Goodbye Britain. Aloha hawaii
From the sparkly clear waters of Kailua Beach to the metropolitan cityscapes of Honolulu, variety is hawaii's middle name. Catch some rays on the beautiful beaches, hit the shops, or take a hike on one of the many Oahu trails. Time to get that hawaiian shirt out the wardrobe.
Beaches
If hawaii is the land of variety, Oahu's beaches are no exception. Whether you're looking for adventure on the waves, seductive sunsets, amazing marine life or a protected, family friendly swimming spot, Oahu's 112 miles of coastline will not disappoint. Amongst them are Kailua Beach, known for its windsurfing, sailboarding, kayaking and canoeing, which make it a popular spot for families. Kawela Bay is the destination for snorkelers, where, if your lucky, you might glimpse a hawaiian green sea turtle or Honu, as they are known locally. Serious surfers should head to Sunset Beach, with its two mile sandy shore, one of the longest ridable surf spots in the world and a venue for the Triple Crown of Surfing.
Cities and towns
Honolulu is the state capital. With its dramatic cityscape set against sparkling blue waters, it's a must for any visitor to Oahu. Head to the Aloha Tower in the harbour, for amazing views across the city skyline, and try not to hum the hawaii 5-O theme tune when you look out - we bet you can't.
If you head to the exclusive Honolulu district of Kahala, you can walk amongst some of the biggest, most beautiful and expensive mansions on the island. With it's quieter beaches, prestigious shop and gourmet restaurants, it's a favourite with celebrities and business moguls.
If you're looking for somewhere smaller and quieter than the state capital, try Kahuku. A small town on Oahu's northeastern coast, famous for its shrimp farms. Here you'll find trucks parked along the main street, selling delicious fresh shrimp, with a range of irresistible seasonings.
Hiking
Panoramic ocean views and lush mountain scenery make Oahu ideal for hiking. There are a number of stunning trails throughout the island, and one of the most popular ones leads up the slopes to Diamond Head or Leahi, as it's known to hawaiians. At the summit, the path opens up to reveal stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu.
Shopping
From authentic hawaiian crafts and local surf shops to stylish fashion boutiques and designer outlets, Oahu is a shopper's paradise. Add to that the world's largest open-air shopping centre, The Ala Moana Center, near the town of Waikiki, and you shouldn't have any trouble getting hold of that perfect holiday souvenir.