There are plenty of places you can go on vacation, but how many of them can you choose that boast beautiful scenery and history? Visiting Oahu, Hawaii, will give you the chance to experience both. Even better, if you’re unsure of where to begin, you can choose guided tours in Oahu to experience several of these sites, including Pearl Harbor and Dole Plantation tours in addition to tours of shopping areas and horseback riding facilities.
If you’re interested in the history of World War II, the Pearl Harbor tours available in Oahu are a wonderful addition to any Hawaiian vacation. Pearl Harbor, which was originally called Wai Nomi (“pearl water”) or Pu’uloa (“long hill”) by the Hawaiians, is home to the USS Missouri and the USS Arizona, which were ships used in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Today, you can tour the USS Missouri, a naval ship from the World War II era, and the USS Arizona Memorial, which commemorates the military personnel who were killed in the Pearl Harbor attack. Although the USS Missouri did not see any combat deaths aboard her decks, she was used in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. The USS Arizona, however, saw the deaths of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors and Marines who were aboard during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The educational tours available today serve as a reminder of our nation’s past and as a memorial to the lives taken during that time.
Another popular group tour in Hawaii is the Dole Plantation, where pineapples are grown to be distributed throughout the world. Historically, the pineapple is considered a symbol of hospitality. When sailors who had traveled from New England brought pineapples home, they would display them on their front porches to signify that they had returned so they could welcome visitors. The Dole Plantation tours see over one million visitors per year and are among Oahu’s most popular attractions.
Whether your next family vacation requires something for a history buff or something that will entertain the children, guided tours in Oahu are a great option. Be sure to take advantage of smaller tour groups so you and your family can get the most interaction from your guide and your surroundings. Seeing our nation’s military history and experiencing the Dole Plantation tours are sure to be events that the whole family will remember. Research more here.
