From golden beaches and aqua seas to emerald cliffs and hidden valleys, to the urban vibe of Honolulu and Waikīkī, O‘ahu’s diverse environments provide unique vacation opportunities. Travelers step back in time at Pearl Harbor, discover dazzling film locations, and immerse themselves in O‘ahu’s contemporary arts and style scene. The key is learning your clients’ passions so you can customize itineraries for The Heart of Hawai‘i.
Stepping Into History At Pearl Harbor
Few sites are as moving and powerful as those that capture the events of Dec. 7, 1941, when Japanese naval and air forces attacked Pearl Harbor, catapulting the U.S. into what ultimately became World War II. Pearl Harbor Historic Sites—USS Arizona Memorial, USS Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, and Pacific Aviation Museum—recall that day and the history of World War II. Travelers may even have the opportunity to meet military veterans who survived that day and are happy to share their experiences. Tip: Dec. 7, 2016 will mark the 75th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, making next year an even more special time to visit.
Exploring Hollywood’s Backlot
O‘ahu is a highly valued Hollywood filming location with settings ranging from exotic natural beauty to metropolitan sophistication. Famous O‘ahu-based productions include Jurassic World, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Godzilla, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Descendants, Aloha, Hawaii Five-O and Lost. Kualoa, a 4,000-acre ranch spanning mountains, valleys and the shoreline, has long been a popular film spot. Your clients can experience the ranch on the Hollywood Movies Sites bus tour, by ATV, or on horseback. Tip: KOS Tours’ exhilarating off-road adventures aboard Hummers combine movie and film locations with nature, history and scenery.
O‘ahu’s Urban Arts and Style Vibe
Honolulu’s downtown neighborhoods exemplify the island’s creative energy and East-meets-West vibe. Chinatown is a historic immigrant gateway known for traditional Asian markets, ethnic eateries, and authentic lei shops. Nearby, the progressive Honolulu Arts District is filled with galleries, theaters and performance art venues, along with cutting-edge boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs. Up and coming Kaka‘ako boasts exciting monthly events including Honolulu Night Market, a giant indoor/outdoor block party with fashion, art, music, bars and street food, and the Eat the Street food truck rally.
In February, POW! WOW! Hawai‘i brings together local and global artists for a street art event with gallery shows, mural projects, concerts and live art installations. Tip: The 2nd Annual Honolulu Fashion Week—Nov. 20-22, 2015—will showcase Hawai‘i’s hottest designers with live fashion shows and shopping opportunities at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
Experience More of O‘ahu and Hawai‘i
There’s even more for your clients on O‘ahu and all of the Hawaiian Islands…and only one place to learn about it all. The Official Hawai‘i Destination Specialist Program delivers the knowledge you need to plan and book the rich experiences that add up to the perfect vacation—again and again. Begin your journey to expertise at agents.gohawaii.com today.
