Oahu, otherwise known as the "Gathering Place," is the third largest of the four major islands. Long ago, around 3.8 million years ago, two large volcanoes, Ko'olau and Wai'anae were created. Two mountain ranges were formed which separate the windward side from the rest of the island, and which separate the central plateau from the Leeward coast.
Wai'anae, older of the two, make up the west part of the island. Ko'olau is a large basaltic volcano that resides on the east side. Both are inactive and are attractions to see on Oahu. The island is separated into 5 sections: the windward side, North Shore, central, the leeward coast and the south shore.
Around the 12th century, Tahitians were visiting the islands and Captain James Cook discovered Hawaii in 1795. Unfortunately he met his ill-fated death in a dispute with tribes people on the main island. Around the time of Cook's death, a number of rival chiefs were fighting for control of Hawaii. Kamehameha the Great eventually won and claimed the islands in a group. In 1795 Oahu was the first island to fall and its new king moved to a village called Honolulu. The king's plan was to control the Honolulu harbor for merchant ships. Honolulu was the main commerce ofHawaii by the time the king died ten years later.
The development of Honolulu began to flourish with night life and bars. With time the missionaries came and the cities way of life was not excepted by the Christian protestants. Instead the mission was that of a new industry, sugar cane, which became abundant on the island.
Time passed and in 1891 a group of American business men gained control of the island from a Queen named Liluokalani and declared it their own republic. Native Hawaiians lost their power and in 1898 Hawaii was named the newest state. The military moved in and Oahu served as a command post. With the evolving change, the island suffered many hardships. The attack of Pearl Harbor in 1941 and a six month strike with the union regarding the harbor were only two of the many. Officially Hawaii became the 50th state of the USA on August 21, 1959.
The most common area visitors seek out when arriving in Oahu is the North Shore. It is a rural area with small businesses and a tourist-like atmosphere. The town of Haleiwa has a select number of dining options as well as surf shops, galleries and gift shops. If surfing is what an travelers want to see, this spot is recommended. Some of the most famous surfer champions have competed along this coastline. You can not swim on most sections of the beach due to strong currents and reef.
To experience different views of Oahu, the windward side is wetter than most other parts of the island. The elevation of the Ko'olau Mountains forces the warm trade winds to become cooler causing the condensation to fall as rain. Because of this occurrence, the land is lush and thick with vegetation. The two main towns Kaneohe and Kailua offer its visitors beautiful beaches and quaint dining options. There are several small shops with Hawaiian nostalgia as well as ethnic dining. The central part of the island is an elevated plateau bordered by two mountain ranges to the east and west. To the south is the most recognized site, Pearl Harbor. Waipahu and Wahiawa were and are the main plantation towns in the area and are now home to a US. Army military base.
Nearby Mililani, Oahu's first suburb, was developed by a Big Five company which once controlled the sugar industry. The small city is home to mainly military families, but has a small, family town feeling.
The Leeward side of the island is home to most Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. This area is known as the "west side" and not as developed as the rest of the island. The beaches are populated by locals and at times known to be private. Most tourists do not spend alot of time on the leeward side, but beach comers will venture that way due to the pristine and secluded sand and waters. Lastly, the south shore is a community between Honolulu and Haunama Bay. The residents that reside here are middle and upper income. There is little commercial area with the exception of small shopping businesses. The most popular site to see is Haunama Bay, a snorkelers fantasy.
Rich in culture and fun, Oahu is the ideal vacation spot for families and first time Hawaii visitors. The island is full of numerous activities and learning experiences. The are museums, temples, cultural centers, outdoor activities and countless festivals. Every part of the island has a unique and different historical aspect. Waikiki, the best-known tourist destination offers excellent cuisine, award winning hotels and an opportunity to experience downtown nightlife. The countless options and friendly aloha spirit is what keeps tourists returning time and time again.