SOUTH OAHU
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| Glider rides |
Surf City, U.S.A— Oahu’s North Shore is the mecca of big-wave surfing, but the coastline also has a kinder, gentler side when the giant surf isn’t pounding the shoreline. From Kualoa Regional Park (8 on Map 4, B-14), Kamehameha Highway hugs the coastline, taking travelers through the sleepy old beach towns of Kaaawa, Punaluu, Hauula, Laie and Kahuku, before reaching Sunset Beach, home of some of the world’s largest surfable waves.
Located across from the scenic Kualoa Park and Mokolii Island (10 on Map 4, B-14), Kualoa Ranch (3 on Map 3, A-2; 6 on Map 4, B-14) (237-7321) is one of the island’s most popular attractions. This working cattle ranch spreads over 4,000 acres along the Windward Coast, from dramatic mountain cliffs to the sparkling sea. This is a destination that offers a great time for everyone, whether it’s horseback riding, ATV rides or narrated tours. The ATV rides take you deep into the northern valley, where Jurrassic Park and many other films have been made; on horseback, you’ll see some of the most spectacular scenery in Hawaii, including Mokolii Island and ancient fishponds nearby.
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| North Shore shave ice |
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Several community beach parks are interspersed along this coastline, including Kahana Bay Beach Park (5 on Map 4, C-11) and Malaekahana State Recreation Area (2 on Map 4, B-5). On the weekdays, the parks are pleasant, quiet spots to have roadside picnics or take snapshots, while on the weekends, local folks pack the parks, coming from all over the island to set up camp, barbecue, fish and swim with family and friends.
Oahu’s North Shore is the surfing capital of the world, and the historic town of Haleiwa is always the culmination of any North Shore trip. Scenic Haleiwa offers just about everything a traveler seeks: history, quaint shops, beaches, surf, water activities and terrific dining for all tastes. At the 80-year-old landmark bridge, which crosses Anahulu Stream, stop for a few photos, maybe with the harbor and adjoining beach in the background. There are some very memorable sunsets to be seen on the North Shore, especially at this harbor. Haleiwa Town was originally home to ancient Hawaiian communities that once lived along Anahulu Stream, and Hawaiian royalty came here to vacation in the summer months, relaxing on the beaches and enjoying the cooler trade winds, as folks still do today.
Before heading back to town, take a 15-minute side trip out to Dillingham Airfield for a piloted ride in a bubble-topped glider. Soar the silence of the skies for an airborne, Hawaiian adventure unlike any other. (1 on Map 5.B-2) (637-0207).
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DRIVE GUIDES are provided free of charge by every rental car company in Hawaii.
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