Oahu Windward Side (North & East) Guidebook
Sightseeing
Laie Point - 12 min drive north.
Unique rock formations weathered by ocean waves and winds. Great views of our north east coast.
Insider Tip: stop by on the way to grocery store and restaurants in Laie
Kukuihoolua Island (Laie Point)
Laie, HI
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Laie Point State Wayside Park
Hawaii 83Laie Point - 12 min drive north.
Unique rock formations weathered by ocean waves and winds. Great views of our north east coast.
Insider Tip: stop by on the way to grocery store and restaurants in Laie
Kukuihoolua Island (Laie Point)
Laie, HI
Waimea Falls & Botanical Gardens - 35 min drive north.
Wonderful paved walk deep through a natural forest and botanical gardens showcasing Hawaii local flora and fauna. Polynesian huts, tools and living exhibits throughout the 20 min walk that ends in a beautiful waterfall with lifevests provided so you can swim to the waterfall.
Paid entry $20 per adult but well worth the price! One of my top pics for an afternoon/evening in nature. Entry closes at 4.30 pm so best to get there by mid-day.
Waimea Valley
59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI
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Waimea Falls
Waimea Falls & Botanical Gardens - 35 min drive north.
Wonderful paved walk deep through a natural forest and botanical gardens showcasing Hawaii local flora and fauna. Polynesian huts, tools and living exhibits throughout the 20 min walk that ends in a beautiful waterfall with lifevests provided so you can swim to the waterfall.
Paid entry $20 per adult but well worth the price! One of my top pics for an afternoon/evening in nature. Entry closes at 4.30 pm so best to get there by mid-day.
Waimea Valley
59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI
Lanikea Beach - Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu) resting beach - 45 min drive north.
Very small beach with street curb parking only but a good stop on the way to North Shore or Waimea Falls to check if there are any resting green sea turtles. Volunteers present will cordon off some space for the turtles and will also answer any questions. Hit or miss to see any turtles but we've visited 2-3 times each trip and seen turtles at least once.
Laniakea Beach
North Shore, HI
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Laniakea Beach
61-574 Pohaku Loa WayLanikea Beach - Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle (Honu) resting beach - 45 min drive north.
Very small beach with street curb parking only but a good stop on the way to North Shore or Waimea Falls to check if there are any resting green sea turtles. Volunteers present will cordon off some space for the turtles and will also answer any questions. Hit or miss to see any turtles but we've visited 2-3 times each trip and seen turtles at least once.
Laniakea Beach
North Shore, HI
Kahana Bay Beach Park - 4 min drive south.
This is a camping beach (bring your own tent) with great views of the bay with mountains on either side. Kids like it as there are some swings on trees that you can jump off into the water.
Insider Tip: There is a great location for kayaking and paddleboarding on the other side of Kam Hwy from the beach where the Kahana stream empties into Kahana Bay. Plenty of parking.
Kahana Bay Beach Park
52-222 Kamehameha Hwy, Hauula, HI
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Kahana Bay
Kahana Bay Beach Park - 4 min drive south.
This is a camping beach (bring your own tent) with great views of the bay with mountains on either side. Kids like it as there are some swings on trees that you can jump off into the water.
Insider Tip: There is a great location for kayaking and paddleboarding on the other side of Kam Hwy from the beach where the Kahana stream empties into Kahana Bay. Plenty of parking.
Kahana Bay Beach Park
52-222 Kamehameha Hwy, Hauula, HI
Kualoa Ranch & Mokoliʻi Beach - 13 min drive south.
Large Ranch and location for Jurassic Park movies - includes shuttle tours, ATV tours, lots of activities including horse riding. The beach near Mokoli'i (small hat shaped island) presents breathtaking views from the water but the beach is rocky - best to wear water shoes and wade into the water for breathtaking views of Kualoa mountains
Insider tip: they let their horses graze on their grounds in the evenings close to Kamehameha Hwy - same road to our house. Horses are very friendly and looking for any fruit treats in exchange for a friendly pat and nuzzle
Kualoa Ranch
49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI
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Kualoa Ranch
49-560 Kamehameha HwyKualoa Ranch & Mokoliʻi Beach - 13 min drive south.
