Oahu, the third-largest island in the Hawaiian chain, is a wondrous blend of urban, rural, small-town and natural environments. With a population of about a million people, its nickname, "The Gathering Place," is very fitting.

The millions of people from around the world who visit Oahu each year discover everything from deserted beaches and misty valleys to world-class shopping malls and bustling centers of business.

One of the best things about Oahu's natural splendor is how simple it is to enjoy. Renting a car is fun, and it's nearly impossible to get lost! Tour companies also offer a variety of itineraries in convenient, air-conditioned comfort.

Oahu's scenery should be just the beginning of all you plan to enjoy. During the last two centuries, new residents from many lands have woven a marvelous multicultural web encompassing everything from cultural heritage to rich cuisines.

From the grace and the beauty of traditional hula to the joy of lei making, savoring traditional Hawaiian culture is a natural place for every visitor to start exploring the Islands. Many attractions offer hands-on activities that introduce you to our host culture, and the museums tell the story of our Islands in incomparable fashion.

If you were born to shop, you've come to the right place. From modern, cosmopolitan malls to quaint boutiques, Oahu is a shopper's paradise. Hawaiian fashions, jewelry, wood products, and even produce and flowers all make welcome, appreciated gifts. Trendy, high-fashion goods also occupy center stage here. Treasures of all sorts await you on lovely Oahu. Don't be shy-- go ahead and explore!