HONOLULU, Oahu, Hawaii -- Away from the golf course, no other Hawaiian island can offer the diversity of Oahu.
Honolulu and Waikiki combine for a fast-paced vibe and nightlife not found elsewhere. The capital city is prettiest from two vantage points: Offshore while sailing on the Makani catamaran and hiking up the Diamond Head volcanic crater.
My family's two-hour sail in January led to the discovery of sea turtles and a humpback whale. Exploring the North Shore is all about wild waves and eating out of a truck serving tasty fresh shrimp. Mainlanders with no experience surfing should check out Hans Hedemann Surf School of Oahu at Turtle Bay Resort (there's also a location in Waikiki). Other water sports such as standup paddle boarding, snorkeling and ocean kayaking can be done at virtually any beach.
Swimming with the dolphins at Sea Life Park Hawaii and snorkeling Hanauma Bay are popular. Ko Olina, anchored by the JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Resort & Spa and the new Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, has blossomed into a great alternative to Waikiki. Both fabulous hotels share a secluded ocean cove.
It's just a short walk to Paradise Cove for a traditional Hawaiian luau, where guests can paddle an outrigger canoe at sunset, throw wooden spears and learn the hula before the buffet and the show. The nearby Wet'n'Wild is home to water slides and rides not found at the beach. Touring the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor, site of the USS Arizona Memorial, will serve as a reminder how lucky we are that this tropical paradise still belongs to America.
Paradise Cove luau
A luau at Paradise Cove is a perfect way to spend an evening on Oahu.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Kahuku Farm Tour on Oahu
Take a tractor for a Kahuku Farm Tour near the North Shore of Oahu.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Sea Life Park Hawaii
Feeding the turtles is one of the many activities and shows at the Sea Life Park Hawaii on Oahu.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Diamond Head hike on Oahu
The hike up Diamond Head reveals this stunning view of Waikiki beach and Honolulu.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Sailing on the Makani catamaran off Waikiki
Sailing on the Makani catamaran is a great way to see Waikiki and catch glimpses of sea turtles and whales.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Wet'n'Wild Hawaii in Kapolei
The Wet'n'Wild Hawaii features 25 water slides and rides, like this surf simulator, in Kapolei on Oahu.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Pearl Harbor memorial
A trip to Oahu isn't complete without a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Hans Hedemann Surf School of Oahu - Turtle Bay Resort
Learn to ride the waves of the North Shore at the Hans Hedemann Surf School of Oahu at Turtle Bay Resort.
Courtesy of Hans Hedemann Surf School
Waikiki lights at night
Waikiki and Honolulu lights up at night with action not seen on other Hawaiian islands.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Ko Olina Golf Club - hole 8
No Hawaiian island has more golf courses than Oahu. Pictured is the scenic eighth hole at the Ko Olina Golf Club.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Diamond Head hiking
Hiking up the Diamond Head crater is a popular tourist activity on Oahu.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Paradise Cove luau canoe ride
Guests at the Paradise Cove luau can take an outrigger canoe ride at sunset before the show.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Oahu North Shore shrimp trucks
Eating at a shrimp truck is a must on the North Shore of Oahu.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa
Stopping at the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa near Oahu's North Shore will cool off your day.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
Turtle Bay Resort - beach
The beaches of Oahu -- like this one at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore -- are glorious.
Jason Scott Deegan/TravelGolf
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