If you're a first time visitor to Hawaii, the island of Oahu is typically where you might begin to explore all that Hawaii has to offer.

Honolulu, the capitol city, has much to offer with respect to museums, restaurants, activities, and shopping. Most of these venues are scattered around Honolulu, which means a rental car is in order if you plan on making visits to these locations the focus of your stay. Honolulu's public transit system--The Bus--is an affordable alternative to a rental car, but expect to spend some valuable vacation time waiting for the bus or walking between it and your ultimate destination.

If it's bright lights, nightlife and beaches you're after, Waikiki is probably where you'll wind up. Come to think of it, that's probably where you'll end up like it or not. The overwhelming majority of Oahu's hotels are strung out like pearls along Waikiki Beach. In recent years, however, Waikiki has become quite congested. So if the point of your visit is to experience an idyllic island lifestyle, it might be smart to head elsewhere.

You might, for example, get away from it all and still have access to everything by booking a stay on the island's north shore. Numerous vacation rentals and bed and breakfast spots are available there. Home to some of the best surfing beaches in the world, the north shore's laid-back lifestyle also makes it a popular destination for Honolulu residents who want to kick back without traveling far from home.

Activities

• Aloha Tower Marketplace - Hawaii's landmark for shopping, food and fun!
  
• Beach Divers Hawaii - Daily surf/dive reports and underwater photos
  
• Bishop Museum and Planetarium - The State Museum of Natural and Cultural History
  
• Computer Expo '96 - Information for vendors and attendees of Hawaii's biggest industry event
  
• Extreme Hawaii Fun - Island Gifts and Products.
  
• Golf Hawaii - The online source for Golf Hawaii with Mark Rolfing as seen on ESPN.
  
• Hawaii Attractions Association - Detailed information on all the fun and exciting Activities and Attractions in Hawaii, along with a FREE Hawaii Vacation Planner Kit that includes a 45-minute award winning video, three island maps and $175 in valuable coupons for a small shipping and handling charge.
  
• Hawaii Information Connection - The latest travel information for all of the islands
  
• Hawaii Modem Gamers Group - A users group for people who frag without mercy.
  
• KHON TV - Channel 2 with news, sports and weather
  
• KINE Hawaiian Radio - Local music for local folks
  
• KTUH 90.3 University of Hawaii Radio - University radio gets wired
  
• Oahu Hikes - Tales and info about hikes on Oahu
  
• Olomana Golf Links - World class golf and dining on Oahu's scenic Windward side
  
• Polynesian Cultural Center - Experience all the Pacific islands in one place
  
• Rainbow Pacific Helicopters - Helicopter tours and flight training on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island
  
• Roy Sakuma Productions - Roy Sakuma, Hawaii's foremost authority on ukulele instruction expands Hawaii's music tradition through its ukulele schools, recording label, the KoAloha and the Annual Ukulele Festival.
  
• Sportsnut Bike and Skate - Sporting goods, memorabilia and cards
  
• Survival Game Hawaii - Survival Game Hawaii - Play Hawaii's hottest game at the premier paintball fields of Survival Game Hawaii.
  
• The Internet C@fe - Honolulu's premiere cyber-cafe
  
• The Paradise Ride - A seven day, 4-island,350-mile bike ride to benefit AIDS patients mile-plus bike ride on four of the Hawaiian Islands to raise funds to benefit the five major AIDS service agencies in Hawaii.
  
• Tone Deaf Teens - Indie rock from the middle of the ocean
  
• Windward Dive Shop - PADI Certification and gear rentals
  

Business

• 024 Towing - Towing and assistance services - call us any time!
  
• AIIM Aloha Chapter by Dean Takazawa - AIIM Aloha Chapter, Association for Information & Image Management.
  
• ARPA Electric and Hybrid Vehicle National Data Center - National Web site for electric/hybrid auto research
  
• About the DOE - Bio on Superintendent Aizawa and an article from Diana Oshiro
  
• Ainalani Properties - Ainalani Properties-Sales, Management, Rentals in Honolulu, Waikiki,Diamond Head "The Gold Coast", Kahala, Hawaii Kaii, Oceanfront, PHOTOS, PHOTOS, PHOTOS!!!
  
