A contest entry sightseeing review: thanks to Nina C.Of course, the common perception of hawaii is: beaches, beaches and more beaches. However, after my first visit to the island of oahu, I can tell you that hawaii offers much more than that!
First of all, it is a shoppers paradise with very reasonable prices. This is particularly welcome after the initial expensive trip from the mainland I took from new york. I highly recommend the outdoor " international marketplace". Sweeping palmtrees introduce you to a mutilevel eating and shopping experience. You have shade from the sun, yet can feel those marvelously soothing gentle trade winds. As you wander throughout, you are greeted by fast food shops that are no higher than back home. And I hope you have the good part of the day to explore the small shops offering charming hawaiian and polynesian artifacts, statues, t-shirts, jewelry, etc.
After satisfying your appetite in a most satisfactory way, you would not want to miss pearl harbor! This american landmark is in the area of pearl ridge, a short bus ride away. A memorial actually floats above the very spot of the sunken u.S.S. Arizona. Visitors step upon a small ferryboat which wisks you to it, where you will discover a little chapel-type of building housing a fascinating movie narrating the awesome attack on pearl harbor.
After returning to the shore,...Don't leave yet! Nearby is the enclosed twin shopping mall of pearl ridge. It is so huge that..And you really have to see this to believe it....There's a monorail between them! For a nominal fee, you can jump on & take in breathtaking views while you do your feet a favor. All your favorite mainland department stores await.
Another worthwhile experience is the polynesian village that the mormons operate in oahu. It resembles a smaller version of epcot, comprised of several areas educating visitors to the history of the natives and their daily lives. I had the chance to sample poi for the first time in my life. For those who are curious about the mormon faith, you are invited ( but not mandatory ) to learn more about it. It might be the only place you can experience a talking jesus statue!
And back to the beaches which you might need to rest on after your busy hawaiian whirlwind!
