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- Beautiful coral reef and abundance of marine life
- Snorkeling
- Swimming & sunbathing
Hanauma Bay Beach Park on the southern shores of Oahu was named the best beach in the United State in 2004. The beach is a protected cove with a stretch of white sand and tall palm ... moretrees. Because of the shape of the bay, the water is mostly kept calm providing ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling and also making it very accommodating for kids of all ages. No surfing or body boarding is allowed on the beach.
The curved bay had been declared a protected marine wildlife conservation area and underwater park in 1967. A rich coral reef extends throughout the cove and into deeper water. The marine life is diverse and abundant, making snorkeling and scuba diving, particularly fun and exciting. As a protected site, visitors watch a short video of the bay's history and wildlife before entering the beach. The bay floor is the crater of an ancient volcano that flooded as the exterior walls collapsed letting the ocean water rush in.
The bay is often full and finding parking can sometimes be difficult. Most amenities can be found at the beach. Gift shops also provide the opportunity for obtaining souvenir. Non-Hawaiian residents have to pay an entrance charge of $7.50 dollar, which is waived for Hawaiian residents, children under 12 and active military persons. Opening hours of the beach is at 6:00 am daily with the exception of Tuesdays when the beach is closed.
As a protected marine conservation area, no fishing is permitted neither is it allowed alcohol on the beach or intervening with the marine life. The sun is quite blistering at the beach therefore it is recommended having sun glasses, sun cream and other such items.
Type: Beach, Geological Feature
Features: Bathroom, Drinking water, Equipment rentals, Food for purchase, Lifeguards, Lockers / storage, Parking, Picnic tables, Showers, Wheelchair access
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- Spectacular view of the surrounding
- Hiking to the top
- Learning about the history of Diamond Head
Type: Geological Feature, Hike, Mountain, Park, Scenic Lookout, Volcano, Landmark
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- Strong trade wind that can sweep you of your feet
- Very beautiful panoramic scenery
- Fantastic picnic area
Located about a 5 mile drive from downtown Honolulu, Nu'uanu Pali lookout offers one of the best scenic views of O'ahu. At a height of a 985 foot cliff of the Koolau Mountain Range, ... moreKing Kamehameha defeated the O'ahu army in 1795 on that location. It includes breathtaking views of Kanoehe Bay, Chinaman's Hat, and Hawaii Pacific. The location has also made history in the Hawaiian Kingdom struggle, and offers visitors a thrilling experience with strong trade winds that can sweep you off your feet and great panoramic scenery.
Since ancient times to present day, Nu'uanu Pali has been vital as the traversal section that connects the leeward side, and Honolulu to the windward side. Settlers made villages and populated the Nu'uanu valley for thousands of years. Of importance is also the Nu'uanu reservoir. It consists of small bodies of water that have various species of catfish. The river bed offers great opportunity for picnicking.
Stories told include superstitious tales that two black stones near the Nu'uanu Valey represent a pair of goddesses who are guardians of the passage down Pali. Visitors often left flowers to ensure a safe passage, and parents buried their new born umbilical cord for protection against evil.
The landscape is made up of big trees and dense forest. The terrace thousands of feet above the Oahu coastline, at occasions covered with clouds, overlooks areas of Kanoehe and Kailua. The University of Hawaii marine biology research center and Coconut Island are also visible. Continuing through the Pali tunnel, you can reach Windward Oahu and either to the beach town of Kailua or toward Kaneohe.
Type: Scenic Lookout, Scenic Road
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- 42- acres of Cultural Fun
- Twirl Poi Balls and Play Tititorea
- Sample Tahitian Coconut Bread
During the day, visitors to the Polynesian
Cultural Center can experience life from seven Polynesian cultures as interpreted
by natives from those cultures in centers set up as if ... morethe visitors were
visiting those islands. Over the course of a few short hours, you will feel
like you have been to all the islands.
For example, at the Island of Samoa, visitors
can see living quarters, cooking huts and a chief’s home all built without
nails, learn to crack a coconut using only a small rock, and watch barefooted-young
maidens climb coconut trees.
Alternatively, at the Island of Tonga,
experience spear throwing, learn to play the large native drums, and challenge your friends to native games like lafo.
On the other hand, visitors to the Fiji
Island can view the interior of a six-story high Fijiian temple, but be careful
entering the wrong door can end with death. See the weapons that these
islanders use to fight their battles, and experience the opportunity to fight
with them.
