Waikiki, Hawaii Activities: Oahu offers the pleasures of the ocean amidst the amenities of a city

There's probably few places where you can bob up and down in a warm blue ocean while gazing up at a cityscape. Waikiki beach on Hawaii's Oahu island is in rare company. It delivers the pleasures of the beach with the amenities of a city.

Waikiki is more urban than beachy. Hotels and pricey stores line The Strip (and you thought The Strip was only in Las Vegas) interspersed with souvenir shops. You can buy a Prada bag, or a plastic lei. But the walking paths along the beach are dotted with fountains and art as well as a boggling choice of restaurants and lodging.

There's more to do on Oahu than you can really fit into a week's stay. So if you're planning to island hop, pick your Oahu attractions carefully.

Atlantis Submarine Tour

For a stay-dry underwater experience, perfect for kids as well (NOTE: Children must be a minimum of 36" in height to ride the submarine), take an Atlantis submarine tour -- going down to 100 feet. You'd need SCUBA gear to do that, but for those not ready to dive, these specially constructed machines do the diving for you. Fish really do come up to the windows. It may not be the scores of brightly colored fish in the ads, but it is fun. Each of the three Atlantis Hawaii tour locations (Waikiki, Kona, Maui) feature distinct characteristics. The Oahu tour that we took included sunken ships, remnants of hurricane swept airliners, pyramid structures have created as an underwater playground for marine life. Nicely narrated for additional information and background. When you board you get a guide to the marine life inhabiting the reef as you board, a map of the dive site, and an explanation of why the color changes and everything seems to turn blue as you dive deeper.

World War II History

US Army Museum of Hawaii

We discovered this intriguing museum while walking the edge of Waikiki. US Army Museum of Hawaii is located in historic Battery Randolph at Fort DeRussy near the military Hale Koa Hotel not far from the Hilton. It predates WW2, having been constructed in 1911 as a first line of defense against attack by sea. Almost invisible from the ocean, it blends in with what had been long stretches of sandy beach.

Made of steel reinforced concrete walls up to 12 feet thick, it originally sported 14-inch rifles on disappearing carriages capable of firing a 3/4 ton projectile 14 miles. Today they are located outside the battery and represent a nice photo op for visitors. Inside, the museum nestles between the original concrete gun mounts documenting the role of the US army, the military history of Hawaii and the contributions of Hawaii and the people of Hawaii to the national defense. The museum is well worth a visit, and is quite a bargain with its free admission. Voluntary contributions are, of course, welcomed, or purchase something in the gift shop to provide financial support. I bought a beautifully illustrated and excellent book on the history of Hawaii - Yesterday in Hawaii: A voyage through time.

World War II History at Pearl Harbor

Although the attack on the US fleet stationed in Pearl Harbor was unexpected, it was the culmination of a years of deteriorating relations between Japan and the United States over the status of China and the security of Southeast Asia. The objective was to immobilize the Pacific Fleet so that the United States could not interfere with these invasion plans.

The Pearl Harbor site has grown over the years and is far more than the USS Arizona Memorial. You can easily spend a whole day there. In addition to the USS Arizona Memorial, there's a fascinating 23-minute documentary film on the December 7, 1941 attack, and an opportunity to tour the USS Bowfin Submarine. Just off the grounds is the USS Missouri Battleship, and Pacific Aviation Museum on historic Ford Island (which occupies World War II-era hangars). These are stops on the shuttle that takes visitors to and from the Pearl Harbor complex.

Explore the History and Culture of Hawaii

Honolulu Museum of Art and Doris Duke

In addition to the traditional Hawaiian history sites, the city of Honolulu has an excellent art museum. The Honolulu Museum of Art was founded by Anna Rice Cooke in 1927 who donated the land, her art collection and an endowment of more than $1.2 million. The inviting, somewhat rambling, design melds Mediterranean and Chinese influences with open tiled corridors, tree-filled nooks, and pitches tiled roofs to create a new Hawaiian architectural style.

The permanent collection includes more than 50,000 pieces with emphasis on Asian art, and textiles, and works on paper, as well as more traditional art museum pieces. If you do visit, plan on having lunch there. The open-air cafe, under Chef Mike Nevin, offers delicious and innovative soups, pasta, sandwiches, starters, and deserts. There's also a nice line up of morning tours, afternoon focused tours, and a tour and tea. At a different location, tour Doris Duke's Shangri La. The Honolulu Museum of Art offers separate tours of Duke's Shangri La estate.

Bishop Museum

Located well outside downtown and Waikiki, the Bishop Museum is nonetheless worth the trip. It is the best place to learn about the history of Hawaii as a sovereign nation.

It was founded by Charles Reed Bishop in momeory of his wife Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who was the last direct descendant of King Kamehameha I. It presents the history from precontact to present day, but with a personal perspective through the Bishop's own memorabilia, items, manuscripts, and photographs. A daily program lists unusually wide array the tours and activities available - think everything from planetarium events to a lava melting demonstration and story-telling presentations and hula dance and song. Don't miss the first floor gallery with the legends, beliefs and world of pre-contact Hawaii and the third floor history from the time of King Kamehameha I through the overthrow of the Hawaiian nation.

Polynesian Cultural Center

Located about an hour outside of Waikiki, Polynesian Cultural Center is a popular destination for anyone wishing to explore the diversity of Hawaiian heritage. Enjoy regular presentations of the crafts, and heritage of the seven island nations of Polynesia. Try your hand at activities such as tree-climbing and spear-throwing. As the sun sets, enjoy an evening luau.

Waimea Valley

One other attraction lies outside of the hustle of Waikiki and Honolulu, the Waimea Valley. The real lure is the gentle walk (about 3/4 mile on paved path) through the botanical gardens to the beautiful waterfall and the small lake it forms. There's a lifeguard and some swim toys available, or bring some of your own. Changing rooms and picnic tables are available. You may also want to bring water shoes for the rocky beach and water bottom.

The Waimea valley actually stretches from the mountains down to the ocean and there are other paths to explore beyond the paved way to the waterfalls. You can also participate in cultural activities. Enjoy a bit of a vanishing tropical paradise.