Oahu

Oahu, island in central Hawaii, between Kauai and Molokai islands; known as the Gathering Place. Oahu is about 64 km (40 mi) long and 42 km (26 mi) wide, with an area of 1,555 sq km (600 sq mi). The island is the commercial centre of Hawaii and is important to United States defence in the Pacific. Pearl Harbor naval base is situated here. The chief agricultural industries are the growing and processing of pineapples and sugar cane; tourism is also very important to the economy. Among the many popular beaches is the renowned Waikiki, backed by the famous Diamond Head, an extinct volcano. The largest community, Honolulu, is the state capital. The population of the island (1990) is 836,207.