Large Ranch and location for Jurassic Park movies - includes shuttle tours, ATV tours, lots of activities including horse riding. The beach near Mokoli'i (small hat shaped island) presents breathtaking views from the water but the beach is rocky - best to wear water shoes and wade into the water for breathtaking views of Kualoa mountains
Insider tip: they let their horses graze on their grounds in the evenings close to Kamehameha Hwy - same road to our house. Horses are very friendly and looking for any fruit treats in exchange for a friendly pat and nuzzle
Kualoa Ranch
49-560 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI
Kaneohe Sandbar - 25 min drive south.
Stand in knee deep water in the middle of the ocean! Unique sandbars in the middle of Kaneohe Bay - elevated off the sea floor around it. Sea turtles and reef fish abound in the bay. Hard to truly describe - just a very unique experience! Must visit! 30 min kayak ride (rentals available at the bay entrance) or part of a daily morning/afternoon catamaran tour. Many options for a paid tour including snorkeling gear, kayak/paddleboards and breakfast/lunch provided
Kaneohe Sandbar
47-86 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI
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Kaneohe Sandbar
47-86 Kamehameha HwyKaneohe Sandbar - 25 min drive south.
Stand in knee deep water in the middle of the ocean! Unique sandbars in the middle of Kaneohe Bay - elevated off the sea floor around it. Sea turtles and reef fish abound in the bay. Hard to truly describe - just a very unique experience! Must visit! 30 min kayak ride (rentals available at the bay entrance) or part of a daily morning/afternoon catamaran tour. Many options for a paid tour including snorkeling gear, kayak/paddleboards and breakfast/lunch provided
Kaneohe Sandbar
47-86 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI
Byodo-In Japanese Temple - 30 min drive south.
A replica of a Japanese Buddhist Temple near Kyoto as part of a cultural exchange Very serene experience with breathtaking lava mountains in the background
Insider Tip: This place is on your way from the airport to our home. You could make s stop on the way to our home. Also you could buy groceries for the week at the Times grocery store close by (there are a couple of grocery stores close to our home as well)
The Byodo-In Temple
47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI
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Byodo-In-Tempel
47-200 Kahekili HwyByodo-In Japanese Temple - 30 min drive south.
A replica of a Japanese Buddhist Temple near Kyoto as part of a cultural exchange Very serene experience with breathtaking lava mountains in the background
Insider Tip: This place is on your way from the airport to our home. You could make s stop on the way to our home. Also you could buy groceries for the week at the Times grocery store close by (there are a couple of grocery stores close to our home as well)
The Byodo-In Temple
47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI
Polynesian Cultural Center - 9 min drive north.
Paid Hā Breath of Life Polynesian cultural show and Luau dinner packages (considered best Luau on the island), 6 different Polynesian Island exhibits and cultural activities (learn to play Ukelele). Won't be able to cover all in one day and pass is valid for multiple days.
Insider tip: All the restaurants at the entrance of Polynesian Center are great for lunch and dinner and do not require entrance fee. There is also a really good souvenir shop called Plantation Store for any Hawaii themed gifts for friends and family
Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI
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Polylnesian cutlural center
Polynesian Cultural Center - 9 min drive north.
Paid Hā Breath of Life Polynesian cultural show and Luau dinner packages (considered best Luau on the island), 6 different Polynesian Island exhibits and cultural activities (learn to play Ukelele). Won't be able to cover all in one day and pass is valid for multiple days.
Insider tip: All the restaurants at the entrance of Polynesian Center are great for lunch and dinner and do not require entrance fee. There is also a really good souvenir shop called Plantation Store for any Hawaii themed gifts for friends and family
Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI
Surfing
North Shore Big Wave Surfing, Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach - 30 min north
Big wave 20-25 feet competitive surfing in the winters. Waves were smaller this time (still 10-15 feet) when we just visited but a good stop to see and feel surfing culture all around you.
Insider Tip: Visit Sunset Beach for surfers riding big waves around a great sunset (park on the curb on the main street and walk to the beach past local residences)
Sunset Beach & Banzai Pipeline
59-355 Ke Nui Rd, Haleiwa, HI
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Sunset Beach Park
North Shore Big Wave Surfing, Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach - 30 min north
Big wave 20-25 feet competitive surfing in the winters. Waves were smaller this time (still 10-15 feet) when we just visited but a good stop to see and feel surfing culture all around you.
Insider Tip: Visit Sunset Beach for surfers riding big waves around a great sunset (park on the curb on the main street and walk to the beach past local residences)
Sunset Beach & Banzai Pipeline
59-355 Ke Nui Rd, Haleiwa, HI
Snorkeling
Sharks Cove Snorkeling (Best Snorkeling on the Island) - 31 min drive north.
