Oahu, Volcanic island in Honolulu County, United States.
This island in Honolulu County stretches about 44 miles (70 kilometers) long and 30 miles (48 kilometers) wide, shaped by two extinct shield volcanoes that formed parallel mountain ranges. The tallest peak, Mount Kaala, rises to 4,003 feet (1,220 meters) and anchors the western Waianae range, while the Koolau Mountains define the eastern coast.
Polynesian voyagers likely reached this island in the 4th century, establishing agricultural communities along its fertile valleys and coastal plains. The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, drew the United States into World War II and permanently altered the military and political landscape of the Pacific.
Local families gather on weekends for beach barbecues, listening to live music while their children play in the shallow surf. Many people greet each other with the shaka sign, a gesture made with the thumb and pinkie extended, and wear fresh flower lei during celebrations and everyday gatherings.
A public bus network connects most coastal towns and points of interest, though reaching remote beaches and hiking trails often requires a rental car. Those planning to visit the northern coast should leave early in the morning to avoid afternoon traffic and crowded parking areas.
An area near the windward coast once recorded rainfall for 247 consecutive days, setting a world record for continuous precipitation. This extraordinary weather pattern demonstrates how tradewinds funnel moisture directly into the mountain slopes, creating dramatically different climates within just a few miles.
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