Oahu Oahu is what most people think is Hawaii.  Maybe not.  But the island of Oahu is where Honolulu and Waikiki Beach are located.  The Southern part of the island is so urbanized that it is barely distinguishable from San Francisco, LA, or any other large city.  It is certainly smaller than these examples but the fundamental elements of urban sprawl are readily evident.  Plus, the inability of the county or state to develop infrastructure (highways in particular) are stark evidence to an underlying impotence in advancement. Pearl Harbor consumes much of the Southern part of the island.  Then, each of the other services have their respective pieces of the island: the Marines at Kaneohe and the Air Force and Hickam Air Force Base and Bellows Air Force Station (inactive now).   Right in the middle of the island is the Army's Schofield Barracks Military Reservation.  Honolulu consumes the rest of the Southern part of the island.  The contrast between the Honolulu area and areas outside is quite stark.  As you can tell, I am not a fan of Honolulu or its surrounding area.  I am probably in the minority because it is a very popular place.  I think that the best places to see are on the North side of the island.  Sunset Beach, Turtle Bay Hilton, and glider flights at the deactivated Dillingham Air Force Base.  Most flights from the mainland are to/from Honolulu.  Go ahead and do that but get out of Honolulu as fast as you can.   The other islands are just too much better to make me spend much time on Oahu (even though I've been there 5 times). But if you insist on Honolulu, by all means visit the Sheraton Moana Hotel.  It is a blast from the past.  The photos above are at the hotel when we were relaxing and eating dinner as we watched the sun go down.  This was preceded by Hula dancers. Really a great place and excellent food and ambiance.  Just outside is the International Marketplace which will run you ragged going from shop to shop. All Photographs Copyright © by Gary Gaugler - All Rights Reserved - Use By Permission Only