No one should leave Oahu without getting wet — make sure you at least dip your toes in the legendary waters of Waikiki. Possibilities for fun in the water on the island are numerous. Here's a selection.

Hanauma Bay Nature Park 7455 Kalaniana'ole Hwy., Honolulu 396-4229

Hanauma Bay is an immensely popular swimming, snorkeling, scuba, and sunning area, where lifeguards are present. The bay itself is formed from eroded volcanic craters which the ocean has flooded. The water is clear and warm and home to countless colorful fish. The area is formally designated as a nature preserve, so rules are posted.

The park is open every day but Tuesdays from 6 A.M.-6 P.M. The entrance fee is $3 for visitors (free for locals), and there's a $1 parking fee.

Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park 400 Farrington Hwy., Kapolei 674-9283 www.hawaiianwaters.com reservations@hawaiianwaters.com

Hawaii's only water park provides wet family entertainment for those who want a change from the beach. Among other attractions, there is a seven-story water slide, an 800-foot lazy river for floating, and a wave pool.

The price is about $35 for visitors age 12 and over and about $10 cheaper for younger kids. The park opens at 10:30 A.M. every day with hours varying according to the season. It is located 30 minutes west of Waikiki. You can take TheBus #40 from Ala Moana.

Atlantis Submarines 973-9811 www.atlantisadventures.com

A 64- or 48-passenger tourist submarine can take you down to depths of 100 feet to see marine life, sunken ships, and other underwater features. Daily tours depart from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.

Wild Side Specialty Tours 306-7273 www.sailhawaii.com Reservations@sailhawaii.com

Go into the water to view dolphins, turtles, and whales (in season). Based in Wai'anae on the leeward side, this tour operates a 42-foot catamaran that carries from four to fifteen passengers for an up-close experience with the creatures. They have four-hour morning excursions that include breakfast and snorkeling on a reef ($95 per person), and they also offer night sailing to enjoy the stars and lights as well as other activities.

Atlantis Cruises 973-1311 1-800-548-6262 www.navatekcruises.com res@atlantisadventures.com

From late December to mid-April, this company offers hump-back whale-watching lunch cruises from its 140-foot high-tech ship, the Navatek. The cruise company guarantees that you'll see a whale or you get a voucher for another trip. Adults pay $49.99, and it's $29.99 for kids 2–11 years old. The Navatek leaves from Pier 6 at the Aloha Tower Marketplace.

Dolphin Quest Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Honolulu 739-8918 www.dolphinquest.org DQOahu@dolphinquest.org

This organization offers programs that allow guests to actually get into the water with dolphins and learn about these fascinating mammals firsthand. Programs for both adults and children are available. The Kid's Quest for Knowledge program (for ages 5–12) lasts two hours and costs $150. The Adult Dolphin Adventure is an hour long and costs $185, while the half-hour version is $125. It does seem a bit expensive, but many who have been through the experience will tell you that it is a truly profound encounter.

Scuba Diving

Explore the waters of Oahu underwater! Local dive companies will assist both the experienced and the utter novice.

Fishing and Sailing

Sailing and big-game fishing are popular on all the islands, including Oahu. You'll find a number of companies offering game fishing charters and sailing opportunities.