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Oahu, the largest city on the Big Island, is one of the most popular destinations in Hawaii, especially for cruise ships. It offers an endless plethora of sites, sounds and activities for every type of traveler...so many it will make your head spin. If you're a cruiser. how much time do you really have to spend here? It And what do you REALLY want to do? Spend all your time fighting through crowds of "tourists" or do you want to get off the beaten track and see some "real Hawaii"? If you only have one day here in Oahu, what do you really want to do?

If you're a military history buff, the Pearl Harbor/Arizona Memorial is at the top of your list. This is the ultimate WWII, Pearl Harbor experience...this is the real thing. This tour can be booked through numerous outlets, be it through the excursion desk of your cruise ship or thru the countless independent tour operators you'll find ashore. If this is the "must see" place of your vacation, be advised: go early and plan to wait. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions here, and you and the other thousands of visitors just here for the day will converge here simultaneously. Start your day with breakfast, put a patient smile on your face and get ready to see history. Depending on your all-aboard time, this may be the only activity you can squeeze into this day.

If you're a beach buff, and your Hawaiian experience cries Waikiki-you have arrived! Waikiki Beach, THE most famous beach in Hawaii, is a mere 20-30 minutes from the cruise ship harbor. And for a mere $1, you can hop aboard a city bus to get there. The beach itself is a relatively small, but glamorous stretch of man-made beach that attracts visitors from all over the world...in other words, just like the Arizona Memorial, you'd best get there early to get a good spot in the sand. Once you DO arrive, there's lots to do and see. You can book surfing lessons, rent snorkeling equipment, take in a Hawaiian canoe adventure, treat yourself to a massage, have a fabulous lunch or just lie in the sun and people watch. And there are lots of pretty people there to watch.

For the outdoor adventurer, head to Diamondhead for a breathtaking hike. The moderately challenging trail takes you up to one of the best vistas in the area-you can see the entire coast from the top...this is the best view of Waikiki in the area. Don't forget to take the following items: your camera-the panorama shots from here are unbelievable; sunscreen-the only shade you'll find here is in the tunnel you hike through; drinking water-you're in Hawaii...its humid here...you'll need at least one bottle; and bug repellent-the mosquitoes here are relentless and you can't enjoy the fabulous view if you're dodging and swatting.

If you've got a full day, a take charge attitude, and can read a map, go to Exotic Car Rentals and rent a car for the day...Oahu is very easy to navigate and you can explore at will. For example, Hounama Bay, a national park, is a 30-40 minute drive from downtown Honolulu and it offers some of the best snorkeling on the largest protected coral reefs in the Hawaiian islands. Just the view from the highway into the bay is worth the drive.

Craving something really off the beaten track? This might be JUST the ticket for you!
Head to the NorthShore of the island for a view like none other-via tandem skydiving.
There are several operators who can give you the true, breathtaking, bird's eye view of Hawaii, strapped to the belly of a veteran skydiver. The thrill, and the view, is unparalleled!

These are just a few of the wonderful adventures that Oahu has to offer...plan your day carefully and enjoy! Aloha!

Learn more about this author, Michelle Brzozowski.
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