Introduction: Location Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is one of the 137 Hawaiin islands that make up the state of Hawaii. Oahu, the third biggest island of Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, the city of Honolulu, food, and its rich cultural diversity.

Oahu is known for its year round surfing conditions. Waikiki, famous for its blue water and clean reef break waves entices tourists and locals to surf for hours on end. While the south end of the island provides Waikiki and the city of Honolulu, the North Shore is every surfers dream. Massive winter swells that remain consistent from November through until March have created a surf driven economy. This 5 month period of non stop swells have earned the North Shore its nickname of surfing's "Mecca".

History

The island of Oahu Comes from volcanic origin and occupies an area of 597 square miles. Tahitians first established the settlements of Oahu around 500 CE, but "In 1795 Kamehameha I, king of the island of Hawaii, conquered Oahu and united the Hawaiian Islands." Surfing in Hawaii dates back to the 4th century AD when Polynesians brought many new customs such as Paipo boards. By 1779 surf had become Hawwaiin culture and surfing was one of the things that separated kings from commoners. The city of Honolulu was founded by Kamehameha III in 1850, but in 1905 when the islands of Hawaii were established under US control it was renamed to the city and county of Honolulu.

Weather

The average temperature of oahu is quite high, In the summer time you can expect temperatures of 85° F (29.4° C) and higher, while in winter you can expect temperatures anywhere around 78° (25.6° C). This temperature may not be as high as you thought for the rainbow state but when you take into account the year round humidity of around 65% and the constant rain Oahu remains at quite a comfortable temperature. The rainiest months in Hawaii are usually from November through until March much the same as the winter surf swells. Oahu is fortunate to have never experienced the destruction from a hurricane or tropical storm like other islands. The best time to visit oahu temperature wise would have to be April, May, September and October as it is most comfortable.

Tourism

People from all over the world come and visit the island of oahu which is sometimes known as "the gathering place". If you are trravelling from outside of the U.S you will need to provide customs with a tourist visa. As the Hawaaiin islands largest airport Honolulu International Airport (HNL) provides flights to destinations throughout the world and the U.S. Because of Hawaii's long past of tourism, finding accommodation is not difficult. With many hotels in Honolulu, Disneys Aulani, and plenty of airbnb's accomodation is the least of your worries. Tourist on Oahu come from many different countries including but not limited to China, South Korea, Japan, Canada, and Australia. The average duration for a trip to Oahu is 5 days minimum in order to make the most of your time. Oahu has plenty of beaches and hikes where you will be sure to enjoy your time experiencing culture and nature.

Transport

Like most islands, the only way to get in or out is by Boat or Flight. With an average of 850 flights a day and multiple cruise ships coming in each week, travel to Hawaii is quite accessible. Round-trip flights to Hawaii from the mainland continental U.S can be found anywhere as low as $400USD to around $2,000 USD. This statistic changes with factors such as time of year booking services, and airlines. However, international flights into Oahu's international airport may cost quite a bit more. Now, if airfare is not your preferred way to travel, cruises are another enjoyable alternative. U.S Travel news states that the three best cruise lines that travel to Hawaii are the Celebrity Eclipse, Eurodam, and Emerald princess. When you find yourself on island travel is not so different to anywhere else in the U.S. Cars are easily accessible with multiple well known car rental agencies such as Enterprise and Hertz. If you do not want to rent a car, you can also use Uber and Lyft and public transport to get around. Small and narrow roads with little to no shoulder are pretty common on Oahu and bikes can be quite dangerous. Oahu is quite a small island approximately 597 mi², which makes walking quite an easy and eco friendly option.

Accommodation

With tourism in Hawaii starting in the early 90's it has had its time to grow and accommodate to the needs of its visitors. Across the island it will not be difficult to find a place to stay with many luxurious hotels both new and old. You will find that these hotels do not only accommodate the needs and comforts of adults but children and families as well. If hotels are not your first choice and you are looking for a more private place to stay Oahu's Airbnb may be the way to go. With prices ranging from $50-$1000+ there are plenty of options to go with.

