Beach. Palmtrees. Blue sky and salty air. Or how Emerson best said it: “Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” And what better place to do this than Oahu, Hawaii? The island is so friendly, it has beaches for every taste.
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Perhaps one of the most famous beaches in Oahu is Waikiki. Located on the south shore of Honolulu, it was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. With its first hotel built in 1901 and its calm waters, Waikiki offers the perfect set for a surfing lesson. In fact, legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki. The Olympic swimming gold medalist taught visitors how to surf at the turn of the century and came to be known and respected globally as “the father of modern surfing.” Today, surf instructors in Waikiki perpetuate Duke’s legacy by teaching visitors how to surf and canoe.
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Due to its popularity, calm waters and numerous hotels nearby, Waikiki beach is always crowded even at night
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If you plan to lay on the sand, listen to the chatty waves and gaze at the moon, you would have to wait until all the noisy tourists have gone back to their hotel rooms or are crowding the nearby restaurants and clubs.
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The Duke Kahanamoku statue on the beach has become an iconic symbol of Waikiki and the surf culture of Oahu. Tourists are hanging lei (flower garlands) around his neck as a token of appreciation for what he has done for the surf culture.
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The Eastern most point of Oahu overlooking the Windward Coast is Makapu’u Point Lighthouse, a shining beacon built in 1909 on a 600-foot sea cliff overlooking Makapuu Beach. Though the lighthouse is closed for the public, scenic views are worth the moderate hike. On clear days, the island of Molokai can be seen in the distance. From January through March, this is a good place for whale watching.
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One of the must do while on the island is hike the Diamond Head for a panoramic view over Honolulu. The crater got its name from the 19th century British sailors who thought they discovered diamonds on the crater’s slopes. Those were actually shiny calcite crystals that had no value…
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I recommend starting the hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat. I also recommend stopping at the nice gentlemen’s stand to get a fresh pineapple or coconut drink
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The trail is moderately challenging and includes two sets of stairs, totalling 175 steps, as well as dark, underground tunnels and old military bunkers. The stunning views that greet you at the top of Diamond Head are well worth the effort. Do it, you won’t regret it!
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Once you get tired of the crowds and are in search for the perfect wave, head on to the North Shore. Roughly a one-hour drive from Waikiki, the North Shore is the legendary mecca that draws the best surfers in the world during wintertime, while in summertime, smaller and gentler waves are good for beginners. During November through February, the massive waves can sometimes swell up to thirty feet or more. From May to September, the waves subside, creating a more tranquil atmosphere for surfing and swimming.
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The North Shore beaches (Waimea Bay, Ehukai Beach or Sunset Beach) are great places to sunbathe and stroll along the shore—just leave surfing the huge waves to the pros because they can be very dangerous for inexperienced surfers. I am one of those inexperienced surfers but that did not stop me from falling in love with the beaches: mostly deserted, raw, with beautiful houses they feel like the perfect place I would like to retire to someday.
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Across from Waimea Bay hides another gorgeous gem: Waimea Valley. Rich in Hawaiian history and cultural sites, this stunning botanical garden is so beautiful that even movie producers cannot resist it. It seems that movies such as Hunger Games, Pirates of the Caribean, Jurassic Parc or Jumanji were shot here.
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Jump back in the car and head South to experience the Windward Coast. It really feels as if you’re entering a different world with the turquoise ocean shimmering in the distance.
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A trip to the Windward Coast reveals a slower-paced side of Oahu and some of the most stunning natural beauty anywhere in Hawaii
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Have you planned your vacation yet? If not, don’t overlook Oahu as your next destination. It is full of wonders, tranquility and adventure (for those of you who seek it!). Do you want to know more about Oahu? Check out this blog post where I describe the city.
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