Oʻahu

Oʻahu is a major island within the U.S. state of Hawaii.

It is the third-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is also the most populated island in the state. The city of Honolulu serves as the state capital. Honolulu is located on the southeast coast of the island. Oʻahu and the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands make up the City and County of Honolulu. The island covers an area of 596.7 square miles. This makes it the 20th-largest island in the United States.

The island was formed through volcanism related to the Hawaii hotspot. This geological process caused the island to grow from the sea floor 4 million years ago. Today, Oʻahu is composed of the remnants of two extinct shield volcanoes. These are the Waiʻanae and Koʻolau Ranges. A broad valley or saddle sits between these two mountain ranges. The highest point on the island is Kaʻala. It is located in the Waiʻanae Range and rises to 4,003 feet above sea level. Oʻahu is also famous for its rainfall. One location, Kāneʻohe Ranch, reported 247 straight days of rain between 1993 and 1994.

Human history on Oʻahu involves many different eras and cultures. It is uncertain exactly when the first humans arrived. Some archaeological studies suggest Polynesian explorers from the Marquesas arrived as early as the 3rd century A.D. Other studies suggest a second wave from Tahiti arrived around 1100 A.D. Modern analyses suggest the first settlers likely arrived between 900 and 1200 A.D. Maʻilikūkahi was the first great king and a lawmaker. He started a dynasty of monarchs that lasted for 304 years. Later, the island was divided among several warring chiefdoms.

In 1778, Captain James Cook became the first non-Polynesian to sight the Hawaiian Islands. He bypassed Oʻahu and landed on Kauai instead. However, his second in command, Captain Charles Clerke, visited Oʻahu in 1779. Clerke landed at Waimea Bay. His expedition left the same day because they struggled to find fresh water. In 1783, Kahekili II of Maui conquered Oʻahu. He made his son, Kalanikūpule, the king of a puppet state. By 1795, Kamehameha I defeated Kalanikūpule at the Battle of Nuʻuanu. This event helped lead to the foundation of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Political changes continued throughout the 19th century. In 1845, Kamehameha III moved the capital from Maui to Honolulu. This happened because Honolulu had a more accessible harbor for trade. King Kalākaua later built the ʻIolani Palace in Honolulu. It remains the only royal palace on American soil. In January 1893, American businessmen and U.S. Marines launched a coup d'état. They took power near the palace and removed Queen Liliʻuokalani. This ended the monarchy and established the Republic of Hawaii. Eventually, the islands were annexed by the United States.

Oʻahu played a critical role in global history during World War II. On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

This attack targeted the U.S. Pacific Fleet and its defending air forces. The goal was to destroy the American will to fight. The attack resulted in the destruction of 12 warships and 188 aircraft. Sadly, it also killed 2,335 American servicemen and 68 civilians. This event brought the United States into the war. Visitors can still visit the USS Arizona Memorial to remember this event.

Today, the island's economy relies heavily on tourism. More than five million visitors arrive each year. Many people come from the contiguous United States and Japan. Tourists visit famous sites like Waikīkī, Diamond Head, and Hanauma Bay. They also explore the North Shore and Kāneʻohe Bay. The island is home to many notable people from various fields. These include famous musicians like Bruno Mars and actors like Jason Momoa. Oʻahu remains a central hub for culture and history in the Pacific.