Back in 1901 when Moana Surfrider was opened, it was the first hotel on the famous beach Waikiki. Today, the island of Oahu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, where the beaches, shops, waves and waterfalls attract millions of visitors every year. Even though it is one of the most visited destinations, there are many things about this island that a lot of people don’t know …

The only royal palace in the US

Rarely anyone knows that Hawaii was once a separate state, specifically Kingdom. The first few decades, the capital of the kingdom was Lahaina, on the Maui island. But in 1845, the capital became Honolulu and a royal palace was built there. The palace had electricity and phone a long time before the White House in Washington!

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There is probably the worst traffic in the US

Even it is a beautiful tropical island, the traffic on it is terrible. The island is home of one million people and when tourists arrive, it gets very busy and problems still aren’t solved.

Hawaiian sunset

There are more people living compared with 6 US states

According to the census of population of 2013, in Oahu live 983 429 inhabitants. According to the State Statistical Office, it has more residents of Wyoming, Vermont, North Dakota, Alaska, South Dakota and Delaware together.

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Surfers surf the waves that are 25 meters high

All lovers of surfing know that the north side of the island is one of the best places for surfing on the planet. The biggest wave “rode” the surfer Ken Bradshaw in 1998 with a high of 25 meters!

Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head at night Oahu, Hawaii

Waikiki was a swamp

It’s hard to believe that the glorious beach Waikiki was once marshland. In 1928 when the Ala Wai canal was built , swamp drained and Waikiki turned into fertile fields and beautiful beaches, which now is popular between celebrities and many of them have private residences there.

Oahu (7) Oahu (1)We hope you enjoyed the gallery of Hawaiian island of Oahu