A vacation to the Hawaiian Islands means plenty of time spent at beautiful, white sand beaches and a trip to Oahu undoubtedly will be no different. While there are many gorgeous places to throw down a towel and listen to the sounds of the waves rolling in, two places stand out for their remarkable sights and crystal clear water. Hanauma Bay is the perfect place to view the numerous ocean life that thrive close to the shore, particularly sea turtles and colorful fish, either by snorkeling or scuba diving. However, it is a well-known tourist destination so expect large crowds and plenty of noise when venturing here on a warm sunny day.

Waikiki Beach fronts the shores of Waikiki, which is located on the southern shore of Oahu and houses the famous Diamond Head on its east side. This two mile stretch of sand is the picture perfect image of what visitors expect from a Hawaiian beach with its high-rise forests, numerous hotels and resorts, and masses of tourists spread out among the sand. Waikiki Beach is an ideal location for sunning, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, but most of all canoeing. For the ultimate Oahu and Waikiki Beach experience, plan a trip out to sea on an outrigger canoe and rid the waves next to the surfers while soaking in views of the city and Diamond Head.

Diamond Head is quite possibly the most famous volcanic crater in the world and is a worthwhile hike for vacationers who want to take in unparalleled views of the Island. The hike to the rim is considered easy to moderate and requires visitors to climb stairs, walk trails, and make their way through an unlit tunnel (don’t forget your flashlight!). Once the top is reached, however, visitors can enjoy views from Waikiki to Koki Head and of the Pacific Ocean.

Oahu’s North Shore is famous for its massive waves that draw world-class surfers here year after year. In the winter, the high surf’s waves can rise to over 25 feet before rolling over due to the swells coming out of the stormy North Pacific. While surfing is popular at places such as Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay Beach Park (where waves have been reaching over 50 feet in recent years), the North Shore also offers great swimming and snorkeling opportunities to summer visitors at Ali’i Beach Park.

No Oahu outdoor adventure is complete without a trip to Honolulu to view the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor holds a special place in our nation’s history and is an important tourist destination even for those who were not alive when the attacks occurred. Every visitor will find the tour of the Arizona Memorial thoughtful and informative, while the addition of the Battleship Missouri and USS Missouri Memorial further highlights the historical importance of this area.

On the spectacular island of Oahu, the right accommodations can make the difference between an ordinary Hawaiian adventure and an amazing Oahu experience. Oahu vacation rentals are located throughout the island, surrounded by its numerous breathtaking features such as the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head, and lush green forests. The choice between a sterile hotel room that you want to escape every morning and a cozy vacation rental that invites you to soak in the beauty of the island is an easy one, so begin your search for the perfect vacation rental today and surround yourself with all that is stunning in Oahu.

Surrounded by crystal blue water, it’s no surprise that some of the most popular Hawaii vacation activities take place in the ocean. And if you prefer to spend all of your time in the ocean you may want to consider a Hawaii cruise. A Hawaii cruise gives you all the sun, sand, and beautiful ocean views of a Hawaii land vacation, with the added bonus of being able to see more than one of the Hawaiian Islands. When traveling by boat on a Hawaii cruise you may get the benefit of seeing at least four of the major islands in one luxurious trip. Taking a Hawaii cruise has other perks as well.

One of the countless perks of a Hawaii cruise includes paying only one price and having everything from meals to transportation included. All you have to do is sit back and relax without worrying about where to stay, how you are going to get from one point of interest to another, or how much all your sight seeing is going to cost.

Whether on an inland vacation or a cruise there are a variety of activities for everyone. For the more daring, there is snorkeling, scuba diving, or the well-known Hawaiian sport of surfing. While on a Hawaii cruise you will be able to participate in these activities right on the boat or during one of your land stops. Looking for a more peaceful way to spend the day? Pack your beach towel and a lunch and spend the day soaking up some sun either on the deck of your Hawaii cruise boat or on the miles of sparkling white sand beaches.

There are so many things to do and places to see on your Hawaii vacation that it is hard to know where to start. The six main Hawaiian Islands, although similar, offer a diverse selection of activities. Researching and knowing what each island has to offer might give you a start in choosing the destination that is ideal for you. However, after researching each island and you are still not sure which to choose, there’s always the luxury of a Hawaii cruise.