Sharp edge rock formations around the cove give it its name (think shark teeth) and you'll need to buy water shoes to enter the cove but the snorkeling and variety of sea life in shallow water makes this our favorite experience on the island . Must visit!
Insider tip: water shoes available for purchase at Foodland next to Sharks Cove or Foodland in Laie near our home.
Sharks Cove
Pupukea, HI
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Sharks Cove
Sharks Cove Snorkeling (Best Snorkeling on the Island) - 31 min drive north.
Sharp edge rock formations around the cove give it its name (think shark teeth) and you'll need to buy water shoes to enter the cove but the snorkeling and variety of sea life in shallow water makes this our favorite experience on the island . Must visit!
Insider tip: water shoes available for purchase at Foodland next to Sharks Cove or Foodland in Laie near our home.
Sharks Cove
Pupukea, HI
Hanauma Bay (west side of the island - best to visit when driving to Honolulu/Waikiki)
Breathtakingly beautiful bay but also a tourist attraction so get there early morning for parking (limited) and good snorkeling. Shuttles to the bay and a visitor information tour about reef rules. Plenty of fish and the bay is picturesque but water gets murky with many visitors. The snorkeling is better at Sharks Cove in my opinion.
$25 entry fee per adult and only open Wed to Sun 6.45 am to 1.30 pm.
Hanauma Bay
HI
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Hanauma Bay
7455 Kalanianaʻole HighwayHanauma Bay (west side of the island - best to visit when driving to Honolulu/Waikiki)
Breathtakingly beautiful bay but also a tourist attraction so get there early morning for parking (limited) and good snorkeling. Shuttles to the bay and a visitor information tour about reef rules. Plenty of fish and the bay is picturesque but water gets murky with many visitors. The snorkeling is better at Sharks Cove in my opinion.
$25 entry fee per adult and only open Wed to Sun 6.45 am to 1.30 pm.
Hanauma Bay
HI
Snorkeling at Kuilima Cove - 22 min drive north.
Part of Turtle Bay Resort but the beach is public. Good snorkeling among the rocks on the right side of the cove
Kuilima Cove Snorkeling
57-35 Kuilima Dr, Kahuku, HI
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Kuilima Cove Snorkeling
57-35 Kuilima DrSnorkeling at Kuilima Cove - 22 min drive north.
Part of Turtle Bay Resort but the beach is public. Good snorkeling among the rocks on the right side of the cove
Kuilima Cove Snorkeling
57-35 Kuilima Dr, Kahuku, HI
Best Beaches
Crystal clear waters and very calm beach. Mokolua Islands (twin islands) provide a picturesque view. You can kayak the calm waters to the islands.
Great beach for kids with decent snorkeling. No parking (park on the streets around Kailua) or bathroom facilities
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Lanikai Beach
Crystal clear waters and very calm beach. Mokolua Islands (twin islands) provide a picturesque view. You can kayak the calm waters to the islands.
Great beach for kids with decent snorkeling. No parking (park on the streets around Kailua) or bathroom facilities
Breathtaking views of beach close to Halona Blowhole (natural lava hole where the surf sprays water out of). Requires walking down a moderate cliff. Watch out for surf as this beach tends to have rough waves. Check out the cave on one side of the beach!
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Halona Beach Cove
Breathtaking views of beach close to Halona Blowhole (natural lava hole where the surf sprays water out of). Requires walking down a moderate cliff. Watch out for surf as this beach tends to have rough waves. Check out the cave on one side of the beach!
Majestic mountain range in the background makes for an impressive beach experience. 5.5 miles of beach! Good parking and bathroom facilities. Waves are moderate.
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Waimanalo Beach
Majestic mountain range in the background makes for an impressive beach experience. 5.5 miles of beach! Good parking and bathroom facilities. Waves are moderate.
At the entrance of Waimea Falls. Tends to be calm during summer months and a great surfing spot for intermediate surfers in winter. Good parking and bathroom facilities.
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Waimea Bay Strand
At the entrance of Waimea Falls. Tends to be calm during summer months and a great surfing spot for intermediate surfers in winter. Good parking and bathroom facilities.
World famous! In the heart of Honolulu and overlooking Diamondhead!
Sections of the beach have man-made breakers creating calm waters for kids.
South side (near Queen's Beach) is good for beginner/intermediate surfers.
Many catamaran day trips right off the beach (entry/tickets through some of the hotel resorts)
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Waikīkī
World famous! In the heart of Honolulu and overlooking Diamondhead!
