Visiting Oahu
O’ahu “The Gathering Place”
The island of Oahu, known as “The Gathering Place,” is home to 890,000 people, most of them living in Honolulu, State Capital. O’ahu is the heart of Hawaii, attracting visitors from around the world round the year to enjoy the unique culture, and the fascinating places to go and exciting things to do.
Facts
Island Name: Oahu
State: Hawaii, the 50th state in the United States
Country: United States
State Capital: Honolulu
Oahu’s Population: 876,151 (As of 2000)
Average Temperature: 78º – 85º F
Languages: English (US), Hawaiian
Currency: US Dollar, All major credit cards are widely accepted
Time Zone: Hawaii Pacific Time. Hawaii does not observe daylight saving time.
Official color and flower: The official color is ‘yellow’ and the official flower is the yellow hibiscus, which is also called the ‘pua aloalo’.
Popular Sports: Surfing, Windsurfing, Golfing, Biking, Tennis, Scuba Diving and Hiking
Major Ethnic Backgrounds: 58 % Asian and Pacific Islander; 30 % Caucasian
Famous Attractions: on Oahu Waikiki Beach, North Shore, Pearl Harbor, Polynesian Cultural Center, Iolani Palace, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Diamond Head State Monument.
General Planning
Oahu Main Attractions
Daily Hawaiin Words & Gestures
Useful Links & Tips
Hotels & Motels
TIPS
The Climate
Hawaii’s weather is very consistent, with only slight temperature changes throughout the year. It is the perfect place for outdoor activities with an average daily temperature of 78°- 85° F year round.
April-November: 75-85 degree Fahrenheit; 24-29 degree Celsius
December-March: 68-80 degree Fahrenheit; 20-27 degree Celsius
Clothing:
Prepare for the sun. The sun is strong nearer the equator. You will need clothes that are light, loose, and comfortable like T-shirts, shorts, a light jacket, jeans, flip flops or sandals and good walking shoes and ofcourse swim trunks or swimsuit for the beach. If you need more clothes you can find affordable clothing stores on the islands. And a nice & simple party wear or evening dress if you have any plans to go on a sunset dinner/cocktail cruise.
Public Transportation:
Getting around on Oahu is easy and cheap with one of the best bus networks in the U.S.A., the island’s “The Bus” offers convenient, efficient service to all places of interest on Oahu. Monthly passes cost $50.00 for unlimited travel. 4 Day Pass cost $25.00 valid for four (4) consecutive days of unlimited bus rides. Honored on all regular and commuter express services. For more information visit http://www.thebus.org/.
Other options Rent a car, taxis, shuttles and trolleys.
Please note: Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai and the Big Island don’t provide public transportation services.
Area Code: The area code for Hawaii is (808). If you are coming from United States check with your cell phone connection and calling plan for details.
Internet Access: Internet access is availabile at many hotels on Oahu.
