Oahu, the sun and fun capital of Hawaii is a surreal, idyllic uber-tourism island with oodles of free or low-cost family activities, writes Paul Rush.
Mahalo and welcome to the blissful, bold and brash Aloha State. I can't imagine a more exciting family holiday destination than Hawaii. The main island of Oahu is a sequestered Eden, brimming with bougainvillea, lush vegetation, pristine beaches, a warm blue ocean, fireball sunsets and mai tai cocktails.
Travelling to Hawaii has never been easier with regular nine-hour, non-stop flights from Auckland to Honolulu with Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines.
Arriving in Honolulu to a warm welcome and a floral lei, you cannot help but be awed by the simple beauty of the island of Oahu and the friendly aloha spirit of the people.
The island is a tantalising blend of exquisite natural wonders and worldly pleasures, like these 10 iconic attractions that are either free or gentle on the purse strings. As the locals say, you can ``hang loose'' and enjoy lots of hula for much less moolah.
Waikiki Beach
Hawaiians like to say that this is the best beach in the world. It's no idle boast when you sit on the perfectly smooth golden sand and watch people splashing about in clear, warm water, which rolls in on nice uniform waves that sweep up the beach to a backdrop of magnificent high-rise hotels.
In the balmy evenings, the beach takes on a different character: music fills the air, illuminations create dancing shadows on the sand, hotel guests sip mai tais on a terrace, lit up with flaming torches, experiencing the smell of char-grilled seafood and lovers walk hand-in-hand on a palm-fringed beach under the flamingo-pink palace known as the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
Ala Moana Centre
This ``must visit'' open-air shopping centre is one of the largest in the world. It's the favourite shopping haunt of locals and tourists and the ideal place to let teenagers loose. Some 300 shops offer entertainment throughout the year on a large central stage. Regular Ala Moana shuttle buses operate to and from popular tourist areas to make this the perfect shop and flop holiday venue.
Honolulu Zoo
Stroll along Waikiki's Kalakaua Ave to Kapiolani Park and this beautifully laid out municipal zoo with its lush vegetation and attractive flamingo pool. Seek out some of the rare animals, such as the Hawaiian nene goose, Galapagos turtles, Komodo dragons and cute Francois monkeys in their enclosures. Children love to stroke the llamas in the petting zoo.
Chinatown
To enjoy a little mystery and excitement amidst a colourful melting pot of Southeast Asian cultures, head to downtown Honolulu. This upscale, Asian-inspired arts district is a sensory experience where you can get lost in the strange sights, sounds and smells in open-air markets and savour global treats such as yummy dim sum and scrumptious sushi. View shrines and art exhibits, consult a herbalist or feng shui expert, watch a dragon procession and visit a noodle factory or a Buddhist temple.
Iolani Palace
Take a guided tour back to the 1880s when King Kalakaua reigned in this stately American Florentine-style palace. The strikingly ornate official home of Hawaii's monarchs is the only royal residence in the United States. Historic Honolulu also includes the State Capitol, State Art Museum, Mission Houses Museum and King Kamehameha Statue.
Waikiki Aquarium
Walk a few blocks southeast of Waikiki Beach and you'll be able to meet around 500 different aquatic species that live in the bountiful seas around the Hawaiian archipelago. They run interesting guided tours to introduce curiosities such as the Hawaiian triggerfish and the chambered nautilus. Sharks in myriad forms make their presence felt and the cute monk seals and sea turtles are super cool.
Diamond Head
Waikiki's postcard-perfect backdrop is a sharp-edged extinct volcano. The one-hour walk to the summit of this ancient volcanic crater is a highlight of a Honolulu holiday. The moderate grade trail begins inside the crater and climbs steeply at times passing through tunnels. The reward for the climb is a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. This is a true outdoor adventure so footwear, bottled water, sun cream and a torch are recommended.
Hanauma Bay
The first glimpse of this glorious horseshoe-shaped bay with its stunning, clear turquoise waters leaves most visitors utterly spellbound. It's the ultimate natural marine sanctuary with myriad species of rainbow-coloured tropical fish, seemingly unafraid of humankind. The waist-deep water is ideal for novice snorkellers and the fish are bold enough to kiss your face mask.
Pearl Harbour
Take a short drive up the Nimitz Highway past the airport and on to Highway 99 to reach the bustling metropolis of Pearl City and the famous USS Arizona memorial to the sailors that perished on December 7, 1941. The deck of the once mighty warship is visible 2m below the surface. Nearby is the impressive battleship Missouri Memorial, the USS Bowfin submarine, the Pacific Aviation Museum and the National Memorial Cemetery.
Circle Island Drive
For a truly memorable big-day out drive, circle Oahu Island on an anti-clockwise loop. Start at Waikiki and take in Diamond Head, Koko Head, Hanauma Bay and Makapuu Beach, then follow the coast to Kailua. From there a short side trip leads to the magnificent green, scalloped cliffs of Pali Lookout.
Continue to the Polynesian Cultural Centre and Kahuku, where you can enjoy the local delicacy (shrimp), before rounding the corner to the famous Sunset Beach surfing venue and beautiful Waimea Falls.
Getting there and around
•There are daily services from Auckland to Honolulu with local carrier connections to Maui, Kauai and Hawaii islands. Honolulu is 22 hours behind New Zealand.
•The bus is $2.50 per trip or $60 for a monthly pass available in ABC stores. The Waikiki Trolley can be booked online at $23 for a one-day pass or $59 for a four-day pass.
•Hanauma Bay is the best beach for viewing sea turtles and parrot fish. The North Shore is the place to view big swells and a lively surf scene. Lanikai Beach is for sunbathing and Kailua for windsurfing.
- Paul Rush travelled to Oahu courtesy of the Hawaii Tourist Authority.
