THE BEACHE DESTINATION

The resort is very good and the location is excellent. The beach is only three blocks away.

Experience the fastest sailing passenger catamaran in Waikiki under Hawaii's sun-kissed skies. Enjoy breathtaking views of Diamond Head during this 1.5-hour thrill. Also, it is fun to be at front of the catamaran and feel the water with the wind -- the views are excellent.

An adventure is what you make of it. Some people are convinced they've bagged a tiger if they've trekked through six shopping malls and come with a bargain-priced treasure. Others won't be satisfied until they've jumped 14,000 feet from an airplane and landed to tell about it. For many O'ahu visitors, though, an adventure means getting to Waikiki and Honolulu and exploring the rest of the island.

Hawaii Sports and Activities specializes in tours focused on the best of the North Shore, tours that get passengers out of the bus to experience first-hand the signature attractions of this lesser-traveled parts of the island.

You'll tour a pineapple plantation, which is home to the world's largest maze planted in more than 1100 tropical plants and pineapples. The next stop is the picturesque surfing village of Haleiwa where you'll shop, taste shaved ice, and tour a surf museum. From Haleiwa, the tour heads toward the Waimea Valley Audubon Center where you'll stroll through gardens dominated by native species and then visit a 14th century Hawaiian heiau. Big wave surf spots are the last stop on the tour. Here, you can eat lunch, watch the surfers, and, if the waves are small, you can do some snorkeling, sunning, and beach games.

Brunch on the Beach is a once-a-month affair that says aloha with a good food, good entertainment, and good company.

Your hosts are the Waikiki Improvement Association and the Honolulu city goverment. Your cooks are from leading Waikiki restaurants. The decor resembles an outdoor cafe with tables shaded by bright, blue umbrellas. The entertainment is provided by some of Hawaii’s top entertainers. And the weather comes to you courtesy of the friendly gods of Polynesia.

Table and food booths are set up around the Kapi olani Park Bandstand, generally the third Sunday of the month. Expect gourmet food at fast food prices and try to check in advance for a kid friendly menu. There's no charge for entertainment and no entry fee. Just bring your Sunday news paper and kick back.

Brunch begins at 9:30am and continues until 1:30pm. Entertainment includes such local favorites as the Royal Hawaiian Band, contemporary artist like Maunalua, and perennial favorites like the Brothers Cazimero. There's no brunch in December, but mark your calendar for brunch on the Beach on Jan 18, Feb 15, and March 21.

Hawaii achieved statehood less than 50 years ago, leaving its history as a U.S territory and, before that, a Hawaiian monarchy. O'ahu is a world-renowned destination that each year attracts nearly five million visitors. O'ahu’s has natural beauty, endless golden-sand beaches, a gentle climate, sweet-smelling flowers, and days warmed by the sun. Today's visitors expect more than that. They expect to be indulged in creature comforts, to be engaged in all manner of activities, to dine in fine restaurants or eat in a casual comfort. You can tour the island in a day, but that would only be touching the surface. It'll take two, maybe three days to get a good look.

Visit downtown Honolulu -- with its diverse ethnic influences and unique historic landmarks, it is worth at least a day trip.

Chinatown, in the King Street area not far from the market lace, is a full on sensory experience, a cacophony of exotic sounds, smells, colors, and cultures.

The Pearl Harbor Waianae Coast tour allows time for a stop at the Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, and the USS Bowfin, which, depending on the crowds, could take several hours.

When you leave Pearl Harbor, take the H-1 freeway toward Wai anae. Watch for the ko Olina exit near Kapolei. Ko Olina is Oahu's newest resort. The elegant, 640 acre, lagoon-fringed property is anchored by 387-room Marriott hotel, an upscale vacation ownership development, a marina, and 18-hole golf course.

Return to the highway and continue on toward Wai anae, which is the most rural and local district on the island. Deep, blue, and rich, the waters off the Waisnae Coast are O'ahu’s most prolific fishing grounds. Makaha Beach is one of the most famous big-wave surfing beaches in the world. Be cautious about entering the water, particularly in the winter.

Central Plateu North Shore trip takes the H-2 route. Look for the signs saying Wahiawa. Just past this old plantation town is the Dole Plantation. Schofield Barracks, sometimes referred to as the most beautiful army post in the US. is nearby.