What’s new on Oahu: Activities galore!

The island of Oahu is brimming with fun-filled activities that everyone can enjoy. Visitors to Oahu can choose from a wide variety of outdoor or indoor activities, learning about Hawaii’s unique culture and community.  Here are a few exciting new activities in store for this year.

The Battleship Missouri reopened to the public on Jan. 30, following $18 million worth of maintenance and preservation work that began in October 2009. Enhancements to the ship include a fresh coat of paint, improved signage and the installation of on-board restrooms. This is a prelude to the upcoming commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II on Sept. 2, 2010.

Pacific Aviation Museum in Pearl Harbor recently acquired five new historic jets from the Cold War through Vietnam War eras. On the Aviator’s Tour, visitors get behind the scenes with the new jets in an authentic battle field hangar that still bear the original bullet holes in the windows from the Dec. 7, 1941 attacks.

The Polynesian Cultural Center launched an exciting new evening show, Ha: Breath of Life, featuring a storyline with universal themes that all guests can relate to. From the apprehension of youth to the stirrings of young love, and even the sorrow of death, Ha takes the audience on an emotion-filled ride through the sights and sounds of Polynesia.

The Hans Hedemann Surf School added a professional still photography and video option to its services as a way to capture its guests catching waves and to assist in surf instruction. The school offers surfing and stand-up paddle boarding lessons.

Waikiki Beach Services now features three locations in Waikiki Beach and remains the longest tenured beach service in Hawaii. Surfing lessons, outrigger canoe rides, stand up paddling lessons, board rentals, and a beach boy valet service are offered every day, year round.

Segway of Hawaii now operates from two new locations – Aloha Tower Marketplace and Kailua Beach Center.  The company’s popular Waikiki Glide Ride, Honolulu Scenic History & Culture Tour and Sunset on Waikiki Beach Tour depart from Aloha Tower Marketplace. Its Kailua Beach Center location offers Eco-Adventure Fun Tours to Kailua and Lanikai Beaches, protected Kawainui Marsh and Ulupo Heiau.

Photo courtesy of Son of Groucho (Flickr)