in 1810, all of Hawaii’s islands were united under one rule. Seven Hawaiian monarchs followed Kamehameha before American colonists took over Hawaii in a coup in 1893. It became part of the U.S in 1898, and a flux of immigration in the late 19th century led to the country’s mix of ethnicities.

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese navy and air force launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to the U.S being involved in the Second World War.

Oahu is the home of Hawaii’s capital: Honolulu. With an amazing blue harbor, clean white beaches and volcanic craters, it’s a city best viewed from a seaplane ride. Just a nine minute drive away is Waikiki, sometimes called ‘the birthplace of modern surfing’ and famous for Waikiki Beach, backed by palm trees and luxury resorts.

Ohau has a beach for you whether you’re chasing big waves or romantic walks. If you’re new to surfing, take a lesson at Waikiki Beach. Visit the North Shore’s beaches for an 11km stretch of white sand with swells that can reach up to 30 feet. You can also visit Sunset Beach and if you’re there in January, you can go and watch the night time Sunset Beach Pro surfing comps where the surfers battle the night time waves in 3D goggles!

One of Hawaii’s most recognisable sights is Diamond Head, an extinct volcano with a 350-acre crater. Take a hiking trip and you’ll climb through a series of stairs and tunnels to the inside of the crater and a lookout with sweeping views of skyscrapers and sea. The track all the way up has been newly renovated so the walk up is now a little easier.

Visit Pearl Harbor to see five historic sites like the U.S.S Arizona Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum, where you’ll learn all about this tragic event from American history. You can also take a tour in one of the old Submarines to see what life was like underwater.

You’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities in Oahu. The Ala Moana Centre is a massive open-air shopping centre with palm trees and other lush greenery, and more than 290 shops and restaurants. The DFS Galleria and the Royal Hawaiian Centre are two other major malls, and there are plenty of boutique shops around – check some out on the Waikiki Beach Walk, eight acres of outdoor shopping fun down Lewers Street.

Hawaii’s food options are in keeping with its multi-cultural theme, with celebrity chefs and haute cuisine, dishes from all over the globe and cafes and fast food for the budget traveller. Ohau is Hawaii’s nightlife centre, and you’ll find live music and stylish nightclubs throughout Honolulu and Waikiki.

Book your Cheap flights to Honolulu with us to grab your flight to Oahu for less. In Oahu, you can hire a car or motorbike, catch the bus or ride around on the Waikiki Trolley. Book your Oahu accommodation with us now and live it up in the volcanic heart of Hawaii.