There are seven villages just waiting to be
explored, but that is not all. As you start to get hungry for dinner, you can
experience a Hawaiian luau, a prime rib buffet or the contemporary island
all-you-can-eat buffet.
After dinner, make sure to stay for the
evening show. This Broadway style show is part Polynesian dance, part native music
and all accented with blazing fire knives.
Type: Attraction, Cultural
Features: Bathroom, Drinking water, Food for purchase, Parking
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- Pineapple garden maze
- Insight on various fruits and plants grown in the region
- Scenic tour of the surounding
Dole Plantation began in 1950 as it operated as a food stand. Since, it has become a very popular attraction on Oahu. Visitors of the Dole Pineapple Plantation can experience a fun ... moreday trip and learn about the history of pineapples in Hawaii. Everything from the agricultural aspect, the soil chemistry, and the tale of James Dole.
Dole Pineapple Plantation is but two miles away from the town of Haleiwa and a
45 minutes drive from Honolulu. The train ride to the plantation offers the opportunity or some scenic views which can leave you breathless.
The Pineapple Garden Maze, which obtained the spotlight in the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest maze in the world can also be seen at Dole Plantation. Going through the maze made of green hedges, twists and turns can have you painfully seeking the way
out! The maze covers more than two acres and incorporates 1.5 miles long.
Many different activities can be undertaken while at the plantation. The garden tour will have you explore many other plants and trees, some native to the region others brought to the country. They include, bananas, cacao, coffee, papaya, mango and lei flowers.
The
plantation also has a visitor center where snacks and drinks can be obtained or simply for relaxing. A gift shop provides the perfect opportunity for obtaining pineapple-related gifts and other souvenirs. It is thought that the first pineapples were planted on the island when a
shipwreck coming from Mexico brought with it plants, tools, garments and pineapples. From then on, Spanish explorers started growing pineapples and other fruits. Jim Dole, then pioneered the pineapple industry and established the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Hawaii.
Various
activities are organized on the plantation subject to a small fee. Some
of the activities even include a stop to Pearl Harbor or scenic excursions of the surrounding. Dole Pineapple Plantation is world famous and a distinct attraction of Oahu, Hawaii.
Type: Botanical Garden, Cultural, Historic, Plantation / Ranch
Features: Bathroom, Food for purchase, Parking, Wheelchair access
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- Scenic view of the surrounding
- Spotting humpback whales and the Hawaiian green turtles
- Great for diving when the water is calm
The Halona Blow-hole located on the island of Oahu off of Hanauma Bay is a rock formation and a blow-hole formed by underwater lava which took the form of a tube and has an opening ... moreon both sides of it. As the ocean water enters the tube, the pressure increases as the tube narrows such that the water shoots upward into the air sometimes to a high of 30 feet or more. The Halona Blow-hole is a popular attraction. The location is very scenic, there are steep cliffs and fantastic views.
The blow-hole is most active during high tide. It is also the best location to go and look out for humpback whales or Honu (the Hawaiian green turtle). When there is no surf and a light northerly wind blowing, diving is possible along the coast. If the waves are breaking, it is recommended to dive elsewhere. The tidal change produces very strong currents known as 'Molokai Express" that can drag a person out to sea. Some persons have lost their life trying to sit on the blow-hole or trying to hold parts of their body into the stream of water. The area is quite dangerous, so it is best to be careful and stay at the lookout point and enjoy the view from a safe distance.
The Hawaiian name Halona means "peering place". On a very nice day, the view can be very fantastic. From far off on the horizon, the islands of Molokai, Maui and Lanai can be seen. To the right of the blow-hole is located Halona Cove, a small sandy beach that is perfect for swimming when the surf is calm. The site is also known for the famous love scene of Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the film "From here to eternity".
Type: Attraction, Geological Feature
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- The most expensive real estate of Hawaii is located here
- Very clean and hardly ever crowded beaches.
- Kahala resort features an off-shore man made island, as well as a dolphin lagoon.
Located just at the eastern end of Diamond Head, by Oahu’s south shore, is a Honolulu neighbourhood, by the name of “Kahala”. This region is most famous for the fact that it has the ... moremost expensive real estate in all of the State of Hawaii. The average house in Kahala, would go for around 2 Million USD. Prices skyrocket when we look at bigger houses, or even beach-front properties, going up to even 25 Million Dollars. Kahala has become a symbol of wealth and fame in Hawaii, a sort of status symbol. Luxurious is the only word to describe what this neighborhood is.
