the hawaiian islands: oahu
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There's much to do, or you can opt for sitting on your balcony or poolside and watching the light change. I have been to the various islands more than six times; my daughter's first plane ride was from San Francisco to Maui for her seventh birthday. It is a fantastic place for children because of the swimming, walking, beach activities, great food, safety of the Islands in general . . .
Oahu is probably the most modern city with its high-rises, but it still features the natural beauty of all of the Hawaiian Islands. Hike through lush mountainsides, feast at a luau under a skyfull of stars, dine at five-star restaurants, sunbathe all day on the North Shore (don't forget your sunscreen), then dance all night in Waikiki. This is also the best place to take a surfing lesson — Waikiki Beach — or watch world-class surfers charge the big waves on the North Shore. The Hawaiian Reef Aquarium offers close-up views of Hawaii's underwater world and of a unique breeding sanctuary for the endangered Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu).
For this short trip, I choose Oahu because almost everything is within walking distance so a car rental isn't really needed: Waikiki Beach and the famous slopes of Diamond Head Crater, Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo, Hawaii’s finest restaurants and hottest nightspots.
Sail along Oahu's stunning coastline and take your time in the International Marketplace along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue for those who like to shop: you'll find designer clothing, custom jewelry, Hawaiian décor, fine art, and Hawaiian souvenirs for your friends back home.
Waikiki is also the resting place of the USS Arizona. The USS Arizona Memorial is the "ground zero" where World War II began for the United States. After the war, Navy salvage teams had cut away most of Arizona's superstructure. The Memorial was built over the sunken ship’s hull - a national shrine that's largely hidden from view and serves as the final resting place for many of the battleship's 1,177 crew members who lost their lives on December 7, 1941.
Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude