O�ahu
Land Area: 596.7 square miles (1,545.4 sq. km).
Size Comparison: 3rd largest Hawaiian Island; most populated island.
Island Emblem: Pua �Ilima�Flower of �Ilima (Sida fallax).
Highest Elevation: 4,003 feet (1,220 m), at the summit of Ka�ala (in the Wai�anae Range).
Official Nickname: The Gathering Place.
[Illustration: Map�O�ahu]
O�ahu is about 44 miles (71 km) long by 30 miles (48 km) wide, with more than 112 miles (180 km) of coastline and at least 100 white-sand beaches. Popular surfing sites are found on all sides of O�ahu, including the north shore�s renowned Banzai Pipeline where the world�s best surfers challenge the giant winter waves.
O�ahu has more than 800,000 residents, and each day O�ahu hosts an average of nearly 70,000 tourists. Hotel rooms and vacation accommodations number more than 36,000 rooms.
[Photograph: Waikīkī]
The prominent geographical features of O�ahu are two parallel mountain ranges: the older Wai�anae Mountains and the deep-furrowed Ko�olau Mountains. Formed by volcanic eruptions more than one million years ago, the two mountain ranges are aligned perpendicular to the northeast tradewinds, creating a wet windward side of O�ahu (the eastern side) and a much drier leeward side.
The majestic Ko�olau Mountains run north to south for the entire span of the island of O�ahu. Between the two major mountain ranges is Leilehua Plateau, a fertile area known for its pineapple production.
[Photograph: Ko�olau Mountains at Waimanalo (steep, deep furrows)]
O�ahu has three prominent geologic landmarks known as tuff cones: Koko Head (Kohelepelepe), Punchbowl (Pūowaina), and Diamond Head (Lē�ahi). These volcanic cones provide visual reminders of the island�s volcanic past. O�ahu has 62 county parks as well as 25 state parks and three national parks.
