Oahu may be number three in size among its fellow islands in the Hawaiian chain, but it is first in population. Nearly 900,000 people share Oahu’s 600 square miles of mountains and beaches. Oahu is also the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands, at approximately 4.5 million visitors annually. Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head and Waikiki are all located on Oahu. The island of Oahu is formed from the remnants of two large shield volcanoes, the older Waianae Volcano on Oahu’s west side, and the younger Koolau Volcano on Oahu’s east side.

Hanauma Bay

Kualoa Beach

Pounders Beach

Haleiwa Beach

Kailua Beach

Mokuleia, North Shore

Waiahole Sunrise

Sandy Beach

Kailua Beach

Golden Sunset at Ko’Olina

credit: Paloika

The Waikiki Aquarium is the third oldest aquarium in the U.S. The aquarium is part of the University of Hawaii and is located on the shores of Waikiki. It offers a look into the spectacular aquatic life of Hawaii and the tropical waters of the Pacific. The indoor area offers four galleries, starring nautiluses, reef sharks, flashlight fish, lionfish, piranhas, and a wide variety of tropical fishes and living corals. The Aquarium showcases more than 500 marine species, and maintains more than 3,000 marine specimens.

Regular Opening Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily

Admission:
General – $9
Kama’aina (with proof of residency) – $6
Active Duty Military (with military ID) – $6
Students (with student ID) – $6
Seniors (65+ with ID) – $6
Youth (13-17) – $4
Persons with a Disability – $4
Junior (5-12) – $2
Children 4 and Under – FREE

credit: Janine 

credit: Janine 

credit: Janine 

credit: Janine 

credit: Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i

credit: Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i

credit: Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i

credit: Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i

credit: Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i

credit: Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i

credit: Bret Robertson

credit: Bret Robertson

credit: Bret Robertson