Located on the Eastern facing shores of Oahu, resides quiet and scenic Windward Oahu. Stretching from Makapu’u Lookout to Kualoa Ranch, the Windward side of the island is a departure from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and Waikiki, and has managed to keep the easygoing vibes that Hawaii is so famous for.
Following a 20-minute drive from Honolulu, the beauty and lush landscapes of Windward Oahu are evident as soon as you exit the tunnel crossing the island via the Pali Highway. The beautiful blue Pacific Ocean enters the frame and is flanked by miles of lush rainforests and the towering Ko’olau Mountains. As you make your way down the mountainside, you’ll find that there are a couple of towns that are readily available to you, and can be easily found.
Heading South, the cozy little town of Kailua is a beachside retreat, filled with great restaurants and locally owned shops, plus two of the best beaches in Hawaii: Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach. Navigating the town, the beaches are easy to reach and visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring, relaxing, eating and shopping.
Activities on the Windward side are limited, but there are great hikes and spectacular beaches to visit. Waimanalo Beach is a hidden beach that few visitors know about, and locals flock to. Powder white sands and a small treeline create the most beautiful backdrop and the beach is a great location for body surfing and boogie boarding. Near Waimanalo Beach is Sea Life Park, a family fun park filled with marine life and a variety of aquariums and sanctuaries for injured sea birds.
If you choose to head north, you’ll find the town of Kaneohe, Valley of the Temples, and Kualoa Ranch, located closer to the North Shore of Oahu. Following a heavy rainstorm, the Ko’olau Mountains showoff their beauty with many waterfalls that are easily spotted from the H3 (highway connecting the Windward side to Honolulu) and further up north during a drive. The site is stunning, and it is not uncommon for drivers to park on the shoulder of the highway to take pictures.
Windward Oahu remains a treasure of the island and offers an escape for locals. The charm and quaintness of Kailua and Kaneohe attract locals that prefer to live outside of the big city, and the beauty of the beaches is unmatched. Kaneohe is also the home of the Marine Corps and the base on Kaneohe Bay.
Make some time to visit the remote Windward side of Oahu and visit the local shops and restaurants. The island’s charm is everywhere and the towns of Kailua and Kaneohe are a must for your trip.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Oahu tours and Oahu activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance, especially our top seller Sea Life Park Luau. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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