Cosmopolitan Oahu is the home of Waikiki Beach, the world's famous resort, and Honolulu, the worlds most remote city. While this diverse island is the center of activity for Hawaii, it also offers a beautiful natural setting, a wealth of golden beaches and a dedication to hospitality and good times.

Most of the cityscape is confined to narrow corridors between mountains and sea on the South Shore. The rest of Oahu is open countryside - fields of cane and pineapple carpeting a broad central valley, small towns, rainsforested slopes, misty valleys and farms, fringing reefs filled with colorful fishes.

Waikiki borders a cresent beach that ends in Diamond Head, an extinct volcanic crater. It's hotels and condominiums range from world-class suites to budget digs, with prices to match. Waikiki is also home to thousands of residents who enjoy its vibrant nature, wide choice of restaurants and nightlife, and multitude of special events.

Waikiki sunsets are compelling, but the pace doesn't slow at nightfall. The lights come up and the shows go on, with mai tais, music and dance until the wee hours.

On Oahu, the beach is just the beginning. Much more awaits those who venture beyond Waikiki, taking advantage of readily available transportation or the excellent public bus system.

Adventures on Oahu can be as relaxing as basking in the sun or as rigorous as surfing, outrigger canoe paddling, windsurfing, swimming, golfing, sailing, snoekeling and diving, hiking the hills and waterfall valleys, cycling, kayaking, running, fishing, horseback riding and beachcombing. Oahu landmarks include Pearl Harbor, where a 1941 attack by Japanese forces launched America into World War II; Bishop Museum, foremost cultural history institution of the Pacific; Hanauma Bay, amarine preserve in a sunken crater popular with snorkelers; 'Iolani Palace, formers home of island royalty; and Aloha Tower on the Honolulu harborfront.

More resort facilities are located in the West Oahu at Ko Olina and on the North Shore, where the worlds biggest ocean waves crash ashore in winter, drawing international crowd of professional surfers.

From tourist mementos, to fine Hawaiian Handicrafts, Asian Imports and European boutiques, Oahu is a shopper's dream. It's multicultural heritage as the crossroads of the Pacific is reflected in its wide variety of goods, festivals, points of interest, cuisine and activities.

Courtesy of Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau