Panorama

Across the street from the Sunset Beach Elementary School is the Ehukai Beach Park. It's here that the Banzai Pipeline separates the men from the boys (or if you ask some, the smart from the stupid). Known for its notorious waves which can swell to triple overhead in winter, it's every surfer's dream and nightmare. Even if experienced in water sports, it's preferable to venture in during Spring and Summer, when the waters are calmer.

This crater of an extinct volcano got its name when Western explorers mistook calcite crystals they found there for diamonds. The historic trail to the 761-foot summit starts inside the crater and is an easy, but steep, 45-minute hike to the top. Stay on the trail, wear appropriate footgear and sunscreen, take along water and bring a flashlight to light your way through the tunnels. Those who reach the summit are rewarded by a spectacular 360-degree view of O'ahu. The tunnel gates close promptly at 6p. Admission: USD1 per person, USD5 per vehicle.

Located just adjacent to Honolulu International Airport, this service allows visitors to see Honolulu and the island of O'ahu from high above. Owner/Pilot Pat Magie and his wife Debbie own two sturdy DeHavilland "Beavers." They take off and land in beautiful Ke'ehi lagoon, providing views of the Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges, the exquisite beaches on all sides of the island and dramatic Diamond Head reigning over Waikiki Beach. Prices start at USD119 per person for a 1/2 hour flight and USD220 per person for a one hour tour. A complimentary van services several stops in Waikiki.

Picture yourself paddling your way over the crystal blue waters of the Hawaiian islands with the sun bathing you in its soft light and bouncing off the water. Well, with Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks you don't need to imagine it. You can just do it. This rental place offers guided tours by kayak or sail boat or even paddle boat to the nearby Mokulua Islands. If a group tour isn't your thing, you can always rent out a Kayak and go adventuring on your own. This rental shop offers various eco tours or rentals to choose from — windsurfing, kayaking, kite surfing, snorkeling etc. So take your pick and take the plunge.

During low tide in Kane'ohe Bay, a sandbar known as Ahu O Laka, emerges, forming a temporary beach in the middle of the bay. The Kane'ohe Bay Sandbar is a favorite spot for recreational boaters to drop anchor, fire up the hibachi and enjoy a cold beer. The panoramic view from the sandbar is breathtaking. The calm turquoise water is home to abundant marine life including turtles and hammerhead sharks. Several tour boat operators run snorkeling and dive tours to the sandbar from Hee'ia Pier in Kaneohe. The tours usually include the use of water toys and lunch. - Shiyana Thenabadu

This is the final resting place for 34,000 veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as Challenger casualty Ellison Onizuka. Marble walls flanking the monumental staircase list the names of American heroes missing in action. A 30-foot statue of Lady Columbia symbolizes all grieving mothers. There is a sweeping view of Diamond Head to the glistening bays of Pearl Harbor. In ancient times, the crater of the long-dormant volcano served as a site of human sacrifices. Admission is free.

North Shore Shark Adventures will fulfill your thrill-seeking fantasies. After an initial safety instruction briefing, the tour sets sail. If you're lucky, you might spot Hawaiian Green Sea turtles, humpback whales and dolphins. Then the piece-de-resistance, being lowered in the water from the safety of a cage and getting a glimpse at sharks ranging from 5 to 15 feet in length. It's also a good leap of faith for those who have a phobia of sharks. Tourists are encouraged to bring their snorkels, masks and underwater camera. As safety is a priority, the boats are limited to 6 passengers, so make your reservations early. They have variable rates and discounts. And if you notice the word Kailolo on the boat, it just means "water crazy"!

For an experience that will give you chicken skin, take the Pali Highway to this spectacular lookout, one of the windiest spots on Oahu. Historians hotly debate the legend that says that in 1795, King Kamehameha I, the unifier of the Hawaiian Islands, forced thousands of his opponents to jump from the cliff to their deaths. From the lookout point high among the eerie spires of the Koolau Mountains, you can see a panoramic view of Windward Oahu. Admission is free.

For spectacular bird's eye views of Oahu, book a seat on this charter helicopter. The Honolulu Waterfront Flight lasts only 10 minutes, and flies over Waikiki, Ala Moana and Honolulu Harbor. Longer flights visit Magic Island and Olomana. Sunset and night flights are available. Private charters and private flight lessons are offered. Call for pricing and availability. Round-trip hotel transportation is included in all tours. Tours are offered in Japanese and English.

Also known as "Mr. Bill's Original Glider Ride," this Honolulu company was established in 1970 and has been giving aerial tours of Oahu's North Shore ever since. Soar over volcanic ridges and see whales in the Pacific ocean firsthand. Planes seat between one and two passengers, plus the pilot. One-passenger gliders engage in aeronautics that are perfect for daredevils. Sailplanes depart daily between 10:30am and 5:30pm from Dillingham Airfield.

These quiet helicopters have state-of-the-art interiors featuring wrap-around windows, headsets and great sound systems. All seats are by a window, which allows passengers the opportunity to snap some fantastic photos. Several trips are available daily. Such as the quick 20-minute jaunt around Waikiki, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. The hour-long tour flies over the North Shore and the Ko'olau Mountains as well as Pearl Harbor. Narration is offered in English, Japanese, German and Swiss. Call for reservations and departure times.

Hula dancers greet each sunset sailor as passengers depart on the largest of the local cruise ships, The Star of Honolulu. Visitors cruise off Oahu's leeward shore as the sun sinks below the horizon and the twinkling lights of Honolulu and Waikiki emerge in the dusk. There is always a live band and singers. Dine on a feast of steak and crab legs with a complimentary tropical cocktail. Prices for The Sunset Dinner cruise start at USD66 for adults and USD33 for children.

The best of Oahu's attractions are at your fingertips. Low rates are offered on submarine dives, city tours and other popular activities. Day tours to other islands are also available. Visit Maui (The Valley Isle), Kaua'i (The Garden Isle) or the Big Island. The highlights of each island are included in the tour, along with airfare. Single-day tour costs start at around $15 (Pearl Harbor and City Tour) and go up to about $149 (Big Island Circle Tour). Overnight packages are also available. Call for details.