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Travel guide: O'ahu, Hawaii
Find out why this Pacific paradise should top your travel list.
By Natalie Bahadur
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I don't know about you but when I think of Hawaii, I think of beautiful beaches, palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze and al fresco oceanside dinners. I think of coconuts and macadamia nuts, ukuleles and luaus. But most of all, I think of a restful and relaxing getaway destination with lots to see and do, an island escape unlike any other. The island of O'ahu has all of this and so much more. Want to learn more? Join us for a tour of this Pacific paradise and find out how to spend your time in O'ahu.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
O'ahu is the third largest of all the Hawaiian islands. It's also the most populous and is home to Hawaii's largest city and state capital, Honolulu. O'ahu has no shortage of things to do and for the most part, the weather is divine. The island's temperatures are relatively consistent, typically ranging from a balmy 70 degrees to a delightful 85 degrees throughout the year. This isn't to say that you might not get hit with inclement weather like strong winds and pounding rain but it's helpful to know that weather conditions vary greatly across the island. So if you're in the midst of a downpour on the North Shore, chances are good it's clear skies further south. O'ahu is home to more than 125 beaches, perfect for sunbathing, surfing and snorkeling. Waikiki Beach is arguably the world's most popular. About two miles long, it's situated next to Diamond Head volcano and is right in the heart of the action, near great shopping, dining and of course, water sports. Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to get your sport on by going parasailing, snorkeling, body-boarding, surfing and outrigger canoeing. The busiest time of year on O'ahu is between December and March, the holiday season in December being the busiest.
WHERE YOU SHOULD STAY
Outrigger Waikiki
Located in the heart of O'ahu's busiest beach, the Outrigger Waikiki is the perfect place to stay for a fun-filled, action-packed vacation. While there are many hotels to choose from, the Outrigger Waikiki offers up the lowest rates, making it one of the best bargains around for the budget-conscious traveler. Plus, with offerings like free in-room Internet access and free long-distance phone calls to Canada and the US, this hotel provides great service. Did I mention the chilled bottled water waiting for you in the mini-fridge? Situated on Waikiki Beach, the hotel has 524 guestrooms and suites and has a beachfront swimming pool and whirlpool. There are several on-site restaurants like Duke's (named after surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku), which is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike. While you're there, check yourself into the Plantation Spa. With a full range of services for hands and feet, body and face, the spa also offers a rooftop patio overlooking the beach, perfect for further relaxation after you've had a fabulous treatment or two ... or three ...
For more information, visit outriggerwaikikihotel.com and dukeswaikiki.com.
Ihilani Resort & Spa
If you prefer to escape the fast pace of Waikiki, drive about 17 miles west of Honolulu to the more relaxed JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa in Ko Olina. Featuring 17 stories, 387 guest rooms (averaging about 640 square feet each, meaning you'll have lots of room and won't be tripping over your suitcase) and 36 suites, this hotel offers up every comfort a traveler could hope for. Most noteworthy of all: some of the rooms here are allergy-friendly. These rooms feature a state-of-the-art air purification system, designed to keep the air, well, purified. Also, microfibre, hypoallergenic mattress covers and pillowcases are used to diminish dust, dander and other dust mite-related allergens. While you're here, definitely pay a visit to the Ihilani Spa. This 35,000 square foot facility offers a wide selection of services but try the Deluxe Thalasso Therapy with Colour and Essential Oils. You'll be immersed into a tub of fresh Hawaiian seawater and massaged with air and water jets. The treatment is followed by a soothing massage with essential oils. The result? You'll never want to get off that massage table.
For more information, visit ihilani.com.
Find out what to do in O'ahu on the next page!
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