Leeward Coast (Oahu)
Understand
This is the "local" side of the Oahu where haoles (folks of European descent) and good restaurants are hard to find.
You can find decent condo rentals on Makaha Beach for well under $100, less expensive quarters up in the valley, condo rentals on Pokai Beach in downtown Waianae, condo rentals in Maili, and a handful of house rentals in Nanakuli. If you're willing to pay $400, you can stay at Koolina but it's a bit too far from Makaha Beach or anything else on Oahu for that matter.
Get in
There is only one public road that goes into the Leeward Coast of Oahu: Interstate H1 to the west terminus and then Farrington Highway up the coast. It is impossible to get here from North Shore around Kaena Point by car. And going over the Kolekole Pass from Central Oahu is only allowed for people with a military ID.
There are several bus lines that go here.
See
- Wet'n'Wild Hawaii, Farrington Hwy in Kapolei (Just off the H-1). 10:30AM-4PM. The largest of its kind in Hawaii, Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii boasts 25 acres of sun-drenched fun in the sun. It has 25 rides and attractions and many family friendly attractions like the Keiki (kids) Cove, Water World, and the Hawaiian Waters Wave Pool. Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii originally opened in 1999 as Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. $38.
Do
It's dry on the leeward coast, hotter than other parts of the island, but the hiking is great and Makaha Beach is one of the best all-around beaches in the world, if you're looking for active recreation. The mountains above Waianae and Makaha Valley offer some of the best hiking anywhere in the islands and the walk to Ka'ena Point is well worth the effort.
Don't miss the best snorkeling (oldest reefs, clearest water) on O'ahu. Make sure the area you choose has a lifeguard present - and never turn your back on the ocean. Waianae Boat Harbor is home to a few snorkel tours, including ones that will take you out to encounter the resident pod of spinner or spotted dolphins. Whale watching here is unmatched by boat, or hike out to Ka'ena Point where the highest number of nearshore humpback whales on O'ahu are found.
Beaches
- Ko'Olina - A resort featuring some of the most beautiful man-made beaches on the island. The four lagoons are named Kolola (whale), Honu (turtle), Nai'a (dolphin), and Ulua (fish). With literally no surf the lagoons are nice to just float around in. Given that the lagoons are about 40+ minutes (rush hour makes it over an hour) from Waikiki these lagoons are generally not crowded on weekdays but the limited parking lots fill up quickly on weekends.
- Pokai Bay Beach Park - Hawaiian for "Night of the Supreme one", this beach is named after the Hawaiian chef Pokai who according to legend brought and planted the first coconut palm tree on the island. This west shore beach is one of the most protected beaches on the island even during the months of rough surf, which makes for nice swimming conditions.
Stay safe
Wherever you go, take plenty of water with you, lock your car if you take one, and leave no valuables behind.