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Attractions
Byodo-In Temple, Valley of the Temples, Kahuluu
At the base of the 2,000 foot Koolau Range, lies a replica of a 900 year old Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. The temple was built in memory of the first Japanese immigrants that came to Oahu to work in the sugar plantations. Be sure to ring the seven-ton bronze bell, a long-standing practice said to bring good luck and fortune.
Halona Point, East Coast
Enjoy the sights of the active Halona Blowhole and then if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, hike down the lava cliffs to Halona Cove and enjoy the Cove's peaceful beach. Known as "The Peering Place", the rocky cove has a small sandy beach that is great for swimming when the surf is calm. Coincidentally, this beach is best known as the site of the famous love scene in From Here to Eternity. If making the trek down to the cove, be extremely careful. The hike down to the beach is difficult, steep and rocky and requires sturdy shoes, extreme caution and there are rock hazards present in and around beach area. There are no lifeguards on duty here, so do not swim when the surf is rough.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Koko Head Beach Park
Enjoy a unique snorkeling experience at one of Hawaii's premier sites. Sheltered in the curved bay of a breached volcanic crater, this marine conservatory is famous for its pristine sand beach and isolated beauty. Hanauma Bay offers great recreational swimming and world-class snorkeling for all ages. A brief, mandatory educational program is required for entrance into the nature preserve so that all patrons learn how to minimize impact on its beautiful living coral reef.
Koolau golf Course, Kaneohe - America's Toughest Golf Course
Nestled below the Pali Lookout, carved out of the magnificent rainforest of the Koolau Range, this 18 hole championship golf course is considered the most challenging in the country.
Kualoa
Kualoa was one of the most sacred ancient sites on Oahu and is today included in the National Register of Historical Places. A special kapu (taboo) required all canoes to lower their masts when passing Kualoa in respect for ruling chiefs residing there. Among its attractions today, the Kualoa area includes a great swimming and snorkeling beach (Hokule'a Beach), an oceanfront park, a working cattle ranch and an ancient Hawaiian fishpond. Learn more about the Ranch through one of the many Kualoa Ranch tours available.
Kualoa Ranch, Kualoa
In 1850, missionary doctor Gerrit P. Judd purchased 627 acres of land at Kualoa from King Kamehameha III. By 1890, the Judd family had acquired more than 4,000 acres that is still operated as a working cattle ranch by his descendants. In addition to cattle operations, you'll find horseback riding, movie set tours, kayaking, snorkeling or just simple relaxation in a hammock on the Judd's private island. www.kualoa.com
Kualoa Sugar Mill, Kualoa
Using steam-powered machinery purchased from Scotland, the Judd family built the most modern sugar mill of its time. Though the soil wasn't suited to sugarcane and operations ceased in 1871 the mill's original stone chimney is still standing and can be seen from the roadside.
Lanikai & Kailua Beach, Kailua
Don't miss the chance to experience these powdery white sand beaches which have both earned themselves Best Beach in America. Pack afternoon snacks and enjoy a quiet stroll along the soft white sand, or enjoy a day of windsurfing, kayaking via one of the Oahu kayak tours, and swimming in the beautiful waters protected by an off-shore coral reef.
Makapuu Point & Lighthouse
This eastern most point on Oahu is known for the island's best body surfing at the 1,000 foot long stretch of beach that lines the Makapuu shore. Enjoy a leisurely family hike to the top of the Makapuu sea cliff and delight in whale watching December through April using newly installed telescopes found at the top of the sea cliff. Just offshore you will be able to spot little "Rabbit Island”.
Mokolii Island, Kualoa
The tiny 208 foot high island seen offshore from Kualoa is Mokoli‘i (little lizard). According to Hawaiian legend, a Mo'o challenged Hi'iaka, who killed the lizard monster and cast his tail into the bay. Mokoli'i Island stands in remembrance of this Hawaiian myth.
Mokulua Islands, Kailua
Offshore are "Na Mokulua" bird sanctuaries, commonly known as the "Twin Islands" - larger Moku Nui and tiny Moku Iki. The twin isles are just a mile and half away from Kailua Beach Park. Both islands are designated seabird sanctuaries but the beach area at Moku Nui is open to the public during daylight hours. Perfect for a kayaking adventure.
Sea Life Park, Makapuu
Immediately beyond picturesque Makapuu Point, you will find Sea Life Park Hawaii, which offers Hawaii's most diverse array of close-up marine animal encounters. Choose from the Dolphin Royal Swim, Dolphin Swim Adventure and Dolphin Encounter programs. Be a sea trek adventurer and photograph rays, turtles and sharks in the 300,000 gallon Reef Tank. Hand feed a sea lion, swim next to a ray in the Hawaiian Ray Encounter, or play with a sea lion in the Sea Lion Discovery program. www.sealifeparkhawaii.com
Senator Fong's Plantation, Kahaluu
Visit the community of Kahaluu, nestled at the foot of the majestic Koolau mountains for a private open-air tram tour of Senator Fong's Plantation and its 725 acres of tropical blossoms, forest, valley and lush gardens. Learn about the thousands of precious plants, trees and exotic flora that are unique to Hawaii. This fascinating tour also covers the history of the land, Hawaiian culture, Koolau mountains and Kaneohe Bay. http://www.fonggarden.net/
Waimanalo Beach, Waimanalo
Perhaps the prettiest stretch of pristine white sand beach on Oahu, this shoreline fronts majestic views of the Koolau Range. You can walk for a full mile along this shore. Great for families and perfect for picnics.
