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  1. OAHU TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

    1. Pearl Harbor/USS Arizona Memorial  
      The visitor center is open 7 days a week, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm. Tours run from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm and last approximately one hour and 15 minutes. For more information and directions, call (808) 422-0561.

    2. Honolulu Zoo  
      Located on the edge of Waikiki, immediately north of Kapiolani Park about 30 minutes from Kailua. Open seven days a week 9:00am - 4:30pm.

    3. Waikiki Aquarium  
      Located near the zoo on the edge of Waikiki. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm.

    4. Bishop Museum  
      Natural and Cultural Arts Museum with a host of activities from 9:00am-5:00pm. Hula shows are at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. For more information and directions, call (800) 847-3511.

    5. Sea Life Park  
      Oahu's small version of Sea World as seen in the recent movie "50 First Dates" with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Two different dolphin shows in addition to smaller performances and an aquarium. Park hours are 9:30 am - 4:30 pm daily. Call (866) DOLPHIN for information and directions.

    6. Ala Moana Shopping Center  
      Located right outside of Waikiki, Ala Moana is one of the largest outdoor malls in the world with stores ranging from The Gap and Honolulu Surf Co to Chanel, Escada and Tiffany &Co.

  2. BEACHES

    1. Lanikai Beach and Kailua Beach  
      Known around the globe as two of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Kailua Beach is just steps away from our magnificent vacation homes. Lanikai is three miles away.

    2. Waimea Bay  
      Located on the famous North Shore, Waimea Bay is perfect for swimming during the summer when the water is calm (waves can be over 20 feet in the winter!). Be sure to stop in historic Haleiwa town while you're on that side of Oahu. After an ocean swim, get lunch at Kua A'ina burgers followed by a Matsumoto's Shave Ice -- one of our favorite ways to spend a day.

    3. Waikiki Beach in Honolulu  
      For those interested in people watching, Waikiki Beach is where the action is. Look for the Waikiki Beach Boys from whom you can rent boogie boards and surfboards.

    4. Hanauma Bay  
      No longer the beach park it once was with over three million visitors annually, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve has become the most spectacular natural resource in Hawaii. Make sure to check out the Marine Education Center to learn more about Hawaii's delicate marine ecosystem.

  3. WATER SPORTS  

    1. Windsurfing & Kiteboarding
      Kailua Beach is the perfect place to learn both of these sports with five miles of white sand beach, easy access to the water and limited crowds. Naish Hawaii has equipment is available at Kailua Beach Park or their retail establishment in Kailua town. Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks is located across from Kailua Beach Park near our favorite Kailua shave ice establishment Island Snow. Hawaiian Water Sports offers Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Surfing, Bodyboarding, Kayaking, and Snorkeling activites including lessons and rentals.

    2. Kayaking
      Twogood Kayaks rents both tandem and single kayaks for half and full days. For a fun day trip, bring a picnic lunch and kayak to the Mokulua islands, which are easily accessible from either Kailua Beach or Lanikai Beach. (808) 626-5656.

    3. Surfing
      For a lesson, check out hhsurf.com or HawaiianFire.com where safety comes first and good times are guaranteed. Stay up to date with daily surf reports from Surf News Network

    4. Swim with Dolphins
      1. Sail Hawaii - Whale, Dolphin and Turtle Encounters
      2. Dolphin Quest - Dolphin Quest Oahu is located at the luxurious Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel and you don't need to be a hotel guest to swim with the dolphins!

    5. Oahu SCUBA Diving
      1. Aaron's Dive Shop - With small boats and personal service, Aaron's has been in business for over two decades. The Dive Shop, located across the street from Starbucks in Kailua Village, is filled with photos of owner Jack Aaron and celebrities such as Tom Selleck (Magnum P.I.). Check out their website at http://www.hawaii-scuba.com/webspecials.html for dive discounts and scuba certification course specials.
      2. Hanauma Bay Dive Tours - For snorkel, scuba and snuba  (see Haunama Bay info above).
      3. Reef Trekkers - Diving for all levels. Reef Trekkers offers advanced dives, refresher dives and certification classes.

    6. Sportfishing  
      1. Chupu Charters - Specializes in offshore fisihing trips for Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo and Mahi Mahi on the largest charter boat in the harbor.
      2. Kuuloa Kai Fishing - Sportfishing on the North Shore of Oahu from a 31-foot Bertram.


