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Hawaii Islands (Oahu) |
| West
Shore Oahu (Leeward side) |
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leeward (Waianae) coast of Oahu, customarily dismissed as “arid,” is
only so by Hawaiian standards. It certainly has its share of fine beaches,
the best being Makaha beach park (served by TheBus #51). However,
the traditionally minded inhabitants of towns such as NANAKULI
don’t welcome the encroachment of hotels and golf courses, and visitors
tend to be treated with a degree of suspicion. In the southwest corner of
the island, two unlikely neighbors stand side by side next to their own
neat beaches; the relentlessly tacky Paradise Cove luau site, and
Oahu’s most luxurious resort, the JW Marriott Ihilani
Resort. |
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further north you go, the stronger the military presence becomes, with
soldiers in camouflage blending into the green valleys. It’s possible to
hike from both the Leeward and North shores to bleak, windswept Kaena
Point, at the northwestern corner – where the waves in winter are
said to be the highest in the world – but the road is barred to
vehicles.
Recreational Areas (Beaches)
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Far
from Honolulu both physically and culturally, Oahu's Westside can be
thought of as the land that time forgot. Very little resort or other
development has taken hold here, leaving miles of deserted beaches
unspoiled. As you travel this coastline, enjoy beaches at will but be
mindful, as you would anywhere else, of the residents who would like their
beaches to remain in their near-pristine state.
- Yokohama:
- Makaha:
Steeped in tradition, Makaha has been the hub of various
Hawaiian waveriding disciplines for centuries. On any given day,
sunbleached beach boys will be out plying the surf on all sorts of
craft ranging from canoes and rafts to huge wooden surfboards and
oversized bodyboards called bullyboards. Just sitting on the sand
watching all the action at Makaha is enough to wear a person out.
Hiking Trails |
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the northwesternmost tip of Oahu lies an arid, windswept point, Kaena. In
Hawaiian, the word means to boast or brag, as of beauty. The name is
appropriate. The taller of Oahu's two mountain ranges, the Waianae Range,
ends here in spectacular fashion. Vertical cliffs rise straight out of the
ocean and pierce the blue sky.
Railroad tracks and, later, a road once rounded
the point but were washed away by huge storm surf in 1969. For several
years after that, the road around Kaena Point was passable only with the
use of motorcycles or four-wheel-drive vehicles ... or by foot.
When it became evident that recreational vehicles
were tearing up the flora and fauna of this area (much of it indigenous to
Hawaii), the state designated Kaena Point a natural area reserve. With
access now limited to walkers and bicyclists, the point has experienced a
rejuvenation. Plants, flowers and wildlife are thriving and the area gets
more beautiful all the time.
To experience the peace, quiet and splendor of
the are, simply follow Farrington Highway (Route 930) beyond Mokuleia and
the Dillingham Airfield until the road ends. Lock your car (do not leave
valuables in your car) and begin walking. You'll be astounded as the ocean
crashes below to your right and the mountains rise to your left. Bring
water, as there are no facilities of any kind here. But, after all, that's
the reason to venture to Kaena Point in the first place. |
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For more general information
on Hawaii, go to: |
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For more regional information on Hawaii, go to: |
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For
our special offers to Hawaii from Europe, go to:
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These specials are individual tour packages,
including the roundtrip flights from Europe, interisland flights,
hotels, transfers and rentalcars. Another option is to create your own
package to the Hawaii by utilizing the separate travel components, like
hotels,
flights,
Carrental
and
excursions
on the islands. |
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