Travel Guide of O'ahu Island: West side

LEEWARD (WEST) COAST

Places you must visit:

Kahe Beach Park (also called “Electric Beach”, 92-301 Farrington Hwy, bus # E Country Express and transfer at Farrington Hwy + Leoku St to bus # 40)

Warm water from a nearby power plant draws sea life & snorkelers to this narrow public beach. You may spot dolphins early in the morning, so be there by 6 a.m. :)

Marmaids Secret Cave (bus # E Country Express and transfer at Farrington Hwy + Leoku St to bus # 40)

If one of your childhood dreams were to be a mermaid or be lucky enough to witness such fabled creature plunge gracefully into cerulean waters, then by no means should you miss exploring the Mermaid cave in Hawaii. Whether shrouded in mystery or simply favored for its breathtaking yet somewhat dangerous cave formation, this hidden destination has earned a spot on the bucket list of explorers. A lot of locals and tourists have already visited the sea cave and reveled in its “underwater” glory, however, it is still considered to be an off-the-map treasure, keeping human contact and unnatural developments at the minimum. Good snorkeling with turtles, Manta rays, and occasional dolphins. 

Mākaha Beach Park (bus # 19 or # E Country Express to N Beretania St. + Opp Smith St., then transfer to bus # C).

Makaha Beach Park

Mākaha Beach Park is a white sand beach, famous for surfing during winter swells, and hosts the annual Buffalo’s Longboard Contest. Scuba divers also enjoy Mākaha Caverns offshore. It is great for expert surfing, sunbathing, beach walks, swimming and bodyboarding in summer and when the waves are small.

Kaena Point State Park (Ka‘Ena Point, Mokuleia, no bus service)

State park, bird sanctuary and hike at the western tip of Oahu on the western tip of Oahu is Kaena Point. This dramatic lava shoreline is said to be the place where the souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world and meet the souls of their ancestors. With scenic views of the Waianae coast to the south, Mokuleia to the north, and the vast Pacific, it's easy to see why this point was deemed so sacred. The only way to get to Kaena Point is by hiking. There are two trailheads: From the north side, or Mokuleia side, drive to the very end of Farrington Highway and park at the trailhead. This is a long and notoriously hot hike, so bring plenty of sunscreen and water. Hazardous conditions make any water activities extremely dangerous and are highly discouraged. From the south side, or Leeward Coast side, the trail starts at the end of the road past Yokohama Beach and its three “dips,” or breaks. This west side Oahu icon offers white sand beaches, diving and the possible sight of dolphins.

Paradise Cove (92-1089 Alii Nui Drive, Kapolei open every day 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.). 

A traditional Hawaiian luau experience and memorable adventures, to have been voted Hawaii's Best Luau. For booking the tickets, please visit www.paradisecove.com.