Oahu Guide Blog - All About Oahu

 A delicious shrimp lunch at Oahu’s northern shore is something that cannot be missed. In fact, there are several roadside stands where freshly cooked shrimps are served. Mostly located in Kahuku town area, the shrimp dishes are ordered at the windows of the shrimp trucks. They are served along with two scoops of rice & at times macaroni salad, green salad & pineapple or lemon slices. While one can get plain shrimps, the most ones are garnished with garlic, lemon butter or soya sauce. They are undoubtedly delicious but sometimes they are unclean.

                   One of the newest shrimp truck on the block is the Blue Water Shrimp serves shrimp plates sprinkled with goat cheese. Apart from this, they also serve several non-shrimp items. The famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck serve shrimps with lemon sauce, spicy sauce & a sweet black pepper sauce. Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp & Seafood offer shrimp foods that are simple yet delicious. Their plates are served with garlic sauce, lemon butter sauce & a spicy sauce that are served with two scoops of rice, fresh slices of pineapple & a green salad. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is the oldest & the best-known shrimp truck in Oahu’s north shore. Usually parked in Kahuku & Hale’iwa, they are well known for there garlic shrimps. One can also get lemon butter & spicy sauce.

                  Among other famous shrimp trucks is the Macky’s Kahuku Shrimp Truck. Owned by the Chen-Lu Shrimp Farm, the shrimp plates come with two scoops of rice, a pineapple sauce, a piece of sweet potato & green salad. It is worth mentioning that Macky’s was the winner of the “2005 BATTLE OF THE NORTHSHORE SHRIMP TRUCKS”. Standing at 56-781 Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku, Romy’s Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp Hut offer shrimps that they themselves culture. Standard garlic & spicy sauce special Asian homemade sauce like soya sauce & chile sauce are some of the specialities of this truck. Last is the Shrimp Sack that is always parked near Kaya’s Store in Panalu’u. Shrimps with garlic or cocktail sauce. It is heard that they use Kauai shrimps.

                    Located right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Oahu has a rich maritime history that is more than three thousand years old. The discovery of the exotic islands of Hawaii by the Polynesians & their settlement over there even before the birth of Christ is indeed very fascinating. By the time, the Europeans started exploring the Pacific Ocean in the 16^th century; most of the Hawaiian Islands had already been occupied. The natural treasures of the island were first discovered by Captain James Cook in 1778. From then on Oahu became the regular place for other explorers, missionaries, whalers & tourists to head to.

                     The association of the Matson Navigation Company with Hawaii began in 1882 & it was this company that established Hawaii’s relation with the rest of the world. This gradually developed the interests of the tourists & Hawaii became a preferred holiday destination among tourists. The local people would travel on small boats to the different cruise ships to meet the tourists & welcome them with music, hula dancing & lei greetings. Constructed in 1878, the Pier 7, The Falls of Clyde is anchored at the Hawaii Maritime Center. It is the only four-masted, full rigged ship existing in the world; it has now been proclaimed as a national historic landmark.

                       Oahu also occupies an important place in the US Naval history, for it is home to Pearl Harbor. Again, the U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine & Museum helps us gather a sound knowledge about submarines & how they helped in winning World War II. The shores of Oahu also offer opportunities for many adventure sports like diving, surfing, canoeing, kayaking & fishing charters & vacationing yachters. Last but not the least, the food & attractions & activities are in abundance in Oahu. The art galleries, museums, aquariums, the natural beauty & the nightlife, the Oahu has something on store for everyone. 

                   Hawaii is intimately associated with history & culture. The local people of Oahu are intensely dedicated towards preserving their culture & passing them over to posterity. Whether it is the native language or the traditional arts & crafts, the Hawaiians are very proud of their culture. One of the treasured possessions of the Hawaiians believed to be invested with spiritual powers, feather-made articles like capes, cloaks & helmets signified the superior social status of the male chiefs. The women, on the other hand, wore feather articles around their neck & heads to signify their position.

                    The Hawaiians also made jewellery for the Hula dancers. Leis were made out of human hair, feathers, leaves, nuts, seeds, vines, shells & flowers. Standing for friendship & good will, Leis were used on birthdays, wedding anniversaries & graduations. It is pertinent to note that May Day is celebrated as Lei Day in Hawaii. Recent innovations have also been made in making Leis. Another significant tradition of the Hawaiians is name-giving ceremony. It is believed that the future of a child depends upon the selected name. One of the well-known cultural practitioners of this tradition is Pat Bacon.

                    One of the tallest, oldest & most valuable trees in Hawaii is Koa. The Polynesians, who arrived in Hawaii around 325 A.D. being excellent woodworkers, developed a fascination for Koa woodworking. They are used for almost everything from making bowls, frames & poster-beds. The Hawaii Forest Industry Association manages the forests that are hugely productive. The quilters of the Hawaiians have become very popular in the recent years & are even used as heirloom art & gifts. The quilters reflect the Hawaiian tradition & culture. Elizabeth Akana, Deborah Kakalia & Elizabeth Root are some of Oahu’s well-known quilters. The Umeke, an intricately designed elaborately covered calabash bowl kept over a pedestal was originally a symbol of the royalty. It was revived by Stewart Medeiros.

                     Besides the above-mentioned articles, the royal Hawaiian Band that performed regularly at the Iolani Palace, the Ukulele Company & the Slack Key are some of the treasured articles of the Hawaiians. 

