Hawaii 5 Oh, Yeah: O'ahu

The hula brings prosperity and good health to Hawaiians.

So what does the active, Oahu golfing visitor do after finishing 18 holes on some of the finest courses in the world? Or how do the spouse and family experience the island while dad’s on the links? Just so happens that Oahu, also known as the Gathering Place, is home to every type of activity you can imagine or dream to try.

Honolulu became the monarchy’s new capital after King Kamehameha the Great won the last battle for unification of the islands in 1795 on the ridges of the Nu`uanu Pali Lookout. Waikiki was the playground, and the healing grounds, for the ali`i and chiefs — the ruling class — and the waters bordering Honolulu soon became the ports that opened up the islands to a whole new economy ... and a lot more visitors.

The First Lady of Waikiki, the Moana Hotel, opened its doors in 1901 as Hawaii’s first resort hotel. Followed by the Royal Hawaiian in 1927 (lovingly called the Pink Palace), and the trans-pacific flights by Pan-Am, the shores of Waikiki soon became the playground for America’s rich and famous. Don’t let the tall buildings and retail shops confuse you: Waikiki is still considered a sacred land with many historic sites and activities. One could spend an entire day just learning about the visiting nobles and ceremonial events that took place on that famous shore. After scouring the multitude of restaurants, shops and activities in Waikiki, the active traveler will want to explore more of this magnificent isle.

This is where the real fun begins.

Start with a historical, narrated aerial tour of Oahu in Hawaii’s only seaplane. The owner of Island Seaplane gets his love of flying from his father, who just happened to get his pilot’s license from the Wright Brothers. Pat Magie has stories galore along with the island tour he offers.

Looking across Kihei Lagoon to the prominent profile of Diamond Head, their floating chapel and dock are awesome places to hold a wedding or vow renewal and reception or family party. With complimentary van pickup from Waikiki, it is the unique way to experience the island from a “higher” perspective.

Next we head inland for some great land adventures. Here’s one way to “do it all in a day” — Bike Hawaii has thought of everything. Its Hawaiian-born owner, John Alford, encapsulates his biking passion with his love for the land and environment by offering a “bike-hike-sail or snorkel” package that is sure to please everyone in your ohana (family) or group. His “Rainforest to the Reef” program covers it all. From the private rainforest mountain hike to a 200-foot waterfall to the downhill rainforest bike ride to his afternoon swim and snorkel with the turtles off Diamond Head, these tours are touted to be the highlight for many visitors. Visit his website to see the many custom tours and group events Bike Hawaii can handle. Each tour is narrated by ecologically-trained specialists who know the land ... and their business.

For those with wanderlust who want to get out and about, driving around the island is the perfect fit. Now, there is an award-winning, first-of-its-kind cultural audio driving tour of Oahu to help visitors better connect to the island. With TourTalk-Oahu, you won’t just see the aina (land), you’ll experience its essence from the comfort of your own rental car, on your own time and at your own pace. Narrated by some of Hawaii’s most recognized cultural historians and teachers, the tour is an audible guide around the island, sharing site information, music, history and ancient culture, as well as the ancient and contemporary traditions of hula and lei. Revisit Oahu’s significant battles such as the Battle of the Nu`uanu Pali and the attack on Pearl Harbor. The audio directions are complemented by a 72-page, full-color booklet filled with maps, factoids, directions and photos, and revisits the cultural stories shared during your drive. The tour comes on two compact discs or cassettes, almost three hours of narration. You can’t get lost unless you want to. TourTalk-Hawaii Nei also offers programs and services to enhance your island experience. Whether it’s the Ambassador of Aloha program offered in Waikiki, or a traditional Hawaiian wedding or vow renewal, the team at TourTalk will bring you the most authentic presentation and ceremony on the islands. Special ceremonies and blessings can be arranged. And if the wahine (women) want a truly unique experience, have them take private hula lessons from one of “Hawaii’s Living Hula Treasures: Kumu Hula Iwalani Wahinekapu Tseu” or spend part of a day with the kumu learning about “Healing Hula” and its cultural practices.

The ocean (kai) is very important to the Hawaiian way of life, and every imaginable water sport is played here. Two companies guaranteed to quench your thirst for a high-quality, water experience are Twogood Kayaks and Hans Hederman Surf School.

Twogood Kayaks offers the “most complete paddling sports company in Hawaii.” Located in the quaint town of Kailua, on the northeastern shore of Oahu, the kayaks launch from the shores of the famous Lanikai and Kailua beaches — each often rated in the world’s Top 10 most beautiful beaches. They provide Waikiki pickup and return, lunch and the most wonderful paddling experience offered in the islands today, with a trip to the offshore Moku Islands populated with endangered sea turtles, dolphins, whales and many types of exotic tropical fish.

Finally, it’s time to join FG cover subject and world champ surfer Kelly Slater — in spirit if not in person — by surfing famous Waikiki Beach. Located directly opposite the famed Prince Kuhio Beach sits Hans Hederman’s Surf School. Hans, a former pro surfer, has been surfing Hawaii’s waves since he was a boy. His school is the “go to place” for those who want a guaranteed ride from virtually your first time on a board, with safety always the primary concern. His various programs are suited to everyone from the beginner (including children) to the avid surfer.

Enjoy your unique Oahu experience … Hawaiians look forward to sharing their treasure with you soon. FG

THE BEST OF OAHU

Island Seaplane | www.islandseaplane.com

Bike Hawaii | www.bikehawaii.com

Twogood Kayaks | www.twogoodkayaks.com

Tour Talk Hawaii Cultural Services | www.tourtalkhawaii.com

Hans Hederman Surf School | www.hhsurf.com