Adios Hawaii

Well the family decided to sell the place in Hawaii Kai and I'm pretty much settled in my little place on the West Coast of Mexico. Unless something unforseen happens my visits to Oahu have come to an end. I'll just leave you with this Kite surfing video off Diamond Head - one of my favorite ways to pass a few hours watching.

Kaena Point

Ka`ena or Kaena Point is the westernmost tip of land on the island of Oahu. The point can be reached by foot from both the south (Waianae Coast) and the north (Mokulēia) coastlines; walking in from the north side is recommended. An unimproved track extends some 3 mi along the coast from the end of the paved road on the north side, where a gate prevents entry of all except authorized vehicles.This is a long and notoriously hot hike, so bring plenty of sunscreen and water. The trail from the west side is often washed out.

The Ka'ena Point Trail from Matthew Tanaka on Vimeo.

North Shore of Oahu

The North Shore of Oahu is home to several of the most famous beaches and surf spots in the world. Every winter, swells generated in the North Pacific Ocean deliver large, magnificent, and many times dangerous waves to the North Shore. These swells can range anywhere from 2 to 25 feet high! Surfers and spectators from all over the world come here every winter to experience the spectacular waves at spots like the Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay. Although known for it large waves, the North Shore of Oahu has surf spots that suit every level of surfing.

Surfing Makaha

Makaha Beach
Leeward side of Oahu Hawaii

Most times is a fun and pretty beach but during the Winter, this beach's surf does indeed exhibit "fierce" conditions. Wave heights often average fifteen feet and can peak as high as thirty feet plus. In addition to this definitely not being a time even for novice surf and body boarders, it certainly isn't a time for swimmers to be in the ocean at all. The waters are otherwise safe except when there is high surf. Strong back washes are created and the shorebreak and resultant undertow becomes very dangerous. During high surf time there are many surf boarders. In addition to the surfers, be sure to watch out for their runaway surf boards.

More fotos at Makaha

Windsurfing Diamond Head

This area is just east of Waikiki in front of Diamond Head and an easy walk down a trail to beach and public showers. Parking is not always so easy

The best spot to windsurf on the south shore is diamond head by far. The tradewinds whip in down the front of the crater and out to sea creating awesome power. Also a great surf spot, diamond heads waves make for an added bonus for experienced windsurfers to perform airial manuevers on the way out and catch so extra speed on the way in.

Quiet beaches along the bottom of the cliffs for walking, swimming or sunbathing

Public shower and shave - after

Web page with a few more pictures

North Shore Oahu

The North Shore of Oahu stretches from Kaena Point in the west 17 miles east to Kahuku Point. Fifty-one beaches occupy 11 miles or 66% of the shoreline. The remainder is dominated by basalt outcrops and raised Pleistocene reef, with beachrock outcrops along much of the sandy shore. The western half extends for 9 miles from Kaena Point to Haleiwa and faces due north. The eastern half faces northwest, finally curving south at Kahuku.

I drove up the east side of the island after a week of rain and found very few beaches with the blue water that you usually associate with Hawaii. Mud from the rivers colors the ocean for miles and there are some good sized rivers on the north shore. Hence the ocean coloring in these fotos.

Wahine


Sunset beach


Sunset Beach


Waimea Beach Park


Waimea River


Haleiwa


Haleiwa

Sandy Beach

Oahu's Sandy Beach is known all over the world as a top body boarding and bodysurfing spot. It's also known for its unfortunate high proportion of ambulance calls.

Sandy Beach, or Sandy's, as the locals refer to it -- is a wide golden sand beach that lies at the base of Koko Crater, which, at 1,208 feet, is the highest crater on the shoreline of Oahu. On its west end is the famous Halona Blowhole. Those mountains lead down to Sandy Beach with a moderately steep, sloping foreshore. However, what Sandy's is truly famous for is the ocean bottom that drops quickly beyond the shore to overhead depths. The quick change in depth creates steep, hard-breaking waves that form a pounding shore break. Many of the experienced shore break bodysurfers (locals and tourists alike) find that its waves have no equal anywhere. Be careful though if you're a newcomer. The locals will make it look so easy at times that many newcomers often seem to get hurt trying to emulate them.

Those Sandy breaks are the reason that this beach is so popular, and at times, slightly crowded. Shore break builds up quickly forming a tube that's perfect for an adrenaline-boosting fast ride. For the amateurs, the best time to test your skills at Sandy's is when the waves are two to four feet. Anything higher than that and you're advised to leave the water to those most experienced. Annually, Sandy's wins in the most injuries category, so it's smart to obey all posted warning signs.