                  Oahu is a land of history & culture. The sacred sites of Oahu like Heiau, pohaku, petroglyphs, caves, rock shelters & fish ponds. Even today, these places are looked upon with reverence & believed to possess miraculous powers. The Waimea Valley & Hale o Lono Heiau still echo of the religious minds of the Hawaiians. Built sometime between 1470 A.D. and 1700 A.D., the Heiau was dedicated to god Lono. Puu O Mahuka Heiau, spread over two acres, overlooks the Waimea Valley. It is the largest temple in Oahu. It was in the 1770s that the high priest Kaopulupulu got many gods installed there. It was probably a sacrificial temple. However, this religion was abolished by the Hawaiian themselves.

                     The first officially recognized ancient site of Oahu is Kukaniloko Birthstones. The Daughters of Hawaii preserved & protected this site. The chief visited this site & arranged two rows of lava rock seats flanked by a central birthing stone. It was believed that these stones could relieve the pains of labor. Sacred drums were beaten to announce the arrival of the newborn. Situated in upper Mahaka Valley, the Kaneaki Heiau is one of the most bewitching temple of Oahu. Looking over the Kahana Bay is the Kapaeleele Koa is a fishing shrine. The fresh waters of the Kawainui Marsh made the chiefs prefer Kailua. Again, the Ulupo Heiau situated on the eastern side of the Kawainui Marsh is believed to have been built by the legendary race Menehune.

                       Along the southern side of Oahu, lies Keaiwa Hieau. It was built under supervision of the chief Kakuhihewa. It was believed that this temple was associated with certain spiritual powers. Imbued with healing powers of the priests from Tahiti, the Na Pohaku Ola Kapaemahu a Kapuni dates back to the 15^th century. These stones are now believed to be located in Kuhio Beach at Waikiki. When you travel along Alapena pool & Kapena Falls, you can witness numerous Nuuanu Petrogylphs. Pele’s chair is visible while passing by the Hawaii Kai Golf Club.  

                  Oahu’s rich historic past influences the future to a considerable extent. The first settlers of the Hawaiian Islands were good navigators from the south Pacific. In fact, the Polynesian Migration to these islands can be classified into two phases: the first group migrated sometime around 600-750 A.D. In the second phase, the Marquesas migrated to this land around 1100 A.D. from the Society Islands. The Polynesians developed their culture & divided the island into small kingdoms, which were ruled by chiefs. A system of “kapu” was imposed to maintain to a distinction between those with power & those without. One rule of the “Kapu” was that men & women could not eat together.

                    It was only in 1778 that with the arrival of Captain James Cook changed the lives of Hawaiian forever. Captain Cook had maintained constant contact with the Polynesians & they showed him great hospitality. However, with the passage of time, tensions grew & a war broke out between them resulting in the death of Captain Cook. Whatever it may be, contact with the Europeans also introduced a number of diseases like small pox, whooping cough & measles. They were also introduced to the use of metals & firearms.

                   Kamehameha I was the greatest Hawaiian ruler of all times. He fought his uncle Kiwalao in order to gain control over the land & the people. He also went on to conquer the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai & ultimately Oahu. Kamehameha II ignored the laws of Kapu & let men & women eat together. It was during his visit to England in 1824, that he & his queen contracted fatal diseases. Kamehameha IV & his wife together founded The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, the Episcopal Church in Hawaii. Kamehameha V was the last king directly from this royal lineage. Lunalilo, Kalakaua & Liliuokalani were all elected by the Legislature of Hawaii. Many American missionaries & the missionaries of Christianity influenced the Hawaiians greatly. It was in 1835 that the first sugar plantation was noticed as a place for agricultural purposes. These plantations flourished & gradually foreign laborers began to be recruited.     

                    Oahu is a very popular holiday destination. The adventure, the sights, the art & the culture of the place are bound to leave an indelible mark on your minds. There is also a plethora of activities that you can enjoy without spending a single penny. You can visit Hawaii’s State Art Museum, which has Hawaii’s finest collection of art. The Waikiki Historic Trail walking tour will enlighten your knowledge regarding the history of Waikiki. Again, the Aloha Waikiki Hawaiian Hula Show organized by Tahiti at DFS Galleria will transport you to the past boat days of Hawaii.

                   There are various other places that you can visit absolutely free of cost. Voyages on canoes & the Matson steamships at the Hawaii Maritime Centre are a great way of exploring the exotic marine life of Hawaii. In order to catch up with the arts, crafts & memorabilia you have head to Hyatt’s Hawaii situated at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa. The photographs & memorabilia at the Duke’s Canoe Club Outrigger Waikiki will give you an idea of the history of surfing. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce organizes a tour through the China Town. The noodle factories, herbal shops, gift shops & other markets are a delightful experience. This apart, various fairs are organized at the different places like St. Thomas Square & Kapiolani Park. The traditional torch lighting show at the Waikiki is a revelation indeed. A firsthand experience of the creation of the leis along the Maunakea Street will win your heart. The Historical Tour at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel will tell you a lot about the Princess Kaiulani. Hilo Hattie offers free treat of fruit juices & food samples apart from other entertainment.

                   The Honolulu Zoo & the Waikiki aquarium are also great places to visit. The humpback whales on Kaena Point are not be missed. Other adventure tours like a hike to the Manoa Falls & to the top of Diamond Head are worth visiting. It is not possible to mention the long list of places that you can visit on Oahu; they are endless.