The Gathering Place

Oahu is nicknamed "The Gathering Place" because it’s the most populated Hawaiian island and a hub for travelers from all over the world.🌴 Although it’s the third largest in size (after the Big Island and Maui), Oahu is home to about 1 million people, which is roughly 70% of Hawaii's total population. Most of these residents are concentrated in Honolulu and the surrounding urban areas, making it the economic, cultural, and political hub of the state.

Underwater Volcanoes

Oahu was formed by two massive shield volcanoes, the Waiʻanae and Koʻolau volcanoes, which erupted millions of years ago. Both are now dormant.

Home to the World's Largest Open-Air Mall

Ala Moana Center in Honolulu is the largest open-air shopping mall in the world, with over 350 shops and restaurants.

Birthplace of Surfing

Oahu is the birthplace of modern surfing! Duke Kahanamoku, known as the "Father of Modern Surfing," grew up here and popularized the sport globally.

Waikīkī Was Once a Playground for Royalty

Waikīkī, now a bustling tourist spot, was historically a retreat for Hawaiian royalty, who loved its calm beaches and stunning views of Diamond Head.

Diamond Head’s Real Name

Diamond Head, the iconic crater, is called Lēʻahi in Hawaiian, meaning “brow of the tuna.” British sailors mistakenly thought the glistening calcite crystals in the rocks were diamonds—hence the name.

Only Royal Palace in the U.S.

Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu is the only royal palace in the United States. It was the residence of Hawaiian monarchs like King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani.

Sacred Taro Fields in Waipahu

Waipahu, on the west side of the island, was once known for its sacred taro fields (kalo), a staple of the Hawaiian diet and deeply tied to Hawaiian culture.

Movie Star Island

Oahu has been the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows, including Jurassic Park, Lost, Hawaii Five-0, and Pearl Harbor. Kualoa Ranch is especially famous for its film-worthy scenery!

Haleiwa is the Surfing Capital of the World

The North Shore town of Haleiwa is considered the surfing mecca of the world, with epic waves at beaches like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay.

Island of Rainbows

Oahu is nicknamed the "Island of Rainbows" because of its frequent, vibrant rainbows. It’s common to spot one after a light rain shower!

Two Seasons, Same Paradise

Oahu only has two seasons: kau wela (summer) from May to October and hooilo (winter) from November to April. Even in winter, temperatures rarely dip below 70°F.

Nuʻuanu Pali – The Windy Lookout

The Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout not only has breathtaking views of the windward coast but is also famously windy. It’s one of the windiest spots in Hawaii!

Spam Capital of the World

Hawaii (and especially Oahu) consumes more Spam per capita than anywhere else in the world. Don’t miss out on trying Spam musubi, a local favorite snack.

Sunsets on Two Coasts

Because Oahu is relatively narrow, you can watch the sunrise on the east coast (like at Lanikai Beach) and the sunset on the west coast (like at Ko Olina) on the same day.

Most Golf in all of Hawaii

Oahu boasts more courses than any other Hawaiian island with roughly 40. The PGA Tour plays at the private Waialae Country Club every January. The LPGA Tour has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Ko Olina, a well-groomed resort course on the dry side of the island.

Exporter of Tropical Goods

Although Oahu's agricultural production is smaller than that of neighboring islands like Maui or the Big Island, it still plays a role in exporting tropical goods:

- Coffee: Hawaiian coffee (including Kona blends) is highly sought after, and Oahu has its own coffee farms, such as those in Waialua on the North Shore.

- Macadamia Nuts: These are grown in small quantities and processed for export.

- Pineapples: While large-scale pineapple production has decreased, smaller farms still export fresh pineapples.

- Tropical Fruits: Papayas, guavas, mangoes, and lychees are exported to the U.S. mainland and international markets.

- Tropical Fish: Oahu's commercial fishing industry plays a significant role in exporting fresh seafood, especially ahi (yellowfin tuna), mahi-mahi, and other Pacific fish. The Honolulu Fish Auction, the only auction of its kind in the United States, supplies both local and export markets.

Leader in Renewable Energy

Oahu is a leader in renewable energy projects, and companies based in Hawaii are increasingly exporting expertise and technology related to solar, wind, and wave energy systems.