Beaches, golf, surfing, shrimp trucks and shave ice are a few of Oahu’s most popular sights and activities for first-time visitors. Sometimes overlooked, due to an understandable need to spend most of the time at the beach, the museums on Oahu are worth exploring.
USS Arizona Memorial – Notice the sunken ship below?
Significant to American history, Pearl Harbor is a National Historical Landmark that includes a collection of sites featuring the USS Missouri, Pacific Aviation Museum, USS Bowfin Submarine and the USS Arizona Memorial. Pearl Harbor was named for the pearls at the largest harbor of the Hawaiian islands, once called Wai Nomi, which means pearl water. The architecture and the harbor views offer an experience unlike a museum filled with ornate frames of masterpiece works of art.
Queen Emma Summer Palace is listed on the National Historic Registry and was a fine retreat for Queen Emma and her family. While it might be hard to imagine royalty in the United States, it was a heralded in Hawaii during that time of lavish living that you’ll have an opportunity to glimpse. See the pieces of the past at the palace and take in the staggering views on the trip there, with a stop along the way at Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Queen Emma Summer Palace is also a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.
Oahu vacation rentals we Recommend:
Wailupe Oceanfront Villa
Wailupe Oceanfront Villa in Aina Haina is a vacation rental with views throughout the home so if you want to wake up to images of the mountains, sea, a garden or the pool, this home fulfills. A spacious lanai, plenty of shaded areas, a fully equipped kitchen and enough space for 10 guests, this villa is your own retreat before venturing the island for culture and more scenery.
Hale Maluhia at Lanikai Beach
A grand cottage with a light, airy ambiance greets guests at Hale Maluhia at Lanikai Beach. Open spaces, with plenty of places to lounge and retreat after a full day at the beach, soaking up sun or at a museum soaking up culture. Garden, ocean, pool and mountain views are part of the scenery of this vacation rental on Oahu’s Windward Side. Take the short one minute stroll to the beach and enjoy other nearby activities.
Bay Front Kohola Hale Estate
An estate that is a retreat to make you feel like royalty, Bay Front Kohola Hale Estate is a grand vacation rental for 20, with three individual units linked for just enough togetherness and privacy. Ocean views, a Jacuzzi and plenty of places to entertain indoors and outside, the home is ideal for exploring nearby and throughout the island. Children and adults will find fascination in the old Hawaiian Fish Pond and other spots in Kaneohe.