If you're not looking to test those waters skills, this beach still gets a high rating at almost every other level including sunbathing and people watching. At the north/east end of the beach, waves also break on a rocky point and further offshore there's an outer reef that provides a base for local fishing. There's also a large kite-flying area on the east side of the beach with well maintained grass and a couple picnic tables. The beach is located only about 20 minutes from Waikiki and the beautiful drive along Oahu's east coast is a pleasure in its own. It is rare not to see crystal clear blue waters along your drive. The trade winds keep Sandy's comfortable and cloudless on many days so make sure you apply plenty of sun block.

There are no shops or restaurants near so pack a picnic unless you want to take your chances with the local lunch wagon. There are public restrooms and cold water showers to rinse of the sand when you are finished for the day. Parking is free but can get crowded, especially on the weekends.

Link to lots more Sandy Beach fotos

Hanauma Bay

This "Curved" bay was declared a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park in 1967. This is THE BEST protected cove if you are new to scuba diving or snorkeling with a diverse population of marine life and a large, rich coral reef. Advanced snorkelers and divers can also enjoy the beauty of this bay as the reef extends throughout the cove into deeper water. The bay floor is actually the crater of an ancient volcano that flooded when the exterior wall collapsed and the ocean rushed in.

The curvature of the bay usually provides protection from large ocean waves and allows swimmers a great opportunity to view the marine and reef life in a safer, protected environment. Always monitor the ocean conditions at all times and obey lifeguard warnings and postings.

Hanauma Bay from the air


Hanauma Bay beach


The ticket entrance lines


The mouth of the bay


Snorkeling amongst the reef


Directions:
Take Kalaniana'ole Highway east from Waikiki for approximately 10 miles. Entrance to the preserve is on the right. Frequent buses from Waikiki

Useful Information:
* This is a Marine Life Conservation Area: no pets allowed; no alcoholic beverages; no fishing or feeding the fish; do not remove, harass, or harm any marine life
* Call 808-396-4229 for recorded message with all current fees, times, conditions
* Currently OPEN from 6am - 6pm (winter - October thru March) and 6am - 7pm (summer - April thru September)
* Currently OPEN every Saturday from 6am - 10pm throughout the year
* Currently CLOSED every Tuesday
* $1 per car parking fee - large, paved parking lot - arrive early as the lot fills quickly and lines may be long
* $5 per person admission fee for 13 year old or older; Free for children under 13 years and for Hawaii residents and military stationed in Hawaii with proper ID
* Visitors are required to watch an educational film about the bay, the marine life and the preserve prior to going down to the beach.
* Paved walkway from entrance down to beach
* Optional shuttle bus available to bring visitors up and down the hill to the beach. - currently fee is $1 per person each way. Handicap accessible.
* Do not stand or walk on the coral reef - this is a live reef. Do not feed the fish. *Avoid walking on the rocky ledges on the sides of the bay where waves are breaking - lava is porous and it crumbles easily. Caution must be taken during seasonal high surf.
* Lifeguards
* Reef and sand beach area
* Picnic facilities with tables, grassy areas and shade located near the parking lot
* Concession stand located near the entrance
* Restrooms located at the top and bottom area
* Showers
* Phones
* Snorkel, mask and fin rental available on the beach
* Locker rental available on the beach
* Educational information center and theater located near the entrance
* Gift shop
* Wheelchair Accessible via shuttle bus or trolley

Link to more Hanauma Bay fotos

Makapuu Lighthouse Road

Makapu'u Lighthouse is one of Hawaii's most familiar landmarks commanding a spectacular view of the Windward side of O'ahu. The lighthouse was built in 1909 and automated in 1974. A 2-mile paved trail leads to the lighthouse and a fantastic view of the entire coastline and the island of Molokai in the distance.

The lighthouse from above


The trail at the whale lookout


Coast and Sealife Park looking north


Looking down from the highest point


A Cardinal along the way

Once used as an Army anti-invasion lookout during World War II, this location later served as a nautical navigational aid site and lighthouse by the United States Coast Guard. The road was ceded to the State of Hawaii. The automated lighthouse, which was once manned, is still in operation today. From Makapu'u Point, shoreline views from the terminus include Makapu'u Beach to Kailua and Sandy Beach to Koko Head Crater.

No more parking along the Highway

Star Bulletin Article :: July 28, 2005
Four years after the state bought 300 acres of Ka Iwi coastline for a state park, construction has begun on parking lots and roadside improvements to give the public better and safer access to the area.

