Called “The Gathering Place” because it once was the meeting place for all of the Hawaiian Islands chiefs, Oahu is now home to three-quarters of the states population. Honolulu is the economic, social and political capital of the state of Hawaii. Waikiki is the world-famous beachfront resort area, attracting millions of visitors a year.

But there is much more to Oahu than just Honolulu and Waikiki. This island was formed by the lava from two long extinct volcanoes. Over the centuries, erosion has sculpted the sides of these volcanoes into a series of palis (cliffs), and created glistening white sand beaches and magnificent bays.

The Windward coast has dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean from Makapu’u Point and quiet beaches. The Leeward shore is home to luxurious resorts and gorgeous beaches. North shore, of course, is the center of the surfing world each winter, but you’ll also find the quaint, historic town of Hale’iwa, with its funky boutiques, surf shacks and charming art galleries. Central Oahu is where you find Pearl Harbor, Aloha Stadium and the Dole Pineapple Plantation.