The sand, the palm trees, a surfer’s paradise, the hula dances….these are just some of the things that may come to mind when you think of Hawaii. Oahu is the main island and the hub of all the excitement. If you are visiting Hawaii, then you will want to spend some time in and around Honolulu and here’s why:

1. Culture



Honolulu has a rich, Polynesian culture which dates back to about 1500 years. The Native Hawaiians have developed unique culinary, artistic and religious practices. Many of these practices reflect the natural beauty of Hawaii. The Hawaiian hula dance is well known and you will see performances and hear traditional Hawaiian songs. You’ll also notice an abundance of beautiful Hawaiian artwork around the city and at markets. The Hawaiian’s love for their art, tradition and culture can be seen in various festivals. There are plenty of museums and cultural centres to visit. In addition to the native Hawaiians, you will also notice a strong surf culture as it is home to some of the best wave breaks in the world.

2. Hawaiian Food & Entertainment



There are plenty of places to enjoy traditional Hawaiian food. You’ll also find an assortment of Asian restaurants and dishes. For an example, Salmin is Hawaii’s version of classic Asian noodle dishes and it takes on the elements of Japanese, Chinese and Fillipino dishes. This dish is a representation of Hawaii’s culture. Apart from other delicious traditional dishes, there is also the food truck trend. Food trucks serving delicious street food such as fish tacos, pop up at markets, beaches and many other places. In addition to delicious food, Oahu is also known for its entertainment and great night life.

3. Nature



Oahu is a gorgeous island. From waterfalls to volcanoes, there is stunning scenery for everyone to enjoy. Kealoha Tours offers great excursions like snorkeling in the famous natural preserve Hanuauma Bay and hiking to the Makapu’u Light House. Kualoa Ranch Experience tours offer tours through jungles, beaches and various other sites. Both of these tours can booked with you Honolulu iVenture Card. You’ll also find beautiful botanical gardens scattered throughout the island which showcase tropical plants that you won’t see elsewhere.

4. Marine and Wildlife



East Oahu is home to Sea Life Park Hawaii. At this wildlife park, you can enjoy the company of dolphins, sea lions, rays, sharks, native fish and more! The park has a focus on educational and interactive programs so you are bound to learn a lot about Hawaii’s wildlife. Hanuama Bay is home to over 450 species of fish, turtles and coral and offers an incredible snorkeling experience.

5. History



Oahu also offers plenty for historians to enjoy. You can visit Pearl Harbour via the Pearl Harbour Shuttle. Visit sites such as the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Missouri Battleship, USS Bowfin Submarine and the Pacific Aviation museum to learn about the day that lives in infamy. iVenture Card offers the Pearl Harbour Pass so that you can visit these sites easily.

To learn more about Oahu’s culture, the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum is well worth the visit as it houses one of the largest collections of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultural artifacts, historical documents, plant and animal life and artwork. The Iolani Palace is the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy and has been restored to its former grandeur from 1882 when King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani walked its halls. You can also access these venues with your iVenture Card.

6. Follow a Film Trail



Many movies have been filmed on Oahu at Kualoa Ranch. The ranch is a 4,000-acres and spreads from the mountain cliffs to the sea on the northeastern side of Oahu. Movies and TV shows such as Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Lost, 50 First Dates, Hawaii 5-0 and many more have been filmed here. You can take a movie site tour with Kualoa Tours and your iVenture Card.