Due to their different geological ages, each Hawaiian island has its own unique look, informed by millions of years of volcanic creation and erosion. Of the five major inhabited islands, Oʻahu is the second oldest of the main island chain. Its diamond shape separates it into north, south, east and west sides. With its safe harbors, expansive lagoons, soaring mountain ranges, and stunning beaches and surf made it one of the most desirable settlements in ancient times as well as today. For nearly 1,000 years Polynesians have inhabited this island and built a civilization that sustainably supported approximately 300,000 people at the time of its introduction to Westerners in 1779.

King Kamehameha conquered Oʻahu in 1795 in his attempt to unite the archipelago under one ruler. The battle between island tribes raged across the beaches and marshlands of Waikiki, culminating in a gruesome battle atop the 1,000-foot cliffs of the Nuʻuanu Pali where the Oʻahu warriors met their demise. Today, the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout is known as one of the most breathtaking panoramas in all Hawaiʻi.