Honolulu - Oahu

Oahu, more than any other Hawaiian island, combines cosmopolitan luxury with breathtaking scenery. Honolulu, the state capital, exemplifies the island's urban appeal. From the ornate Iolani Palace to the austere USS Arizona Memorial at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, there are a plethora of cultural and historic sites nearby.

A skyline of high-rises and resorts contrasts with sprawling white sand beaches in the nearby Waikiki neighborhood. Visit the North Shore for a taste of rural Hawaii. The most brilliant blue waters and meandering hikes can be found here. But those aren't the only places on Oahu worth visiting. The island's top-notch restaurants, vibrant cultural events, and wild nightlife further establish it as a "Gathering Place" for Hawaiian culture.

• Best Times to Visit:mid-April to early June, between September and mid-December, December and early April
  
• Best Things To Do:surfing and snorkeling, hiking, hopping on a helicopter for a guided tour
  
• Location: Hawaiʻi, USA