Honolulu - Oahu Pictures

Waikiki Beach's honey-colored sand, turquoise water and close proximity to the city center makes it one of Honolulu's most popular beach locales. M Swiet Productions Getty Images

On June 11, Hawaiians flock to Waikiki Beach to watch the Kamehameha Day Parade, an event filled with traditional dances and music. gorddo Getty Images

The main attraction at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument is the USS Arizona Memorial, which was designed by Honolulu architect Alfred Preis. Glowimages Getty Images

Some of Oahu's best vistas can be enjoyed while hiking the crater at Diamond Head State Monument. Art Wager Getty Images

Iolani Palace, the former home of Hawaii's last monarchs, is the only royal residence on American soil. gregobagel Getty Images

This popular icy treat comes in a variety of flavors, including passion fruit, coconut and lychee. BluebirdHarvest Getty Images

Waikiki and the North Shore are two Oahu spots known for their top-notch surf. mattpaul Getty Images

In addition to featuring a botanical garden, this 1,206-foot-tall crater is home to the challenging Koko Crater Trail. Photo - Atmospherics Getty Images

Several statues are displayed throughout Oahu, but one of the island's most recognizable is of Duke Kahanamoku, a surfing icon who regularly caught waves at Waikiki Beach. Nathan Blaney Getty Images

It's common to see green sea turtles while diving and snorkeling here. RugliG Getty Images

Located in Oahu's Kaneohe region, this valley is now recognizable as a filming location in the first season of "Lost." SvetlanaSF Getty Images

Lanikai Beach is world-renowned for its pristine sand and calm, turquoise water, but if you venture out to the nearby Mokulua Islands, you'll find top-notch conditions for kayaking and surfing. M Swiet Productions Getty Images

The Manoa Falls waterfall stands an impressive 100 feet tall. LanaCanada Getty Images

One of Oahu's most popular snorkeling sites is Hanauma Bay, which sits by the Koko Crater Trail on the southeastern tip of the island. John Seaton Callahan Getty Images

While hiking the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail, you'll come across this red-roofed lighthouse, which was built in 1909. Andriy Prokopenko Getty Images

Though you could easily spend your entire Waikiki Beach visit lounging on its world-renowned sands, this breathtaking beach is also a prime spot for water sports like canoeing and surfing. M Swiet Productions Getty Images

Fresh seafood is abundant around the Hawaiian Islands, so it's hardly surprising that one of Oahu's most iconic dishes is poke, a raw fish salad commonly made with tuna or octopus. EdytaSoriano Getty Images

Inside the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, visitors will find more than 24 million artifacts, ranging from portraits of the Hawaiian Monarchy to ukuleles to early fish hooks carved from bone. Jimmy Smith Flickr

Many of Oahu's Best Hotels overlook Waikiki Beach. anouchka Getty Images

King Kamehameha, who is depicted in the iconic gold and black statue by Iolani Palace, is honored every year on June 11 (or Kamehameha Day). Joel Carillet Getty Images

The Honolulu Museum of Art displays pieces created by some of Europe's great artists, as well as early indigenous Hawaiian art and an impressive collection of Japanese woodblock prints. kernsandcairns Flickr

After climbing to the top of Diamond Head State Monument, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Waikiki Beach and downtown Honolulu. maximkabb Getty Images

Head to Waikiki Beach late in the day for some of the island's most picturesque sunsets. YinYang Getty Images

The Battleship Missouri Memorial gives visitors an up-close look at one of America's most famous World War II-era battleships. jcarillet Getty Images

Between November and May, Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail hikers may occasionally spot migrating humpback whales breaching in the Pacific Ocean. B.E. Butler Getty Images

Lanikai Beach sits just 2 miles east of central Kailua, where travelers can shop or grab a bite to eat. Hiro_photo_H Getty Images

Look down while visiting the USS Arizona Memorial at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Memorial and you'll see the sight's sunken namesake ship. tropicalpixsingapore Getty Images

If you're a first-time hiker, the trail to the Manoa Falls is made for you. You'll encounter tall bamboo plants and banyan trees at you make your way to the waterfall. Barry Winiker Getty Images

When you're in need of a break from tourist hot spots like Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana Center, pay your respects at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Yusuke Odada/a.collectionRF Getty Images

The nearly 2-mile-long Koko Crater Trail features more than 1,000 steps made from abandoned railroad ties. andyKRAKOVSKI Getty Images

Although the main draw of Shangri La is its impressive collection of Islamic art amassed by socialite Doris Duke, visitors can't forget to check out the property's picturesque grounds and views. Graeme Wood Flickr

Getting around the island is easiest to do in your own set of wheels. Colin Anderson Getty Images

Though Diamond Head State Monument's massive crater is easy to spot from the air, at eye level, this former volcano looks like an ordinary mountain. shamosan Getty Images

Surfing is a popular pastime on Oahu, meaning you'll likely see many beaches with areas dedicated to surfboard rentals. Pgiam Getty Images

You'll find more than 350 boutiques and eateries at Ala Moana Center. riNux Flickr

The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail resides in the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline by Makapu'u Beach Park. agaliza Getty Images

The Honolulu Museum of Art features an impressive collection of Asian art. Thad Zajdowicz Flickr

Though many tropical regions boast sunken ship dive sites, Honolulu is also home to the Corsair Wreck, a World War II-era plane that crashed into the ocean in 1946. Kevin Boutwell Getty Images

Surf pros from all over the world flock to the North Shore to surf its Banzai Pipeline. mattpaul Getty Images

Loco moco – a hearty Hawaiian dish made with white rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg and brown gravy – is available at drive-ins throughout Oahu. IslandLeigh Getty Images

Climb the difficult Koko Crater Trail and you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Maunalua Bay and its surrounding valleys and ridges. joe daniel price Getty Images

The Battleship Missouri Memorial sits next to the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Sean Davey / Aurora Photos Getty Images

Kailua Beach Park woos kitesurfers and windsurfers, but its gentle waves and kid-friendly atmosphere also makes it a great option for families. skyseeker Flickr

The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum's Hawaiian Hall is filled with Hawaiian treasures that focus on three themes – Kai Akea (early beliefs and religions), Wao Kanaka (nature) and Wao Lani (former rulers and significant historical events). Jimmy Smith Flickr

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific's position on top of a hill means travelers will enjoy scenic views of both the cemetery grounds and downtown Honolulu during their visits. RobertCravens Getty Images

Pearl Harbor is best known for housing the USS Arizona Memorial, but this waterway is also where you'll find the USS Bowfin Submarine, which was commissioned in 1943. Glowimages Getty Images