  4. HIKING - Oahu is perfect for hiking with warm, even temperatures and lush landscapes

    1. Oahu Nature Tours - See famous sites, birds, plants and waterfalls while learning about geology, archaeology and the history of Oahu, Hawaii.
    2. The Real Hawaii - Eco-cultural excursions encompassing all things Hawaiian.
    3. Hiking Book Recommendations (links to Amazon.com)
      1. The Hiker's Guide to Oahu, by Stuart M. Ball, Jr. - The Hiker's Guide to Oahu has detailed info on how to get there, directions to the trailhead, maps, historial and botanical references, property issues, etc.
      2. Oahu Trails: Walks, Strolls & Treks on the Capitol Isle, by Kathy Morey - 45 hikes in great detail with everything from advanced hikes to strolls around Honolulu.
      3. Driving & Discovering Oahu: Professional Photography & Video Location Guide by Richard Sullivan. Incredible book with fantastic maps, secret photo locations and advice on finding "locals only" destinations.
    4. Backyard Oahu - This website has 84 trails listed online


  5. GOLF - There are 40 public and private golf courses on Oahu, Hawaii ranging from the casual to the elegant. Oahu has something for every ability level and with the breathtaking views plus consistently sunny weather, it's easy to see why Oahu is considered a golfer's mecca.

    1. Pali Golf Course   - An 18-hole, public course located on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe, Hawaii. (808) 266-7612.
    2. Olomana Golf Links   - Located on the windward side of Oahu in Waimanalo, Hawaii. (808) 259-7926.
    3. Ko'olau Golf Club   - Located on the windward side of Oahu. Considered Oahu's most challenging course. Located beneath the majestic and awe-inspiring Ko'olau mountain range, it's no wonder Golf Digest rated it #1 on Oahu, Hawaii. Call (808) 236-4653.
    4. Ko'olina Golf Club   - Located at the Ihilani resort on the west side of Oahu (about an hour from Kailua). Ko'olina Golf Club is proud to have hosted Senior PGA and LPGA tour events. Contact Ko'olina Golf Club at (808) 679-0079.


  6. DINING - BlueKailua's Top Oahu Restaurant Picks

    1. Restaurants In and Around Kailua, Hawaii
      1. Lucy's Grill 'n' Bar   - Kailua's shining star! Lucy's has catered two of our family weddings to rave reviews from the guests. Be sure to try their Gazpacho appetizer and Scallops.
      2. Saeng's   - Our family's favorite Thai Restaurant in Kailua, Hawaii.
      3. Buzz's Original Steakhouse   - Buzz's Steakhouse in Lanikai is just steps from Kailua Beach, perfect for a sunset walk while you wait for your table. (808) 261-4661.
      4. Zia's Cafe   - a small, casual Italian eatery that is great for families and easy on the wallet. (808) 262-7168.
      5. Agnes' Portuguese Bakeshop   - This is a MUST VISIT. Pre-order a dozen malasadas (portuguese donuts) then take the piping hot delicacies to the beach with juice and coffee for a sunrise breakfast.
      6. Ninja Sushi   - a hole-in-the-wall sushi place adjacent to the Don Quixote superstore. Fantastic sushi creations including the Superman and Lion rolls.


    2. Fine Dining in Honolulu, Hawaii:
      1. Alan Wong's   - Make reservations for this extremeley popular restaurant. If it's just dinner for two, ask to sit at the kitchen bar so you can watch Alan Wong's masterpieces come to fruition. For dessert, order their signature Chocolate Crunch Bars. Expensive and worth every penny.
      2. Chef Mavro   - Winner of the prestigious James Beard Award, Gourmet magazine says Chef Mavro's is "where we would eat if we had one night on Oahu."
      3. Keo's Thai Cuisine   - World renowned and popular with both locals and celebrities, Keo's cooks up Thai delights in its new location on the edge of Waikiki.
      4. Roy's Restaurant   - Multiple locations on Oahu including Hawaii Kai, which is inbetween Diamond Head and Haunama Bay. Roy's is an elegant and popular place for Asian Fusion cuisine. Dishes are very elegant and flavorful to be sure.
      5. Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch, Crab & Brewery   - Close to Honolulu Int'l Airport, our family always eats at Sam Choy's before heading out of town. Portions are huge and delicious and they also have what seems like an neverending buffet.


    Please don't hesitate to contact us for additional Oahu, Hawaii vacation planning advice
    to make your next Hawaii vacation the most memorable yet!