Oahu roughly translates to "the Gathering Place," and it's easy to see why people flock here. It's where the first air travelers to Hawaii fell in love with beautiful beaches, hula dancing and the warm welcome that's come to be called the spirit of aloha. It's also the Hawaii's most populous island, and it's home to the state's capital, Honolulu.

Waikiki, the island's southeastern enclave that's home to hotels and tourist-centered shops and restaurants crowding along its eponymous beach, still feels like a resort destination (albeit a well-trodden one). But the rest of Honolulu is as urban as any state capital—well, any state capital on an island in the South Pacific. Honolulu has an expansive downtown, an authentic Chinatown and smokin' nightlife. Its shops and restaurants cater not only to American tourists, but their counterparts from Asia, as well as the people with the good fortune to call this city home.

First-time visitors to Oahu generally find lodgings in or near Waikiki, and drive to attractions like Diamond Head Crater or Pearl Harbor. The highlight of any Oahu itinerary includes a trip all the way around the island to the north shore, where big-wave surfers test their mettle against the Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach beckons with incredible sundowns. You'll find not only a slower, more traditional Hawaiian pace of life, but also deserted beaches and some of the world's best shrimp.

Hawaiians typically don't use the directions north, south, east, or west. On these volcanic islands with mountains in the center, they usually say mauka to mean inward toward the mountains and makai to mean outward toward the sea. If you're traveling clockwise around the island, mauka is right and makai is left. Additionally, on Oahu, Diamond Head means east (because it's lies east of Honolulu), while Ewa (named for the town of Ewa, just west of Pearl Harbor) means west. Now that you know the sights and can talk the talk, get out there and explore. Aloha!

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Activities

Activities
The North Shore is located to the north of Oahu, and contains six of the world's best surfing locations. Check out this Travel Channel clip for a close-up look.

Where to Stay and Dine

Where to Stay and Dine
Coral reefs protect Sunset beach, and creates a front-row seat to one of Hawaii's best view of the sunset. Take a look at this clip to learn more about Sunset beach.

Nightlife

Nightlife
Waikiki is a world-famous tourist attraction, and has earned a special place in American visions of paradise. Take a look at this Travel Channel clip to learn more.