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Island of Oahu (O'ahu)
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About Oahu:
* "The Gathering
Place"
* Island color: Yellow
* Island flower: Ilima
* Area: 597 sq. miles
* Population: 863,100
* County: Honolulu
* Highest Point: Kaala |
The
Island of Oahu is the third largest in area and most populated
of the islands, where approximately 75% of the state's total
population lives. It is home to the state capital, Honolulu;
the world's most famous beach, Waikiki; the Pacific commands
of the U.S. Military, including Pearl Harbor; and world class
surf beaches along the north and west shores, in particular.
Oahu's
local government is the City and County of Honolulu, which
includes the island of Oahu and most of the leeward islands,
making Honolulu the largest city in the world! (in area)
Waikiki
and Pearl Harbor are our best known landmarks, but there are
more things to see and do on Hawaii's most populated island.
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Oahu Island Map
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Beaches,
Surfing and Ocean Safety
Oahu is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world,
with Waikiki only the most famous. The North Shore of Oahu gets
some of the highest waves in the world during the winter months
and is home to many surfing competitions. At any time of year,
visitors and newcomers are well advised to check conditions
and remain alert whenever in or near the water. Our strong currents
and rogue waves claim several lives each year. More:
Beaches/Water Activities; Ocean Safety.
Waikiki
Reportedly the densest population center in the US after Manhattan,
this six square miles was once rich agricultural land and a
popular surfing and recreation area for ali'i
(Hawaiian royalty). Today it is probably the most famous beach
in the world, attracting several million visitors a year in
addition to its resident population of approximately 20,000.
Top attractions: Honolulu Zoo; Waikiki Aquarium; Diamond
Head.
Honolulu
Honolulu is the state capital, housing the only capitol rotunda
and dome open to the sky, as well as the only royal palace in
the United States. Hawaii's population is concentrated here,
and it is the economic, political, health and education center
of the islands, also home to the Pacific Commands of the US
Military. More: Tour the Capitol; Government Info;
Economic Info; Military Info.
Pearl
Harbor
The attack on the U.S. military installations on the island
of Oahu in 1941 brought the United States into World War II.
In addition to many war memorials, including our most visited
attraction, the Arizona Memorial, Honolulu is now the home of
the USS Missouri, the battleship on which the Japanese surrender
was accepted to end the war. More:
Pearl Harbor.
Visitor
Industry
Tourism is the largest industry in Hawaii accounting for about
25% of gross state product and 30% of jobs. As much as 90% of
our annual visitors spend at least some time on Oahu. Our first
travel writer was probably Mark Twain, who visited the islands
in 1866. His word pictures provide a rare first-hand view of
island life at the time and his writings sparked the initial
interest in visiting the islands. Early visitors came to the
islands on cruise ships, which remain a vital part of our visitor
industry. More: Visitor Info; Mark Twain's Hawaii. |
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