Where to go in Oahu?

Oahu offers lots of opportunities for fun and relaxation. Here are a few ideas:

Island Overview
Some fun facts, some tips on where to stay, and some advice on how to tackle Oahu's sights and attractions.

Oahu's Top Beaches
We visited them all and we picked the best.

Pearl Harbor / The USS Arizona Memorial
Over 1,000 servicemen are still entombed in this World War II memorial.

Diamond Head
This World War II lookout post offers sweeping views of Waikiki Beach and Oahu.

Dole Pineapple Pavillion
Basically a big gift shop, but it has a few nice touches.

Hanauma Bay: Oahu's Top Snorkeling Spot
This underwater nature preserve has crystal clear water and millions of tropical fish.

The Bishop Museum
A one-of-a-kind museum focused on Hawaiian culture and history.

The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
Learn about life on a submarine while touring this fully restored U.S. Navy sub.

Hidden Treasure: Hawaii's Fabulous Zoos
Go to the zoo in Hawaii? You bet!

Hawaii's Best Golf Courses
Some of Hawaii's best golf courses are right here on Oahu.

Sources: http://www.theinsider.com/Aloha/Oahu/oahu.htm

Speaking Hawaiian

People in Hawaii really do say "Aloha" and other Hawaiian terms on a regular basis (this isn’t a gimmick done just for the tourists). Here is some basic Hawaiian and not-so-Hawaiian vocabulary you will need to know in order to get by in Hawaii. Aloha!

Must Haves
Some key words you must know before you get to Hawaii:

Aloha (pronounced: uh-LOW-hah) – used in place of hello and goodbye. Also the dominant philosophy of the islands, roughly translating to love -- of self, of others, of celebration, and of the natural wonders that Hawaii offers.

Kane (KAHNN-ee) – a man

Lanai (luh-NIE-ee) -- name of one of the Hawaiian islands. Also is the Hawaiian term for what main-landers would call a balcony. Most hotel rooms in Hawaii have lanais.

Lei (LAY) -- A necklace made of fragrant flowers strung together. Traditionally used to say hello, goodbye, thanks, or to celebrate nearly anything.

Luau (lew-OW) A Hawaiian feast. Typically held on the beach. Not to be confused with a lua (a toilet).

Mahalo – (muh-HAH-low) Thank you.

The Big Island – Nickname given to the Island of Hawaii in order to distinguish it from the rest of the Hawaiian chain.

Wahine (Wah HEE Nee) – a woman.

Windward Side– The side of each island that bears the full brunt of the southwesterly trade winds that bring in rain and other stormy weather. The windward sides are generally the eastern and northern portions of each island. These sides get considerably more rain than the leeward sides, which are sheltered from the rain by the mountains on each island.

Leeward Side – The side of each island that is sheltered from the southwesterly trade winds. The leeward part of each island receives much less rain than the windward side of the island. Most of the major resorts are on the leeward sides of their respective islands.

Good To Know
Some bonus words that may come in handy:

Alii (ah-LEE-EE) - Hawaiian royalty

Hang Loose – A surfing term encouraging surfers to be relaxed, and not nervous or stiff. In much the same way that hanging loose will allow for a better surfing ride, Hawaiians believe that hanging loose in life in general will allow for a more enjoyable ride through life. Take note of the universal hand signal that means "hang loose."

Haole (HOW- lee) – white foreigner or outsider. Not necessarily a derogatory term; originated when white sailors first began to visit the Hawaiian islands (synonym: Caucasian).

Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (too difficult to pronounce)– the state fish and the topic of several popular Hawaiian songs

Kahuna (kuh-HOO-nah) – A Hawaiian priest and wise man knowledgeable about many things. Today, the term is often used to refer to an individual equally skilled in the fine arts of heavy partying (i.e. "The Big Kahuna").

Makai (mah-KIE) – toward the ocean

Mauka (MOW-kuh) -- toward the mountains (i.e drive Mauka, make a left, etc.).

Poi (POY) – a purple-ish paste made from the taro root. A staple of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Definitely an acquired taste.

Source: http://www.theinsider.com/Aloha/TipsandIdeas/glossary.htm