Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

Oahu’s nickname is “The Gathering Place,” and with good reason – tourists flock to Oahu, the third largest Hawaiian Island.

Oahu's Waikiki Beach is widely considered the most famous beach in the world. A terrific spot for families with young children, and a great place for beginning surfers and bodyboarders, Waikiki’s gorgeous, white sand beach is known for gentle waves that rarely exceed three feet in height. Note that with Waikiki's fame comes big crowds.

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is the most popular attraction on Oahu. People come to pay their respects and learn more about the 1941 attack which claimed the lives of so many Americans and which led to the United States’ participation in World War II.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is a living museum in Laie with authentic recreations of villages from Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, and more, featuring interactive exhibits and demonstrations that include basket weaving, fire-knife dancing, and even spear throwing.

The kids will enjoy visits to the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium, both within walking distance of Waikiki, as well as a trip out to Sea Life Park, located about a half hour drive from Waikiki hotels. Renting a car for the day is the best way to see the famous North Shore of Oahu, home of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and known around the world for its huge, 30-foot winter swells. On the way, visitors should stop by historic Haleiwa town with its charming shops and restaurants and laidback, surf community vibe.

Other popular attractions include hiking to the top of Diamond Head, spending the day at Bishop Museum, and snorkeling at Hanauma Bay.

Popular daytime activities include shopping in Waikiki and nearby Ala Moana Shopping Center - the world’s largest open-air mall; golfing at some of the world’s best golf courses; taking a hike along any one of the numerous, scenic trails found around the island; and sampling food from every type of cuisine imaginable.

Unlike the neighbor islands where the nightlife is virtually nonexistent, Oahu has plenty to do late at night with clubs and bars that are open until 4AM, and restaurants that are open 24 hours a day.

Oahu is a great place for American families, couples, and seniors. It's a great fit for travelers who desire a sunny, kid-friendly destination with some of the trappings of an exotic tropical locale, without having to leave the country or speak a foreign language. Vacationers looking for rest and relaxation will find ample opportunities on Oahu; likewise, those looking to stay active have plenty of options available. Honeymooners and couples looking for romantic seclusion would be better served heading off to the neighbor islands of Maui and Kauai.

There’s plenty to see and do on Oahu, and most of the more popular activities and attractions are affordable. Travelers on tight budgets will find that once airfare and accommodations have been taken care of, it’s possible to have an enjoyable stay on Oahu without spending too much.

The weather on Oahu is gorgeous year round – sunny and clear skies abound - with average daily temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees F. The ever present trade winds help keep the islands from becoming unbearably hot. In winter, temperatures dip into the low 70s. Oahu experiences the greatest amount of rainfall in the winter months. In the summer, daytime temperatures sometimes climb up to the high 90s.

The busy seasons in Hawaii are winter and summer – the months of July and August in particular usually see a huge influx of American families on vacation along with camera-toting Japanese tourists.

Most hotels are located in Waikiki, although there are a few resorts and vacation rentals located elsewhere on the island (these are generally pretty expensive). Waikiki is very much a tourist destination with over-priced convenience stores, vendors hawking cheap souvenirs, and struggling street performers lining Kalakaua Avenue at night. Locals very rarely venture into Waikiki.

The public transportation system on Oahu is dependable, easy to navigate, and inexpensive with stops at most major tourist destinations. Traffic congestion on the island has been getting steadily worse and is a problem during early morning and afternoon rush hour. It’s best to avoid making trips by car on the freeway before 9 in the morning and between the hours of 3 and 6 on weekdays.

Locals are generally friendly, although not nearly as laid back and relaxed as on the neighbor islands where the pace of life is decidedly slower.

Most travelers will find it best to spend a week or so on Oahu before moving on to one of the neighboring islands.