• Aloha Toner Cartridge - At last, remanufactured toner cartridges that work beautifully!
  
• BHP Hawaii - Hawaii's Energy People
  
• Brigham Young University - Background info, vision and mission statement of BYU
  
• Coconut Info - Local software developer
  
• Computer Training Academy - Course listings, including certified Microsoft training
  
• Computer Training Company, Inc. - Hawaii's premier computer training company
  
• Councilmember Andy Mirikitani - Home page of the Honolulu City Councilmember
  
• Edward Enterprises - The art of printing goes beyond ink on paper
  
• Fairways at KoOlina Resort - Fairways at KoOlina resort. Live the good life in beautiful Townhomes located within the surroundings of a world class resort.
  
• Global Computing, Inc. - Hawaii's largest online computer store
  
• Gray Associates Honolulu - Computer wholesale. Service center for printers and Toshiba laptops
  
• Hawaii Catholic Conference - The Hawaii Catholic Conference is the public policy department of the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii.
  
• Hawaii Home Giveaway - $1.00 or more donation requested per entry. Fund raiser to build a Christian Worship Center and School and to provide a gift for 3 charities who service those who suffer from Mentally Retardion, Spina Bifida, and Epilepsy.
  
• Heritage Research Productions, Inc. - Video Producers. Marketing, documenting, and communicating your company's message in Hawaii
  
• Honolulu Community College's WWW Service - Information about HCC, UH and Hawaii
  
• Hughes & Taosaka, Attorneys at Law - Honolulu-based law firm practicing in all circuits in the State of Hawaii providing insurance defense and insurance coverage services.
  
• KENNER INC. - KENNER INC. sells all makes of wire and cable, plus components, tools, test equipment, UPS systems, and structured wiring systems from the leading international manufacturers. We also specialize in full service network system solutions for government and corporate clients.
  
• Kahu Malama Nurses, Inc. - Medical Employment Agency locally owned & operated by a Registered Nurse Executive. We employ RN's LPN's, Nursing & Medical Assistants, matching skills with clients.
  
• Kalama 'Upena - Department of Education
  
• LawLine - a community service of the Hawai'i State Bar Association and the State of Hawai'i Judiciary
  
• Long and Associates, AIA, Inc. - Long & Associates, Architects, Inc. is an architectural, interiors, and consruction management firm with an enduring reputation for distinctive custom homes, resort developments and commercial ventures throughout Hawaii, California and Asia.
  
• Malama o Manoa - Malama o Manoa - a broad based community organization to preserve, protect and enhance the special qualities of historic Manoa Valley.
  
• Mauna Lani Resort Resident Resource Center - Online resources for the residential community at Mauna LaniResort, Hawaii's most prestigious address.
  
• Mililani Technology Park - Home of one of Hawaii's premier homes for high-tech businesses
  
• Nat'l Asson of Industrial and Office Properties - NAIOP Hawaii Chapter-National Association of Industrial and Office Properties- The Forum for Commercial Real Estate.
  
• Office Concepts Hawaii, Inc. - Ergonomic and modular office furnishings
  
• Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku - The purpose of the ODKF home page is to keep Duke's memory alive by providing young people who he spent his lifetime teaching, information about how to apply for Foundation athletic grants and scholarships; and to assist in preserving, perpetuating and developing sports that have a special cultural or historical significance to Hawaii.
  
• Pitluck, Kido, Sato and Stone - Real Estate lawyers
  
• Rainbow Pacific Helicopters - Hawaii's leading aerial photography experts
  
• Rotary Club of Honolulu - Info for Rotarians
  
• Source Tropical of Hawaii - A design and supply company of eco-resorts and tropical building materials
  
• Star of the Sea Early Learning Center - A Catholic preschool using the Montessori method for early childhood learning. Students range in age from 2 to 5 years old in toddler, preschool and kindergarten divisions.
  
