Oahu Editor Picks

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Editor Picks

Looking for the best places to kick back and commune with nature on this rightly famous island? Let our Editor Picks, hand-selected by Sherman's staff of expert editors, guide you from dazzling volcanic cays to historical sites like Pearl Harbor and the beach that put Oahu on the map to begin with (Waikiki).

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It’s Waikiki Beach that made Oahu famous, and while you’ll never find an empty patch of sand along the 2.5-mile golden crescent, the lively mishmash of surfers, families and assorted characters who come here make the people-watching superb.

Honolulu, HI; www.waikiki.com

Some 2335 military personnel died during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and each year over one million people visit the marble memorial to honor the USS Arizona. Because of the crowds, visiting can take the most of the day.

1 Arizona Memorial Place; Honolulu, HI; 808-422-0561; www.nps.gov/asar

Families flock to this resort on the western coast of Oahu for its string of man-made lagoons that offer the safest of swimming conditions; resort shops, a marina, restaurants, and a golf course are also nearby.

West Shore; 92-1480 Aliinui Dr.HI; 808-679-0079; www.koolina.com

Thanks to its calm, shallow waters and protected bay, this sandy off-the-path beach, named after the Hawaiian chief who reportedly brought the first cocoanut palm tree to Hawaii, is perfect for snorkelers and families.

West Shore; near WaianaeHI

Of the dozens of shrimp shacks on the North Shore, this is the only one that raises its own shrimp. Place your order and enjoy them like the locals do – drenched in garlic butter.

North Shore; 56-781 Kamehameha Hwy.HI; 808-232-2202

Although there are a few courses close to Waikiki and Honolulu, you’ll have more of an exotic golf experience if you head to one of the courses located out of town, like the beautiful, expansive, Turtle Bay Resort.

Windward Coast; Turtle Bay Resort; 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy.HI; 808-293-6000; www.turtlebayresort.com

This 42-acre living museum presents recreations of villages representing eight distinct Pacific island cultures. Experience an authentic luau, lavish night shows, and hands-on craft demonstrations as you wander the lush grounds.

Windward CoastHI; 800-367-7060; www.polynesia.com

Paddle to one of the tiny volcanic cays that stud the ocean near Lanikai and ogle at the mansions that hug the shoreline. Lessons and rentals are available from Kailua Sailboard.

East Shore; Kailua Sailboard; 130 Kailua Rd.HI; 808-262-2555; www.kailuasailboards.com

Calm water, a massive reef and more than 400 species of fish make snorkeling here a Technicolor flurry of reds, blues, and yellows.

East Shore; Kalaniana'ole Hwy.; Route 72HI; 808-396-4229; www.hanauma-bay-hawaii.com

Starting as a fruit stand in 1950, the Dole Plantation is now billed as Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience,” with a train tour offering a history of pineapple cultivation and the world’s largest maze. Don’t leave without tasting the famous Dole Pineapple Whip!

Central Oahu; 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy.; Wahiawa, HI; 808-621-8408; www.doleplantation.com

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