Sections of the beach have man-made breakers creating calm waters for kids.
South side (near Queen's Beach) is good for beginner/intermediate surfers.
Many catamaran day trips right off the beach (entry/tickets through some of the hotel resorts)
Lagoon with shallow and calm waters. Nice beach for toddlers and young kids!
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Ala Moana Beach
Lagoon with shallow and calm waters. Nice beach for toddlers and young kids!
Best Sunsets
China Walls - truly unique experience. Weathered and smoothened lava rocks in a residential neighborhood attracts local teenagers to cliff dive and surf off the rocks over a great sunset. Truly unique Oahu experience. Must visit! Park on the residential streets and walk down to the walls.
China Walls
Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI
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China Walls
Hanapepe PlaceChina Walls - truly unique experience. Weathered and smoothened lava rocks in a residential neighborhood attracts local teenagers to cliff dive and surf off the rocks over a great sunset. Truly unique Oahu experience. Must visit! Park on the residential streets and walk down to the walls.
China Walls
Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI
Surfing + Sunset. Calm waves in summer. Huge surf in winter months.
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Sunset Beach Park
Surfing + Sunset. Calm waves in summer. Huge surf in winter months.
Great sunset views from Sunset Pool Bar. Expensive cocktails but well worth the view and a nice evening spent with family and friends.
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Turtle Bay Resort
57-091 Kamehameha HwyGreat sunset views from Sunset Pool Bar. Expensive cocktails but well worth the view and a nice evening spent with family and friends.
Stores
Foodland
2939 Harding AveGrocery Store & Gas Station - 10 min drive north
Tamura's Market Hau'ula
54-316 Kamehameha HwyGrocery Store - 8 min drive north
Longs Drugs
54-316 Kamehameha HwyPharmacy - 8 min drive north
Pioneer Ace Hardware
55-510 Kamehameha HwyHardware Store - 10 min drive north
7-Eleven
54-138 Kamehameha HwyGas Station & Convenience Store - 5 min drive south
Convenience Store & Fishing Supplies - 6 min walk south
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Chings' Punaluu Store
53-360 Kamehameha HwyConvenience Store & Fishing Supplies - 6 min walk south
Restaurants & Food Trucks
Aloha Shrimp
53-534 Kamehameha HwyFood Truck - 5 min walk north
Coconut Joe's
53-534 Kamehameha HighwayFruit Stand and Shave Ice - 5 min walk north
Seven Brothers
55-510 Kamehameha HwyRestaurant - Burgers - 10 min drive north
Thai Food Express Truck
53-534 Kamehameha HwyFood Truck - 5 min walk north
Pho Vientiane
53-530-53-534 Kamehameha HighwayFood Truck - 5 min walk north
Kaya’s Kitchen
53-534 Kamehameha HighwayRestaurant & Convenience Store - Island Plates - 5 min walk north
Papa Ole's Kitchen
54-316 Kamehameha HwyRestaurant - Island Plates - 6 min drive north
North Shore Tacos
54-296 Kamehameha HwyRestaurant - 6 min drive north
Domino's Pizza
54-316 Kamehameha HwyRestaurant - 6 min drive north
Gords Smoke Prime Rib
54-115 Kawaipuna StreetRestaurant - 6 min drive north
Restaurants & Food Trucks at the Polynesian Cultural Center - 8 min drive north.
Many walk-in restaurants and food trucks
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Hukilau Marketplace
55-370 Kamehameha HwyRestaurants & Food Trucks at the Polynesian Cultural Center - 8 min drive north.
Many walk-in restaurants and food trucks
McDonald's
55-442 Kamehameha HwyFast Food - 10 min drive north
Taco Bell
55-510 Kamehameha HwyFast Food - 10 min drive north
Subway
55-510 Kamehameha HighwayFast Food - 10 min drive north
Laie Chop Suey
55-510 Kamehameha HwyRestaurant - 10 min drive
CRISPY GRINDZ ACAI BOWLS and brazilian food
66-236 Kamehameha HwyFood Truck - 10 min drive north
Angels Ice Cream
55-510 Kamehameha HwyIce Cream & Shave Ice - 10 min drive north
Local coffee shop for espresso, boba tea, smoothie and acai bowls. Same location as Ching's Punalu'u store. 6 min walk south
Keao's Coffee Co
Local coffee shop for espresso, boba tea, smoothie and acai bowls. Same location as Ching's Punalu'u store. 6 min walk south