Name
Category
Cost
Amenities
Audience
Stars
Turtle Bay Resort
Resort
$350

Per night
Located on the 7 mile miracle Turtle Bay's resort is full of fun for children and adults. With Oahu's best 18 hole golf course, Pools, spa, gym and restaurants/ bars.
Family

1-6 people

4
The Kahala Hotel And Resort
Resort/ Hotel
$300-$400

Per night
A stay at this luxurious resort which is no stranger to celebrities, Presidents, and Royalties comes with access to gyms, bars, beach, pool, free wifi, and in hotel babysitting.
Family

1-6 people
4
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach
Resort and Spa
$350

Per night
Located in the heart of Waikiki there are plenty of activities to entertain the family. With surfboard rentals, spa, pool, gym, and restaurants.
Family

1-6 people
4
Diamond Head Tiki Estate: Oceanfront & Private Pool

Airbnb
$950

Per night
Every convenience you need for a relaxing holiday in Hawaii is offered at this luxurious property: discreet venue, private outdoor heated pool with patio, 3 airy and high ceiling fan bedrooms, 2 Cal-King beds and 2 Queen-size beds, marble tiled baths, fully stocked kitchen,
Family

1-8 people
NA
Entire cottage hosted by Mark & Cristina
Airbnb
$118

Per night
In Valhalla Paradise Coffee Farm Retreat, a small farm on a 7 1/2 acre tropical valley on the North Shore of Oahu, is this cozy luxury studio cottage. The place is only a few minutes ' drive from the world-famous Waimea, Sharks Cove and Sunset Beach beaches.
Couple

1-3 people
4
Business Professional or Small Family Hideaway

Airbnb
$70

Per night
A stunning attached decorated home. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, complete kitchen, screened lanai living and dining room. A peaceful, soothing area, nestled just seconds from the beach at the foot of the mountains. Public transit, shopping and just 2 miles from local attractions (PCC) and BYU-Hawaii are nearby.
4 people
4

Food and Beverage

As Oahu Is a major destination to people from across the world it's people have learned to cater to all needs. With all types of cuisine and plenty of restaurants finding a spot to eat will not be difficult. Oahu provides multiple options with prices that vary from $-$$$$. When on island you may want to try some of Hawaii's native cuisine, if so Tita's Grill and catering and Ken's fresh fish may be the way to go. Both of these casual dining restaurants have great tasty food with a wide variety of options. If you dont feel like eating these foods plenty more options are available such as Seven brothers and Kahuku farms. Seven brothers is a well loved destination with american cuisine, and Kahuku farms is another great healthy alternative. If you are looking for Fine dining Roy's and La Mer may be two of the best options. WHile both of these restaurants provide unbelievable food they also include live music and full bars. Like many major tourist destinations Oahu has a wide variety of restaurants and food stops that youll be sure to enjoy during your stay.

Name
Category
Cuisine
Meals
Features
Price
Waialua Bakery
Casual
American Healthy
Breakfast, Lunch
Takeout, Indoor seating, Outdoor seating
$
Ken's Fresh Fish
Casual
Seafood, Polynesian, Hawaiian
Lunch, Dinner
Takeout
$
Seven Brother's
Casual
American Fast Food
Lunch, Dinner
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible
$-$$
Tita's Grill And Catering
Quick service
American, Fast Food, Polynesian, Hawaiian, Grill
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free off-street parking, Accepts Credit Cards
$
Banzai Bowls
Quick service
Healthy, Hawaiian
Breakfast
Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Indoor seating
$
Kahuku Farm's Cafe
Quick Service
Cafe
Lunch, Brunch
Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible, Dog Friendly, Gift Cards Available
$-$$
Roy's Beach House

Fine Dining
American, Seafood, Hawaiian
Lunch, Dinner
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront, Beach, Gift Cards Available
$$$$
Cheesecake Factory
Fine Dining
Cafe, Asian, Wine Bar, Italian, American
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music
$$-$$$
La Mer
FIne Dining
French
DInner
Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront
$$$$

Meetings and Conventions

With a great variety of food and accommodation what better place than Hawaii for a company's meeting or convention. Some venues include Hawaii's Golden knot Yacht service which can hold 20-1500 guests. This venue is of the highest quality and is sure to please all attendees. The Hard Rock Cafe in Honolulu is a very unique venue and can hold any amount of people ranging from 2-1500 guests. Another spot that will be sure to please all that attend is Kualoa Ranch which can hold as many people as you want. Kualoa Ranch has endless activities and arich history that will not disappoint. Paki Hale is a Beautiful vennue and can hold all sorts of events. As it is located on Oahu it contains beautiful views and ensures a great time. The Bayer Estate is another beautiful venue and can hold up to 100 people. Located on the water this venue provides a rare experience that will not be found anywhere else. The Moanalua Gradens can hold the desired amount of guests for a great price. Its beauty is unmatched and as it is an outdoor location everyone is sure to enjoy this beautiful venue. The Mccoy Pavilion Is no stranger to corporate events and would be perfect for it. The Nutridge Estate is another very beautiful venue. Established in the 1920's it holds rich culture that cannot be found anywhere else. For a more simplistic corporate event the Moana Grand Ballroom is ready to cater to any need you may have. Last but not least the Cupola Events Theatre is another more modern option. With attention to fine details and a great location this spot is perfect for all events.

