EAST OAHU:
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| Hanuama Bay |
East Oahu is home to the modern bedroom communities that dot the hillsides and coastline from Aina Haina and Niu Valley to Hawaii Kai and Queen’s Gate. The denizens of these neighborhoods share the attractions of Hanauma Bay (17 on Map 3, D-15) the Halona Blowhole (6 on Map 2, D-13), Sandy Beach (18 on Map 3, C-15) and Makapuu Beach (14 on Map 3, B- 15), with a steady flow of visitors, who come here to snorkel, bodysurf and hike to Makapuu Lighthouse (16 on Map 3, B-15) .
First, a reminder about beach safety along this rugged coastline: During the summer months, when the surf and rough seas kick up, this southeast corner of Oahu attracts expert surfers and bodysurfers, but most visitors are unfamiliar with these waters, so they should only enter the ocean where lifeguards are on duty. If the water looks rough, always check with lifeguards about unseen dangers, such as undertows. Flags are often posted to indicate potentially dangerous conditions. There will be some days when it is fine to snorkel in the safe, shallow water of Hanauma Bay, but the rest of the coastline should be enjoyed from the shore only.
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| View of Makapuu from the Makapuu Lighthouse |
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A popular hike is the 45-minute walk along a paved road that leads to a lookout above the Makapuu Lighthouse (16 on Map 3, B-15). It’s an uphill, aerobic walk, with the reward of spectacular views of Molokai, Lanai and, sometimes, Maui. At the lookout, the view stretches from the east end of the Koolau Mountains to several small islands that dot the Windward Coast, including Manana (Rabbit) Island, Kaohikapu Island (12 on Map 3, B-14), Mokulua Islands (9 on Map 3, A-11) and Mokolii Island (4 on Map 3, A-2). Wear a good coating of sunscreen (and perhaps a hat), take something to drink and bring your camera to capture the view, as well as an image or two of the hang-gliders that soar high above the point. Signage at this Coast Guard reservation will answer your questions about the area’s fascinating natural history.
To appreciate the wealth and abundance of the Pacific Ocean, there is no better spot than Sea Life Park (13 on Map 3, B-15), where you can encounter sharks, sea lions, manta rays, penguins, dolphins and reef fish without putting on a bathing suit. Admission is charged and includes several exciting shows and exhibits, such as the 300,000-gallon Reef Tank.
After a hearty hike or tour of Sea Life Park, a refreshing dip in the ocean is ideal. Sandy and Makapuu beaches are recommended for strong swimmers only. Calmer waters can be found at the beaches in Waimanalo and Kailua bays. Kailua, with its lovely strand of white-sand beach, which curves all the way to Lanikai, is easily worth half a day’s exploration. Kailua has a wonderful variety of restaurants and activity rentals, including kayaks that you can paddle over to the world-famous Mokulua Islands (9 on Map 3, A-11).
Neighboring Kaneohe is the beginning of the windward coastline drive, a two-lane road that hugs the shoreline along winding Kamehameha Highway, encouraging drivers to slow down the pace.
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DRIVE GUIDES are provided free of charge by every rental car company in Hawaii.
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