15 Fun Things to do in Oahu, Hawaii
- Ever try parasailing? Perhaps now is the time. Extreme Parasail is one company that will give you an experience you won't ever forget. It's the only parasail company that flies side-by-side tandem so you can sit next to your loved one as you sail above the
turquoise waters. It averages about 15 minutes of airtime and will be sure to give you an adrenaline rush!
- The Polynesian Cultural Center is magnificent. As Hawaii's #1 paid attraction, this center takes you back to old Polynesia. You will experience first-hand the 42-acre grounds with seven native villages. Activities allow visitors to throw Tongan spears, prepare Tahitian coconut bread, and even train with Samoan
fire knife practice batons. You'll also encounter one of Hawaii's most authentic luaus.
- SeaLife Park is an adventure for the family. You can learn about dolphins and other sea creatures through touch and play. Their manta ray encounter brings you face to face with stingrays as you snorkel through their lagoon as these animals glide through the water. You can also hang out with sea lions and dolphins and witness the amazing personalities of these fun loving creatures. Sea Trek Adventure takes you three fathoms down into their 300,000 gallon tank to explore and photograph eels and sea turtles and colorful salt water fish.
- Hanauma Bay isn't the only to-die-for snorkeling spot on Oahu. Try Pupukea Beach Park. This 80-acre beach park, on the North Shore, is a Marine Life Conservation District teeming with fish, coral and shells. And compared to Hanauma, where snorkelers are jammed into the bay like M&Ms in cellophane, Pupukea is usually uncrowded. The beach park, also known as Shark's Cove, is the site of a reef where a large variety of marine life can be seen in their natural environment..
- For real Hawaiian music, don't miss the legendary Don Ho Show at the Waikiki Beachcomber. He's the King of Hawaiian entertainment and you'll celebrate the true spirit of aloha with Don Ho and his family of entertainers.
Travel Tip
Airlines still have restrictions of no gels, lotions, toothpaste or perfume and other items of similar consistency allowed on carry-on luggage. Pack these belongings in your suitcase to avoid hassles and the confiscation of these items. And yes, you still have to take off your shoes at checkpoint.About the Author
Connie Werner Reichert has been a travel journalist for over 21 years. She has written for the New York Times, Travel & Leisure, Sierra Heritage Magazine, the Sacramento Bee and numerous other publications. Connie is also the owner of Write Side Up Freelance Writing & Publicity and can be reached at Connieis@pacbell.net or at 530-277-4560.
Disclaimer
This Guest Feature was written several years ago and a number of the items listed are, unfortunately, no longer available. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not, necessarily, those of About.com or John Fischer.