• Stryker Weiner Associates - PR Consulting
  
• The Arc in Hawaii - Advocating for and providing services to persons with developmental disabilities and mental retardation.
  
• The Mayor's Page - see Mayor Harris' homepage
  
• Urban Works INC. - Planning and construction.
  
• Value Mortgage Inc. - Simply providing the BEST mortgage values to our clients.
  
• Vegetarian Society of Honolulu - A gathering place for meatless Hawaii residents
  
• Welcome to Global Rainbow - Roof renovation and maintenance
  
• Welcome to the Health Hawaii Registries - Hawaii Health Registries - providing information on birth defects and cancers occurring in Hawaii
  

Culture

• Alakai Junior Chamber of Commerce - A group of multinational students at Hawaii Pacific University for leadership development through community service while expanding the Junior Chamber of Commerce movement.
  
• Aloha STAC's Homepage - Assistive technology and software for people with disabilities
  
• BHP Hawaii - Environmental documentary focusing on rainforest preservation
  
• Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor - Homepage for the chapel on Oahu
  
• Central Union Church - United Church of Christ-Congregational
  
• Earthtrust - Wildlife Conservation Worldwide - Earthtrust - Hawaii's own international wildlife conservation organization.
  
• Forty Plus of Hawaii - Career advancement and networking for the executive set
  
• Hawaii Ecotourism Association - A non-profit membership which provides education and information about ecotourism in Hawaii
  
• Hawaii Kai Community Board - Addressing the concerns of residents of Oahu's Hawaii Kai area
  
• Hawaii Natural Heritage Program - Maintains a database of Hawaii's rare biological resources
  
• Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii - The Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
  
• International Foundation of Bio-Magnetics - Teaching Bio-Magnetic Touch Healing to enhance one's professional practice or personal well being; contributions only.
  
• Junior Achievement of Hawaii - Information on programs, events, staff, funding, history and volunteers
  
• Pacific and Asian Affairs Council - Promoting understanding in the Pacific and Asia
  
• Rogma Bible Correspondence Course - Earn certificates from the Rogma course
  
• Ron Kent - A name synonymous with the glow of translucent wood and the free spirit of his Hawaiian home, Ron Kent is a internationally celebrated artist who has transformed his creative inspirations into turned works of art.
  
• Save our Seas - A principle-centered group working for clean oceans and marine education
  
• Special Education Center of Hawaii - Committed to assisting people with developmental disabilities by providing education, training and support
  
• The Nature Conservacy of Hawaii - The Nature Conservacy of Hawaii
  
• Waianae High School - Home of the Seariders
  

Publishing

• Architecture In Hawaii - An illustrated history of Hawaiian architecture
  
• Create a home page - Jason's Home Page
  
• Imagine Via Kelli - Presents "Immortal Eyes" The Book Has Arrived....A Book For The New Millennium. Click Here To Our Web Site.
  
• Limelight Publishing - Publisher of Animeco, the Anime Connection
  
• Mahalo Air Islander Magazine - The magazine of Mahalo Air, the airline of scenic, affordable travel in Hawai`i
  
• Nanotechnology Magazine - World's first nanometer scale science and technology magazine
  
• PC Currents - Hawaii's local computer newspaper
  
• The Hawaiian Historical Society - Information about the Hawaiian Historical Society
  

Shopping

• Assault Surf + Sports Wear - Underground surf, skate & extreme sportwear and gear.
  
• BHP Hawaii - Eddie Kamae and the Sons of Aloha - Video and Audio clips
  
• Barking Dogs - Premium Hawaiian style beef/jerky and rawhide dog bone treat. Gourmet dog gift made in Hawaii with Aloha.
  
• Barnes & Noble Honolulu - Books and more..
  
• Capital Recourse Gifts - Mail order gift catalog
  
• Carats and Karats - Diamonds, estate jewelry, watches and more..
  
