History, Patriotism, Relaxation: Vacation Destination Oahu, Hawaii

Are you looking for a vacation destination that is visually stimulating, engaging, and offers a mix of history, patriotism, relaxation, and exotic experiences?

Flying into Honolulu International Airport the plane descends onto an airstrip in the midst of the ocean. The air averages a balmy high in the 80's year round. The outdoorsy design of the airport allows the breeze to pass through the corridors permitting guests to take in the feel and smells of the island.

The rental car facility is only a hop, skip, and a jump from the terminal making access easy. Though it is a typical vehicle leasing set up, as in most places, it has a Polynesian undertone. Light, spontaneous showers of rain fall without a visible cloud in the sky and last only a few seconds. Rainbows too are evidently just as random...appearing at a moment's notice.

Standing on the beach (in the city of Honolulu), with sand between the toes and setting sun painting the sky, one can gaze at "Diamond Head" in the distance. It is no wonder people love Hawaii as a honeymoon spot as time seems to stand still there. For a taste of the culture and heritage, luaus offer entertainment, food (like roast pig and poi), and music.

If it is nationalism you seek, nestled within the Punchbowl crater sits the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Wind around the outskirts of the crater before entering the cemetery at its heart.

Emotions run deep at the Pearl Harbor Memorial. Stand on the structure over the sunken U.S.S. Arizona, which is the final resting place for so many brave sailors. The ship lingers like a ghost seemingly right below the surface. Trying to grasp the weight of that day in 1941 is just beyond reach. In addition to the memorial, there are other activities and attractions at the sight. For a list, hours of operation, and prices, visit the official Pearl Harbor website.

Scuba dive, snorkel or grab your keys, put the convertible top down, and cruise around the island, soaking up its majesty. Mountain sides carved out by lava (which look like many waterfalls when it rains) and exotic plants with radiant flowers are just a couple of things you can expect to behold on your drive.

Sit outside on the veranda after the sun has gone down. Allow the warm breeze to brush your face and rustle through your hair as you gaze at a star filled sky.

Whatever the reason for visiting (or living) on the island of Oahu, whether it is water sports, studying history, being stationed at Schofield Barracks, or consummating a marriage, it is my opinion a person can count on being absolutely captivated.