Travel of O'ahu Island: East side

East side

THINGS TO VISIT ON THE WINDWARD SIDE OF O’AHU)

Nu'uanu Pali State Wayside

1.Nu’uanu Pali Lookout (Nuuanu Pali Dr, Kaneohe, open every day 4 a.m.-8 p.m., no bus service)  

Nuʻuanu Pali is a section of the windward cliff of the Koʻolau mountain located at the head of Nuʻuanu Valley on the island of Oʻahu. It has a panoramic view of the windward coast of Oʻahu.

Nu'uanu Pali

2.Queen Emma Summer Palace (bus to Ala Moana Shopping Center, then transfer to either bus # 56 or 57) 2913 Pali Hwy, open Mon.- Saturday 9 a.m.- 4p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., entrance fee: $ 10*)

Hānaiakamalama, or Queen Emma Summer Palace, served as a retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii from 1857 to 1885, as well as for her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son, Prince Albert Edward.

3.Hanauma Bay (bus # 22 from Kalakaua Ave. in a front of Apple store, open Wednesday-Monday 6 a.m.- 5 p.m., entrance fee: $ 7.50 *, you can rent out free snorkeling equipment at the Seaside Hawaiian Hostel).

Hanauma is a marine embayment formed within a tuff ring and located along the southeast coast of the Island of Oʻahu in the Hawaii Kai neighborhood of East Honolulu, the best place for snorkeling).

4.Koko Head Trail (bus # 22 from Kalakaua Ave. in a front of Apple store).

The Koko Head trail has 1048 steps to a 1200 ft summit and offers stunning views of Hawaii Kai and Hanauma Bay. Make sure that you bring a sunscreen and loads of water.

5.Manao Falls (bus # 13 to Liliha, then transfer to bus # 5 at the Ala Moana Shopping Center).

Manoa Falls is a waterfall located in the Manoa Valley in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is located in the gorgeous bamboo forest-y scenery a 1.6-mile long trail. The pathway is very nice and easy to follow, and there are many signs that explain certain trees, plants and other parts of the trail.

Bring lots of water and bug spray!!! There is a waterfall at the end of the trail, so you may want to take a swimsuit too .And be aware that it is a muddy trail, so don’t overdress!

6. Sandy Beach (bus # 23 towards Sea Life Park)

Public beach with large shore breaks offering strong waves for experienced bodysurfers & onlookers.

7.Pele’ Chair (Kaiwi Shoreline Trail, bus # 23 towards Sea Life Park)

On a paved hiking path leading to Makapu'u lighthouse at Makapu'u point sits a lava rock formation known as Pele's Chair. It is said to be the place where Pele departed from O'ahu to do work on other islands. Today, visitors depart from this chair – well, actually from the log in front of it – into a crystal blue lagoon filled with tropical fish. The path continues as a short hike (1.2 miles from the bottom to top) on to Makapu'u lighthouse.

8.Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail and Makapu’u Tidepools (bus # 23 towards Sea Life Park).

Makapu'u Point State Wayside

Coastal tide pools & blowholes made from black lava, reachable by a beachfront hike.

9.Waimanalo Beach (bus to Ala Moana Shopping Center, then transfer to the bus # 57).

Waimanalo Beach

Waimanalo Beach Lookout

Waimānalo Beach is a census-designated place located in the City & County of Honolulu, in the District of Koʻolaupoko, on the island of Oʻahu in the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi. Voted the most beautiful beach in 2016.

10.Kailua Beach/ Lanikai Beach (bus to Ala Moana Shopping Center, then transfer to either bus # 56 or # 57)

Kailua Beach with clear water, fine sand & accessible facilities make this a popular spot for aquatic activities including windsurfing and kayaking.

Lanikai Beach is located in Lanikai, a community in the town of Kailua and on the windward coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The name Lanikai means "heavenly sea." This small ½ mile strip of beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world.

*** For water sport equipment rentals please visit either www.kailuasailboards.com, or www.windwardwatersports.com ***

11.Pillboxes Hike (across Lanikai Beach).

This short, sometimes narrow trail features 2 military bunkers & a panoramic view of Lanikai Beach.

12. Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden (bus # 55 from Ala Moana Shopping Center, open every day 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.).

The Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located at 45-680 Luluku Road, Kāne'ohe, Oahu, Hawaii. It is part of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, and is open daily, without charge, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

13.Byodo-In Temple (47-200 Kahekili Hwy, bus # E, 2,13 or 42  towards Downtown Honolulu, then transfer at Hui IWA St + Kahekili Hwy to bus # 65) 

It is a non-denominational temple located on the island of O'ahu in Hawai'i at the Valley of the Temples. It was dedicated in August 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawai’i.

14.Kualoa Ranch (49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, bus # 55 from Ala Moana Shopping Center, open every day 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

Kualoa is a 4000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch, as well as a popular tourist attraction and filming location (including Jurassic Park filming location) on the windward coast of Oahu in Hawaii. For booking tours please visit www.kualoa.com.

* All prices are the subject to change.

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.