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Touring Oahu (Part
1) by Scott
Stone
The Gathering Place
Ask why Oahu
is often called "the gathering place," and you'll
find yourself in
a heated debate almost as old as the Island's
stunning beaches. While the great King Kamehameha I
united the Islands and assembled his forces here in
preparation for the invasion of Kauai,
most agree that it has more to do with Oahu's
central position among the other Hawaiian
islands. Whatever the reason, there's no argument
that Oahu is one of the most beautiful places in
the world, captivating natives and tourists alike
to become the most-visited of all the Hawaiian
Islands.
For those visiting the Island for the first
time, it's easy to see why. Oahu boasts that it has
everything; breathtaking beaches and mountains and
a culture rich in history and culinary delights.
It's also home to what may be the most glamorous
downtown in America, storied old Waikiki,
containing an Old World romance which, despite its
modern facade, captivates all who come.
To catch the flavor of Oahu, start with a
leisurely stroll through Waikiki. "Miracle mile"
runs from the vast new Hawaii Convention Center on
one end to Diamond Head on the other, and is best
seen by taking a gentle walk from end to end. The
Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau at 2250
Kalakaua Avenue, in the heart of Waikiki, is a font
of information for those eager to know everything
about the Island.
Going along Miracle Mile, you will be moving
parallel to what is arguably the
most famous beach in the world. The mauka
(northern, or mountain) side of Waikiki is bounded
by the Ala Wai Canal, where you can stop and watch
canoeists training for important contests. Along
the way, the Waikiki Aquarium, the Honolulu Zoo,
and Kapiolani Park are all places to catch your
breath in interesting surroundings. Nighttime
concerts in the Waikiki Shell, under the stars, are
memorable no matter who is playing.
If walking becomes thirsty work, stop at The
House Without A Key (made famous by an old
detective series about Charlie Chan) on the grounds
of the Halekulani
Hotel, or Duke's Canoe Club at the Outrigger
Reef Hotel. When tempting wafts of Waikiki's
spectacular cuisine prove too much, stop at the
Chio Mein in the Hyatt
Regency Waikiki, which combines Italian and
Chinese to create unforgettable flavors. There is a
seafood buffet at the Royal
Hawaiian Hotel's Surf room on Friday nights or
opt for traditional and tasty Japanese cuisine at
Hakone, in the Hawaiian
Prince Hotel. One of the most marvelous
experiences in Waikiki is sunset cocktails on the
Hau Tree Lanai of the New Otani Kaimana Beach
Hotel, on the beach in Waikiki.
There are several superb shopping centers in
Waikiki, including the Royal Hawaiian Shopping
Center, the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, the Rainbow
Bazaar, and the International Marketplace. Clothing
and collectibles from around the Pacific find their
way to Waikiki, and have an intrinsic appeal.
On Miracle Mile you'll also find a golf
course, tennis courts in Kapiolani Park,
theaters, and a yacht club.
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