Kahala is a favorite for not only international glitterati, but also for investors, who restore a broken-down property into beautiful mansions, and sell them for huge sums of money. Buyers generally keep these properties as vacation homes, and not as primary living homes. There are beach parks like Waialae Beach Park. The beaches are also not recommended for swimming, due to the rockiness near the shore. The beach park further includes grassy areas. The beaches of Kahala are beautiful, and hardly ever crowded, making this a truly exclusive place. A main attraction of this neighborhood would be the Kahala Resort and Hotel, formerly known as the Kahala Mandarin Oriental. This Resort features a private man-made island, and also a dolphin lagoon, and shows of these dolphins are put on for guests, daily! The Kahala Mall is also an attraction, featuring many familiar as well as unfamiliar stores and restaurants.
Kahala uses the zip code 96816. The population of the Kahala-Waialae neighborhood is 7,870 people in an area of about 4 sq. Miles. This gives the neighborhood a population density of almost 2000 people per sq. mile.
Type: Beach, Neighborhood, Park, Town
Features: Food for purchase, Parking, Picnic tables
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- Great surfbreak
- Scenic lookout
- Surfing
One of Oahu's gems, Makapu'u Beach Park is located on the southeastern tip of the island. It can be reached by going on Kalanianaole Highway passing Sandy beach. Just before reaching ... morethe park you will also pass the trail leading to the Makapu'u light house. An ancient Hawaiian legend tells of Makapu'u being a god that came from Tahiti to live in a cave at Makapu'u. She had eight bright eyes so the Hawaiian gave her the name " bulging eye"
Makapu'u Beach Park is very popular among body boarders and body surfers. During the winter month there are powerful
Shore breaks that gives surfers seeking for some adventure a thrill ride. In the summer, the ocean is a bit calmer but there is waves almost every day. Enjoying the water in Makapu'u either during the summer or the winter requires experience. It is not suitable for leisure swimming. The size of the beach varies throughout the year. In the winter large boulders are exposed in the shore break by high surf eroding the beach.
When there is low tide, you can explore tide pools that are exposed and admire the marine life. You will notice various fish, crabs, opihi and other marine life trapped in the lava. Particularly interesting is to spot the mudfish which is a jumping fish that crawl around and jump from tide pool to tidepool. Just off of Makapu'u are two islands. Manana that looks like a rabbits head, hence its nickname "Rabbit Island". It is comprised of 64 acres and is a protected bird sanctuary. You need to obtain permission from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to go and explore the island. The other island, Black Rock, is a lot smaller. It is also known as Kaohikaipu Island.
The lighthouse is just around the corner. To get to the lighthouse, there is a paved trail that can be accessed from the parking along Kalanianaole Highway. Makapu'u lookout is also just south of the beach park. It provides a nice scenic view of the surroundings and of the two islands. Makapu'u Beach Park attracts lots of visitors all year round and is one of the beaches in Oahu that offers lots of recreation.
Type: Beach, Park, Surf Break
Features: Bathroom, Drinking water, Food for purchase, Lifeguards, Parking, Showers
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- Riding some of the biggest waves in the world
- The Kahanamoku Classic Surfing competition
- The O'Neil World Cup of Surfing competition
The north shores of Oahu offers some fantastic opportunities for enjoying various water sports on some of the best beaches in the world. Sunset beach in particular is world famous ... morefor having some of the most monstrous waves that can be surfed upon. Sunset beach is the widest beach on the island of Oahu and spans some two miles in length.
The
surf season generally begins in the winter period, from October through
May. In the summer, the water is calm and mostly enjoyed for swimming.
Surfing at Sunset beach necessitates adequate experience as it can be quite dangerous for inexperienced surfers because of coral formations near the surface that can potentially cause injury. The current is also very powerful that it sucks backwaters with immense power which can potentially pull inexperienced surfers deep into the ocean. The best waves for surfing occurs during the months of December and January. Various contests are held throughout the year such as the O'Neil, World Cup of Surfing competition, or the Duke Kahanamoku Classic Surfing competition.
Many different amenities can be found on the
beach such as showers, restrooms, parking, and vendors selling cold drinks and snacks. Surrounding Sunset beach are attractions, restaurants, galleries, surf shops including the North Shore Surf & Cultural Museum and the North Shore Marketplace.
Features: Bathroom, Equipment rentals, Food for purchase, Lifeguards, Parking, Picnic tables, Showers
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