• Chefs in Paradise - Find out more about the local TV show, including recipes and instructions
  
• Coconut Info - Software development, training and support in Honolulu
  
• Exotic Motorcars - Your four-wheeled fantasy
  
• Hawaii Screen Savers - Packed with high resolution photos teeming with the majestic power of Hawaii, including an erupting volcano, surfers and windsurfers on giant waves, sharks, whales, rainbows, tropical forests and sheer cliffs.
  
• Hawaiian Milkcaps - Hawaiian Style MILK CAP page
  
• Hi-Z Art - Custom-drawn caricatures and portraits
  
• Honolulu Kirby Company - High-Tech vacuum cleaners
  
• I.C.C. Enterprises' Hawaiian Hui - Truck covers and accessories, Kayak Sailing
  
• Indo-Pacific Trading Co. - A family owned business, specializing in unique Hardwood Furniture, Primitive Artifacts, Clothing and Jewelry from Hawaii, The Pacific and South East Asia.
  
• Legend Cards - Samplers of Margaret Leach's artwork illustrating Pacific Legends
  
• Leslie's Pictures - Display of pictures to be included in '96 calendar
  
• Online Surf Hawaii - Cyberspace Surf Shop
  
• Planet Hawaii T-Shirts - Get your cool Planet t-shirt today
  
• Rob Craig Photography - Award winning photographs of Haleakala, Maui and Costa Rica
  
• The Electronic Pennysaver - PennySaver - Hawaii's #1 Classifieds
  
• Uniquely Hawaii - Promoting local artists with emphasis on lauhala weaving, Hawaiian carving, and more
  

Travel

• Akamai Bed & Breakfast - Akamai Bed & Breakfast - Your first great discovery while visiting our islands.
  
• All Island Bed and Breakfast - Visit the Real Hawaii at over 600 locations throughout the Islands
  
• Aloha Free Hotel and Condo Reservation Service - Accomodations tailored to your needs
  
• Aloha Waikiki Vacation Condos - Vacation condo rentals in Waikiki
  
• American Youth Hostels Hawaii - Listing of hostels in Hawaii
  
• Anini Beach Hale - Calm crystal waters, beautiful white sand beach and scenic vistas are only 100 paces from the peaceful screened-in patio of your 2 bedroom Hawaiian holiday home.
  
• Backpackers of Hawaii - For the more scenic part of the Islands
  
• Bali Hai Treasures - Provides the ultimate Hawaiian vacation experience. Choose from a large selection of oceanfront condos, hotels and homes ranging from affordable to luxurious. Enjoy using our Vacation Planner to help you create the perfect Hawaiian Vacation.
  
• Christopher Travel and Tours - Specialty and Custom Hawaiian Tours
  
• Harbor Shores - On the shores of Pearl Harbor, near the Arizona Memorial
  
• Hawaii Tourist Network - Hawaii Tourist Network - Your one-stop Hawaii shopping destination for accommodations, restaurants, shops, tours & sightseeing and discount coupons.
  
• Hawaiian Regent - Beachfront in Waikiki
  
• Lanikai Cottage - A vacation rental cottage situated in the world famous community of Lanikai Beach. It is a private seperate dwelling on our property, located 1/2 block from the beach.
  
• Miscellaneous Restaurant Recommendations in Hawaii - Reviews and Q&A; on various eateries on Oahu
  
• Puanani B & B - A truly luxurious Five Star B&B; on the sunny Kona coast; swim, hot-tub and tennis in secluded tropical gardens.
  
• SunQuest Vacations - Hawaii's best selection of resort condominiums and vacation homes, serving Kona for 15 years. Let us assist you in finding the right property for your next vacation.
  
• The Breakers Hotel - Waikiki's most distinctive resort hotel
  
• The Hawaii InfoWeb - Guide to Outrigger Hotel accommodations, restaurants and shops
  
• Utopia Enterprises, Inc. - Aloha, welcome to Hawaii Travelers. We are Hawaii's #1 vacation rental company. We offer the finest in beach-front estates, homes, condominiums, as well as corporate retreats for the Hawaii Traveler.
  
• Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel - Quiet charm on a small, friendly scale