Recreation and entertainment

Oahu contains some of the world's most beautiful beaches and most pristine nature. Oahu has been known as one of the best places to not only visit but surf. This knowledge has brought surfers from across the world to visit this island yearly, especially in the winter when the waves are the best. When many people think of a place to visit they envision palm trees, beaches, blue water, and good food Oahu has all of this. With plenty of golf courses, Spas, and beaches there is endless fun for the whole family. Oahu Also contains a large amount of culture, With its largest attraction being the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Water activities:

Surfing
Fishing
Snorkelling
Scuba diving
Swimming with sharks
Natural wonders:

Hanauma Bay
Diamond Head
Sports, Recreation, and Spas:

Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Turtle Bay Golf Resort
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment:

Honolulu Museum of art
Polynesian Cultural Centre

Itinerary

Day One: Sightseeing in Hawaii's capital, Honolulu.

Morning: One of the main reasons people come to Hawaii is to go sightseeing. Drive to Waikiki to see the Duke Kahanamoku statue on the beach. It will be a little crowded, so be prepared. After you see the statue you can go to goofy cafe & dine to get breakfast. It is moderately expensive.
Afternoon: After eating breakfast, go spend the next couple hours at the Honolulu zoo. You can see many popular animals at zoos such as giraffes and rhinos, and you can see many exotic birds, some you may see around the island. For lunch go to Olays Thai Lao cuisine. After lunch you can go back to the zoo or you can go see Iolani Palace, the only Royal Palace left in the United States. For dinner, go to Dukes in Waikiki.
Day Two: Another day on the town

Morning: It's your second day, it's time to go on a hike. One of the most popular hikes on the island is Diamond Head. At the top you can see all of Honolulu. The hike iotself is not too hard.
Afternoon: Get some food at a desired location and spend the rest of the day at Kailua Beach, about 30 mins away from Honolulu. Good parts about Kailua is it is not very crowded during the week, it has a lot of land (30 acres) and you can do a lot of water activities, such as surfing and diving.
Day Three:

For your third day, you have to go to the north shore. Go to Turtle Bay and spend the whole day there. You can swim, surf , snorkel, sit on the beach or go on a hike. There is a lot of land to explore. You can eat at 7 brothers, a burger spot, or Titas grill at the PCC (Polynesian Cultural Center) and could spend some of the day there too.
For Dinner, you can go to Uncle Bo's in Haleiwa. It is a mix between American and Asian cuisine.

Conclusion

Everyone should be able to visit the island of Oahu, it has pristine beaches, beautiful land and a culture like no other. Oahu is home to the filming of Jurassic park and Jumanji and the beautiful landscape you saw in those films was right here on this island. As it is surrounded by beauty it is also home to some of the biggest and most sought after surf, bringing surfers and surf enthusiasts from around the world. As atourist attraction Oahu is one of the best, there is no end to the amount of natural beauty and raw experiences it provides. If you have never been to Hawaii Oahu is where you should start. This subtle and comforting ease into Island life makes you wnat leave all of your worries and worldly endeavours behind as you can experience nature in its most beautiful form. Experiencing the beauty this island has to offer is a must as the time you spend here will never be forgotten.

Swot

Strength

Luxury accommodation and shopping
Unique landscape
Access to beautiful beaches
Direct flights
Aloha culture

Weakness

Aging accommodation and infrastructure
Traffic with heavy amounts of tourism
Increased Airfare
Heavy storms and weather conditions
Oppurtunity

New accommodation and development
Increase in tourists
Development of attractions and activities
Opening of Airbnb's
Threat

Heavy environmental impacts from increasing tourism
Affects the daily life of local people
Jobs are reliable on an economy that is sustained by tourism
Crowded beaches and local attractions

Websites used:

thecrazytourist

tripadvisor