"It's going to be safer, more scenic, and parking on the highway will be prohibited," said Dan Quinn, state parks director.

Contractor Robison Construction Inc. began work Monday on a $5 million project that will add:

» Two parking lots, one to serve the Makapuu Lookout and another for hikers heading to Makapuu Lighthouse or the Ka Iwi lowlands.
» Turning lanes on the Kalanianaole Highway for each of those lots.

» An addition of a second lookout area at Makapuu.

» Handicapped accessibility to the Makapuu Lookout.

» Landscaping with native and drought-tolerant plants.


Collection of Makapuu Lighthouse Road Fotos

Koko Crater Botanical Garden

An easy 2 mile loop hike between Hawaii Kai and Sandy Beach inside Koko Crater adjacent to Koko Crater Stables and Hawaii Kai Golf Course. There is also a Koko rim trail that is harder, longer and dangerous in places.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden entrance sign


Palms and Cactus from the Americas section


Wide trail


Plumeria Grove


Trail is also used by utility vehicles

The 200 acres inside the Koko Crater was set aside for development into a botanical garden in 1958. Sixty acres of the inner slope and basin is now cultivated with rare and endangered dryland plants. Long-range plans for this site is continued cultivation of plants suitable to these desert-like surroundings.

This garden specializes in African plants, cacti and succulents, Plumeria cultivars, native wiliwili, dryland palms, and Bougainvillea. Additional Useful Information: This garden is still in the early stages of development. There are no restroom facilities, drinking fountain, and other visitor accommodations.

Collection of Koko Crater Botanical Garden Fotos
Honolulu Botanical Gardens
Plumeria *101*

Manoa Falls Trail

The Manoa Falls trail is directly behind Waikiki Beach and the University of Hawaii Manoa. The Arboretum is right at the entrance to the Trail Head but was not open the weekend I was there (possibly a Sunday). Parking at the Pay Lot is $5 but includes "bug spray". You can park about 6-8 blocks back in residential - and walk. Hiking in valleys you'll find bugs - hiking ridges you won't. The difference is the amount of wind/breeze. This hike can be very wet and slippery with steep slopes. Be very careful with kids - and when it rains


Entrance sign to the trail


Manoa falls


Bridge on the trail


Upper part of the trail

Manoa Falls is a spectacular site as it tumbles down a near vertical cliff for approximately 150-feet into a small pool. The hike to the falls is classified as "easy" and travels through a bamboo forest, rainforest, and base of the Ko'oaus Mountains. The trail is approximately a 1 ½ mile hike, but DO NOT swim or drink the water. The small pool at the bottom of the falls is filled with boulders and the bottom of the pool can not be visualized making it unsafe for swimming or diving. Swimming violators may be cited.

Collection of Manoa Falls Fotos
Harold H. Lyon Arboretum

Waikiki - what else

Waikiki beach is the most famous of all the Hawaii beaches. It is almost perfect in every way - long days of endless sun, fine golden sand, excellent surfing and body surfing, a long stretch of shallow sandy bottom lagoon ideal for swimmers, both inexperienced and experienced, protected areas with no waves and exposed areas with frolicking waves, lots of water activities from catamaran cruises, hobby cat sailing, paddle boats and snorkelling trips and most of all, lots of people, lots of high rise hotels with fantastic views, lots of restaurants and good nightlife.

Waikiki Beach is located on the sheltered south coast of Oahu a few miles to the east of downtown Honolulu. Waikiki stretches for almost four miles in an almost unbroken stretch of soft white sand and has over a hundred high rise hotels to choose from and lots of smaller inns and units for rent but only a few of these are absolute beachfront.


Waikiki from the air


Waikiki from the 'Pier'


Kapi'olani Park Beach


Waikiki Surf


International Market
Hawaii's royal family enjoyed private estate living in Waikiki for more than 500 years before the arrival of outsiders in 1792. Prior to the building of the Ala Wai Canal, rain-fed streams from the Ko'olau Range filled fishponds and pools in Waikiki, a wetland area of taro, sweet potato and banana farms whose ocean-side farmers supplied the community with a diet rich in shellfish. With the arrival of whaling ships and foreign visitors, royal estates were replaced with luxury hotels and Waikiki's way of life was changed forever. During your first days on O'ahu, journey through Waikiki's story - from past to present - and take a stroll along its white sand beach as you reflect on the island's rich past and modern-day abundance.


Collection of Waikiki Fotos
Waikiki Historical Trail