Say "Aloha!" to the big city on Oahu's South Shore: Honolulu. This sunny capital city is the main portal to the larger Hawaiian archipelago, and the perfect base for exploring Oahu. Drinking in all the breathtaking scenery is just one part of the Honolulu experience — there's so much more: Waikiki's crescent beach, plus its shopping and dining; the 350-acre volcanic crater Diamond Head (climb to the top for amazing views); and Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Be sure to take a scenic drive from the South Shore to the North Shore, and experience the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Dole Plantation (think pineapples!), as well as world-class snorkeling, shrimp carts, and shaved ice stands.