Island Style
Oahu is really quite an amazing island. On the one hand, you can find an urban sprawl like you might expect to find in any major American city, yet on the other, a relatively short drive will take you to small rural towns and lush tropical hiking trails. All the modern conveniences are there, yet a certain Polynesian charm remains. There are world-class recreational opportunities and outstanding cultural attractions as well.
JUST FOR PARENTS
As the state capital, Honolulu has well-established cultural institutions like the symphony hall and museums. For shopping in Hawaii, Oahu is unsurpassed. Oahu is also home to the main campus of the University of Hawaii, located in the area known as Manoa between Waikiki and the mountains.
Different Strokes
There are some veteran Hawaii vacationers who absolutely love Oahu and will settle for nothing else. They might check into a favorite Waikiki hotel and never leave until it's time to go. Others find the whole place detestable when compared to the relatively low-key ambience of places like Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island. No matter how you might feel about the place, Oahu indeed does have much to offer, but that doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to this island. Even if you're a first-time visitor, take in at least one other island, at least for comparison. You might find out that you love them all for what they each are.
